《The Devil&#x27;s Sweetheart》


 Chapter 1 - The World Made Her Fall But She Rose Even More Beautiful

    Lightning shed across the sky.

    Thunder cracked with a loud rumble against the chilly winds terrifying the whole city. Animals trembled under the ferocious storm masking for shelter beneath the trees. The clouds wailed shedding tears of rainy beads while the gentle pitter-patter rain droplets turned into heavy thuds as if thrashing a hail of bullets into the mother earth.

    Amidst the chaos, a young girl tumbled and slipped from a high-end cliff, the trees and branches thrashing her along the way perpetually. The happy-looking face once filled with warmth muddled with fear. The trees gave away halfway down the cliff and before she knew it, she hurled over the rocks. Her body ached in pain with each hit and when she thought it would be over, she was thrashed by another. She felt powerless and wailed in agony with the continuous hitting of rocks and trees. She wished this torture would end once for all until the cliff turned steeper again. Her loud cries reverberated into the sky when she was hit by another massive stone. She was grasping the weak thread of life and death, she strived to wake up but the monster inside her forced controlled her weak struggles. Finally, she let herself carried away for she has nothing to lose when she is about to knock on the graveyard doors.

    "Make sure she would end up in the hospital. Killing her gives me no sense of satisfaction. I want her crippled for a lifetime". The shrill voice of the person drummed into her ears while she slid from the cliff. She shuddered with fear but she was in no state to worry about it when she was holding the rope of life and death.

    ''Did they hate me to the point of cutting my wings''?

    ''Is this the end of my life?'' Her voice tremored in fear with each word she muttered.

    If there is a rebirth she wanted to start where she was before and change the ending so as not to meet that person. Unfortunately, there is no such bizarre thing, life has to move on.

    Gods have listened to her plea finally and the girl copsed and passed out.

    Leena jerked from her nightmare sweating all over her body. The nightmare felt so real, she could sense tears rolling down her cheeks. She clutched her chest in desperation to calm down her heart.

    "It''s ok. It happened long ago", Leena tried to control the thought but her breath hitched and she gasped for air taking deep breaths to calm down her raging heart. She could still sense dizziness after she woke up from that dreadful nightmare and felt like she went on a roller coaster ride down the hill. The dream felt so real, she struggled to distinguish the reality from her nightmare.

    It''s been five years. Still, she couldn''t forget that terrifying night. She wished it was a nightmare and wake up to see the happy girl whose only worry on the day was to either eat an apple or a banana, but reality hit her hard. She wished she could forget her painful memories and the person who caused it but she couldn''t. Things end, but memoriesst forever.

    5 years back, she fell down from a 270 foot cliff. It was a medical miracle she survived from the ident.The loss of something important to her on that dreadful night made her grieve in pain. To her further agony, the doctors revealed she may not walk again. Leena felt like someone had ripped her heart taking her soul away when she heard those words.

    What is the use of her being alive when she has to depend on others for a lifetime? Where did it go wrong? Trusting him was the sin shemitted?

    She cried countless nights. Her anger and emotions all red up at once, Leena lost the urge to live but she held back. There is something in her belief not to give up. She wanted to walk again and move from the darkness and show the world of her loss.

    And she did it.

    She wiped her own tears, tend to her wounds, guarded her broken heart. At the difficult times, she found herfort through yoga to divert from her pain and fight her inner demons. She dived herself deep into practice for years. Bit by bit, she put herself together, walked again, and gave herself a second chance. There was a point in time she wished to get revenge on the one who pushed her into this state. But she questioned herself, Does my revenge can bring back the years of agony and the pain I suffered?

    No!

    Instead, she chooses the path of redemption.

    Just like that Leena flew. She climbed thedders of sess and grew up to a sessful top model, a renowned fitness trainer. At the young age of 25, She modeled for countless brands, trained celebrities for fitness like a piece of cake, and established her ownpany. She achieved a remarkable position in a span of 5 years. Every celebrity in New York City has to reach Leena Hayes for her outstanding training capabilities. She did not achieve stardom overnight. The strong woman she is now was once a broken girl and there is no turning back now.

    Leena Hayes is the brand.

    Leena Hayes has created her own story.

    The world made her fall but she rose even more beautiful.

 Chapter 2 - Carrot

    Leena slumped on the bed and closed her eyes. Without knowing, tears gushed down her cheeks. Her past tormented for years which cannot be nullified.While she was reminiscing of her past, all of a sudden, her thoughts interrupted when she sensed someone gently patting her head reassuring none of the dicky bird would harm in her presence. She knew who exactly it is. Leena slightly opened her eyes to take a peek at the adorable little puppy stroking her head as if she is the most fragile thing in the world. A sweet smile stered on her face at her little gesture. The little pup always does this whenever Leena is haunted by nightmares or when sick.

    "Why do you have such a big heart Carrot? Should I call you Brinjal? It looks way bigger than Carrot." Leena yfully winked at the little one. Carrot raised her ears in disbelief at her mommy for having such dirty thoughts. Leena giggled looking at her cute expressions.

    Leena remembered the day she fainted due to work exhaustion and carrot never left her side for two days continuously. Carrot stayed with Leena sleeping next to her. Even if Leena gets up, she follows her wherever she goes as if Leena would leave her and nevere back. The little emptiness left in Leena was filled by her sweet gestures.

    "Thank you little one. You always make me feel I am the most loved one." Leena gently scooped carrot in her arms and stroked her head assuring she is fine and doesn''t need to be a worrywart.

    Her brother found this little golden retriever near his home when it was wandering without any tag. After exhaustive efforts of finding the owner, he brought her home. The moment Leena looked into her gentle brown eyes, she couldn''t take her eyes away and she instantly fell in love with the little pup in a single nce. She shamelessly asked her brother as her 8 months early birthday gift. When he did notply with her wishes, she yed her trump card of revealing one of his valuable secrets to his dearest wife which straight away worked on him. Leena squealed in delight and jumped around the house as if she got her favorite candy.

    With a happy mood, she went to a vet to check if carrot has any health issues. After confirming she is fine, the doctor looked at her teeth and informed Carrot is a month old puppy. How can they abandon the just born puppy when it looks so lovely. Feeling pitiful for the little pup, she walked out carrying Carrot thinking of all the possible ways to pamper her.

    Carrot is always being gentle, friendly to everyone, y a lot, loves swimming but bes aggressive when anyone tries to grab Leena''s attention and barks at them as if telling mommy is only for her.

    Carrot craned her neck and looked up to take a nce at her mommy. When she saw Leena was in a happy mood, she wiggled its tail. Instantly, Lenea smiled at her cute actions. Carrot always does this when she is hungry. She gobbles her food in seconds and gives the saddest face as if Leena is not feeding her enough. Initially, Leenaplied with all her wishes and filled her stomach whenever she asks, but Carrot''s weight was putting a strain on her joints. After consulting with the vet, Leena changed her diet n. Even though carrot was throwing tantrums, Leena didn''t buy her little pranks. She wants her to be healthy always.

    "Alright hungry beast. Come and gobble your food." Leena rubbed her little pendant ears and excitedly got down from the bed and headed towards the kitchen, while Carrot trailed behind Leena wagging her tail when she heard her mommy talk about her favorite part and that is food.

    Leena ced food in a bowl stand, water in another bowl. Meanwhile, carrot waited for her mommy''s approval. The moment she got the green signal, she devoured into her bowl as if she has been starved for eternity.

    "Finish your food and go for potty or else I am not going to give any food next time." Carrot nodded her head as if she willply with Leena''s wishes. With a satisfying grin, Leena headed to the bathroom. Well, Carrot''s obediencees only when she was eating food.

    Leena sshed cold water into her face which instantly rxed her entire body. She closed her eyes and her thoughts flew back to the things that happened in the past. Is it hard to forget the past and live peacefully? She sighed and walked into the walk-in closet, grabbed her jogging outfit, and walked out.

    The moment she opened her bedroom door, she was weed by a little adorable puppy carrying a leash with her tiny mouth. Leena knew what it meant, but walked away ignoring the traitor for abandoning her the minute she spotted her little lover yesterday. She still remembered how Carrot tailed behind uncle John''s dog, even though thetter was giving the cold shoulder.

    Carrot jumped into Leena''s embrace when she was being neglected and started licking her face as if telling her she will not dump her today.

    "Stop licking my face. It tickles. Make sure you stick to your words today". Leena chuckled and put a leash around her neck not to torture the poor pup.

    "You viper, girls should never run behind ignoring boys." Leena sternly dered and opened the door.

    Little did she knew, Carrot was already scheming against her mommy and thinking of 101 ways in her mind to court her little lover.

 Chapter 3 - Beau Figure SPA

    The moment Leena exited from the house, her eyes gazed at the neighbor''s apartment.

    "That idiotic log is still sleeping?" With a frown, Leena muttered. How can she sleep when Leena is wide awake. She gazed at Carrot and as if they have agreed, both marched in the same direction and kicked their neighbor''s door. The rough kick was enough to make the person awake from the dreand.

    "Ugly biscuits. Why do you always disturb my dream when I was about to have my first kiss. I am going to kill you one day. Jealous morons, just because I sleep more than you." The woman inside the house was exhausted with all the shouting and slumped onto her bed again.

    Even though Carrot and Leena couldn''t hear the screams, they knew the person inside the house must be cursing at both. Feeling satisfied with the oue, they walked out of the apartment with a happy grin.

    ....

    Bleak golden rays hit the earth hiding its darkness, trees swayed harmoniously with the cool breeze, tulips bloomed signifying the presence of early spring, birds chirped creating a sweet melody. The dewy drops which were glued to leaves began to evaporate with the rising sun. A perfect walk to start with fresh air. Leena walked into the famous DewGarden park in their locality which was now deserted except for a few pairs of old couples sitting on a bench enjoying the sunrise and a group of elders gossiping on business. Many of the businessmen and social elites residing in the locality visit DewGarden to watch its serene beauty. The cool spring breeze fluttered around, caressing her thin frame and she felt very refreshed. Just when Leena was about to go for a run, she heard a voice.

    "Leena dear, how are you? I have been busy with my younger daughter Rachel''s shooting, I didn''t have time to visit you." The moment Leena entered the park along with Carrot, she was greeted by a woman.

    "Hello, Mrs. Miller" Leena greeted with an awkward smile. Good that you went on shooting, old Zebra. Why did youe and disturb my peaceful life again? They should have extended the shooting for a lifetime. Even though Leena didn''t show her displeasure, she was inwardly cursing the woman with all the dirty words she learned in her high school.

    ''cough, cough don''t mind, our FL is very innocent.''

    "Come on, Leena. Call me aunt Flora or just Flora." Flora stated. "Leo has changed a lot now. He is not fooling around. Why don''t you consider going on a date once."

    Miller industries are into furniture manufacturing and they have quite a good reputation in New York. Leena trained Miller''s family''s daughter, Rachel''s for her new film. From the day, Flora saw Leena, she pestered to marry Leo Miller, her son, a notorious yboy. He changes women like everyday clothes. Leena tried to avert the topic multiple times, not that she minded of yboys, but she was not ready for any rtionships. So, the Miller family directly approached Leena''s uncle and proposed marriage. Everybody in the country knew how powerful and temperamental Francis Hayes and without any hesitation, he threatened to destroy their tinypany for matching the apple of his eye with a mere yboy and they stopped pestering Leena until today.

    "Is it? Then why did I see him at the luxurious Le Grande hotel with a woman? Does he have a twin brother, aunt Flora?"Leena innocently asked, meanwhile Carrot praised her mommy''s acting skills. It was a mere coincidence when Leena''s best friend walked into Le Grande for apanying one of theirpany''s business clients and she then saw Leo Miller entering into a presidential suite with a woman. That idiotic best friend of hers immediately made a phone call to further annoy her.

    "Oh, you saw him?" Flora awkwardly smiled. "I_I have an appointment at Beau Figure SPA in 15 minutes and I am in a rush. I will meet youter, Leena."She rushed out of the park without giving Leena, a chance to talk.

    Flora knew her son''s yboy nature, so she ordered one of her shields to keep an eye on him. Everybody knows Hayes enterprises have a remarkable position in New York and Francis Hayes lifted it to another level with his outstanding skills after he took over the CEO position. Besides, Leena achieved stardom in a span of 5 years with her own capabilities. Leo Miller never helped the Millerpany much less of closing a business deal even after they dered him as the CEO. Besides, he was always spotted with a different woman. Even though the Miller enterprises are performing well, Flora is worried about the future. Being a mother, Flora wants her son to be in a better position. If Leena has uplifted herpany into a remarkable one in 5 years, she no doubted, Miller industries would develop into an International businesspany with Hayes family support if Leena takes over their business. Flora wants such a kind of daughter-inw, not the mistresses loitering around his son to warm his bed and when Flora learned the identity of Leena, she grabbed the opportunity and proposed a marriage alliance with the Hayes family. She believed her son would change after the marriage. Who would have thought, Francis Hayes would threaten to wipe out theirpany?

    "Beau Figure SPA opens at 11. It''s not even 6, aunt Flora." Leena shouted at the rushing figure. Too bad, I missed that old zebra''s distressed look when I talked about the Beau Figure''s SPA timing. She must be pissed off right now. The thought instantly heightened Leena''s spirits.

    "Come on Carrot. Let''s run". Leena held the leash to control the little one and started running when thetter swiftly turned and began moving in the opposite direction. Leena confusedly turned back to see Carrot running behind uncle John''s dog again.

    "You traitor,e back this instant," Leena shouted at the rushing Carrot. She couldn''t believe Carrot deceived her again.

    Carrot turned back and lent a sinister smile before she continued with her mission. Carrot knew her mommy is angry, but there was a kind of ma in uncle John''s dog pulling her towards him.

    "Little liar. Don''te back home and stay with your little lover." Leena mumbled and walked to a nearby bench and settled on it.

    Leena was so engrossed in thinking of the possible ways to punish Carrot, she failed to recognize a handsome man approaching her.

 Chapter 4 - Dirtball

    Leenazily gazed at the handsome man approaching her. He looked handsome, but not to the point of stopping in your tracks. For Leena, not even a single person on this earth looks charming except her. Well, She is a narcissistic brat.

    Leena picked a withered leaf fallen on the ground and started ying not bothered by his presence. The lost leaves over the dreary winter began to grow fresh newborn greens with the arrival of spring. The Daffodils bloomed beautifully over the DewGarden. All of a sudden, the fresh flowers reminded her of the Heacis mansion. The mansion was filled with all sorts of blooming flowers from tulips to golden daffodils, Lilies, bluebell, Hyacinth, all the buds fluttering and dancing with the cool breeze. Leena made a note to visit the mansion on Sunday.

    "Hey, beautiful !!" The man smiled and initiated the conversation.

    "What?" Leena asked raising her eyebrows. She briefly gazed at the man and resumed her ying. Strangely, she felt the withered leaf she is ying is more interesting than speaking to that man. Besides, she always avoided strangers.

    "I am Lucas Richards, you can call me Luke. I have been following you from the day I noticed you at the park. You look damn beautiful and just my type. How about a date or a movie? " Since the day he saw her at the park, he was enthralled by this beauty. Her toned legs, slim waist and her hourss figure were making him hard to control. He wanted to possess this beauty and the desire increased with each passing day.

    "Oh!! But I only date uncles or elders." Leena calmly responded.

    Lucas choked his saliva when he heard she only date uncles. Is she a Gerontophile? the one having intimate rtions with elders. He never thought she is into that kind of one-night stands. If that is the case, he can easily satisfy her. The very thought of getting her under his pants excited him. If Leena heard his inner thoughts, she would have killed him on the spot. She was clearly avoiding him and this country bumpkin is not even catching it.

    "How about we hookup, or a one night stand. Who knows, you may end up liking younger people after you serve me." The man yfully smirked and moved closer to her when thetter suddenly moved away and closed her nose as if she has smelled the most disgusting thing. The next words she uttered was a pure humiliation to him.

    " E your mouth stinks dirtball. Do you want me to rmend a good toothpaste?" Leena praised herself at the spontaneous thought. Still, with the closed nose, Leena got up and moved back. Even though she knew self-defence and it was broad daylight, she is still on her guards. Besides, there is no way she will waste her energy on this country bumpkin.

    "How dare you insult the only heir of Richard''s family?" Unconsciously, his hand went near his mouth to smell the bad breath she babbled about. When he sensed he was being yed, his blood boiled with the humiliation he faced by a mere woman. No women dared to insult him much less ignore. He marched forward in her direction and grabbed her wrist roughly. Leena hissed at the sudden intrusion.

    "ying hard to get? I will make sure you beg for my mercy tonight and - " Before he could finish his words, Leena jerked her hand from his hold, grabbed his right arm, and twisted behind his back. She thrashed his leg which forced him to kneel and pushed his head down. She whipped his back with her right knee. The man groaned in pain like an animal with the near crushing of his backbone.

    "Your loss dirtball. I hate someone touching me especially men. You want to y right? I will show you how it is yed today. What if you are the heir of Richard''s family, you dumbass." Leena whipped his back again and continued. "Do you have thorns on your head to bully women? Women are not your possessions. " Leena hated such type of men who treat women as a mere bed warmer. The soft docile look on her was now reced by vicious women ready to pounce on her prey. She pressed his arm harder which earned another groan from him.

    "Release my arm, you mad woman." Lucas hissed. He was not prepared for the sudden attack and never thought the soft-looking woman could be this brutal to the point of breaking his body. He dared to admit, but his body felt numb all over with the pressure she is putting on to thrash his back.

    " Not until you beg for my mercy".

    How did the tables turn?

    "I - I beg you. Please release my arm." He abandoned his manly ego and begged her. There is no point in putting a hero act in front of this vicious woman. Besides there is still no guarantee, he would walk out with his bones intact if this mad woman continues her mission.

    "That''s my boy. Work out more and build your muscles, do not look at all the passing women. Don''t worry I will go easy on you if we meet next time considering your strength. Men should always be obedient. See how cute you look now." Leena lectured him as if a mother scolding their children when they involve in mischievous deeds. After her so-called speech, Leena released his arm. She yfully winked at him and walked out whistling and singing a nursery rhyme.

    "Spring ising

    Winter is going

    Kids are ying

    Time for some cleaning"

    "What a rhyming Leena Hayes. You are a born poet." Being utterly shameless, she even patted herself with the new discovery.

    " "

    What is she? She behaved like a madwoman beating the shit out of him earlier, after that she acted like a lecturing mother and now she is behaving like a nursery kid. Is she possessed? Lucas shuddered at the mere thought of meeting her again and made a mental note to never cross path with this monster.

    Unbeknownst to Leena, a pair of eyes watched all the activities unfolded and walked away with a sweet smile.

 Chapter 5 - Uncle Pumpkin : Mr.Condom

    *Read at your own risk. Your author is not responsible if readers roll on the floorughing.*

    While Leena was happily singing and dancing to the nursery rhyme she discovered, her thoughts fluttered back to Carrot. "Too bad, Carrot missed the chance to watch my mission impossible operation. She would definitely praise me. I wish someone had captured my picture when I whipped that man''s backbone. Maybe I look cool like Tom Cruise or even better than him. Speaking of that insolent bratty Carrot, I will not allow her inside the house until she gets punished. Let her go to her lover''s home today." Leena was continuouslyining and bbering to herself until she noticed a small puppy walking towards her direction.

    "What a pleasant surprise betrayer. Aren''t you following your little lover? " Leena sarcastically questioned while Carrot did not even look into her eyes. Leena ignored and started walking when thetter did not respond. Carrot silently followed after her cursing at herself for making her mommy angry again. What can she do? A ma of attraction forced pulled towards her little love and without any conscience, she marched in the opposite direction. She knew her mommy''s anger. It will re in seconds. She can coax her by merely looking with her puppy eyes. Her thoughts interrupted when Leena suddenly stopped in her tracks and carrot nearly bumped into her. Leena was adamant to punish Carrot by demanding not to follow her, but the moment Leena looked into her clear and lonely eyes, herst straw broke.

    "No doubt, this brat is my weakness. I will let her off this time," Leena mumbled and opened her arms. Carrot jumped into her embrace smiling.

    " Did you really pee on that dirtball''s bag? " Leena giggled at carrot''s naughty side. She got a glimpse of carrot peeing on someone''s bag when she was smashing that man. Leena knew Carrot never misbehave or gets aggressive until someone touches the bottom line. Judging by the situation, she concluded it is something to do with her.

    While carrot was following her little lover, she was still keeping an eye on Leena and caught sight of a man kneeling down while Leena whipping his backbone. She instantly recognized that man. He has been following Leena for quite a long time in the park but never dared to make a move in her presence. So she put her guards down. Who knew this sleazeball would make a move when she is not around. There is no away she would leave him today and an idea popped into her brilliant mind.

    She rushed to the stall that sleazeball ces his stuff every day and jumped on it. The zipper of his bag was slightly opened. She thanked God for her luck. Without further ado, she peed into the hole and escaped before anyone could see him.

    "He needs a lesson. You did a good job little one. I am proud of you." Leena patted her head. Where did she get such a brilliant idea? Maybe this traitor inherited from me?

    "What would be that dirtball situation now." Leena wondered to herself.

    .....

    Lucas Richards headed to the stall he stuffed his duffel bag cursing his luck. What a weird woman. Who would have thought she would be that strong to the point of breaking his bones. He opened his bag zipper and withdrew a t-shirt. Oddly, he sensed something was a miss.

    "Strange, why does the shirt smell so bad and why is it so wet? It''s not even raining now. God! It smells gross! Should I just throw it? But I whacked plenty amount of money to put on this shirt for a date with that madwoman." Lucas sighed. His shirt broke when he struggled to break free from that madwoman''s grip and if he is caught by the paparazzi wearing a broken shirt now, he would be trolled for days. Anyway, no one can see the smell right and he reluctantly put on his new t-shirt. The urge to nauseate was at the tip of his tongue the moment a strong rancid smell prated into his nostrils. Arghhh, Why does it smell so bad?

    Well, it''s our carrot''s productive oue with all the food he dumped into her stomach duh.

    The moment he walked into the crowd, they instantly covered their noses and shed away in a wink criticizing as if he hase out of sewage.

    [ OMG! He smells like shit!]

    [He stinks like garbage!]

    [Did he pee on his pants? What a foul man!]

    [Gross! He smells like a rotten rat!]

    "I DIDN''T PEE YOU MAD PEOPLE, YOU ARE THE ROTTEN RATS, YOU ARE ONLY DISGUSTING" Lucas shouted and dashed hiding his face, cussing and cursing like a madman.

    .....

    Leena reached her home unit and opened the door to let carrot inside first.she was about to enter into the house, suddenly a calm voice greeted her.

    "Good Morning Leena." A tall middle-aged man smiled at her.

    "Morning Uncle Jack." Leena greeted cheerfully.

    "Leena dear, how many times I should ask you. Call me uncle pumpkin or Mr Condom." Jack pouted expressing his displeasure. Leena literally choked on her saliva when she heard those words.

    "Umm, I prefer uncle pumpkin over Mr Condom." Leena thanked him inwardly for at least giving a choice. Uncle pumpkin? What if it''s his childhood nickname. Doesn''t it look weird on a grown uncle?

    And what is that again? Mr Condom? Leena nearly wanted to strangle him foring up with such a bizarre name just because he is the CEO of a condompany.

    Yes. He owns a condompany.

    Jack Owen along with his friend William Henry started a condom business naming it Baloon Condoms. It attracted customers especially youth like bees for its weird and abnormally peculiar vors and he even captioned with a kinky tag.

    Ballon Condoms: Enter to feel heaven.

    As if he achieved stardom overnight, which he didn''t, he mercilessly kicked hisst name Owen and renamed Jack Owen to Jack Condom. Rumour is that he married a woman of his parent''s choice and his wife divorced him when she caught him having sex with his friend William Henry. But he never admits he is gay and always flirts with women and ims they throw at his feet but Leena has never seen him going beyond flirting with any women. Leena likes their uncle Jack for his warm personality even if he is abnormally normal. He always treats her well.

    "How does my shirt look today. A newly bought one from Amigo brand." Jack proudly tugged his imaginary hair and twirled around again and again to show his so-called beautiful outfit.

    "Too shy and why is that brand so fond of shy things and judging by your outfit, I assume you are going out?" Leena asked with curiosity. d in a Radium green shirt, he matched it with bright orange pants and a pair of red sneakers while the shy attire hid his handsome features. Even though uncle Jack is a weirdo, he is very friendly and always warm to Leena. He is a great cook and always makes delicious dishes for her.

    "Well, It is a trendsetter brand Leena dear and yes, I am going to office " Uncle Jack answered proudly. Leena sneered at his expression. Office my foot. Who goes to the office wearing that shy outfit. He is clearly going to meet one of his partners. She still remembered the day she came back to her unit to get an important document and spotted a man walking out of uncle Jack''s house. His dishevelled shirt, a slight lipstick mark on his cheek, love bites on the neck was enough to understand the turmoil that happened inside. Her mouth wide agape while she processed everything that happened and rushed into her unit before uncle Jack noticed her on that day.

    "Have a good day at the office uncle Jack and convey my birthday wishes to uncle William." Leena winked yfully before entering her house. Jack grinned and bid her goodbye.. He walked out happily ready for his mission to bang his newly appointed manager.

 Chapter 6 - Greenwyn Village

    zed porcin story tiles of exquisite sandy beigeplemented with a beautifully dense and soft grey carpet positioned at the center further enhancing the living room semnce. The vast pale blue curtains draped over the ss windows captivated the beauty of the house. A beautiful painting was dangling against a massive versatile grey wall emphasizing the living room''s vibe. Greenwyn vige, one of the luxurious locality in New York city sshed with the lush green trees. It was a home for many elites and celebrities. The living residents were enthralled by the serene beauty of beautiful mountains in the east of the Greenwyn vige which further attracted the onlookers. It restricts the client''s privacy with tight security and doesn''t allow non-residents even if they im to be a family or friends and one of the reasons many celebrities loved living here.

    After the heart to heart chat with uncle Jack, Leena walked into the living room and pulled the curtains to the side. The beautiful golden rays pierced from the ss windows brightened the entire house. A pothos nt was put close to the window to absorb the maximum sunlight. Leena''s love for nts was so passionate, she sshed with greenery from the bedroom to the kitchen and even to the bathroom.

    Leena gazed at ying carrot with her plush toys sitting on the carpet. Carrot loves ying, be it with Leena, kids, or toys. Initially, when she was weed into the house, she was chewing anything that appears soft or fluffy and almost destroyed the whole furniture. So Leena bought her plush and fluff toys to y. Sensing that she is fine, Leena walked into her bedroom.

    Leena was feeling very ufortable with all the running, and whipping that dirtball in the park, so she straightaway headed to the bathroom to take a warm shower immediately. The moment she opened the bathroom door, a sweet fruity chamomile scent weed her.

    Taking off her clothes, she propped her favorite rose-scented body wash and added a couple ofvender essential oil drops into the bathtub and entered into it. The foaming bubbles twirled with the addition of the body wash. She closed her eyes and let the warm water sink into her body rxing her soar muscles. Leena is an avid collector of aroma oils over the years so much that, she turned her entire bathroom into a private spa. After her near-death ident, she dwelled into deep years of yoga practice, the rxing oils always helped her easing the pain she experienced during the initial days. Her bathroom has arge floor to ceiling ss window where she can watch the lush green trees from it.

    After the long shower, she went out of the bathroom wearing a bathrobe and walked into her walk-in closet and gazed at her lovely dresses. Being a fashion enthusiast she has all types of dresses from jumpsuits to backless, formals, casuals, and whatnot and she is always on trend with fashion. Well, which woman doesn''t love fashion and dresses. Leena''s only goal in her life is to make sure her bank bnce is full so that she can buy all the clothes from her favorite brands.

    She picked a modest navy blue pleated empire style dress which reached her mid-calf and the long sleeves stopped at her elbows. The crown of the dress loosely fitted her shoulders and ended right below her bosom. An adjustable bow was tied at the right side giving her a high waisted appearance and the attached skirt below the sean flowed freely. She went into her vanity and applied her morning skincare routine. She let her long ck hair loose cascading till her waist. Leena is not much into makeup, she only dolls up for any celebrity function or an event but she follows her skincare routine regrly. She is very immersed in a Korean skincare routine, filled her vanity with many skincare products.

    She gazed into the mirror and pleased with her finishing touch and finally walked out. Something pulled her back, she turned up again to the mirror and stared at herself for a long while and sighed.

    Why do I look so gorgeous? God must have taken extra time and care while craving me. That''s is the only exnation she came up with and shamelessly awarded with a flying kiss to herself in the mirror and walked out.

    Carrot was already taking a nap while Leena walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She grabbed the grounded oats from her kitchen cab, quickly prepared her oatmeal, and topped with her favorite blueberries and bananas. She was so famished, the sweet aroma of fruitsbined with the oats and cinnamon smell intoxicated her. When she was about to put the oatmeal into her mouth, the doorbell rang.

    It must be that idiot. I will not share anyone with you my dear oatmeal. She hid her bowl in an invisible ce where no one can find it and she dashed to open the door. A tall young woman was standing outside ring daggers at the person. Her long slender legs, charming face, and graceful body were ravishing with sexiness.. Leena yfully smiled at the annoying woman.

 Chapter 7 - Oatmeal

    "Good Morning Reese darling, I hope you had a passionate and hot-blooded kiss in your dream?" Leena yfully winked at her. For Leena, annoying the best friend standing in front of her is as satisfying as eating a banana because she is in crazily love with bananas.

    "Passionate my ass. I was about to have my first kiss you know and it was all spoiled by you." Reese was throwing daggers at Leena. She was about to see her groom in the altar and have her first kiss, those two biscuits spoiled the dream and it''s not even the first time it has happened. Reese is from a prominent Allen family and owned the famous Vision resorts and hotels in New York City, but she was least bothered by her position offered in thepany. There are many roaches in the Allen family striving for the CEO position and her brother is already taking care of those cockroaches, so she is contended her family supported to live freely. She only wanted to live an independent peaceful and happy life.

    "Was that me you were about to kiss in your dream?" Leena blinked her eyes with excitement and opened the door to let her best friend in.

    Reese''s nerve twitched with her shameless words. Too bad, I don''t have anything to beat this annoying brat now.

    "You shameless idiot, even the new girl joined in our office is suspecting us for being in a rtionship and you still act like you are not bothered." Reese has never seen such a narcissistic brat in her life. She met Leena and Jane during her university and the trio set off as best friends. Following Leena''s near-death ident, when sheunched her own fitness channel after she seeded in gaining the stardom, Leena was looking for someone to assist with thepany. Reese happened to be looking for a job at the same time after she resigned as a secretary in her previouspany. Reese''s love for Leena was so extreme, she herself offered to be Leena''s assistant. Leena jumped with joy when her best friend offered herself to assist her. Little did Reese knew, she has entered into the tiger''s den.

    Reese was dragged to every celebrity event Leena was invited to. Every single date she is arranged by Leena''s brother, she pulled her into it and shamelessly imed Reese as her love life. To add spice on the wound, she even bought a condo in greenwyn vige and made her stay next to her but she never thought they were being targeted by the media and the littlemotion happening outside. The media has trolled andbeled them as a dashing and attractive couple. Attractive my foot, Reese thought. This brat didn''t even bother to clear that rumor.

    Reese knew Leena was hurt in the past but never imagined her wounds run so deep, she had shut herselfpletely from all the men. How much that bastard has damaged her, Reese knew. She wished that rotten brute to be tortured till eternity. Till now Leena always maintains a distance even standing in front of a man. Even though Leena put a strong facade to the outside world, Reese knew it was a mask she is wearing and behind that veil, she is still a broken girl in need of little love and care. The broken girl has built her walls too dense that none could break it, her shattered heart has built her walls too high that no man can climb it. But Reese believed, someday someone''s going to strike those and break through all the walls she is guarding and create a hurricane in her life and Reese is waiting for that man to see her best friend''s genuine smile.

    "Well, isn''t it good? Without any trying, we have be a couple. Don''t worry, I will take good care of you in the future". Leena ced a hand on her shoulder and pulled close to her.

    Reese''s face blushed with the sudden closure. why is this idiot so beautiful in every dress she wears? Reese cursed at herself for having such a thought and broke from her reverie when a sweet cinnamon fragrance entered into her nostrils.

    "Hey, I am hungry, give me the oatmeal you made." Reese put all her thoughts aside when her stomach growled. She needed some energy to argue with this idiot.

    "I did not make any. Go and make your own." Leena crossed her arms and red at her, but the pig-headed Reese still ignored her dashing into the kitchen.

    "The oatmeal dropped in the kitchen counter is still hot which means you have prepared it." Reese opened one of the kitchen cabs and started her hunt.

    "Detective Sherlock Holmes, why don''t you make yours instead of wasting your valuable time searching for mine." Leena was inwardlyughing at her best friend. Too bad, the oatmeal is solemnly mine today Reese Allen.

    "If I knew how to make, do you still think I would be eating your weird food." Reese opened another cab when her search did not yield any results in the first cab. Where did this idiot hide the bowl?

    "My food is best in the world and I am a very good cook." Even though she knew her food is not drool-worthy, it is highly nutritious and she was proud of it. No, this narcissistic girl is always proud of everything she does.

    "Yeah, mixing all the ingredients and boiling is also considered as an art." Reese felt happy that she can troll Leena for her weird food and resumed with her search. She was getting annoyed when she did not find her baby food. Feeling dejected, she was about to beg Leena when she unconsciously gazed at the ss bowl which was hiding in the top cab. Reese smirked and felt luck was running in her blood.

    " Why you __" Leena stopped arguing and her eyes widened when she saw Reese spotting her oatmeal. She rushed into the kitchen when it was about to tumble into Reese''s hands. Before she could grab it, another hand tried to knock her down.

    " Mine, because I made it." Leena red at her without releasing.

    " Mine, because I found it." Reese equally red at her without backing off.

    Both were tugging and pulling the poor oatmeal as if they were thrown into a drought-prone area and finally spotted the light of food in the form of oatmeal. Reese knew there is no point in continuing when her stubborn best friend is not going to back off. She decided to be the elder here and slightly loosened the grip. While Leena was tightly clutching the bowl, she didn''t know Reese has ckened her hold.

    Thud.

    Both ended up falling on one another.

    Reese''s rm bells rang loud and clear and she was terrified when Leena was about to copse. She grasped Leena''s hand in aid while thetter pulled her unconsciously and ended up copsing. When the events slowly unfolded to them, both startedughing and giggling like Chimpanzees.

    After the catfight, they roused from their stupor and cleaned the mess they made and the poor oatmeal ended up in the bin. Both were equally famished and decided to make a quick smoothie. While Leena pulled out the ingredients from the fridge, Reese''s lips twitched with the smoothie Leena was going to make.

    "Leena." Reese cried and continued. "Can''t you ever make a smoothie without mixing all the fruits and vegetables". She still remembered the day Leena made this green smoothie which she imed to be her invention. She sliced a watermelon, peeled two bananas, and blended them in a juicer. Following that she added a bunch of baby spinach into it and blended again. This brat even added x seeds powder into it. Reese''s mouth wide agape with the events and finally she sighed in relief when the master chef show was finished. But for Leena, it was still continuing. While Leena found it was not sweet enough, she added msses syrup and jumped in delight when it tasted heaven.

    "Says someone who asked for more. You even gulped down my entire ss. Besides, it is very nutritious. Msses syrup has 5% calcium while Iron being 3%, x seeds being high in Omega 3, Spinach with 2.7% of __"

    "Alright nutritionist, my bad that I forgot you are a fitness Moghul and now let''s hurry. I have a pile of files to study in the office." Reese knew if she made Leena continue with the nutrition contents bbering, she will do it for the entire day. So Reese force pulled her into the kitchen. Even though the smoothie was a product of mixed ingredients, it tasted really good but she is never going to admit it before this narcissistic woman. Otherwise, she will sit on the tree and announce it to the whole world about her so-called bizarre invention.

    When they were done with all the work, Carrot entered after her peaceful nap. Good that she didn''t see both of them fighting over the poor oatmeal. Otherwise, she would have helped them eating by herself.

    "Hey, imaginary carrot, what''s up? I am curious though. Why did your mommy named you Carrot when you don''t even have any." Reeseughed clutching her stomach. She always wondered the reason for naming carrot when Leena knew Carrot is a girl. If Leena knew her dirty thoughts, she would have thrown her out of the house.

    Carrot rolled her eyes at the dramatic Reese. This idiot always calls her imaginary carrot because she doesn''t have any. Carrot ignored and went into the kitchen to see her mommy.

    "You cheeky brat, you are just like your mommy." Reese red at the ignoring carrot and soon followed her into the kitchen.

    "Carrot, you are up? Go and get your dress buddy. We are going to the office." Leena made a special room for the carrot in the office and filled with all the toys and takes her to the office every day so that she doesn''t feel lonely in the house. Every employee in Leena''s office loved carrot for her friendly nature and they even y with her in their free time.

    After filling their stomach, all the trio headed to their office BLISS.

 Chapter 8 - Bliss

    "HEY! HEY! EVERYONE COME AND GATHER HERE! I HAVE BREAKING NEWS! REALLY BREAKING NEWS!" A short chubby woman stormed into the office hollering, her busty chest heaved in exhaustion with all the panting and gasping. Her plump face covered in sweat from all the way running to the office. It didn''t bother when she stumbled across the desk while running, she steadied herself supporting her short hands-on knees catching for deep breaths. With a shaky hand, she opened a water bottle nearby desk and gulped down the entire content desperate for oblivion.

    "Rx Mandy, You are going to die out of breath at this rate." A tall,nky girl patted her back to ease her puffing.

    "It''s not the time to rx Naomi. I got breaking news! That witch has thrashed Lucas Richards brutally at the famous DewGarden park. Can you even believe, she has hit the heir of the Richards family." It was still 7.30 in the morning and not many employees were engaged except a couple of group workout sessions advancing at the top floor andbined with her loud voice, it echoed into the crowd crisp and clear. Her voice was shaking with theck of breath, but it did not bother her. She is desperate to deliver the sh news she has got. Mandy is named as a gossip queen in the office. She is from the production department and very efficient at her work except she has a hobby. Digging all the rumors on celebrities even if they are hiding nook and cranny and she is especially focused on grabbing the news of their witch CEO Leena Hayes. She doesn''t know if she likes or hates Leena, but anything rted to her was a top priority.

    "Really? But DewGarden is residing in a highly restricted area in New York City. How did you enter?" Naomi questioned with excitement. For Naomi, Leena is her role model. She has groomed Naomi to into a professional and she has started training workout sessions in Bliss, she is very kind, sweet, and hardworking.

    "Do you remember the model, Jessica Barnes? The one Renya madam has trained her for the Elixir skincare brand. We have set off as good friends after a couple of days she was trained here and she is staying in one of the nearby apartments from the DewGarden and happens to see Leena madam hitting Lucas Richards at the park and recorded everything." Mandy spilled the sh news in a breath.

    By then, many of the employees started gathering at Mandy''s desk when they heard about a video. The desperate Mandy showed the video to the entire crowd. Their mouths wide agape with the content they watched over the video.

    "Look at her twisting that man''s arm."

    "She looks sexy when she is in action mode."

    "Man, she is so hot and ravishing even in her jogging outfit."

    "I knew she will beat that man the moment he touched her wrist. What a waste of beauty to be a man-hater. She doesn''t recruit any male employees, doesn''te in contact with men and I heard the nts in her house are female. Even carrot is a girl. Her heart is set on Secretary Reese and all the rights are reserved to her." A girl named Sandra remarked

    "Hey, I am curious though, who would be at the bottom?" One of the employees questioned with excitement.

    "Obviously Secretary Reese. Poor Secretary, her dark circles are visible all over the face. That which might have exhausted her at the nights." Mandy added and continued. "Why don''t I see Renya, she might roll on the floorughing if she watches the video.

    "She is in the studio recording for a new episode." Naomi pursued. " But I don''t think Leena madam is a Lesbian, she is just crazy in her own way and you are envious of her stardom and what''s wrong in beating that man. He deserves punishment. Even if he is rich, he doesn''t have the right to touch a woman without their consent and Leena madam has done the right thing teaching him a lesson. Don''t you know how many men are abusing women nowadays? We have been seeing the kind of scums every day and despite that women are not even able to fight for being weak. As a woman, I am proud of Leena madam, she stood for herself. Besides, It''s not good toment on one''s sexual preferences Mandy. Even if she is interested in a woman, it''s her choice.

    Everyone nodded and agreed with Naomi except Mandy.

    "Hey, why would I be envious of that skinny woman. She doesn''t even have any fat throughout her body." Mandy freaked out angrily. What''s so good about her. Does she have huge breasts and wide hips like me? Mandy snickered at the thought. Naomi sighed at her friends envious towards Leena. It''s clear that she is jealous of Leena.

    Just then a woman in her twenties walked into the office.

    "Woah! Our new bride has finally arrived! Congrattions Megan. Finally, you are tying a knot with your love life." All the crowd gathered around pping and cheering her.

    "Thank you so much. You guys are so sweet and I hope you make it to the wedding." Megan shylymented.

    "Of course we would arrive a day before. By the way, Where do you n for a honeymoon. Wear those sexy lingeries you posted on our group. Jordan will make you beg for more." Everyone excitedlymented and Megan shyly nodded. The thought of their first night was exciting.

    "What about your leaves? Did she approve?" Another girl questioned.

    "Not yet." Megan sighed. "And that is why I am here today. Leena madam wants to see me once."

    "She will definitely give you a hard time, but you know her weakness right?" Mandy yfully winked at her.

    " We have loved for 3 years. How can I do that to my fianc��?" Megan cried

    " I know! I know! Have some patience. That which is not that bad. Just that she hates men and you happen to be marrying a man." Mandy stated.

    Despite the fact Megan didn''t like the idea her colleague suggested, she had to agree reluctantly. She knew Leena is a very good mentor and personally, she has trained her. Just by a person''s mere walking, Leena can make out which part of the body is flexible and sturdy. She was not cited as a Fitness queen and a renowned model in the world for name purposes. Besides, thepany provides numerous benefits and the CEO doesn''t torture people as most of thepanies do to their employees. Everyone works harmoniously in Bliss, takes breaks when stressed and she evenpelled to take a leave to get motivated. She even engages them out to rx and develop the bond between employees. She is nowhere in par with the CEOs she has been reading in the novels where they are described as dark and cold-blooded.

    While they were engrossed in their gossip, a slightmotion knocked them from their stupor and the gathered crowd rushed to their ces in a wink and they knew the Witch has arrived.

 Chapter 9 - Punctuality

    d in a modest navy blue dress, a tall stunning woman stepped out of a sleek white Aston Martin, her dewy skin glistened with the bright sun rays falling on her, her enticing eyes gazed over the crowd watching with their mouths wide agape. She very well knew of the stares and strode into Bliss with confidence and elegance.

    Leena swiped her card and walked into the office. All the employees greeted her passionately. She warmly smiled and addressed everyone fervently. Her footsteps suddenly halted at a certain desk and nced over the person sitting at the table who is not bothered to address her.

    "Morning Mandy. You are not helloing me?" Leena pouted.

    "G_ood Morn_ing Leena mad_am." Mandy stuttered with her words. She was not prepared to be weed by this witch.

    "tch! tch! Why are you stuttering early in the morning!" Leena eximed. "Are you sick? But you should be happy right? After all your minion would have given a priceless possession of my video?" Leena batted her eyes asking innocently.

    "How did you know?" Mandy swiftly got up plunging over her chair.

    "I have eyes everywhere my dear Mandy. Now be a good girl and y the video. I am eager to see myself." Leena demanded shing a sinful smile. With a shaky hand, Mandy opened the content and she knew her mouth is shut in front of this witch.

    "Wow! Nice videography! I never knew I look cool in this angle. Too bad, I don''t want this to be recorded in the first ce. What should I do?" Leena leaned over her desk crossing her arms. Mandy gulped at the near sight of Leena and she unconsciously backed off.

    "f I knew you pass it to the media__"

    "I will delete it." Mandy shuddered at the thought of her future.

    "That''s my girl. By the way, chubby cheeks." Leena pinched them before walking away.

    " "

    ....

    Leena went into Carrot''s yroom to let her in. Once she is settled, she walked into her office. She was checking the file of a new model she has to train when Reese walked into her office with an Ipad.

    "She literally peed in her pants." Reese was internallyughing at Mandy''s state.

    "At least she will keep her mouth shut for a while. Her loud voices are piercing my ears every day." Leenazily retorted.

    "Well, there is an appointment with a client at 8.30 morning, you can have a client screening with her. She is not a celebrity, but adamant to be trained by you". Reese notified and hesitated to tell news she was notified before she arrived in the room.

    "I guess that''s not an issue Reese. I can manage." Both Leena and Reese always worked as professionals in the office.

    "L_eena t_hat, actually that__"

    "Don''t stutter idiot. Just tell me what is it?" Leena asked running out of her patience.

    "Emily Harper was supposed to be here today, but she has canceled her appointment. She has an early shoot and may not turn up." Reese was looking at Leena''s facial expressions from a frown to anger and she knew Leena is in angry mode.

    "Early shoot? More like warming his lovers bed. Cancel her contract with Bliss and settle her ount today. I am not going to train her."

    "Leena, think about it. She is a famous actress, model and the mistress of powerful___"

    "Reese, you have been working for 3 years here and you very well knew about me. I can tolerate anything but punctuality and this is the 4 th time she has canceled her appointment. Bliss is not a charity to walk whenever she wants. I have notified every minute details in the use and you know that I abide by the rules. She might be a famous star in the country, but you do know my fame. The mere threats don''t work on Leena Hayes."

    "I will inform and settle her ount today." Reese sighed. She knew once her best friend has made a decision, there is no turning back. The meek little cat she had seen in the past turned into a tigress. Besides, even if Emily is the mistress of a powerful businessman, can she withstand Francis Hayes? If anything happens to his apple of the eye, he will turn the world upside down.

    "By the way, here is your schedule." Reese opened her Ipad and started exining. "Miah Herbert will have a training today and you have a group work out session at 3, thereafter, you will be recording an episode for the 60-day challenge you started." Leena hasunched her own channel mainly to reach people who cannot afford to train with her.

    "Ask Naomi to take up the group workout session. That girl is doing well and she needs a little bit of push. She will shine in the industry." Leena notified.

    "All right. it''s time. Now if you excuse me, I have to go, escort the new girl." Reese looked at her watch and it was already time. The girl probably has arrived.

    "Sure darling, you are excused" Leena shed a wink at her.

    "Shameless idiot." Reese smiled and walked out.

    Leena was examining Mia Herbert''s progress over thest 2 months she was trained in Bliss. She has signed a contract for an action movie and for her badass character, she has to build her muscles.. Leena was very satisfied with the progress and looked at the door when it was suddenly knocked.

 Chapter 10 - Sadist

    "Come in." A girl walked into the room with a sweet smile.

    "Hello miss Leena, I am Lisa Norton". The girl shyly added. "I am a big fan of you."

    "Hello, Lisa. Pleased to meet you." Leena smiled and greeted her. After a brief conversation, she guided the girl to an adjacent room for the screening. Leena always makes her clientsfortable before proceeding with their training which has helped client''s open to their issues.

    "Before I advance with your training, I need to assess your body physically and mentally" Leena voiced out. " Please don''t get embarrassed if I am asking a personal question, it is for your own care and safety. Your information will be strictly confidential." Leena professed in a calm voice, the girl smiled and nodded in appreciation.

    "Let''s start then." Leena grasped a notepad to jot down the points.

    "Are you under any medications or have you undergone any heart disease, high blood pressure? I need to know even any of your family members have suffered."Leena was looking intently into her eyes to scrutinize if the little girl isfortable over her questions.

    "I was under medications for PCOS and now my periods are regr. I have stooped taking the pills and no, my family doesn''t have any heart risk" Lisa answered.

    "What is the diet you follow every day and the reason you want to get trained?" Leena was jotting down her issues while still examining her.

    "I_I_"

    "Consider I am your sister little girl." Leena grasped her hand and assured. "I would never judge a person based on their preferences."

    "I was being bullied for overweight at my university and I want to reduce my weight," Lisa whispered in a hushed tone gazing at the floor.

    "Lisa, people who attack your self-esteem, they are aware of your potential and see you as a threat. Reducing weight alone will not stop them from bullying. Your confidence is your strength and you should fight back with the same intensity they bully you. Do you understand?"

    Lisa meekly nodded.

    "As per your diet, I can see you eat a lot of junk and you will be strictly monitored here. Now we will go with your physical screening. Can you slowly walk into the corner ande back here." Lisa walked into the corner and reappeared while Leena observed her every step keenly.

    "You put more pressure on your left leg while walking and you have a tight hamstring over your right leg. Have you had any ident before?" Lisa''s eyes widened in shock.

    "I had an ident when I was small." Indeed she feels her right side of her body is tighterpared to the left when she does any physical activity. But how can Leena examine that in just a nce? No wonder Leena Hayes is named as fitness queen by the world. There will be no Leena Hayes for the next generations toe.

    "I can sense that and I am done with your screening. We can start your training tomorrow." After discussing the terms and use, they marched out of the room.

    " Leena sister." Lisa hesitated." Can I have a selfie with you?"

    "Sure."After her selfie session, Lisa walked out watching her photos with Leena and thinking of a way to design her wall.

    "Do you have 5 minutes of your precious time?" Reese pressed. " Megan''s marriage is in 2 weeks and you haven''t approved her leave"

    "Wedding! Send her in." A wicked smile stered on Leena''s face. I still have time for the next session. Let''s enjoy the show.

    "Don''t you dare your little pranks and scare that poor soul Leena." Reese was getting scared of that sinister smile.

    "It''s not like I will eat her. Now shoo." Reese went out with a grumpy face cursing her.

    .....

    "Hello, Miss Leena" Megan greeted her sweetly.

    "Oh please, Megan. Am I that scary? And I am not a professor! Call me Leena." Of course, you are a scary witch. Megan internally cursed her.

    "This is my marriage invitation and my leave has been put on hold. Can you__"

    "Why Marriage?" Leena asked.

    "Huh?"

    "Reason for your marriage?" Leena pressed.

    "My parents have arranged it," Megan answered with a sweet smile.

    "I can understand your situation and every parent worry over their children. But I can convince your parents and dy. What do you say?" Even though Leena was putting a stoic front she was internallyughing like a crazy idiot. I love teasing my employees. Megan knew this situation woulde and her team has already prepared her. She is not going to back off from her fight

    "Ummm. It''s getting hard from my mom to do house chores. So she needs a son inw." Megan was internally cursing herself foring up with such a thought even though they are well off.

    "Make sure you dump all the utensils to your fiance and don''t let him get utensils cleaning machine." Leena said in a deadpanned voice.

    Megan was happy that she has finally aplished her task. When she looked up, she met Leena''s eyes in anticipation. Still, I have to give an exnation?

    "My hand hurts with all the bags I have to carry when I go shopping." Megan was literally crying for her poor boyfriend. She has never made him hold a food packet at least.

    "Good job. You should be the one to wear pants in your house. Next?" Leena looked into her eyes eagerly.

    "My dad''s ie is not enough to appoint a servant. So he is nning to get a son inw."

    "Perfect. Now you are eligible for marriage. Your leave is granted. Go for your honeymoon. Let him enjoy before the cmity strikes." Leena pped with excitement.

    Megan awkwardly smiled and dashed out of the room after her job is done while Reese was pacing in the corridor biting her nails. Megan exined the entire conversation happened over the room and Reese shocked with the events. Where does this idiote up with all those ideas?

    "Reese, I have a request," Megan whispered. Her energy is fully drained out after talking to Leena.

    "What is it," Reese awkwardly asked.

    "Can you not bring her to my wedding?" Megan pleaded.

    "I will try my best. Now go and have some coffee. Trust me You need it after talking to her." Both nodded in understanding and parted their ways.

    Reese dashed into Leena''s office without even knocking and threw the file she was holding on the table while Leena jumped with the sudden intrusion.

    "Easy Reese darling. Your frowning lines are clearly visible on your forehead and that is the reason I asked you to start facial exercises at an early age!" Leena neared to her squeezing her creased forehead.

    "Sadistic woman. You clearly knew Megan is in love with his fianc��." Reese angrily swatted Leena''s hand from her forehead.

    "You know the satisfaction when she is berating her fianc��. It was a melody to my ears." Leena closed her eyes and smiled in satisfaction.

    "You are not going to her marriage, Leena. Over my dead body!" Reese was having a migraine with Leena''s sinister actions. She knew the things she would blurt out if she makes out to the marriage. Last time when Renya hase back to the office after wedding, Leena has asked to contact her if she ever fights with her husband in the future and she will take care of her in the future. The poor woman was shocked to the core and now Megan. She will not let history repeat.

    "Well, I have to make sure my employee is safe." Which dress should I wear to the party? backless or ball gown?

    "Why do I feel so refreshed now." Leenazily stretched her body like azy cat and walked out.

    " "

    "Dear God! I know you are omnipresent! Please bring an equally sadistic man to tame this sadist woman on priority" Reese pleaded.

 Chapter 11 - Wang Devin

    The sun was zing like raging pellets in the sky despite the early spring. Arge house nestled in an enormous garden with a vast stylish outdoor swimming pool. A man dived into the shallow, still water in the scorching sun, the bursting water sent into million ripples and wrinkles. His razzle face clean and clear in the water. He swam in ecstasy with the water, further advancing into deep waters pounding with his arms and striking against the water again and again, strong and powerful. The whole world went into oblivion, for he had himself.

    He plunged over a stretch, kicked his legs, and turned aroundmencing with the nextpse of strokes, swimming steadily over the water. He was thrusting vigorously, violently with his arms against the cold water, clearly enticing and thrilling, and suddenly shifted his weight and rolled into a double somersault and started moving swiftly with a butterfly stroke. He was all alone in the waters, stroke after stroke, his body without any connection to the outside world.

    After a long stretch, he jumped out of the pool, water droplets oozing and dripping over his naked torso, his sturdy physique glistened with the zing sun. He strolled to the lounger and picked up his long ringing phone.

    "Hello." His deep resonant voice heard as a rising storm.

    "Schedule the meeting, I will be in an hour." He cut the call, wrapped a towel, and strolled into the house, his ripped muscles flexed with each footstep.

    ....

    The raven hair he groomed was trimmed to perfection, his hazel eyes which he inherited from his mother gleamed in delight. Handsome, in an understated way, his chiseled jaw and broad shoulders spoke of his years of athletic strength. No wonder he was model covered in the top magazines. He always carried himself with purpose and authority and the moment he walked out of the house, he could hear the loud voices from the distance.

    "Look! it''s Devin!" A young girl screamed and pointed.

    "OMG! It''s really Wang Devin! He is more handsome in realpared to those magazines. No wonder he is named as the whole package." Another girl voiced out loudly.

    "Holy Jesus! His sculpted body! He looks like a Greek God!"

    "Despite he left the modeling industry, his stardom has not even reduced an inch!"Another whisper heard from the crowd.

    WANG DEVIN.

    His name was enough to send the world over frenzy, a rare mystique surrounding his vibe, the world''s renowned runaway model, entered the modeling industry at 14, created havoc in the fashion industry, skyrocketing to the world. With his sharp looks and dapper style, he refined masculinity. He graced the covers of all the world''s exclusive brands and magazines, fame followed everywhere he went. Despite his early career in the modeling industry, he graduated from the famous business university INSEAD from France. After the sessfulpletion, heunched a fashion brand WD at an early age of 21, and 7 years from then, it is widespread over the countries. His very name speaks to power and wealth.

    He was fully aware of the stares he has been gathering from the crowd for years and it continued even after he left the modeling industry, indeed his fame spread even more after theunch of his own brand. Everywhere he went, he garnered attention. Despite his stardom, he was never arrogant when he was approached as a person. He warmly smiled at his fans and walked away to WD.

    "OMG! He smiled at me." A young girl screamed in delight

    "And his Hazel eyes are gorgeous."

    "Why is he so sweet. I envy his future wife."A girl murmured

    ....

    WD

    "I wonder what is the meeting about?"

    "Did you inform the new fashion designer for the early meeting."

    "OMG! I forgot that part. After all, the meeting was scheduled in a frenzy. What do I do now? our CEO would arrive at any time."

    "That''s fine. Go, make a call now. Sir would understand the situation."

    The employees of WD were in chaos with the sudden unnned meeting and the crowd was pacing back and forth pressing calls to the important people to report the sudden conference. The faint rugged footsteps they perceived at the distance intensified and the slightmotion of the crowd stopped when the ss door was pushed open and a tall man walked into the enormous conference hall, his custom suit embracing the sturdy built.

    "Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen! I hope you are not bothered by the suddenmence of the meeting today!" Devin walked into the hall carrying himself with a kingly aura and settled in his chair crossing one leg over the other. His cologne left a vapor of oriental woody cinnamon scent to the gathering when he passed by. Women ogled at this hot creature while men envied of his ruddy physique.

    "Morning Devin. No offense and we are d to have a little gather with the board. So what is the agenda of the sudden meet?" A middle-aged man, the director of the WD, Daniel Shaw questioned in excitement.

    "Well, before that I would like to show you something. Liam, dim the lights and connect the thumb drive." Devin ordered and edged to the billboard to address the meet.

    "This is the revenue growth of WD for the past 7 years, it rose 48.9% as reported with 83.4% of total revenue. And with the start of our new branch in Europe, the growth expanded 53.5% across the countries. We have almost conspired the world except for Asia and now it''s time to conquer it."

    "Maybe we can start with China sir? After all, It''s a highly popted country." Zoe Wright, a fashion designer of WD excitedlymented while everybody started nodding in agreement. Devin frowned and crossed his arms.

    "Miss Wright, If at all you have forgotten or ignored, our brand is eco-friendly and guilt-free.To set up a store in China?" Devin snickered.

    "China is known for testing on animals of any imported cosmetics. And it''s against WD ethics, Miss Wright." Daniel Shaw pressed.

    "I am sorry sir. It was a pure mistake from my end." Zoey apologized.

    "You have been working here for 3 years Zoey and you ignored the simple thing we do care? Prepare our statistics growth for 7 years and on my table tomorrow! Period!

    "__"

    Just for a single mistake!

    Devin ignored her wide eyes and flipped another slide of the presentation and pointed. "WD is very famous over Korea but weck a store. So why not, we set up a branch over there. It will hit our revenue growth massively.."

    "And we need a model to promote over Korea," Dennis added.

    "Exactly." Devin pressed.

    "Why don''t you be the model Mr. Wang? You are very popr overseas. Besides, your family roots have Korean origin." The board suggested.

    "We need a female model also. After all, we areunching women''s designs too. So?" Devinzily questioned

    "Emily Harper. She is currently very famous and__"

    "She has a history of sleeping with many men. Besides she is a stic beauty." Devin remarked.

    "Sophia Turner."

    "Too old."

    "Gracy Webb. She is young and__"

    "Too bulky." Devin cut off.

    "Helen Thomas. She has a curvacious fi__"

    "Too thin," Devin rejected.

    What is this situation? All the suggested names were the top models in the industry and he is not even satisfied with one. No wonder he is still single.

    "I have a name in my mind." Daniel proposed. "But She has stopped her modeling career and busy with her ownpany now. I am afraid she wouldn''t agree to the proposal."

    Everyone stared at Daniel with curiosity for the name he would suggest.

    "Leena Hayes." He continued. "She has gained poprity with her own ability and she is very famous overseas."

    ''Leena Hayes'' The name was ringing in Devin''s ear for the past 4 years but he has neither seen nor met her. It''s not easy to gain stardom in such a short time. He very well knew Hayes family, is she from that family? But why didn''t I see her once? His interest piqued on this woman.

    "Make an appointment with her. I want to meet her directly before I decide if she is worthy."

    "Meeting adjourned." With that, Devin marched out of the conference room.

    Everybody sighed in relief after the devil walked out.

    "His cologne always makes me lose control. I wonder how I endured in the meeting." A girl remarked looking at the retreating figure.

    "And I get nosebleed by looking into his piercing eyes."

    "He is a devil. Working at WD is a curse for a single woman."

    The employees sighed and walked out.

 Chapter 12 - High Standards

    Daniel discussed the future coborations with the other managers and knocked on the door before dismissing them.

    "Come in." A t voice heard from inside.

    He pushed the door to open and walked in with a cup of coffee. Devin was working on the drafted proposal focusing and spotting the mistakes on the necessary pages. His rough hands moved swiftly while pointing out the errors. The bright golden rays cascading from the tinted floor to ceiling ss wall was enhancing his slightly bronzed skin. His suit jacket was draped over the enormous chair. He rolled his sleeves to the elbow, the arm veins bulged each time his rough hands ferociously moved pages. Daniel walked into his office room and ced the coffee cup on his desk. Devin slightly raised his head and gazed at the sudden intrusion. He smiled when he saw who the person was.

    "You don''t have to uncle Daniel." Devin sipped the coffee and closed his eyes savouring the perfectly blended vour. I should ask Harley to learn the form from uncle Daniel. She makes the worst blend of coffee.

    "Your secretary is on leave and if I am not surprised, you wouldn''t even have had breakfast in the morning. It''s high time Devin, you should get married." Daniel always treated Devin like his son and nags about his marriage just like his parents.

    "You know me very well. Thanks for the coffee and it''s way better than my secretary''s. For the wedding, you have to wait until I find my_"

    "Soulmate," Daniel added. "You have been masking us with that lie for years and you haven''t even found one."

    "Who knows I may find soon." Or I have found her already. He kept those thoughts to himself. The word soul mate reminded of the girl he saw at DewGarden park today. He felt an immediate connection the moment he saw her. He wondered if he is looking forward to the meeting with that weirdly cute woman. He unconsciously smiled at the mere thought.

    "Sigh! And I am waiting for that day. You have lunch with one of our investors at Phoenix. Let''s go together. Besides I am famished already." Daniel stated.

    "No. Axel will drive me." Devin instantly rejected. He grabbed his suit jacket from the chair. "We have a meeting with the Forester CEO and you will be the face of it today. Last time that lewd woman was ogling at me like I am her possession. I don''t even know what I will do if I see her today."

    "And that is the reason you are still single. She is the daughter of Foresterpany and the only heir and she is pretty. You should at least consider going on a date with her." Daniel chuckled remembering the day a girl openly dered his love in front of a crowd and he said he doesn''t like pretty faces and walked away. He very well knew how to twist his words at situations.

    "I don''t date lecherous women. Besides, I don''tck power and money. I am waiting for one woman." Buttoning his suit jacket, he grabbed his mobile to the Hotel Phoenix.

    "Alright boy. I will wait for your soulmate to arrive and now it''s time for your lunch meet." Both of them walked out of the room bickering each other.

    .....

    The moment Devin walked out of the WD, he was immediately surrounded by hundreds of reporters.

    "Mr Wang, there is a rumour that you are dating the famous actress Emily Harper. Is it true?" One of the media asked.

    "Are you tying a knot with her?"

    This is the truth about celebrities. Everything about them would be a sensation to the media and Devin being the top celebrity, all the paparazzi eyes are on him alone. Devin was long used to thesements and did not even bother to nce at them. He walked away, but they did not leave him.

    "Are you saying goodbye to your single status finally?"

    "You both have checked-in and checked-out of the same hotel in Los Angeles. Emily Harper has already confirmed your rtionship status."

    His footsteps suddenly stopped when he heard the reporters onement. The atmosphere around him changed which frightened the entire reporters. His rough footsteps marched forward like a monster ready to pound on his prey. All the reporters gulped in terror and nervously backed of seeing his murderous aura.

    "Which media?" Devin demanded. His voice raged like a volcano.

    "Wit_ness" The reporter stuttered with the mere sight of him.

    "Whatever her name is, tell her. WANG DEVIN has very high standards and she is nowhere in reach. Next time if she tries her cheap tricks, there will be no her in New York City and it applies to you also." The reporter scared out of death by his merement and nodded his head fervently. He knew Wang Devin can wipe out his name with just a flip of his finger. He was blinded by that woman''s money and instantly regretted awakening the devil from his sleep.

    ...

    "To the Phoenix." Axel opened the door and started the car.

    Devin closed his eyes and massaged his forehead. Instantly the girl popped into his mind. You again? I have seen you only once and you have slipped into my mind twice. He sighed and a sweet smile stered on his face when he reminded of her smile and his thoughts instantly flew back to DewGarden. He went there for some business and spotted a girl ying with a mere leaf and even when someone approached her, she did not even bother. He was about to reach her aid when she was being harassed, She surprised him by twisting that douchebag''s arm. The meek little cat ying like a child turned into a lioness instantly. And what was that rhyme?

    Spring ising? Time for cleaning?

    What are those? Rhyming words? Devin was grinning like an idiot thinking about her while Alex couldn''t help but looked into the rearview mirror to see his rare smile.

    ....

    Leena was about to sleep when a notification popped up on her mobile. She jumped like a child when she saw a picture was uploaded by her favourite photographer VinqueAero on Instagram. It was just uploaded and there are already thousands of likes andments? I envy that person. All VinqueAero portraits are unique and stunning and some of the photos even appeared on the covers of National Geographic Channel. But no one has ever seen and doesn''t even know if it is a man or a woman. She intently gazed at the photo and felt like she had been to this ce. Where did she see? She wondered. The portrait was too beautiful, she found it difficult to recognize the reality from illusion. She dismissed that thought, liked andmented on the photo and soon fell asleep peacefully to replenish her energy for tomorrow.

    Never in her life, she would have thought tomorrow would be the biggest shock of her life.

 Chapter 13 - Doomed

    Reese was continuously ringing the doorbell and when the other person didn''t bother to open, she entered the password and stepped inside the bedroom directly. Leena was dozing on her back while the carrot''s face was resting on her head.

    "Hello Miss Ko, get up. We have nned to go to a resort today. Did you forget?" Reese tried to wake her up, but the snoozing bug rolled to the other side.

    "10 more minutes Reese. I am very sleepy. Saturdays are my favourite right?" Leena said in azy voice. She always felt sluggish when the mornings arrived.

    "Hey! You have to prepare for breakfast. I am hungry." Reese pouted but the other party was not in a mood to listen. Saturday''s always turned magic on Leena.

    Reese sighed and went into the kitchen to prepare herself. After an hour, a slight burning smell entered her nostrils which woke from her sleeping daze. Leena jumped from her bed and dashed into the kitchen immediately

    "Reese Allen, What did you do to my kitchen. Don''t you have a kitchen in your home? Why do you have to destroy mine? Do you n to destroy my baby nts also?" Leena roared. Her kitchen was entirely burnt in the process of making pancakes. Reese sheepishly looked down twiddling with her fingers.

    " Sorry, Leeeeenaaaa darling." Reese pouted and hugged Leena to coax which instantly worked on her.

    "You know that works on me and you always do it. Alright, let''s get ready and rock at the resort. I have got something to show you. Come let''s go to the bedroom." She took her to the bedroom

    "They are beautiful. Where did you get these from." Reese asked touching the smooth fabric of the dresses.

    "I have custom designed by someone. Even Jane, carrot and little Cutie has the same design. Since they are touring Europe, We can''t go together. I miss little cutie a lot." Leena started dropping her shoulders.

    "Thank God that monster is not here. She is a devil in disguise." She said.

    "She is a kid."

    "She doesn''t act like one and she hates me." Reese pressed.

    "Because you stole her favourite hairband and she spanked you." Leena giggled and suddenly she heard a beep from her mobile and looked at the content of the message.

    Dumbledore: [Come to Heacis mansion tomorrow. Don''t get that drowsynose with you]

    Drowsynose? Leenaughed looking at Reese clutching her stomach. Should I tell this nickname to her?

    "Why are youughing like a nut suddenly?" Reese asked.

    "Reese, my forever Francy asked my presence at Heacis mansion. Wanna tag along with me?" Leena asked.

    "No way. I can''t stand his jealousy." Reese still remembered the way he was throwing daggers at her for stealing his space with Leena.

    "He is a jealous freak! All right, I will go alone. He will throw tantrums if I tag someone with me and I am hungry Reese. My kitchen is destroyed by you and I am in no mood to clean the mess. Do something." Leena said.

    "Uncle Pumpkin?" Reese eximed pointing her thumb to the door.

    "You are a life saviour. Let''s go." Leena jumped from her bed when she thought about his delicious food.

    "Uncle Condom! Uncle Condom." Reese was calling him banging the door while Leena was ringing the bell.

    "Reese can''t you withstand calling that name. It''s so weird to hear."

    "It''s a unique name," Reese said.

    "It''s not even his real name," Leena mumbled and the door opened, a man emerged out in his pink night outfit.

    "Where are both girls going in these cute dresses?" Uncle Pumpkin asked.

    "We are going to a resort uncle Condom," Reese said.

    "And why are you here?" He asked.

    "I am hungry," Reese said.

    "And she burnt my kitchen. I can''t make food." Leena pressed.

    "Well, if you take me to the resort, then I will make your favourite blueberry oatmeal waffles." Both Reese and Leena gave a double thumbs-up voicing they have agreed.

    After the heartful breakfast, uncle pumpkin went to have a shower and when he was not showing up for two hours, both got worried.

    "Why is he taking so long," Reese asked.

    "It''s been two_" The door suddenly pushed open and the man turned up in a tight beige-coloured one-piece semi-transparent sheer jumpsuit with the patterns of a snake thickly covering only his main parts. Reese''s mouth widened while Leena almost fell down from the couch.

    "Shall we leave now?" Both nodded their heads awkwardly with their mouths still wide opened. When all the trio walked along with carrot into the beautiful Serene resort, as expected the crowd started giving weird looks.

    "Everyone''s eyes are on us. What do we do?" Reese whispered.

    "At least happy that the thick coloured snake pattern has covered his main part. Now keep quiet and walk." Leena whispered back. But uncle pumpkin was showing off his weirdly beautiful outfit to everyone. After all the activities of snorkelling, ying in waters, golfing, SPA and all, the three were utterly tired

    "I need to go washroom. My dder is full of all the juices I had. Want to apany me?" Leena was utterly tired.

    "I am tired. Go alone." Reese said slumping on the nearby swimming pool. Leena got up and headed to the washroom when her mobile phone rang. Her nerve twitched with the contact name appeared on the screen.

    "What?" Her angry voice instantly raised.

    "I am not going for any date! What?... What if he is your friend and likes me. You are most weed to date him. If you call me again, I am going toin to your wife that you are harassing me." She cut off the call before the other person could speak anymore. What does he think of me? It''s a long time that I have threatened him right? Let hime back from Europe. He needs punishment. Her erged dderbined with her anger red up and she swiftly opened the restroom door to release everything and strolled inside without knowing which washroom she has entered.

    The moment she went inside, she screamed in terror when she looked at something while the other person red at her furiously. That thing! That thing!

    OMG! Leena! What have you done! Where have you entered! You are definitely doomed!

 Chapter 14 - Awakened The Devil

    Holy Banana Pants! What just happened!

    Did I really push myself into a grave hole today!

    Just when Leena closely focused on thevatory partitions, she realized the havoc she had created in the men''s washroom. Her jaw dropped to the floor in shock and embarrassment when she gazed up and down at the man to confirm the incident she witnessed was real and the next words he voiced out was a pure loss of face to her.

    "Hello, Miss Pervert! Look up! This is not an X-rated reality show! If you are done gawking at it, can you turn aside? It''s hard to continue my unfinished job with your hungry stares." His orotund voice swiftly awakened from her trance and realized her eyes have still not moved away.

    "I am really sorry!" Leena whispered in embarrassment. Her apology is the least self-respect she can give to this man for trespassing his privacy. How she wished to dig a hole and bury herself for a lifetime. She turned away to walk out of the room. The moment she touched the doorknob, it was unfastened from the other end and then entered two middle-aged men breaking into the room swiftly. The duo froze in shock when they looked at a certain woman.

    "Aaaaaaa!" The man''s piercing voice echoed into the room.

    "Aaaaaaa! A woman in men''s restroom!" Another uncle screamed clutching his both hands over his chest in a protective manner.

    "Holy Water! What era is this!"

    Leena closed her eyes annoyingly. Can this day get any better? At first, it was only one man and now I have to deal with these uncles and what is that uncle thinking of her by grasping his hands over his chest for protection. Her anger red up instantly. How she wanted to strangle these two potatoes.

    "It''s not like I have seen yours. You lollipops! Why are you freaking out like a woman?" Pointing towards the man standing at the other end, she voiced out loudly. "He himself is notining even after I have seen his."

    She immediately closed her mouth shut with the content she bbered. The man at the other end coughed loudly at her choice of words.

    "I have never seen someone as shameless as you. Wait for a harassment notice from mywyer Miss Pervert. Even if I don''t know your name, I will turn this city upside down until I find your doorstep." He knew this little fox would not reveal her name even if he demands. Anyway, I have other ways to find about her and disappeared not before giving a cold stare to the other uncles.

    " "

    "Did we offend him?"

    "I don''t think so."

    "Then why is he looking at us like we have mistaken someone."

    .....

    "Did you really enter into men''s washroom?" Uncle Pumpkin and Reese wereughing on the floor clutching their stomach. They did not even bother to entertain the weird stares the crowd was granting.

    "How embarrassing! What does everyone think of me? Hey! Should I die? or Should I go into hiatus for some time!" Leena was crying and tugging her neatly groomed hair into a mess to the point of pulling out her roots. Hungry stares?Woah! He is one high self shameless man. I did not even see that thing properly. Suddenly she realized something and cursed at herself.

    "Reese, What do I do now? He warned me that there will an issue of harassment letter at my doorstep for trespassing his privacy. Will he really do that?" Leena asked worriedly.

    "Don''t worry, he doesn''t even know your name. He just depicted the idea would scare you." To some extent, Reese tried to control herughter, but it was not enough. Sheughed again. At the least, this sadist''s mouth was shut by someone. Finally, she got scared of someone today.

    "Will youe and bail me if he really sues me?" Leena again asked wailing loudly like a child.

    "Drama queen, you think too much."

    "He called me a pervert Reese. Do I really look like one." Leena sobbed and tried to wipe her invisible tears.

    "Well, now you look like one." Reeseughed again.

    "Hey! No one called me that till now!" She cried again.

    "Well, he called you now. By the way, is he big down there?" Uncle Pumpkin voiced out in excitement.

    "UNCLE PUMPKIN!" Leena screamed. " You are making me look like a real pervert here! If you are that desperate go and check yourself in the washroom." Leena screamed.

    ....

    Devin walked into the resort looking everywhere to get a glimpse of someone''s face, but couldn''t find. It''s like the person has disappeared in a wink. Did she gets offended by his voice at the washroom? He pulled his hair in frustration. Just then, he found tap on his shoulders and looked at his friend Andrew.

    "What''s wrong? Are you searching for someone? Are you still frustrated at me for dragging you here? This resort has many games and I want to enjoy them with you." Andrew pouted.

    "Drew, I need your help. Get each and every person''s details along with their photos checked into the Serene hotel today and send it to my mail. I need it as soon as possible." Devin was already getting impatient to know about the little kit.

    "Why?" Andrew''s curiosity piqued. As fas as he knew, his best friend would never ask about anyone''s name, forget about information.

    "I have to sue someone." He stated in a monotonous tone. Drew rolled his sleeve shirt and marched forward in a gangster avatar.

    "When did you be a tragic actress?" Devin pulled him back dragging his cor.

    "Who dared to touch Wang Devin''s bottom line. They will have to see my wrath today."

    ''A little kitty who stole my heart.'' He kept that thought to himself.

    "No one. First, get the information which I asked you." He stated and left the resort. Good that I was the only one in the washroom. He can''t even imagine other men being there. Never in his life, he would have thought, this would be the situation, he would meet her. This is so embarrassing. What should I tell our future children if they ask about how he met their mommy? Devin suddenly stopped in the tracks when he realized something. What are you thinking Devin? He cursed at the thought.

    ...

    Leena finally got into her bed and looked at the sleeping carrot and sighed. What a day! She wished to go back to a day before to avoid all these dramas. She slumped on to the bed and entered into a deep slumber after some time or so she thought.

    Leena was screaming and waving her imaginary hands in protest just when she was dragged away by the Police when the court admitted her for being guilty.

    "No. I didn''t. Uncle Police, please don''t take me. I am innocent. I did not see anything."

    She red from her bed in the middle of the night only to find it was a dream. It''s a dream! It''s a dream! Will he reallye for me? Leena cried. Dear God! Never ever make that man appear in front of me. In exchange, I will not eat my favourite banana for the entire day.. She sped her hands and prayed as if her life depended on it and copsed on to the bed again without thinking she has awakened a certain devil and he is already making his own ns.

 Chapter 15 - Darling Baby

    Leena jumped out of her bed when she couldn''t escape from her constant dream of being dragged away by police uncle after being used of guilty. He will not go to that extent, right? He will not! She convinced herself with that thought and leaped into the bathroom and screamed in terror like a howler monkey when she focused her eyes in the mirror.

    Is this my face? Why do I look like I have aged a decade in one day?

    She freshened up reluctantly. After her shower, she walked into her closet and put on a beautiful blue floral dress which ended right before her mid calves, the long sleeves red loosely stopped at her slender wrist giving her a baby look. It''s a vintage style dress and she loved them. Her Francy brought for her when he went on a business trip to Korea.

    My face still looks like a ghost! What should I do? If Francy looks at my avatar, he would definitely freak out and pester me until he gets to the root of the issue. Leena immediately got a solution in her brain for that and neatly applied concealer under the crease of her eye bags to cover them and looked at the mirror. Aish! this concealer! It has really hidden my true beauty.

    Carrot has already finished her potty when Leena walked out of the bedroom and that was a big task for her.

    "You did a good job buddy." She praised her and both hopped into the car and drove off to Heacis Mansion.

    .....

    Arge mansion was enclosed in a wide beautiful enchanted garden. Heacis mansion has a wide variety of flowers and the spring has brought the sounds of many birds into the garden. Buds begin to flower the trees sshing with color adding tranquillity to the enormous mansion. A small pond was nuzzled in the middle of the garden with the blooming lotus flowers. It was a peaceful ce to calm the minds.

    A tall person was sitting on an enormous desk in his study room looking at the file his secretary Ashton has received from one of the media about his darling baby. Even in his forties, his age did not diminish the handsome looks instead it added maturity with confidence and positivity, Francis Hayes, a man of devious personality, as sly as a fox when dealing with others, except the apple of his eye. He heaved Hayes enterprises to another level with his outstanding business capabilities.

    "Little Leena has made into headlines again with her friend Reese sir." Ashton clearly could feel the anger of his boss. The media would regret putting it on the headlines.

    "Contact the media and suppress the articles. It''s of no use warning them. No doubt that monster will make another headline tomorrow and I am tired of reprimanding the media every time." Francis closed his eyes kneading his temples. This spoiled brat is getting crazier day by day. It''s time to set my n and trap her in marriage. He already has someone in his mind and only that person can control this spoilt kid.

    "Roger that_"

    "Sir Francis!! Little Leena is here!" The loud piercing voice of a woman echoed into the mansion and the secretary has to put an end to his mouth when Francis rushed out of the room. He was smiling when he heard his baby darling has arrived fast today.

    Ashton exhaled a deep breath. Look at him, just now he was scolding her and now he is running like a child the moment Leena arrived. Should I click a picture and show it to all the employees how their autocratic boss is behaving like a child. But I guess no one will believe me.

    When Francis raced into the living room, he noticed Leena was talking sweetly and he rooted to the spot smiling warmly at her.

    "Aunt Grace, don''t call me little. I have grown up into a big baby now." Leena pouted. She was always treated like a little baby in the Haecis mansion.

    "Even after you grow old, you will still be our little Leena." Grace pinched her nose and finally turned to the attention seeker. "Carrot baby you are here? Get inside the kitchen. I have prepared your favorite food." Carrot jumped when she heard about the food and dashed to the kitchen.

    "By the way, Where is uncle Caleb?" Leena asked looking everywhere without knowing someone was ring daggers at her.

    "That husband of mine is in the kitchen since morning! He woke up at 5 to prepare all your favorite dishes. God knows what kind of dishes he is preparing until now!" Grace and Caleb have been living and serving in Haecis mansion even before Leena was born and they are very loyal to Francis.

    "He sure loves me a lot." Leena giggled sheepishly.

    "Who loves you more than me." Just then Francis roared and rushed to Leena''s side when he sensed his position was upied by that annoying Caleb. He always finds a way to lure my baby with his food.

    Leena pressed her lips. Herees my jelly! Too bad, I expected his presence even before I could admire his uncle, Caleb. Leena deliberately praised uncle Caleb to annoy him. God! I love my Francy''s little jealousy.

    Aunt Grace sighed at these two. Their banter is going to start now and she is in no mood to listen. Pestering my annoying husband is better, she thought.

    "You look pale? Do you have a fever?" When Francis noticed her dark eye bags, he was frightened to the core and instantly tried to touch her face to check for fever but Leena backed off. Francis closed his eyes in anger. She hasn''t gotten over her past still? How I wish to kill that bastard with my own hands.

    "No! I don''t have a fever!" Leena immediately retorted. Did hee to know about my adulterous act yesterday? Leena! you are doomed if Francyes to know about it. He will kill me.

    "Then why are you not talking properly with me?" Something is wrong with this brat, that Francis was sure.

    "Do I have to talk properly every time with you?" Leena screamed at him and slumped on the couch. She was batting with her dreams for the entire night with no sleep and she was utterly tired now and he is making her anger rise again.

    This temper of hers! Where did she inherit?

    "Grace." He called. " Prepare her favorite banana smoothie first."

    "NOOO!" Leena immediately rejected getting up from the couch. Aunt Grace and Francis looked at her suspiciously with the behavior of hers.

    "I am fasting." She lied looking down. You have made a deal with God Leena. So stick with that for today even if it''s tempting.

    "I am tired of her tantrums Grace. Every day she woulde up with one or the other. Go and prepare it." Grace nodded and went inside the kitchen.

    "I will not drink it even if you prepare." Leena loudly screamed at him. I will not drink today at any cost.

    .....

    Leena and Francis were sitting in the dining table while aunt Grace was serving breakfast. Uncle Caleb was still in the kitchen preparing his unending dishes. Leena was looking at the food on her te, but her eyes always darted to that one ss. She can drink it right! That jinx doesn''t even know my name, forget about where I stay. She smiled mischievously with that thought and slowly grabbed the ss and started drinking savoring the sweetness. Francis wasughing inwardly at her every gesture.

    "Complete your food. We will go and see your mother.." Leena excitedly nodded when she heard about her mother. She is going to see her mom after a long week

 Chapter 16 - Brain Injury

    After the hearty breakfast, Leena and Francis went to the famous NYU Care hospital. Francis was a very respectable man in society, so they were escorted directly to the high-end suite by the hospital team. Leena and Francis went inside the room and nced at the woman resting on the hospital bed with different sets of IV pipes and gravity tubes inserted into her veins and shoulders.

    "Heather, your daughter is here." Francis gently smiled at her and guided Leena towards the bed.

    "Ma, How are you? It''s been a week I have seen you." Leena grasped her mother''s hand and lightly squeezed it.

    "I missed you lot mommy. Did you miss me?" Leena whispered. Heather blinked her eyes in response. A tear dropped from Leena''s eye seeing her mother in the same bed for 19 years. Since 15 years, she has onlymunicated with only gestures. She was a famous Cardio Surgeon in New York City but now she is confined to the hospital bed for 2 decades. Her brain was severely damaged in a major tampered car ident. She was barely breathing when someone saw her at a riverbed and brought her to the hospital and she went into aa for 4 whole years surviving only with the IV, ET tubes. There was only little probability doctors told she would survive, but Francis did not leave the least possibility. He got her treated with the top Neuro Surgeons for her brain injury and gradually Heather started showing a little response after that. She blinks her eyes and moves her head in response and started identifying Leena.

    Her husband Max Hayes, has divorced Heather within 2 years of marriage. Heather as a single parent raised Leena all alone until the ident, which changed everything. Leena was only 6 when she fell into aa. Her ex-husband remarried and did not bother to look after Leena even when Heather was in death bed. He was not even there to look at Leena when she was born. Francis has shouldered all the responsibilities of Leena. Even Heather''s father and her inws did not worry about the little kid''s condition. She would have been thrown into an orphanage if not for Francis. Even though Max is his uncle''s son, Francis cut off all the ties with him after his remarriage. He shoved Leena''s responsibility on his shoulders all alone and single-handedly raised her. He doted her since the day she was born and always saved the best for her.

    "Get up soon mom. You have topensate with lots of food for all the years you are not with me." Leena warmly smiled at her. Even after Francis has given her all the love Leena wanted, she stillcked motherly love.

    Just then there was a knock on the door and a man entered looking a file in his hands.

    "There is a lot of improvement in Heather''s condition Francis. You can expect good news soon." Dr Roman, he is appointed Neuro Surgeon of Heather and the one who performed the operation on her when she was injured.

    Both Leena and Francis were surprised by the news. Atst, her mommy is going to wake up soon.

    "Thank you so much, uncle Roman. By the way, can you take Francy outside? I want to talk with my mom personally." Leena shed a wink at Roman.

    "Are you chasing me out?" Francis furiously red at her.

    "Yes, Mr Hayes. Do you have a hearing problem?"

    "Did you call me deaf just now?" Francis roared.

    "You can get it tested to know if you are really deaf."

    "Why you brat_"

    "Can you both stop your childish act. This is a hospital. Go and fight in your home if you are adamant. You can have your mommy for the whole day Leena, but don''t stress her out."

    "Roger that sir!" Leena saluted in a military-style and stuck her tongue out at Francis mocking him. He was about to go near her when Roman forcefully dragged his friend out of the room.

    "Mom, I kicked him out. I want to tell you a big secret. Do you know what I have done yesterday?" Leena was too excited to share the news with her mom, she looked at her sides to confirm none of the nurses was eavesdropping and exined about her yesterday''s events and how that person has threatened to sue her. She was continuously bbering of all her office talks with Heather, she did not even notice a person was standing next to her.

    "If you are done gossipping, can we go home? Your mom needs some rest." Leenazily looked at him. She kissed her mom''s forehead and reluctantly got up from her seat.

    While they were moving out, Heather looked at Francis and then at Leena. Francis could sense her motherly concern for a daughter.

    "Don''t worry Heather, Leena will be safe as long as I am here." He remembered when Leena had an ident 5 years back, she could not visit her mom for a year to see her and Heather being as stubborn as she is before, she did not cooperate with medical treatment until they showed her daughter. Francis did not want her to get frightened about Leena''s leg injury, so he lied and convinced that Leena went for higher studies and would be back only after a year. Even though she did not agree with his theory, she did not refuse her treatment.

    "Mom don''t worry. I am the one who bullies everyone, including Francy. You know he is very scared of_"

    "O. Why did you hit me?" Francis hit her on the head

    "There was a mosquito on your head." Mosquito in an AC room? Leena rolled her eyes internally. He is clearly taking his revenge for mocking at him.. Both walked out cursing each other.

 Chapter 17 - Rotten Bastard

    Francis and Leena went out of the hospital happily as if the earlier cursers they were throwing at each other were thrown out of the window and both reconciled in a flick. After Leena settled, Francis started the car to Haecis mansion by himself. He would not take his secretary when he is spending his time with Leena.

    Francis''s gaze was moving from Leena and back to the road continuously. He was clearly hesitating to talk about something with her but when he was about to voice out nothing woulde out of his mouth.

    "What''s wrong Francy? You look worried." Leena sensed he was bothered by something, but she is not able to pinpoint what exactly it is.

    "Nothing." He smiled turning to her leg. "Do you still feel unease with your leg?" He carefully enunciated not to bring back her past. Her countless cries in the nights when she couldn''t endure her pains were still fresh in his memory.

    "Sometimes, but I can endure a little pain and you are worrying too much." Leena pouted. Why does he always have to think about only her?

    "Don''t you want to get revenge, child? They have made your life a living hell for a year." His hands clenched around the wheel to hold back his anger and emotions.

    "We don''t have any evidence Francy." she murmured.

    "I have other ways to make them rot in hell." If not for his daughter, someone would have seen Francis Hayes''s wrath.

    "We have aw to punish people. Besides, I am happy that I can walk again now." Leena whispered gazing down.

    "If not for your spirit, you would still be sitting in a wheelchair child." He would have wiped those rotten bastards with his power, but his daughter never wanted to stain his handsying a finger on them. But he is not happy. Not until he gets his revenge.

    "You should be happy that I am still alive." She focused her eyes on the trees outside not intended to continue the topic.

    "I still thank the gods albeit I never believed in them." If something had happened to her on that night, he would never know if he could have survived by himself and the promise he made to Heather to keep her daughter safe, he cannot imagine anything.

    "Don''t you have any other fun topics to discuss Francy?" Leena was getting annoyed with his tragic acting. She already has a list of tragic Korean dramas in her bucket and looks like he is making it into a live one now with his drama.

    "I have lots." He scoffed. "I heard that old zebra has pestered you again to marry her son." Looks like that zebra still hasn''t learned a lesson even after I threatened her. Does she want my little Leena for that womanizer? In her dreams.

    "Even you think she looks like a zebra?" Leena wasughing continuously rolling on the car itself.

    "Her zebra clothes always stand outbined with her pale face."

    "Don''t worry, I have ways to deal with her." Suddenly something shed into her brain.

    "How did you know about that incident?" Leena asked suspiciously.

    "A friend happens to be there in DewGarden when he noticed you." Leena rolled her eyes at him. How cleverly he is lying. Does he think she would believe him? Wait. Then he must be knowing about that dirtball also. She suddenly pitied that person now.

    The car slowly entered into the mansion and Leena spotted someone standing at the entrance of the door as if anticipating her arrival.

    "Uncle Caleb! Here!" Leena screamed. She rolled the car window and pushed her head out waving vigorously with her hands.

    "Leena, how many times I have told not to put your head outside." Francis barked.

    "It''s inside our house, Francy. You are overreacting. Looks like you don''t want me to visit you next week." That shut him up. She unbuckled her seat belt and rushed towards Uncle Caleb.

    "Little Leena, how are you?" Caleb guided her inside before someone could grab her attention. "I was making your favorite dishes in the morning and I missed seeing you. I have already prepared dinner for you. Come and taste the magic of your uncle''s hand." Leena excitedly nodded her head when she heard about his food.

    "How is it?" Caleb asked in excitement.

    "What a waste of your skills. You should have been a master chef uncle." Leena gave double thumbs. "Where is Carrot? I don''t see her anywhere?"

    "She is ying with your aunt Grace." Just then someone approached and plonked in front of them.

    "You glutton, always talking about food or showing off your clothes. Finish fast ande to my study." Francis barked and went inside.

    ''Come to my study.'' Leena mimicked him like a child.

    "He is just jealous that I am grabbing your attention.." Caleb grinned at the retreating figure.

 Chapter 18 - Date

    Leena entered into the study and gazed at Francis for a moment smiling warmly. How lucky was her to have him as a father. He might not be her real father, but he is more than a father to Leena. He has shaped her into a strong and independent girl who can survive by herself.

    "You are working overtime Francy." Leena went towards him and closed the file he was reading.

    "I have no choice. Your cousin shoved all his responsibilities and now touring in Europe." Francis tried to snatch the file but the stubborn child cut him off.

    "That annoying brother. I will give him a good beating for making you work overtime once he is back." A knock was heard from outside and uncle Caleb entered into the room.

    "Max Hayes has sent an invitation to her daughter''s birthday. Should I decline?" He questioned.

    "Uncle Caleb, do you have to ask? it''s a clear no." She still doesn''t understand why that person always pesters them even if they don''t acknowledge him and how many times that jackass will marry. This is his third marriage. God knows what all diseases he got transmitted with. His wife is poop and his daughter is a poop head. What a douchebag family.

    "ept it," Francis proposed.

    "Why do we want to go to that poop head''s birthday." She doesn''t understand how her Francy''s mind works sometimes.

    "Leena,nguage. Where are you learning all these words." Francis reprimanded her and Leena pouted.

    "He always degrades you and don''t you want to take a little revenge on him. If not for you, you should at least go for your mom and teach him a lesson." Leena did not like the idea of going but she reluctantly agreed when she heard about her mom.

    "Alright. It''ste now. Stay here for the night. You can go directly to Bliss tomorrow." Francis informed looking at the wall clock

    "I hate traveling in the mornings and I don''t like staying_"

    "Fine then. I brought a dress you asked when I went to Parisst week. Looks like I don''t need to give you now." He looked at her excitement the moment she heard about the dress andughed internally. The only way to lure her is through her favorite dresses.

    "What are you talking Francy!" Leena eximed. " I would love to stay here."

    "But you hate traveling in the mornings right?"

    "No. I am a morning person and I love them. Now tell me where did you keep my dress." She was getting impatient to see that fabric. Will it fit in me? of course, I have an amazing body right.

    "It''s in your bedrooms walk-in cl_" Before he could finish Leena rushed into her room. Both Francis and Caleb wereughing at the rushing figure.

    "How is Heather Francis?" Caleb questioned seeing Leena is not here.

    "She is fine and there is a chance she may wake up soon." He was anticipating seeing her happy face again.

    "Did you find any clue on how the car got tampered?"

    "Dead end. Looks like the person who has done this vanished into a thin air. There is no clue about him or her." Francis always gets a hold of a person from any corner even they are lurking in shadows. But this person has nned perfectly everything without leaving any clues.

    "Do you suspect Max?" He questioned.

    "He would be rotting in hell by now if he is the one." His foolish cousin is not even capable of hiding a day if he had reallymitted the crime.

    "We have to find the person out before they make a move on heather again." Francis determined to catch that person at any cost.

    "By the way, Are you really going to the party?" Caleb asked sitting on a chair.

    "I am not. Only Leena." Francis pressed.

    "How can you send her alone Francis? What if something happens to her there?" Now he was having a second thought to ept the invitation.

    "Someone is going to be her date." Francis viciously smiled and looked at Caleb.

    "You sly fox. If she knows about it, you are done." Caleb chuckled. Even though Caleb works for him, Francis always treated him as a brother and they talk with each other like friends.

    "She will never know unless you unzip your mouth." He is afraid that his annoying friend would vomit out everything in excitement and ruin his ns.

    "Will he agree? They don''t even know each other." Caleb excitedly asked. He always liked that boy for little Leena since they were young but Francis did not let him meet Leena after that one incident. He really pitied that small boy.

    "There is still over a month for the event. I have enough time to introduce each other." Francis was mentally making a note to contact Frederick.

    "By the way, I heard Lucas Richard from Richards family was taken away by police formitting adultery at a hotel." Caleb was looking intently at his friend, but he is clearly hiding his expression.

    "Why are you telling me this?" Franciszilymented.

    "Because it happened after he had an encounter with Leena."

    "I don''t know what you are talking about." Francis walked out of the room before he could be caught.

    "I really pity Little Leena''s future husband Francis" Caleb murmured. He still remembered the day Leena was born, Francis had held her tiny self with his own hands, and from the day one, he always doted on her. He even made her study in a famous all-girls school shooing all the boys away from her. He wanted her to solely focus on studies without any distractions. Even though she did not mind, she threw a tantrum when he had nned for the same to her university also. He reluctantly agreed with her choice when she did not eat for the entire day.. He has already set his eyes on certain someone for her and he was nning to amend a marriage alliance between the two when the timees, but who would have thought she would fall in love with some bastard in her university and to annoy him she has even protected him much to his knowledge until that ident.

 Chapter 19 - Nail Polish Spins The Bottle

    "Stop it carrot, I am sleepy," Leena mumbled in a drowsy voice and rolled to the other side, but the stubborn carrot even went further and continued her job persistently hitting her face with tiny paws as if pestering for her food.

    "How many times I have told not to lick my face. You are ruining my skincare routine." Leena barked at the wickedly smiling annoying carrot. She put an end to her beauty sleep and rose from her bed while Carrot went inside to pester aunt Grace for her food.

    Leena freshened up and grabbed the new dress she got form her Francis yesterday. It was a beautifully designed watermelon pink butterfly sleeve dress that ended right at her knees unting her endlessly toned legs, thanks to the vigorous yoga she has practiced and mastered for years. She put on the dress and was about to leave when she heard a ring from her mobile and looked at the contact number with a frown on her face.

    Bathroom Brother: [He will be at Azure hotel by 1''O clock. I have sent his profile by email. Don''t even dare to take Reese with you. I will kill you if you ruin this date]

    "Kill me? Is he courting death? Doesn''t he know I hold a very big secret of his?" Leena mocked him and opened her mail to check the so-called photo and the moment her eyes fell on the name, she burst outughing.

    "Tom? As in Tommy?" Leena scoffed. "Firstly, I don''t like his name at all! It''s a big no. I would not even name my Carrot with that name. He looks good, but not a match to my beauty. I will only marry someone if he is 100 times attractivepared to me and my bathroom brother can never bring such a man in this lifetime." Leena scornfully mocked at her brother and went to meet Francis before she heads to the work.

    Francis was sipping his tea and reading business news when she entered the hall.

    "Good morning Francy! How is my dress?" She twirled around once to show off her beautiful dress.

    "Average." He doesn''t want the same thing to happen again. Thest time when he praised that her dress is gorgeous, notifications popped up in his mobile with her photos and messages continuously to the point of switching off his phone to continue with his works and meetings.

    Can''t he tell I am beautiful at least once?

    "Have breakfast before you leave." He ranted and continued with his business.

    "I don''t have time." She continued her babbling walking to the door. "I have to show my dress in the office first."

    "Grace." He ordered. "Pack her breakfast. At least she can eat in the office."

    "When are youing back again?" He put on his business paper aside and looked at her intently as if anticipating her next visit.

    "Call me when you bring the dress which I have sent you over a link yesterday," Leena shouted while running to her office with Carrot trailing behind her.

    "This child." Francisughed shaking his head.

    ....

    At Bliss

    "Hey, darling. I miss you." Leen sweetly smiled at the entering figure.

    "But I didn''t. I was very happy yesterday without you. Judging by your face looks like you don''t even remember the adulterous activity you havemitted 2 days back." Reese said sitting on the chair.

    "I am a free soul and I forget things easily." Leenazily muttered and intently looked at the file Reese brought with her.

    "The director of WD has requested your appointment." She continued. "They areunching a new product in Korea and wants you to be the solo model for their brand."

    "Reject it."

    "Why?"

    "I don''t have time. Modeling had consumed lots of my timest year. Besides, I want to sleep before 10 to get a glowing look." Leena seriously remarked and went back to work.

    "WD is a worldwide famous brand, you idiot. Your fame will rise to another level if you model for it." Reese doesn''t understand how Leena could say no when such an opportunity turned up knocking at her door.

    "WD or ABCD. I don''t care. I am not doing it." Leena knew it is a good brand. Does she care? She is no mood for it.

    "At least we will go to their office once before rejecting" Reese went near her and held her hand trying to coax again. "The CEO of WD, Wang Devin is one hotty and I want to see that dishy with my own eyes again."

    "What''s his name again?" Leena asked curiously when one particr thing caught her attention.

    "Devin?"

    Devin! Leena mumbled his name again and again. That''s one beautiful name. Why didn''t mome up with such a unique name for me?

    "You know, he has entered the modeling industry at 14 and he is one fashion rakish. He is the most divine thing I have seen on this." Reese sped her hands and excitedly praised him when she sensed Leena was also starting to show interest on him.

    "14?" Leena scoffed remembering only that one word. "I was still ying, nail polish spins the bottle game at that age. It''s because of this kind of workaholics, parents are pushing their children to be productive at an early age. d that my Francy was very lenient on me."

    "Leena!" Reese barked. "Don''t degrade my prince. I am his biggest fan. You know, Even Jasper is a very good friend of him." Reese proudly used her brother''s name to gain good points for her prince.

    "That annoying brother of yours? There is a phrase I have studied in school Reese darling, birds of the same feather flock together. No wonder that so-called prince of yours is a friend with your brother." Leena scoffed.

    Reese''s tongue-tied with the sharp jabs she received. How I wish toin to them about this idiot. They would surely strangle her if theye to know that she is degrading them. Can this idiot speak normally at least for a minute? I better should go out of this ce before she starts on me.

    "I_I will inform them." Reese awkwardly said and rushed out of the room.

    .....

    By the time Leena finished training a person for continue 3 hours, she was very exhausted and was about to slump on her chair, she received a message from her brother again reminding her of the date.

    "Can''t he stop pestering me. Now I have to use Reese again." Leena cried. She was determined to make him regret today for setting up all the dates till now and went inside Reese''s cabin to drag her out.

    "Reese, I have a date today. That annoying brother has set me up again. Come, we will go and ruin it as usual." cing a hand on Reese''s shoulder, she tried to close the file with another, but thetter shoved her off.

    "Go by yourself." Reese had enough with this woman. She has garnered enough attention and even her parents are questioning her sexuality now.

    "I will take care of your food every day." She tried to coax her with the food.

    "I don''t need your charity. Man up at least once and ruin by yourself." She triggered her weak spot.

    "Do you think that I cannot even ruin that mere date? It''s a piece of cake for me." She shouted and walked out.

    Leena stepped into her car and sped off to Azure hotel cursing at her best friend. When she was about to enter, her gaze unconsciously went over to a familiar figure flirting with the receptionist.. She intently looked at the man trying to figure out who exactly it is. Where did I see this face? Is it that person?

 Chapter 20 - Handsome Boy

    Leena was searching her brain fervently to check if she had seen this person? Where did I see this face? it is way very familiar! Is it that person? Something clicked suddenly. Without wasting a second, she opened her mobile and checked the photo her brother had sent. She smiled wickedly when an idea popped up and now she can sessfully destroy the date now.

    "tch tch. Flirting on broad daylight when he is on a date with another?" She waited for him to settle in his ce first before advancing.

    "Hello." She went to the reserved table and sweetly smiled at the person. The man looked at the stunning figure in awe.

    "Hello, Leena." He extended his hand for a shake, but thetter did not even bother to see it and settled in her ce. He awkwardly pulled back his hand and smiled at her.

    "I am Tom. Closed ones call me Tommy. Of course, it''s your choice. I am fine with any name." He stated but Leena was simply nodding her head in response and the atmosphere became even more awkward when she was not even nodding to anything while he was speaking like a bbermouth.

    "You look really gorgeouspared to those magazines." Tom was looking at her intently as if he is anticipating her talk.

    "I know that and it''s a known fact. Tell me something new." Finally, she voiced out with pride while he stared at her with a wide mouth.

    Even though Leena was present at the table, her eyes were searching for one and finally her eyes locked the target on a certain person. Little did she knew, pair of eyes were already watching her moves intently.

    "You are_"

    "Handsome boy." She cut Tom off in the middle of his conversation and called a person standing at a distance toe over. The boy she called over was looking at his sides to confirm if he was the one the pretty girl had called.

    "Yes! It''s you only! Come here." The boy confirmed it was him when she waved at him fervently. He walked over to her with a blushing face.

    "Get me 2 banana smoothies." The waiter boy nodded with a smile noting mentally to make a special smoothie for this pretty girl. He was about to leave when thetter interrupted.

    "Banana smoothie means, don''t add milk into it handsome boy! Because I am allergic to dairy. Add a half cup of almond milk first, give it a little whisk, then add 2 mediumly riped bananas and blend it properly." Even though she voiced in a t tone, both the persons were awkwardly staring at her, but she continued without even bothering them. Finally! The waiter thought and started to move.

    "Leena, so what I was telling is_"

    "Handsome boy!e here! Why are you in a rush?"

    She called him again.

    "I forgot to tell the most crucial part of this smoothie."

    There is even such a thing for it? Do they have to listen to her nonsense, both the persons thought.

    "Don''t make it into a puree. I prefer my smoothies to be mediocre. When the slightly blended banana enters into the mouth, it should melt away. Keep that in point while making." She closed her eyes as if she was savoring it really while the other two were looking at her with their wide mouths. Leena opened her eyes again when she remembered that she forgot the main thing for this blend.

    "Do you know the key ingredient of this smoothie?" She asked looking at the persons still watching her with their wide mouths.

    Both shake their heads in deny.

    "A pinch of cinnamon is a must and it tastes heavenly. By the way, close your mouths. I just saw a fly roaming here." She winked at them. Both shut their mouths immediately. The waiter ran away from there, clearly scared of this woman.

    "You were telling me something?" Leena finally looked at the man and smiled.

    "Umm. No, I guess." Both went in silence for some time. Should he ask for her number? But he was really having second thought with this crazy woman.

    "Can I have your phone number?" He finally voiced out.

    "Oh! Actually, I did not pay the bills for a longer time. So they have cut off my connection."

    " "

    "Look there. That''s my Banana smoothie." Leena sped her hands excitedly. The moment the waiter boy put her smoothies down at the table, he ran away without even looking back.

    Tom pitied the boy. Shaking his head, he looked at the smoothie. A least she is thoughtful and ordered two sses and when he was about to take one, Leena cut him off.

    "Not for you. It''s for the person standing behind you. You can order it again if you want." Tom turned back to see no one standing there and looked at her curiously.

    "Her name is Lava, she recently died. She wants to leave this world after drinking a banana smoothie. So I brought her here. But you don''t need to worry. Even though I see ghosts, we can harmoniously live together. They don''t disturb us at all."

    Tom looked at her as if she hase out of another.

    "You don''t believe me?"

    "Is it? Did he really do that?"Leena stretched her ear pretending to listen to something.

    "Lava told me that you were flirting with a girl over the reception. Is it true?"

    " "

    Now he understood why his friend has notified before handy that she is a bit crack.

    "I_I need to go to the restroom.". He blurted out clearly stammering with his words. I need to leave this ce before I be a nut-like her, he thought.

    "Please take your time and slowly finish your work. I andva will wait until you arrive." He nodded and rushed to the bathroom just like the waiter without turning back. Until I arrive? Not even in his dreams. He will be d if their parents don''t send him to asylum tomorrow.

    Leena smiled mischievously when her mission is aplished. You can get everything without trying anything, Leena.

    Nice phrase! everything without trying anything!

    I can use it somewhere next time. She was giggling and talking to herself. Poor soul! I might have scared him with the ghost part. unbeknownst to her, if she has scared Tom or not, she has clearly scared one poor soul which was shaking to the core holding his friend''s hand.

    Leena was about to leave the ce. She rose from her seat when her gaze unconsciously went to the person sitting adjacent to her table. When she looked at the person clearly, she got the most shocking moment of her life.

    Again?

 Chapter 21 - Brother Of A Rusk

    An hour before.

    "Drew, Why are you dragging me when I have an important meeting in an hour and you very well knew I am a public figure right?" Devin furiously looked at his annoying best friend who was pulling him from his office.

    "You still have 2 hours for the meeting Vincy. Azure''s privacy is unerring. You don''t need to worry about your fans. Even I am very busy with many cases at my office. But I want to taste the authentic food of Azure hotel again." Thest time Drew went to Azure hotel for a lunch with Devin and he happens to drink a banana smoothie and it tasted heavenly. So here he is dragging his best friend again along with him.

    "Your fetish over that banana smoothies is not over yet?" He really wondered what''s so good about banana smoothies that Drew drinks it every day even now.

    "Don''t insult them. They are the best in the world." Drew exaggerated as if he is very proud of it.

    "No one would say that except you." He remarked shaking his head and Devin suddenly remembered something he has asked for.

    "Did you get the list of people from the Serene hotel I have asked for?" It''s been three days and this idiot did not even bother to inform anything and he was really getting impatient and that little kitten is haunting his dreams every day without fail.

    "Hey! Do you think I have time for all those? I am a famous attorney and I am very busy. You have to wait until I_"

    Devin kicked his leg interrupting him.

    "O, It hurts Vincy." Drew started his tragic acting again holding his leg, wailing like a child.

    "You still suck at acting. Now tell me the truth." He demanded crossing his arms.

    "I was ying video games." Drew sheepishly admitted when his best friend sees through his lies.

    "On my table, tomorrow or else go by yourself," Devin stated and started back to his office but the irritating Drew pounced on him.

    "All right. I will use all my powers and get that precious file on your table tomorrow." He barked at his friend and dragged him out of the office. Devin reluctantly stepped into his Maybach. He elerated his car and sped off to hotel Azure.

    .....

    Drew ordered all his favorite dishes and started eating like a starving pig while Devin was looking intently at his mobile phone ying a game. When he was about to ask if Drew has finished his food, his eyes unconsciously followed to see a familiar figure walking into the hotel in a gorgeous dress.

    Her raven hair was tied into a messy bun leaving a few baby strands falling over her sides. His heart skipped a beat when he looked at those amber-brown eyes like a pool of honey shining brighter than any night city. He was rooted to his spot again by this enthralling beauty. No. His world has stopped every time she has appeared in front of him.

    She has reached over a table and flumped on the seat clearly oblivion to all the stares she is receiving including the famous Wang Devin the moment she stepped into Azure. Devin immediately red up from his stance to meet her again. He wanted to speak with her continuously for the three days he has missed seeing, but his footsteps stopped in his tracks when he finally noticed a man sitting in front of her.

    Another man! he sighed! How many bees she will attract. But It''s not her fault right when she is drop-dead gorgeous.

    The little jealousy Devin felt without his knowledge was immediately thrown out of the window when his girl did not even encourage any sweet-talkings the man was continuously bbering.

    He knew his little kit''s temper. The way her razor-sharp tongue jabs each word, he has personally witnessed it in DewGarden. She did not even bother if he was a rich heir to teach him a lesson. A strong woman would never back off at anything, the first quality Devin liked in her.

    Judging by the way she was acting not even bothering talking to the man, he knew she would definitely give a hard time to him. Looks like I will see another crazy show from her, Devin scoffed.

    And she didn''t disappoint him.

    The moment she asked the waiter to get a banana smoothie and the way she was exining how to blend the mixture properly and the awkward stares both the men were giving to her, which she did not even bother and continued her mission, he wanted to roll on the floorughing but held back. He really pitied those two souls.

    "That must be super awkward for both of them." He closed his eyes smiling and shaking his head. That was a smooth way to ruin a date without even crossing her limits.

    God! Where does she get all those crazy ideas?

    While Devin was immersed in his own world, there was another person who was looking at the same person in awe. He is none other than our Drew. When he finished eating his food and was about to drink his favorite banana smoothie which he has kept it forst to savor the taste, one particr food from a distance ringed into his ears crisp and clear, and that immediately grabbed his attention.

    Banana smoothie.

    His mouth watered with the way she was exining it to the waiter on how to blend the mixture perfectly. It was so tempting that he wanted to taste that divine elixir on priority. He smiled with pride and happiness when he finally found a person who has the same liking as him and looked at her as if she is an angel descended from heaven, but the little happiness died down when he heard the scariest word in the world that can literally make him pee on his pants.

    Ghosts.

    The one chilling word was making Drew shake in terror as if he has seen that live Lava ghost. He knew ghosts exist, but none of his friends believed him when he tried to exin them. With a shaky hand, he held his friend''s hand for support while Devin was in his own trance looking at his little kit. He tried to brush off the little intrusion, but the stubborn Drew held him even more tightly.

    Finally, the date Leena has sessfully ruined was aplished and was about to leave the ce when she felt a pair of eyes watching her intently. Chills ran down her spine as if she has been thrown to Antarctica when she looked at one person with her mouth gagged open.

    "Close your mouth, I saw a fly roaming here." She heard a voice clear and pleasant like an evening breeze. Leena immediately shut her mouth.

    How did the tables turn?

    Despite Devin stated in a t tone, he was trying to self-control from every ounce of his body not to burst outughing. She sure will be the death of me one day. Why is she so cute?

    Leena immediately sat on her chair trying to hide under the table. Why is this jinx here? Why am I meeting him again? She cried. But why are you hiding Leena? Lookup. You have not done anything wrong this time. Give him back for copying your invented script.

    "You copy cat, brother of a rusk. Shamelessly using my own discovered screeny script." Leena angrily rebuked.

    "Well, I don''t mind being shameless for you. FYI, I have a brother and I don''t mind you calling him a rusk if it''s you." Devin shed a wink at her.

    Leena opened her mouth to reprimand him again but nothing woulde out of her. Why is this man so shameless? Didn''t he hate me? He has clearly dered he would sue me for my adulterous activity right?

    While she was in her own thoughts, there was one more person who was equally shocked looking at his best friend. Did I hear clearly? When did Vincy be so shameless?

    Devin ignored the bewildered looks of both and got up from his position. When he was about to go near his little kit, a handheld back.

    "Vincy, don''t go. She can see and talk to live ghosts." Drew uttered in a trembled voice to save his friend.

    "Drew, She is just bluffing to_"

    "I didn''t"

    "She didn''t"

    Both uttered at the same time.

    Leena and Drew looked at each other nodding their heads as if they agreed. But Devin shook his best friend''s handoff from the tight grip and walked towards her with his long legs. The tall figure has to bend down slightly to reach her sitting position.

    "Do you like banana smoothies a lot?". His voice was a melody to her ears entering into a trance. He made mental note to learn the best blend for her.

    Leena waspletely lost gazing into his clear hazel eyes, she unconsciously nodded her head when he questioned. She did not look at him properly when theyst met. Now, that she was looking at him, she was dazzled by his striking features. 100 times more charming. It was repetitively ringing into her ears. She brushed off that thoughting out of her reverie.

    "Good job. I am really proud of you. That''s a very clever way to ruin a date." Devin gently patted her head. He wondered why she is not barking at him right now the way she did earlier.

    "I hate someone touching me." Leena broke from her trance when the shameless man was patting her head as if she is a dog. She immediately swatted his hand with her index finger. Good job? Proud of me? What is this jinx thinking of me?

    "All right. I won''t." He sighed. The little kit is back to her badass mode again. At least I enjoyed her soft side for a minute.

    RING.RING.

    He has to put a stop to tease her when he heard his ringing mobile reminding of the meeting again. Can''t I postpone this meeting? No. That annoying secretary wille up with a battalion and start a war with me.

    "I have an important meeting today and they really need my presence. Don''t worry. We will be meeting again. Besides we have some matters to settle right?" He was speaking to her as if they have known for a long time. He shed a wink and mouthed a goodbye to her before walking out.

    Leena stared at the retreating figure without blinking.

    Drew looked at the walking figure nkly. Did he forget about me? He went near to Leena''s table and stared at the untouched banana smoothie. All the earlier memories flooded again.

    "Can I have this smoothie?" He asked innocently trying to hold the ss. He immediately put the smoothie down when Leena sharply gazed at him.

    "Actually, I am a very good person. He is a very bad and shameless person." Drew tried to buy his friend off. He wanted to try his luck again if he can get a hold of the ss.

    "Birds of the same feather flock together. He is one shameless idiot and you are one hungry pig." Leena kicked him on his leg and rushed out before he could catch her.

    "Oww." Drew winced in pain with the strong kick. What did I do now? It was clearly Vincy who provoked her.. Why didn''t she kick him? He cried and went out.

 Chapter 22 - 50% Discount

    Devin was sitting in his car recalling their earlier encounter. He still couldn''t believe meeting her today was a dream or real. It might only be the third encounter for him, but he felt an immediate connection the moment he saw her for the first time. He was drawn to her in the way he had never experienced before. His raging heart, beating at an elerated speed was proof of it.

    Wake up, Devin! You are acting like a teenager now.

    When he came back from his reverie, he suddenly felt something was a miss. Just then he saw a maning out of the hotel walking towards his direction. He was so immersed in teasing his little kit, he did not even pay attention to the left alone person. Drew! I am done now! I have to listen to the endless nagging now.

    "Vincy, How can you leave me alone in a room with that woman?" He walking yelled from a distance. Devin had to shut his ears immediately with the intensity he is shouting.

    "Why are you behaving as if she has taken advantage of you." He started the engine once Drew settled in the car.

    "She kicked my leg and didn''t even allow me to touch the smoothie." Drew was cursing her internally again and again. At first, she tempted him with the smoothie and then kicked him. Greedy Devil. His leg still felt numb with the powerful kick.

    "Don''t mind her. She loses temper at times." He stated as a matter of fact.

    "How do you know her! Why are you acting so shamelessly in front of her?" He was again yelling at him continuously while Devin was turning a deaf ear to everything. He has never seen Vincy acting in such a way with any woman and why it has to be that devil woman. She can even talk to ghosts. She must have cast a spell on his best friend.

    "Quiet Drew. Your voice is loud enough to wake the dead"

    "I will not allow you to be with that witch. She is_"

    "Oww." Devin hit him on his head.

    "Don''t call her that. She has used her brain to escape form a date." He would never allow anyone to badmouth his little kit even if it is his best friend.

    "Now, you are even taking her side. She has put a spell on you Vincy." Drew was fidgeting over the idea of telling all these events to their friends Will and Jasper to get their best friend out of this situation.

    "Spell!" Devin mumbled and smiled. "That exins why I am possessed."

    "Woah! You are really smitten by that witch. For god''s sake, she can talk to live ghosts!" Drew barked. I should immediately visit the Prieston church and get the holy water from uncle Johnson to put it on him. If Devin would have listened to his inner thoughts, without mercy he would have thrown him out of the car.

    "Andrew." He sighed. "Why are you scared of those invisible ghosts."

    "If I am scared, then what about your brother." He scoffed. That idiot is twenty now, he still doesn''t step in to the bathroom at nights without under someone''s watch.

    "He is still young. You are grown up to be a criminalwyer, yet when ites to ghosts you threw every logic out of the window?" He wondered if both Drew and his brother have seen something in the past to be this scared.

    "So what? Is there a rule thatwyers shouldn''t be afraid of them?" He countered. At least he is admitting he is afraid of them. There are people who put up a bold front even though they a dead scared.

    "Not a word to Will and Jasper about today. I will kill you if it goes out of your mouth." He decided to divert the topic. Every time all their friends gather together, there are two people who always end up bringing those creature stories again and again. He will not be wondered if his friend is thinking to vomit out all the contents to them already.

    Being in a happy mode, he was smiling and even whistling while driving the car thinking about her without knowing how muchmotion he has created on the other side.

    ...

    Leena walked into her office cursing and shouting for meeting that brazen man. Her employees addressed but she was in her own world.

    "What''s wrong with her?" Renya wondered. Should I inform Reese?

    "She clearly looked distressed." Naomi voiced out.

    "Looks like someone has provoked this witch." Mandy scoffed.

    Reese rushed into her room without even knocking when she was informed Leena was in a very bad mood.

    "Leena what''s wrong. I heard from Renya that you were worried about something." She hurriedly asked and wondered if she had gone too far in the afternoon.

    "Nothing!"

    "Then why are you dull?"

    "I am not."

    "Are you on period?" She asked worriedly. Her mood swings always red up when Leena is on period.

    "Are you ming on my damn period Reese Allen."

    "Hey! They have put a 50% discount on your favourite dress. Shall we go and shop it." Reese knew only shopping can calm her down during her mood swings.

    "Am I that cheap in your eyes who go after every discounted clothes! Can I have little peace for myself." She yelled. Despite she was tempted for a second with the offer, it died down when the moment she remembered him.

    Reese ran out of the room with the way her temper was rising. God knows what she will do to her if she is still present there.

    ...

    Leena was speeding the elerator like a racer. Carrot and Reese looked at each other from time to time, but they couldn''t voice out anything. After they reached DewGarden she did not even wait for them and walked away. They silently followed her. Uncle pumpkin has just arrived and was about to key his password when he heard a pair of clicking heels. He turned around to see Leena walking out furiously. He tried to talk to her but she was a walking dead without listening.

    "What''s wrong with her. Did something happen in the office?" He asked. He always sees a cheerful and crazy Leena and now her look worried him.

    "She went on a date in the afternoon and from then on she is not herself. She keeps talking to herself."

    "Get her to my unit. You know about her alcohol tendency right. A ss of wine, she will spill out all the contents." Uncle pumpkin winked at Reese while she gave a thumbs up for the quick solution.

    "I am not drinking." She knew her alcohol limits and she doesn''t want to tell all the shameless things that man has told her. She has never seen someone openly flirt with her until today. Why is he appearing in my life again and again? Is he taking revenge for what I have done at the Serene hotel? Judging by the way he was talking to her, she clearly felt, this is not the end of their story.. She was sure he would appear in her life again.

 Chapter 23 - Pleasure Pump

    All the trio were sitting together on a floor with a wine bottle at the center. Carrot was busy roaming here and there, biting and chewing anything that appears soft in Uncle Pumpkin''s house.

    "I am not going to drink!" The wine looked tempting but she did not want to embarrass herself talking nonsense about him and was about to leave the ce, she was dragged back by both.

    "Just one ss Leena, you can release all your stress." Reese coaxed her. She was getting impatient to know the person who made this witch tongue-tied.

    "Leena! Man up and drink. Don''t you want to take revenge? You can only do that when you are drunk." Uncle pumpkin added fuel to the fire.

    Yes, tit for tat. At least you have to take imaginary revenge on him for making your life hard for 3 days, Leena. She grabbed the ss and chug down the entire content in one go.

    "Now tell me what happened at the hotel," Reese asked in excitement.

    "Not telling."

    Reese looked at Uncle Pumpkin and nudged him for the second one. The moment he filled her ss, she swallowed everything and put down the ss asking for more. He kept on pouring and she kept on drinking not even spilling anything they anticipated.

    "Who made you stressed today?"

    "Am I stressed? Why?" She asked in a drowsy voice and copsed on the floor.

    "I think it has started to take the effect," Reese whispered while Uncle Pumpkin nodded his head.

    "MORE." She startedughing rolling on the floor.

    "Jaaaaackkkkk Cooooondoooommmm! Get the ass out of here and bring the hummus you made today! My Summary is hungry!" Her giggles did not stop and her bbering never ended.

    "You know Reese, I was born in 1920 and died in 2000 at the age of 10 in Africa. Can you believe it?" She gazed at them like a lost child.

    Both sighed loudly! This is the worst part of Leena when she is drunk, she spouts all illogical riddles which have no answers.

    "Reese,e with me. We will arrange the dinner." The duo went into the kitchen leaving the drunkard alone when she is not revealing anything they were anticipating to know. Both entered into the living room after their dinner preparation only to find an empty wine bottle on the floor. Panicked, they searched all the rooms, but the person was nowhere to be found.

    "The door is locked. She must be here only." Uncle pumpkin informed searching in the walk-in closet.

    "Then where did she go. We searched the entire_"

    "Wine cer!"

    "Wine cer!"

    Both voiced out loudly at the same time. There was only one room they left out and without wasting a second, both rushed into the room to find 2 empty bottles already on the floor, while the third one was being half-emptied by a certain boozer.

    "Uncle Pumpkin, the situation will be out of control now." Reese already started imagining things would happen tonight.

    "I am scared." Uncle Pumpkin voiced out. If a ss itself can make her speak illogical things, he was afraid what sort of bizarre things would happen, now that this drunkard has gulped down 3 bottles. They walked over to help the tipsy Leena when she was struggling to get up, but she kicked them and both fell on their butts. She has be more active in her drunken state. In a drowsy state, Leena caught sight of something at the corner and drunk walked there.

    "Leena, No!" Uncle pumpkin cried when she kicked the teddy bear which he has treasured for years. It flew and directly sit over his head.

    "Nice teddy. Is it a gift from uncle William?" She asked pping her hands in excitement when she hit a goal with the doll. Uncle pumpkin embarrassingly removed the teddy bear from his head. Does this brat even know the gifts given by him?

    "Did you Ush Ush him in the wine cer also?"

    "Ush Ush?" Both asked in confusion.

    "Geez. You both don''t even know Ush Ush?" They were greeted with her mockingughter.

    "It''s rolling on the sheets you dumbos!" She addedughing and rolling on the floor and passed out. Uncle Pumpkin coughed out loudly while Reese stood rooted with a wide mouth.

    "Reese, we should put some holy water on her head. Her mind ispletely dirtied." With that, both started dragging the log out of the room.

    "Is she really the man-hater we have seen for years?" Reese slumped on the couch with all the vanished energy yanking her best friend.

    "I have second thoughts now." He said and looked at the sleeping idiot. He doubted she will stop her nonsense now.

    She woke up again after some time.

    "Uncle Pumpkin, I wanted to tell something which I have hidden for 3 days." Leena looked away without meeting his eyes. Now what! He was already having a headache with the thing she has disclosed in the wine cer. He anticipated her story to hear, but never in his dreams he expected, she woulde after him and William. He was utterly tired to even voice out and nudged her to go forward.

    "I have seen his thing in the men''s bathroom." She sheepishly admitted.

    "There she goes. Record it, Reese. We can save it for the future." Uncle Pumpkin snickered. Reese grabbed a nearby mobile on the couch and started shooting.

    "How big it is?" Reese asked. Now that it is recorded, she wanted to see, how she would mask her lie tomorrow.

    "Not telling!" She yelled. "Call that bastard. I want to talk to him personally!"

    "How? I don''t even know his name, forget about the number." Reese chided.

    "Donald Duck."

    "Huh?"

    "His name." Both looked at each other and burst outughing.

    Leena jumped from her ce again and went near the TV area. Grabbing it''s remote, she punched in a set of random numbers and waited for the other person to speak.

    "You copy cat, how dare you scold Leena Hayes, the apple of the eye of Francis Hayes?" She waited for the other person to speak.

    "What? You are not scared of me? I have seen your Pleasure Pump fully, you idiot! What will you do now? You want to sue me right? Come to Greenwyn vige. Anytime, anywhere, Leena will not back down from the threats." She yelled continuously and waited for the imaginary person to speak at the other end.

    "What?... Are you asking me how big it is?.... Well, It looks bigger than the banana I eat.. What?... You want me to_"

    Reese knocked on her head. Uncle Pumpkin grabbed the remote before she could continue with her nonsense.

    "Why did you hit my head. It all started because of you." She cried.

    "Now what did I do!" She asked gritting her teeth.

    "If you have stopped me to drink all the juices, my dder would not have expanded and I would not have entered there."

    "All right drunkard it''s my fault. Can you stop now."

    "No. It''s not your fault." She gazed at the other person "Uncle Pumpkin, do you know why I met that shameless man?"

    "It''s Reese''s fault, right?" He sighed.

    "No! It''s your fault. If you have not taken 2 hours to get ready in that kinky outfit, We would have reached earlier and I would have missed entering into men''s washroom."

    "What did you say? kinky outfit?"

    "Except your P.Enis, did it cover anything?"

    "Leena, Language!" Both massaged their temples cursing at themselves for forcing her to drink.

    "Reese, did you know why I met that shameless man? Reese weakly nodded her head.

    "No, you don''t know anything. It''s because of my bathroom brother. If he had not messaged me, I would not get angry. The result, I would not have met him." Leena continued on and on until her energy was depleted and passed out.

    "She is dead drunk." He said.

    "I wonder what''s her reaction would be after showing this video," Reese smirked.

 Chapter 24 - Diarrhea

    "Arghhhh...my headache." Vaguely conscious, Leena groaned in pain and unfastened her eyes. Fluttering her eyelids, she gazed at the surroundings still in her intoxicated state.

    "O. How much did I drink?" She shrieked and felt her world has turned upside down bing the mother of all headaches. She cried clutching her head in pain that was exploding with the terrible hangover.

    "Now my throat also! I feel like a dead!" Leena winced scratching her sore throat in pain and irritation. I need water immediately! She has tried to wake up but couldn''t even budge her lower body due to numbness. She looked down to find an idiot sleeping next to her cing a leg over her waist while another tiny creature sleeping on herp making her lower body rooted to the bed.

    "Get up, you dumbos! You are too heavy! My energy is already drained out." With all the sheer strength, she yanked Reese from her tight grip making her roll to the other end and then threw Carrot onto the bed.

    The moment she got down from the bed, she rushed into the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle from the fridge, she gulped down the entire bottle in desperation to quench her thirst. After a while, she made lemon-infused water to sober up and walked into the bedroom looking at the messy floor. There were clothes scattered all over the room, dried hummus sticking to the floor.

    "How many circuses did I create yesterday? And what about uncle Pumpkin''s home." She pulled her hair in frustration. He will surelye after me for destroying his dream house. I should never drink with these people from now on.

    She went into the bathroom and looked around to see tampoons and tissues scattered all around. You have be worse than carrot Leena. She sighed, freshened up, and went out.

    "Reese wake up, you sleepy head. Always snoring." Can I hit her with a shovel for making those annoying noises like a tractor?

    It was already 8 in the morning and God knows when they can reach the office after cleaning all the mess. She has already informed Renya to take care of her important matters until she arrives at the office.

    "Let me sleep Leena, I did not even catch a wink for the entire night." She murmured and went back to sleep. Looking at the mess, Leena felt bad for her friend. She covered her with a nket and went out to clean the mess she made.

    By the time she cleaned up everything with her weak body, Reese and Carrot woke up, entered into the living room.

    "How are you feeling drunkard."

    "Terrible." She was still feeling sore as if someone has run a truck over her body.

    "How many times did I go for runs?" Leena asked crying. God! my diarrhea is a pain in the ass.

    "Your loose motions are terrible Leena. You were continuously going in out of the bathroom." She giggled thinking about the scene. At a point in time, Reese wished Leena would sit in the bathroom itself until she emptied everything.

    "Looks like diarrhea runs in your jeans." Reese scoffed.

    "Don''t evenpare with that man." Leena scolded. At least I have a problem when I am drunk not like certain someone who has it every now and then.

    "Did you remember the things you did yesterday?" Reese asked." She looked intently at Leena''s stiffened body the moment she talked about the night. She wanted to tease her more.

    "You admitted that you have seen his thing in the bathroom."

    "What! Are you nuts! Firstly I did not see anything." She looked away when the man appeared in her mind again. She remembered snippets of things like calling him and spouting nonsense. Seriously Leena! How can you talk about that thing so shamelessly? Thank God! He did not witness it.

    "You even told it is bigger than the banana you eat," Reese said trying to control herugher.

    "Stop it, Reese." She closed her ears.

    "You even gave a name to it. What is that? Pleasure Pump! Seriously Leena! Where are you learning all these things." Leena coughed, her face turning crimson red with all the revtions.

    "I don''t believe you." She turned and looked away.

    "ept the truth. I even have a video recorded."

    Reese opened her mobile phone only to see there was none. Shit! The record is on her mobile. I have grabbed it in a jiffy. Now how do I get it? If I tell her now, she will surely delete it. I will get a copy as soon as I reach the office.

    "You what!" Did these morons really record that? I should delete it. I have to create an opportunity to get a hold of her mobile in the office.

    "Why did you change my clothes without my permission." She yelled at her trying to change the topic.

    "You had hummus all over your clothes. I am a woman. What''s wrong in seeing." Even now this idiot is shy to change the clothes in front of them. She still remembered when she was living with Jane and Leena, she doesn''t even allow them to change clothes in front of them.

    "I wonder how many years your future husband has to wait to at least peep into your body. Why don''t you consider marrying him? You have already seen his thing right?" She shed a wink.

    "What are you speaking, you dirty-minded girl. Go and get ready, we have to go to the office." She barked and went away with a blushing face. Marrying that handsome shameless man? She stopped in her tracks. Did you call him handsome? Even if there is him and only an ugly cockroach left in the world, I will still be with a cockroach.

    "If I am dirty, then what about you?" Reese mumbled and went away.

    .....

    "Sir is in a very happy mood." A woman eximed.

    "He even greeted back when I helloed him." Another woman whispered.

    "Is he in love? He never had any dating scandals."

    "She must be pretty!" Another one voiced out.

    Just then themotion stopped when they could hear the loud clicking of heels, her each step was a rhythm to their ears. A tall woman entered into the top floor of the WD with elegance. Her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. She brushed a strand of hair as she walked into the office and shed a smile blinding everyone rooting to the spot.

    "What''s going on here?" her voice was heard as soft as melting honey.

    "Harley, you are here." The employees eximed looking at the graceful and elegant woman. She had been a secretary of WD for over 5 years and very approachable to all the employees. Any issues they have faced, it would be approached through her. She is one of the main pirs of WD''s sess and acted as the face of many important deals in the absence of their CEO.

    "This is the proposal I have drafted and it needs to be signed by sir." A girl handed over a file.

    "This is our sales growth over a year." Another girl ced a file.

    "Tough job! She sighed.

    "By the way, sir is in a very happy mood today. Do you know the reason?" one of the employees asked.

    "You are very close to him right Harley?"

    "Is he in love?"

    She was utterly speechless by theirments.. Devin in love? She mused. Interesting!

 Chapter 25 - Crazy Idiot

    While walking to the CEO''s office, Harley was greeted by many of the WD employees. Despite she was smiling and nodding at each person, her thoughts were lingering only on one employee''sment. Our CEO in love! It would be the most sensational news to the world if their CEO is in love, for he never had a history of dating a woman.

    Is Devin really in love? She mused. If what she has heard is not some kind of joke, then the sun would have definitely risen in the west today. He is so high of himself, he has not even heeded to any woman''s attention in his entire life. Even when the world''s most famous supermodel has asked for his hand in marriage, he hase up with an excuse that he has vowed abstinence for his entire life embarrassing her. Celibate my ass? Can''t he at leaste up with some other reason? And that was not the single time, each time he woulde with the funniest excuses to embarrass them. Harley was wondering which woman''s beauty can bow him down.

    But for Devin, he was never captivated by the external beauty. He was surrounded by umpteen women at an early age of fourteen from the start of his modeling career. Every day, even now, he would receive countless proposals in some or the other way, but he was never shaken by any. It''s normal to like him when he is handsome in an understated way and he respected their choices. He was not a man to use violence just because someone has expressed their interest.

    He respects women and he never wanted to date or use them for carnal desires. He solely wanted to give his soul and body to only one woman, the one who would make his heartbeat rise just by her mere presence and he has already found his crazy idiot. As for rejecting women in the funniest way, he wants everything to be unique and those are just his signatures to embarrass them. But he had never gone overboard that humiliates them.

    With an exciting mood to get the bottom of his imaginary love life, Harley knocked on the door.

    "Come in." A clear voice was heard from inside.

    Harley pushed opened the door and stepped in with a cup of coffee and the stack of files her employees have dumped on her to get it signed.

    She gazed at the man working on the files diligently. His shirt sleeves rolled to the elbows revealing his strong arms, the jutting veins when he moved his hands were relinquishing a different appeal that can attract any woman.

    "What a waste of his looks. If I was him, I would be dating different woman on an hourly basis." She mumbled to herself.

    "Are you gawking at my body again?" He heaved his head and the moment he looked at the woman the earlier happiness he had died down with the intrusion of this idiotic monkey.

    "Beauty must be admired. God must be regretting putting such a sadist in the eloquent body." She scoffed.

    "Even if he regrets, I am just born that way." Hezily retorted and went back to his work.

    "But you are still single." She snapped.

    "I am not single. I am still on reserve for the one who deserves my heart." He gravely retorted.

    "Forget about that one. I am sure you will die as a virgin in this life." She was expecting a counter-attack for taunting him, for this self-love man would never back of especially in arguing with her. She frowned when there was no counter-strike from the other end.

    "An argument with a fool only proves there are two." Virgin? He doesn''t need to disagree with her statement now that he found his little kit!

    "Are you calling me a fool." She yelled.

    "Well, you yourself have epted now." He grinned looking at her crumpled face.

    "Why you_"

    "Have some etiquettes in the workce. It''s not a home. Did you forget you are my secretary here?" He stopped his work and crossed his arms reprimanding her.

    "I need the signatures on these files." Just because he is an elder by two years, she was always being scolded by him. I will get back to himter. She ced the files that were her top priority now and the brewed coffee on his table.

    "You make the worst blend of coffee." Sometimes Devin really wondered she is deliberately doing this to annoy him.

    "But you still drink it every day." She snapped.

    "I don''t have a choice." For some reason, he did not want to drink coffee today. He was craving for something more.

    "Well, I knew that." She said. Even if she deliberately blends the worst, he doesn''t have an option.

    "Drink by yourself. Get banana smoothie for me." He smiled thinking about it and thoughts again flew back to her. What is she doing now? She must be scolding him for yesterday''s event again right?

    "What!" Harley eximed. Is it my imagination or is he really asking for it?

    "You still have a loud voice, Harley."

    "You hate bananas right!" She ignored hisments and questioned again. As far as she remembered, he hated them. He would not even eat a banana forget about a smoothie.

    "Well, I love them now."

    "Are you_"

    "And I Forgot something. Make sure it is not fully blended." He added. That is how she likes it right.

    " "

    When Harley was about to leave, he called her again.

    "Ask them to add cinnamon to it." How did he know these things? She wondered. In a confused state, Harley went to the cafeteria to get a special blend he requested. By the time, she arrived, Devin has already finished signing all the files.

    "Are you really going to drink this?" cing the smoothie on his desk, she asked hesitantly. Devin Ignored her remarks and sipped his juice savoring its content.

    "It doesn''t taste bad." My darling sure has a very good taste.

    "Make sure you put it on my table every day." Devin grabbed his suit jacket before finishing the smoothie to attend a meeting with the shareholders.

    Everyday? Did that Drew do something to him? He is the only one obsessed with banana smoothies.

    "Aren''t youing?" He asked the still dazed Harley. She weakly nodded her head and followed him to the elevator. Is he really in love as the employees said? He is behaving abnormally. Should I ask him?

    "I heard the most interesting topic about you today. That you are in love." She asked entering into the elevator.

    "Can''t I be in Love? FYI, I have dated a woman in the past." He wondered how they go to know about it. Was he that obvious?

    "Dated a woman?" Harley grinned and wanted to tease him more." How many days was it? two or one? That poor girl stillins how you pressed your lips tightly when she was about to kiss_"

    "Devin!" She yelled. "Why did you hit my head?"

    "Don''t you have any other thing to gossip?" He never regretted eluding that kiss. Even though he epted to date her on a whim during his university days, he broke up on the first day itself. He did not want to give hope to the other person by continuing when his heart knew she is not the one. From then on he has put a goodbye to his dating life.

    "That is the only thing I can tease you with." She chuckled.

    "I was just notpatible with her," Devin remarked.

    "That''s why I told you, you will die as a virgin waiting for that one person."

    Devin did not want to argue with her again. He wondered what would be their reaction, once he introduced his little kit to everyone. Little did he knew, he would get the most shock of his life.

    .....

    After the finished meeting, Devin was working on the drafted proposal when Daniel suddenly knocked on the door and entered into his office to deliver the information he has received today. Never he has expected, he would be hearing a rejection offer to partner with WD. God knows how Devin would react when he never epts failures in the first ce.

    "Hello, Devin." Daniel smiled and settled in his chair.

    "Morning Uncle Daniel." He smiled and greeted him in his high spirits. "Did you contact the person we were looking for?"

    "That''s what I am here for." He sighed. "She has rejected the offer."

    "Reason?" He looked up when he suddenly heard about rejection after a long time. Modeling for WD is a dream for many and she has rejected it outrightly. She sure has guts.

    "She is not interested in_" They were interrupted by a sudden knock and Harley walked into the room again.

    "You got a package from Drew. He is busy with a case and cannot visit you right now. I know you are in an important discussion, but he was adamant about delivering this case right now." What is it in this parcel? When Harley was about to open the seal, Devin jumped and grabbed the file before she can see it inside.

    "It''s personal. Can you both go out?" If not for his fast reflexes, this monkey would have seen everything inside.

    "He is behaving very oddly, right Danny?" She looked at him suspiciously.

    "Are you under weather?" Daniel went near to check the temperature but Devin cut him off.

    "For god''s sake, I am fine. Will you please go out and give some personal space." Do they least understand what personal space is? He should arrange some ethics training for these two. After finally convincing and shooing them away, he gazed at the file. For some reason, His heart was beating at an abnormal speed.

    Without waiting for a second, he grabbed a penknife and hurriedly opened the file of Serene hotel. His patience was running out when he was flipping pages continuously but the one people face was not even turning up. Don''t they have any work at home? Seems like the whole New York city is in that resort itself.

    When he was turned to another page, his eyes instantly fell on a particr face. He gazed at the photo for a time and warmly smiled at her. She is so cute in this angle. Did I forget anything? Her name! The moment he looked at her, he has thrown everything out of the window.. When he finally noticed the name written In parallel with the photo he was shocked to the core. Her name!

 Chapter 26 - Trapped

    Devin was gazing back and forth across the photo and to her name again and again in a baffled state. He couldn''t visualize whether the things he was seeing were a real or his hallucination from theck of sleep due to a certain someone. For a week-long her smile has been haunting him in dreams, he was having a hard time catching a proper sleepbined with his hectic schedule.

    Leena Hayes.

    He still wanted to confirm if his little kit and the person he was looking were the same. Without wasting a second, Devin opened his mobile and typed her name in a frenzy. Thousands of images popped up in the search engine.

    "Leena." He was mumbling her name continuously for the nth time and without knowing a sweet smile was already stered on his face. Even her name is as cute as her, he thought. The name has been buzzing around him for four years, but it took him a long time to finally meet her.

    He looked over her wiki and started reading the information. A famous supermodel, personal trainer, businesswoman, founder of Bliss. Did she achieve all these in a span of five fucking years? It''s not an easy task to achieve poprity easily. She has rarely attended any celebrity events and always maintained a low key and that exins he had not seen her despite her famous personality.

    Now you have be a real stalker, Devin. This crazy woman is making me do all sorts of things I hadn''t experienced in twenty-eight years of my life. He sighed and started reading again.

    After scrolling all the pages, he found something intriguing on a certain page.

    ''Dashing and attractive couple''

    ''Is the famous supermodel Leena hayes in rtion with her secretary Reese Allen?''

    His mood dampened with all thosements. Just because she has attended some events with a woman, she was trolled by the media? She must be sad hearing all those. The urge to cut the reporter''s throat for writing those offbeatments on her was sliding out of his rails. He has to contact that foolish media and warn them for writing peculiarments on his darling. Now that he has found her, he will make sure to protect her against all the odds.

    When he looked into the photos again, he found a familiar face. Reese Allen, as in Jasper''s sister? He has met her many times, but why did he not see his little kit even once. It looks like someone has deliberately hidden her. She was so close yet so far away from him.

    Now that he has two priority things on his te, he called Daniel toe over his office to discuss an urgent matter with him.

    ....

    "I have been sitting for over two hours and I was not even informed why I have been called here," Daniel asked out of annoyance. He has lots of unfinished work and now he has asked me toe and sit here just to stare at him?

    "Five more minutes." After reading about his little kit in the search engine, Devin is now busy downloading her pictures into his mobile.

    "You have been telling this for an hour, Devin." For the past two hours, he was sitting like a log here while Devin is so busily engrossed in his mobile that he is not even lifting his head. He has always seen a workaholic Devin who would never waste any time on nonsense matters. He wondered what conspired him today.

    "Are you done now? Daniel asked when he finally looked at him after a long stretch while Devin simply nodded his head.

    "What''s the important thing you want to discuss with me?" He asked.

    "The model for our Korean branch." He voiced out still looking at the pictures.

    "I have already found one. She is_"

    "No. Let''s go with Leena." He was contemting earlier who has the nerve to go against The Wang Devin even after knowing him. Now that he realized, a devilish grin spread across his face. Only that crazy woman can have the audacity to outrightly turn him down.

    "She has already declined our proposal." He was pondering over the thoughts on why Devin is going again and again over the refused one.

    "So what?" He shamelessly dered. "We will contact her again."

    "You would never give a second chance." Contact her again? He is definitely out of his mind today. Even though Daniel thought she is very apt for this role, WD would never go behind by the outrightly rejected ones. That girl sure has some guts to go against Wang Devin.

    "This is exceptional. I have heard a lot about her and she is going to be our sole model." He deadpanned. Why is he asking so many questions today?

    "But_"

    "No buts. Contact her again, period!"

    "All right." He hesitantly agreed. He knew once Devin has verbalized period, the matter is closed and he doesn''t entertain any arguments.

    Once Daniel went out, he immediately called Drew to meet him at their usual ce in the evening. Now that one of his priority tasks ispleted, he has to move on with his second one.

    .....

    Vincy, I miss you, man!" The moment Drew saw him, he went over to hug him but Devin dodged pushing him with his index finger.

    "It''s not even a day Drew."

    "But still I miss you. Did you get the thing you were looking in that file." He was so busy with a case, he couldn''t peek inside the contents.

    "Yeap." He pressed.

    "I have used all my powers to get that file." Luckily he has helped a case winning againstnd for the Serene hotel''s CEO. So he could get a hold of them easily.

    "As expected from a criminalwyer." Despite Drew''s yful nature, Devin knew his friend''s connections as awyer. He can find any person at ease.

    "So." He asked grabbing a drink. "Why did you call me urgently?"

    "I need you to prepare a harassment letter." He said as a matter of fact.

    "Are you serious. Why are you so adamant about suing." Did he really gets offended by that person? he pondered.

    "I just need a fake one. I will send you the name and address, get it done quickly." He would never entertain the idea to sue his little kit. If she has declined their offer once, undoubtedly she will reject it again. She doesn''t even speak normally if I go and talk to her. It is his bait to lure her into his office. He can take care of the restter.

    "You are unbelievable Vincy!" He yelled.

    "I know. I am leaving" He smiled and fist-bumped him leaving the confused Drew.

    "You are trapped Sweetheart. I will be there with you always from now. There is no escaping from my clutches.." He whispered with a devilish smile and walked out after aplishing the two missions sessfully.

 Chapter 27 - Seattle

    It was past sundown, Leena stretched her body like azy cat. She was utterly exhausted training her clients, recording a new edition for the channel and now her body is craving for a long rxing shower. Just wait for a while bathtub, we can have a bubble bath together. She made her way into her friend''s room and looked at the person working her fingers to the bone. Leena pouted. Am I dumping a lot of things onto her te? Her cheeks have be so thin. I should cook something nutritious for her today. With that, she dragged Reese out of the office.

    The high spirit she had before died down, the moment she entered into the Greenwyn vige. She was slowly making her way into the house like a thief in the night not to be caught by the person she wanted to avoid.

    "Even if you are not caught today, he wille back tomorrow." Reese giggled.

    "At least I can be happy for tonight. I will worry about tomorrow." She med her alcohol tendency for not even buttoning her lip. When she was about to enter in her password, her grip tightening around the doorknob when a loud voice called out her name.

    "Escaping again traitor?" He interrogated. Leena turned around slowly and felt quite embarrassed to face him.

    "All right I am leaving you guys to talk alone." Reese bid them goodbye and went inside her home.

    "Uncle Pumpkin. Please forgive me. I would never drink and speak those rubbish things." Leena sped her hands together and begged with her puppy eyes.

    "Do you know what all nonsense things you spoke yesterday night?" Did she think he would leave her just like that? Ush Ush William? What is that word?

    "A little bit," Leena murmured gaping at the floor. All she remembered was bits and fragments like talking about a teddy bear in the wine cer and uncle William, other than that her memory is cked out. She was aware of everything she was babbling, but couldn''t control. It''s like her mind was in euphoria and her tongue was freed up.

    "Do you want me to contact your Francis and tell you how tainted your mind is?" He asked.

    "Nooo!" She started shedding her imaginary tears. If it enters into my Francy''s ears, he will sure chop me into pieces.

    "Leena! Don''t start your crocodile tears. It is obvious now." He has not even started with his revenge, she started her acting again.

    "Yes, Uncle Pumpkin." She mumbled. But inside she was scoffing at him. What if those are fake tears Mr. Jack Condom? You might have actually given up seeing my cute face right? Only cute and intelligent like I can escape from any situation.

    "How did you know?" He hesitantly asked.

    "huh?"

    "That teddy gift and about him and me?" How did this traitor know about it when he has very carefully hidden it.

    "Uncle William told." She sheepishly admitted.

    "That idiot." He clenched his fists. He will have to see his wrath tonight. I will not even allow him to enter today.

    While he was still in his thoughts, Leena entered her key and slipped into her home without making any sound like a cat. If not for stopping her, she would have already be one with her bathtub already. After a long rxing bath, she slumped on her bed and slept peacefully while at the other end someone was looking at her photos intently in a pure dilemma of which one to save for his mobile screen saver and which one to save as a lock screen.

    ��..

    Bliss

    "Leena! Leah is trying to reach your mobile but your phone is turned off." Reese screamed entering into her office room to pass an important message.

    "Is it?" She looked at her mobile. "Oh My, Francy! I have forgotten to charge it again, Reese."

    "How many times I have notified you to keep your phone on reach. I get scared when you don''t answer my calls."

    "All right worrywart. I will charge it now. Why did she call?" She asked plugging for her phone.

    "Leah and Austin are getting married." She excitedly said.

    "Finally, that yboy has given in to her charms." Can''t they stay single? Why everyone is getting married? what''s so good about it, she mumbled to herself?

    "She has clearly notified you are going to be her bridesmaid and you should arrive a week before." Reese was equally excited to see Leena in a bridesmaid dress.

    "All right." She chuckled. "I will talk to her. Where is the wedding destination."

    "I guess it''s her mom''s city." Now that Reese remembered the ce, her earlier excitement died down.

    "Hmmm. Maybe I forgot about the name?" As far as Leena remembered, Leah has never mentioned her mom''s city name.

    "The ce name is..." Reese was fidgeting in her mind about how Leena would react if she reveals that ce. Is she going to react like in the past? She shuddered at those memories.

    "Why are you dragging? Are you nning to direct a soap opera?" She giggled.

    "It''s Seattle!" Reese pressed her eyes in fear not even looking at Leena.

    "Wh_at." Her voice quivered with panic.. Fear gripped her throat with the mere mention of the name that has turned her world upside down.

 Chapter 28 - Useless Fellow

    Terror stuck the very breath from her mouth. She was in pain, but couldn''t express it. With a shaky hand, she tried to wipe the beads of cold sweat, but darkness was engulfing her slowly. Her past, her humiliation everything flooded into her mind again waking her nightmares. She breathed in and out to catch air, but her heart was racing at a tremendous speed. An invisible force was crushing her from every ounce of her body. Leena felt her brain has shut downpletely and was not in a state to see anything or anyone. She was about to copse onto the ground when Reese rushed and caught her before her body could touch the ground.

    "Leena! Wake up, please!" She screamed. Tears welled from her eyes when she was seeing Leena in an unconscious state. She was scared.

    "Renya! Naomi! Pleasee fast!" She yelled and started rubbing her cold hands and feet. Despite Leena was half-conscious, her mind was shut to the outside world.

    "Don''t panic ok! I will call uncle Francis right now." With a shaky hand, she grabbed her mobile and before she could dial his number, Leena stopped with her weak hand and shook her head in denial.

    "D_odon''t scare h_im" She whispered with all the energy she could employ.

    "No Leena! I can''t leave you in this state."

    "Get me that pill, Reese. I will be fine." She weakly muttered.

    "No! You can''t eat those every time. I will take you to the hospital." So she still has not recovered from the trauma of her past. I shouldn''t have mentioned that ce.

    "No!" Those hospitals bring back her memories again. Leena hugged her tightly nearly crushing Reese''s body.

    "I am here, I am here." She consoled. "At least drink some water." She grabbed the bottle and put it near her mouth.

    "OMG! Leena! What happened." Renya and Naomi rushed into the room when they heard the loud screams of Reese. Both were utterly shocked to see the cheerful Leena senselessly lying on the floor.

    "Nothing. She is not well. Please look after the office. I am taking her home today." Both nodded and wanted to ask more about it but stopped looking at Leena''s state. Her usual cheerful face was now reced by a pale one.

    ....

    "Sleep for some time. I will make something light for you to eat. Don''t eat those pills. Ok?" Reese coaxed and helped her settle on the bed after reaching home.

    Leena nodded her head in a daze. At least she is responding now, she thought. Reese gently patted her head and went out to make some porridge.

    A tear welled from deep inside coursing down her cheeks when Leena closed her eyes. The buried memories she had hidden for years resurfaced again.

    "Excuse me? Hello! Leena?" A t and hard voice echoed into a young girl''s ears when she was reading peacefully in an enormous campus library. His sudden voice startled the library''s tranquillity, but he did not care. Leena craned her neck and noticed a man looking at her intently with his deep ck eyes.

    "Are you probably Jane Evans''s friend?" She nodded her head slowly.

    "She has hit someone on the campus very badly and media is all over the ce." Before he could add thest word, she grabbed her bag in a frenzy and rushed out of the library.

    "Leena Rx! Nothing big has happened." The man shouted and rushed behind her when he felt he has gone a little overboard seeing her genuine concern for a friend.

    "Hey! Take it easy. It''s not a big issue. She is fine now." He grabbed her hand in an attempt to stop her.

    "Don''t touch me." She pushed his hand away and added. "Who the hell are you. You can''t just_"

    "Ethan"

    "Excuse me?"

    "Ethan Davies, my name." He smiled at her.

    "Ethan, Professor Nathalie asked you to call back for some urgent matter." He craned his neck and looked over the person shouting from the other building.

    "Shit!" He searched over something in his pant pockets and added." Can you give a ring to professor Nathalie?"

    "Number." She asked. Leena wanted to get rid of this man as fast as possible. She grabbed her mobile and entered a series of numbers he was verbalizing. The moment she dialed, the ring echoed into her ears from his pant pocket.

    "Oh my! I think I did bring my phone. Sorry, I have given my number instead of Professor Nathalie in confusion. But you need in for the future."

    " "

    "I am again introducing myself. Ethan Davies. I am from the business administration department. My interest piqued when you outrightly rejected a man when he proposed to you. Let''s get to know each other." He winked and waved goodbye before stepped into his car.

    "Useless fellow." She muttered in irritation. Congrats? What is he thinking about himself? Did he think getting my phone number is a kind of achievement? She loathed this kind of man. It''s not easy to court Leena Hayes Mr whatever your name is. She scoffed and went away.

    "ena"

    "Leena, can you hear me?" Leena jerked from her trance when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

    "Did you think about the past again?" cing a porridge on the table, Reese asked carefully not to hurt her again.

    "Yes." She admitted. There is no point in lying when her best friend can see through her.

    "Do you still love him, Leena?" She gently asked.

    "Love? I have never loved him." She scoffed. "There is only disgust for that monster. He doesn''t deserve me and my respect."

    "If only I and Jane were with you on that night." She clenched her fists with the mere thought of that memory.

    "Reese, please don''t me yourself." She hugged andforted her. It was her fault for putting her guards down.

    "I have observed one thing for the past week and I have proof that you are starting to forget your past," Reese said to lighten the atmosphere when she felt Leena has cooled down a little.

    "How so?" Leena asked crossing her arms.

    "Well, every time you drink, you have cried recalling the past. Butst night you have remembered someone else." She teased.

    "I didn''t." She looked away when a certain face popped up on her mind instantly, but Reese definitely caught her blushing. This man-hater also knows how to blush now.

    "So, he is the one you saw at Azure hotel?" She asked with a teasing grin.

    "He is not. I_I am going out for some fresh air.." If she did not put an end to this conversation, she doubted her tongue would slip and babble all those things that shameless man has uttered at the hotel.

 Chapter 29 - Pervert Blogger

    It was still early in the morning, Leena freshens herself after her intense workout. Carrot and Reese were also up ying in the living room. There was still lots of time for her work, so Leena started writing an article in her blog that she hasn''t updated for a longer time. She has started it as a hobby, but it turns out to be liked and inspired by many and she also continued with the flow.

    After a while of finishing, all the trio were famished and went out to have breakfast at the nearby Greenwyn vige cafe which they loved. The second Leena stamped her foot outside, she cursed her luck when she saw someone walking towards her direction. Bad omen! Bad Omen Leena!

    "Did I wake up on the wrong side of the bed today to see a man being?" Leena whispered and was about to turn back, she heard the voice of a man.

    "Excuse me. Do you know where exactly is North street?" He questioned with a smile.

    "I know sir." She sweetly answered and even smiled at him. Reese squeezed her hand persuading her not to create any trouble again. But Leena brushed her handoff.

    "That''s great. Can you lead the way?" He asked trying to strike a conversation with two beautiful women.

    "Sorry, sir. I can''t today. You know what, my brother is suffering from loose motions. I have to take him to the hospital urgently. It is literally a pain in the ass. Maybe tomorrow?" She politely rejected and pulled Reese and Carrot from the ce.

    " "

    After entering the cafe, Reese and Leena burst outughing, while carrot was looking at those two chimps with a snicker ofughter.

    "Leena why are you so naughty? If your brother knows about it, he will hunt you down." Reese asked chuckling and ordering the food for the trio.

    "I don''t even give a monkey to him. Besides don''t you think it is a known fact." Leena giggled at the mere thought of his crumpled face and nervous flier.

    "It was just an address." She chuckled. "You scared that poor man."

    "Reese darling, you are missing logic here. Is it that hard to find the famous North street with google maps?" Her eyes were glowing with mischief.

    "What do you mean?" She frowned at her suspiciously.

    "He is just trying to strike a conversation. I have been seeing him for a week." She scoffed.

    "How did you_"

    "How did I know?" She added to her. "I have eyes even on my back Reese Allen." She smiled and gazed at her side before stretching her leg in front of Reese.

    "What?" She asked in confusion.

    "You can touch my feet with your head and worship, now that no one is seeing. You must be proud of me, right?" She kept batting her eyes innocently while thetter stopped eating and gazed at her keenly.

    "I have never seen a narcissistic person like you." She disdainfully uttered. Reese really pitied her future husband. She will be d if he doesn''t run away on their first-night itself. Does this high self woman at least let him kiss her?

    "I am d you feel in that way, Reese darling."

    Forget it, Reese. This narcissist has her own rules and thinks the world revolves only around her. I need energy first.

    After their breakfast, they made their way home.

    "I will convince Leah, you are not attending the wedding," Reese indirectly asked to confirm if Leena wants to attend her wedding.

    "I have already informed her and am going to Seattle." She acted like it was not a big deal, but inside it was breaking her heart. Although she was assuring herself nothing would happen, there was a part in her scared of him.

    "No Leena, I can''t take a risk. What if something happens like yesterday. What if hees to know you are in Seattle? He will not leave you." She coaxed her to drop the idea.

    "I cannot always run away from past Reese. I don''t want to be act coward in front of that monster. Who knows the city may give some sweet memories this time." She smiled with positivity. Now she has to notify her Francy of this wedding. God knows if he at least allows me to step into that city ever.

    "If it really going to bring joy on your face again, I would be always d to the gods. But I want to be with you." She requested.

    "No."She cut off sternly. "It''s one whole week. Who will take care of my babypany and Carrot?" Leena pouted.

    "Roger that madam. At least enjoy those long days. Don''t forget to send me your pictures at their wedding." Reese reluctantly agreed with a smile while Leena nodded her head fervently. She had a gut feeling that something will protect her in safe heaven.

    ....

    There was no buzzing of employees like usual since it was very early in the morning. The reception area was filled only with the cleaning staff right at the moment. The quiet atmosphere startled with the strong and heavy footsteps that marched forward followed by a tall silhouette, his custom suit embracing his athletic physique. He acknowledged every greeting staff with a smile. He was immensely respected by all the WD employees for his cool and calm demeanor, his rationality, the way he treats everyone with equal respect irrespective of their job status.

    He walked into his private elevator pressing thest floor button and the moment it was about to close, a tall woman entered stopping it in half with her leg. Bothe looked disdainfully at each other and edged to the other ends of the corners. They did not even speak a word until a beep sound loudly echoed into the elevator.

    Harley opened her mobile and nearly jumped in delight when she looked at the notification from her favorite blog Holy Banana Pants. OMG! My goddess has updated the blog finally. She nced at the article and giggled at her goddess naughtiness.

    "Tips to erge the size of your boobs naturally." She whispered and gazed at her bosom. She definitely needed these tips when a certain someone told, he could y ping pong there. Annoying bastard!

    Devin gazed at the woman when she was whisper talking to herself. She immediately closed her mobile when he was about to peak at the content.

    "That pervert blogger again?" Looking at the way she is drooling, it must be her. She must be writing all weird and perverted stuff that this monkey always tried to read in a hiding mode. No wonder this weirdo is following that sick blogger. I should keep my little kit away from these people.

    "I never thought you were into girls." He added even before she could speak up. This is the reason he has not revealed the Korean model thing to Harley. For a mere blogger itself she is drooling, he shuddered at the thought of even showing his little kit. Now I have to swat away these pesky women also.

    "Devin." She yelled. "I don''t mind if you call me with any sick name but don''t call my goddess a pervert."

    "You both are Unbelievable." Devin shook his head, scanned, and keyed his password before entering the office. Harley scolded him and soon followed to give his schedule before the start of his work.

    "There is an important meeting at the emerald branch tomorrow. The director has requested your presence." She pressed.

    "Don''t arrange the private jet. I am going by normal flight." He said and went back to his working mode.

    "But you are_"

    "I am bored by traveling alone." Devin cut through her thoughts.

    "Also book a return flight for the same day. I will hardly spare two or three hours there." Devin added. He has not received any news from his darling even after she was contacted again. He has to change his n now. It''s been three days and he is badly missing her.. Tomorrow, I will directly visit her office after I am back.

 Chapter 30 - Rotten Luck: Thank Heavens

    Sitting in the living room, Devin was watching a football match over the TV. Despite his physical presence, mentally he was far far away. Away from someone, fidgeting whether she would at least talk to him tomorrow when he approached her. Never in twenty years of his existence, he has felt nervous to grab someone''s attention, even when he first posed for the camera, he did not even flinch or lose his tranquillity. Heartless woman! Attacking my heart viciously.

    "Vincy, now you are also leaving without me? Will is out of the country, Jasper is busy. Now I have to be left alone." Drew cried out in exaggeration.

    "It''s just a day Drew." Snapping out of his trance, he massaged his temples and looked at the intruder who has trespassed into his home to annoy him.

    "But you are still going alone. You very well knew I love that ce right." He demanded opening his mobile to y a game.

    "Aren''t you leaving home?" Knowing the reason, he still asked.

    "No way I am leaving tonight. I have to give you a big send-off tomorrow." He masked his lie without even looking and resumed ying the game.

    "Why don''t you ept the truth that you are scared to go out." He scoffed.

    "I am not_"

    A ringing mobile interrupted their thoughts and Devin gazed at his mobile. Seeing the contact name, he put aside the thought without even picking. Just then Drew also stopped his ying and peeked at his mobile. He snatched the mobile from his grasp and answered it without a second thought and even put in a loudspeaker mode.

    "Vincy!!!!!!!! Drew informed you are in love. Is that true?" A loud screaming voice heard from the other end echoed into the living room. Drew widened his eyes and immediately turned off the loudspeaker mode. Meekly, he looked up to see the raging volcano shooting daggers at him. He cried! I have to see Wang Devin''s wrath today!

    Devin closed his eyes in annoyance. He knew this loose tongue will vomit out after witnessing everything in the Azure hotel. In a rage, he walked out of the room when he clearly knew their chatting would never end for at least an hour. I will kick him out of the house today. Let him cry and beg!

    "Will! You clearly made a promise to keep it as a secret." Drew whispered yelled edging away to the other end before a kick wouldnd on him.

    "You know what? Heughed hysterically for a long time and said." I even informed Jasper."

    "You, fabricator. I wish that annoying sister of yours threatens with your secret for eternity." Drew rebuked annoyingly screaming out of his lungs.

    "Don''t even talk about her. I don''t want my mood to go worse now."

    "Did she annoy you again?" Heughed in derision without even knowing he was scolding his friend a second before.

    "Leave about that idiot. What about Vincy? Is he really in love?" He excitedly asked.

    "Don''t mention her. She can see and talk with live ghosts. She has cast a spell on our friend." Drew shuddered the moment he remembered her face. He was literally having a hard time sleeping for thest three days'' meeting of that witch.

    "Get the holy water from uncle John and put it in on him."

    "I was also thinking the same." He remarked. "And you get me the jacket I have sent you over a link. Don''te back without that."

    "How many! Every day you see a new one and you straight away send it to me. How should I_"

    Putting an end to the conversation, Devin snatched his mobile, he cut off the call startling both. He was working on hisptop when he suddenly remembered he has saved his little kit''s photo as a screen saver. He swiftly put down his work and returned to the room to grab it. If it fell into Drew''s eyes, he would not even bat an eye to spread it to the whole world, not that he minded. Until his sweetheart gives approval. Once that happens, he himself will unt to the entire world.

    "Go and make a call on your own." He yelled and walked into his bedroom.

    "Good Night Sweetheart." He gazed and thumbed her face with a warm smile anticipating their tomorrow''s encounter.

    .....

    "Leena! wake up! Your flight is in three hours. You still have to get ready and reach the airport." Reese forcefully dragged her to the bathroom throwing a jug of cold water on her face.

    The cold water startled the drowsy Leena and before she could kick Reese''s butt, she flew out of the room.

    She freshened and walked out of the bathroom cursing Reese for booking an early flight when she clearly knew it would hardly take five or 6 hours to reach Seattle from Newyork. Last night, she had a hard time sleeping. Convincing her Francy had be a big headache on her, still, he was not listening to her pleas. Finally, she has to call her brother and requested his help. No. He literally made her beg and that idiot only budged in when she withdrew from threatening his secret. As if I will. Let hime back from Europe.

    "Carrot I miss you. Torture Reese in my absence." Leena cried and hugged her for nth time without even stepping out of the car. Carrot looked at her imaginary crocodile tears and sneered. She is clearly happy that she is going for a weak.

    "Enough with your acting Leena!" Reese said.

    "Hmph! Jealous fellows." She dered and stepped out of the car. Once she was out both high fived for getting freed from this narcissist for a week.

    The moment Leena entered into the airport, she could hear the loud cheers andmotion from fangirls screaming someone''s name. She couldn''t even get a peek, for the person was standing at a distance fully surrounded by the crowd.

    "Show off! Can''t they stay low key like me." She scoffed and went off.

    Leena headed to the airline section, scanned her baggage. collecting her boarding pass, she headed to the gate for her flight''s announcement. An announcement was made twice. Despite the loud promation, she was still rooted in her seat, until she was given a final call. You should always make thetest entry Leena! Finally, she stood up.

    Just after boarding the ne, Leena started searching her seat frantically. Damn! my eyesight! How did I forget to put my contact lens today! Not that she cannot read without them, all the distance things be a blur without them. Momentarily, the flight attendant approached and smiled when she recognized the supermodel. She smiled and guided towards her seat not before getting an autograph. She thanked her and edged towards her seat looking at the fellow traveler keenly.

    Why does this hunk look familiar? Although he was gazing down working on theptop, his unique sturdy build has etched into her memory just with the two encounters. In a dazed state, she was looking intently without even blinking her eyes and finally met his gaze when the person looked at her.

    Both stared at each other perplexed without even taking their eyes off from each other.

    ''Did I wake up on the wrong side of my bed again? My rotten luck.''

    ''Should I thank heavens? Luck seems to be purely on my side.''

 Chapter 31 - Miss Pervert: Mr Jinx

    Leena raised her head and instantly regretted looking into those hazel eyes. A red g immediately raised in her mind to stay away from this man. She has passed by countless eyes but has never got lost in any of them except that mysterious iris. She felt as if those eyes are holding the gxies within. With just eye contact her heartbeat was racing at lightning speed and without knowing her hand moved closer to her heart. What is happening to me!

    While she was in her own trance, he was in his own reverie drowning in those honey pools. Her amber-brown eyes which can even bring mountains to her knees were burying him deeper into her. He never thought eyes could be this beautiful until he saw hers. Never in his thoughts, he would be meeting her here. He was always making schemes to meet her and fate was always ruining it bringing them ording to its own way.

    "We meet again Miss Pervert. Did you feel bad that I am fully clothed today?" He shed a wink trying to break their staringpetition when he sensed she was feeling awkward with the situation. Why do I feel, teasing her makes my mood brighten instantly?

    After onlying out of her trance, she understood what she has done. Did you really praise his eyes in a poetic way, Leena! He is still the shameless man who has no limits to his shameful acts

    "What rotten luck to meet you again Mr. Jinx! Even if you strip naked I will not even look at you." She scoffed. Do I have to travel with him until Seattle? Leena cried. Should I change the seat? No way! I will unleash my crazy beast. This jinx itself will walk out of this seat after witnessing my weird side. She was internally praised for the spontaneous thought and walked over to her seat. How can he speak so shamelessly? He must have lots of experience with women.

    "Let me strip naked to see if you really_"

    She kicked his leg to put a stop to his nonsense.

    "Oww...Why did you kick my leg! You heartless woman." He winched in pain.

    "I didn''t. Lava ghost kicked you." She gave him a sarcastic smile.

    "Aren''t you bored using the same theory again and again." Did she really think I will buy that trick like Drew?

    "Why yes, better than some copy cat who used my own discovered script." She pressed. Bored theory? I have spent sleepless nights to get that idea, you idiot.

    "Yeah! Whole New York city is talking about your discovered script." He pressed his lips to control hisughter seeing her annoyed look.

    "You shameless idiot, copy cat, the jinx of my life." She gave a disdainful look before turning away. Now he is insulting my crazy ideas also.

    "Why am I honored with the name Jinx, when clearly I was the one being stripped off my dignity." He however did not want to end the teasing. Did she really give me these many names? Nice improvement Devin.

    "Hey! Can you not mention that. I did not see anything on that day." She cried. Now she really wished anyone except him would have been fine.

    "Why do I feel that you are regretting not seeing it fully." He asked crossing his arms. Her nerve twitched with his shameless words. I can''t bear this man for even a second. Leena! You better change the seat.

    "Excuse me." She called the flight attendant standing over there. "Can you please help me change the seat?"

    "Sure madam. Give me a minute." She smiled and walked away to make the necessary arrangements.

    "Yes! I am going to change my seat." She squealed like a child sticking her tongue out at him in a mocking way.

    "Let''s see Miss Pervert." He pinched her adorable cheeks for her childish behavior. Did she really think she can run away from me? If she can change the seat, can''t I?

    "Did you, did you really pinch my cheeks." She looked at him with wide eyes turning away to hide her blushing. Little did she know, Devin already saw that and shook his head. She even knows how to blush!

    "Oh yes, Miss Pervert. Do you want me to do it again?" He tried to reach over her cheeks again, too bad his little kit swatted his hand away ring at him.

    Just then the flight attendant came back smiling at both. Leena was internallyughing seeing the flight attendant smile. That only means, She has clearly won the battle right!

    "After careful considerations, we havee up with the best solution." Maintaining professionalism, she said in a t tone. Leena nodded her head fervently and asked her to proceed with the change.

    The little happiness she had died down when the flight attendant came and told the seat can not be exchanged as there are no vacancies right now.

    Devin has to put a hand over his mouth to control hisughter. He badly wanted tough but controlled. He did not want to get kicked by her again.

    "Can you please give some other seat? I really can''t stand him." Leena cried but the flight attendant gave an apology and escaped from there. Leena angrily cursed at the flight attendant not forgetting to re daggers at the main culprit. Did that woman has to exaggerate just for giving my own seat?

    After a while, Devin put a stop to tease his little kit and started resuming his work. Let her take a break for sometime before I poke her again.

    Leena ordered a banana juice and started watching her favorite cartoon, Dora the Explorer. Although Devin was trying hard to concentrate, her presencebined with her giggles andughs were distracting him. The little music to his ears has died down after a time and he gazed up to see his little kit was already dozing off.

    He closed her still running tablet, grabbed a nk, et, and tugged her securely before pinching her cheeks. After a while when he did not feel satisfied, he looked at her intently and pulled a little baby hair from her ponytail and yed with it before styling it ording to his preference. Leena stirred in her sleep when he used a little bit of force to tug the front hair.

    "Sleep, sleep.." He whispered, gently patting her head and went back to his work asionally stealing nces at his adorable little kit.

 Chapter 32 - Jurassic Park: Lord Voldemort

    Devin closed his eyes while he was constantly distracted by her Lavander scent when she is sitting very close to him. He wished to engross in his work at least to get his thoughts diverted from her, but nothing was working. He decided to put an end to it when he knew nothing woulde into his mind when his little kit is constantly running over there. A sweet smile spread on his face when he looked at the woman, peacefully sleeping without any worries. He always travelled in his private jets, but something had triggered him to travel like a normal person today. So not to create any mishaps, he even started early in the morning to as not to get caught by his fans. But the moment he entered the airport, he was fully surrounded by his fans not even allowing him to breathe. Finally addressing them, he entered into the flight to receive weird stares from the travellers. He was regretting the decision of taking this flight until he saw her. His crazy idiot.

    It''s been an hour Leena has slept and there were not even signs of stirring. Devin was stealing nces, expecting her to wake up but the little kit is not even making any moves. He gazed at her face covered with the messy hair he made before, which looked funny but in a cute way. Now that he was noticing her face from very near, she has beautifully sculpted high cheekbones making her more attractive. He couldn''t help but caress those flushed ones with his long fingers when they looked so alluring. She looked so skinny. He had always seen her drinking banana smoothies most of the time, she must be dieting a lot, after all, she is a model. Doesn''t she know fruit juices can make her burn more calories? He then decided to order a hearty brunch and make her eat to heartful content once she wakes up.

    When he was looking at her face intently he finally noticed her lips were slightly getting parted due to the angle she is sleeping. He grabbed his mobile and immediately snapped a picture to tease her in the future.

    After he derived that she would not wake up in the near time, he closed his eyes to catch a wink but that did not arrive when the sleepy head unconsciously fell on his shoulders resting on it deeply again. His stiffened with the sudden closeness. Aren''t you torturing me enough sweetheart?

    "Would you like to have some snacks or drink sir?" He startled with the sudden intrusion and looked up to see the flight attendant moving with an airline trolley.

    He looked at his watch and as it was already brunch time, he decided to order something nutritious for her. He grabbed the menu and frowned when he couldn''t even find a nice grab. Why is the flight''s food so unhealthy? He decided to cook all the delicious food in the near future.

    "Meditteranean sandwich and an orange juice." For now, he went on with the menu.

    "Would you mind if you can give an autograph sir, My daughter is a big fan of you." She smilingly asked handing over the package.

    "Not at all." He smiled and added. "What''s her name?"

    "Caily." She said handing over a notepad.

    "That''s a pretty name." He looked at his little kit before scribbling his signature.

    "Thank you." She nced at the signature and smiled reading it. ''Happy life Caily. With lots of love, Devin''.

    "She is beautiful." The flight attendant added again looking at the sleeping woman on his shoulders. She watched them from a corner when they were bickering over and over until she couldn''t help burst outughing when her fellow flight-attendant exchanged their own seats. It was her idea, she has ordered not to let her exchange when she clearly felt love was blooming between those two loves birds.

    "Indeed.The most beautiful girl I have ever seen." He warmly looked at his little kit sleeping peacefully on his shoulders drooling all over his shirt.

    "Please, keep it as secret." He didn''t want to put her in the spotlight until he gets her consent.

    "You have my word sir." With that, she went away.

    After a long time of her nap, Leena finally stirred from her sleep slightly and felt like she was colliding with a strong wall. Still, with heavy eyes, she looked up and widened her eyes to see that the strong wall she was imagining in her sleep was his shoulders for the entire time. She did not even know how to answer if he asked any embarrassing questions.

    "I_I am_"

    "Wipe off you drool first." He smirked looking at her flushed face.

    "I don''t even drool" She was looking at him as if he has really wronged her when she did not even check if she has really drooled or not in the first ce. Devin shook his head at her tantrums.

    "Then what about this wet mark on my shirt. This is the proof of_"

    "Can I have that food. I am really hungry." She batted her eyes innocently putting a stop to the conversation toe out of this embarrassing situation.

    Devin was shocked listening to the soft tone and weekly nodded his head. Leena gobbled her food like a hungry cat when she received his approval.

    "Slow down, no one will snatch your food. Will you at least tell me your name today." He decided to test the water when he clearly knew it would not yield any results. Leena shook her head with puffed cheeks. He felt she looked like a kid saying no to their mother when she has made a mistake with those puffed cheeks.

    Finishing all the food, she felt very satisfied and grabbed the orange juice. Now that she felt energized, she wanted to unleash the crazy beast in her.

    "Jurassic." She decided to y with him for a while.

    "Huh?"

    "Jurassic Park, my name."

    Devin sighed internally now that she started her nonsense stories again. She would definitely cook up a story now.

    "Weird name right?" She sadly wiped her imaginary tears.

    "And who is the creator of that name ?"

    "My uncle, King Kong Park." She paused taking his reactions.

    "You can continue it. We have lots of time anyways." Although he told with a stoic tone, internally he was controlling tough. She alwayses up with some bizarre stories but he really enjoyed those.

    "He is an animal movie enthusiast. After watching the Kingkong movie, he kicked his original name and renamed it." Taking a sip of orange juice she added."Jurassic Park is his favourite movie, so he named me after that when I was born, but he tortures me to hell, you know."

    "That must be really painful." He decided to flow with the story. After all, she is speaking so nicely to him putting down her guards. Little baby steps is is his motto now.

    "Don''t even ask me, it''s a pain in the ass." She sighed. "Being an animal lover, he even started a weird business."

    "Do you want to know the name of the business?" She added again when he is not initiating to ask.

    Even Devin doesn''t want to, he doubted she will sleep today without revealing that. He nodded his head to go forward.

    "It is....." She paused, peeked at her sides and leaned forward suddenly. His breath hitched and immediately backed off with the sudden closeness. Did she decide to give him a heart attack today?

    "Doggie Style''s Poop Services." She shamelessly revealed it.

    Devin closed his eyes and tightened his fists not to beat this crazy idiot.

    "A weird name right? But he loved that kinky name." She exhaled loudly and added again. "He made me do all the poop scooping which smells a lot. That''s why I am here escaping away from him."

    Does she ever talk normally? He thought.

    "My life! Leave about me." She asked taking a sip again. "What is Mr. Jinx''s name."

    "Even I was named weirdly," Devin remarked following her path

    "I don''t judge a person based on a name, you can tell me."

    "Lord Voldemort." He said in a t tone.

    Leena coughed out loudly spiling all the juices over her. Did this shameless man really follow her path? Everybody tries to buy her theories at some point in time except for him.

    "Careful. Why are you in a rush." He gently patted her head giving a tissue.

    "Don''t touch my hair. I have perfectly groomed with my ten-step hair care products." She pouted and swatted his hand away.

    "Why are you so cute?" He pinched her adorable cheeks and burst outughing.

    While Leena looked up, she felt that she is again drowning in those pool of gxies and noticed a dimple appearing below his twinkling eyes. Before she knew it, she lifted her hand and touched it. Devin froze to the spot with her sudden soft touch.

    After knowing what she has done, Leena instantly pulled back her hand and red up from her seat running away before he could catch her.

    He fluttered and tried to jumble his thoughts and unconsciously his hand moved to the ce where she touched it before. He blinked and moved out of his trance looking at the running figure. Did she run away after all the things she has done to me?

    He got up and walked with his long legs towards her direction in amusement.. Besides, how far she will go escaping from his clutches.

 Chapter 33 - Plastic Surgery Clinics

    Just the mere sight of his little kit from the day he has seen her can make his heart beat faster than a speeding bullet and now that she touched his face, he felt his world has stopped running. He wanted to hold her hand again and feel her arms, but then again, he lost into those beautiful eyes and before he could snap from his thoughts, she has slipped away from his clutches. Devin nced at the retreating figure running as fast as she could and chuckled to himself. How far she could run in this trivial ne.

    He walked in her direction adding advantage to his tall legs shortening their distance. Although Leena was tall, her height still couldn''t beat him in covering the thin figure. His strode towards her in swift strides and his gaze darkened when he saw her moving in a certain direction. All the earlier memories of their first encounter resurfaced. Afraid that history would repeat again, he went forward swiftly before anything wrong would happen. But when he saw his little kit was double-checking everything before entering, he chuckled with mirth. Looks like she is on high guards after that incident. He doesn''t know what has gotten into him, he stood there leaning on the wall by a certain distance from thevatory to wait for her.

    He always scolded Jasper for waiting near the girl''s washroom holding a love letter during the recession intervals when they were in high school. Now that he is standing here, he was dumbstruck and loss of words.

    Standing in the restroom, Leena pulled her hair in embarrassment, making her already messy hair more dishevelled in the process. She wished to dig a hole and bury there for a year for the things she has done today. She bes repulsed when someone even touches her, let alone she has never initiated the physical contact by herself. She did not even know what has gotten into her to do such a shameful act when she was always on high guards towards men. Now he will definitely think of me as a pervert!

    She washed her face to look at leastposed and shocked to see her hair which was looking like a bird''s nest now. She wondered how it went into such a state when she perfectly groomed with all those hair care products. Shebed running her own hands through the hair and suddenly remembered a priority issue.

    She wished to google check on how to face a stranger after touching him, but then again, she swatted that idea when she doesn''t have the tablet. Leave it, Leena! You already have a scapegoat. Lava! Cook up some story and me it on her. She slowly opened the doorknob and slightly peeked at her sides. After confirming he has not followed to catch her, she sighed in relief and went out.

    Just the moment, she turned to her right, Leena was shocked to see a tall silhouette leaning on the screen, his right leg curled over the wall, arms crossed over his chest, eyes radiating powerful aura, light casting a shadow of his mystique persona to the world which has the power to pull a person from darkness into the light.

    The scene she is seeing in front of her has etched into her memory multiple times. Leena has many times dreamt of a tall silhouette leaning on the wall in the shadows, waiting for her. She has tried many times to see him but never he has turned his face to her. She was never a person to believe in the phrase dreams always woulde true, so she used to brush off those thoughts. Now that she has seen. No! Any person in the shadows looks the same. He can''t be. He is a devil Leena. Never cross path with him after today.

    Devin walked over to the dazed Leena wondering what had made her rooted to the ground like a zombie. Did I scare her?

    "Are you waiting for me toe back to earth?" He whispered behind her with a ky smile.

    Leena turned around to see him standing behind her with a smirk on his face. How she wished to cut off that from his face. She has never seen a man openly flirting with her except him.

    "What?" She red at him. She was wondering how to exin the situation now that he has caught her off guard.

    "What What?"

    "Actually it was not me. Lava suddenly felt that you look very handsome and she instantly requested possessing into my body for some time. When I did not agree, she has taken control of my body and it was she who touched your face." She exaggerated her story innocently.

    "Did I ask about it?" He only spat out that and slowly crossed his arms. He was anticipating her answer, the little fox has entered into his maze.

    Leena shook her head in embarrassment gazing down. Why didn''t you keep silent Leena! It was his trap.

    "What? Did yourself let the cat out of the bag?" He chuckled when she looked like a child caught by her teacher. If anyone would have heard her story, they would instantly agree to it seeing her puppy face. How many times she will use that invisible Lava. Although he was amused and wanted to ept her theory, no. He is dead set on teasing her now.

    "I_I. Aren''t you going?" Swiftly pointed her index finger towards the bathroom she babbled to pull him out of this conversation.

    "No."

    "Oh! Then why are you here?" She asked innocently. She wished to run away to her seat if she gets a little break from this situation.

    "I don''t want another man''s dignity to be stripped again. You can''t even distinguish men''s and women''s bathrooms outside. I couldn''t imagine on a flight with amon one?" He scoffed and went away.

    Leena opened her mouth to reprimand him but nothing wasing out. Why is her mouth tongue-tied when this shameless man speaks every time? I can''t let him have his own way now. She ran as fast as she could towards him to teach a lesson for messing with her.

    "Shameless idiot." She stepped on his foot roughly and fled away in a wink.

    "O." He shrieked in pain when he was caught off guard. When did shee back? She looks so thin but her kick can send a person into a dead.

    "Heartless woman." He muttered sitting over his seat holding his leg.

    "I can hear you Mr. Lord Voldemort" Her shrill voice came out.

    "So what Miss Jurassic Park?"

    "Do you think I will believe your story?" She asked.

    "Then did you think I would believe in your illogical theories?" He asked.

    "Hmph." Both red at each other and exaggerated simultaneously turning their backs.

    They did not utter a single word clearly tired of their bickering. Leena opened her tablet to watch a series while Devin opened his mobile to y a game keeping an eye from time to time to check if she dozing off again. He flew back from his thoughts when he was called by someone.

    "Young Man. Are you single?" A woman''s gruff voice came out. Both Leena and Devin simultaneously looked up to see a short middle-aged woman sitting at their adjacent seat.

    "Excuse me?"

    "I am from Richards''s family. My daughter, Maria, single and sexy. You look very handsome and my daughter is very beautiful." She smiled opening her mobile to show off the photos.

    Leena giggled putting a hand over her mouth when she heard of that dirtball''s family again.

    "Please take back your mobile. I am not interested." Devin politely rejected but when she heard the giggles from his little kit, he felt a pang in his heart for not even feeling a little ounce of jealousy.

    "You will like her once you go on a date. Can you give me your number." She looked at him with anticipation.

    "I live next to Precinct police station. You can call them." He said as a matter of fact.

    "How can I call the police_"

    Leena burst outughing not able to control herughter. This douchebag family doesn''t have any shame at all and this wrinkled hag must be that dirtball mother, she confirmed.

    "Can you not butt into our conversation miss who so ever you are?" The woman spat out ring daggers at Leena.

    Who so ever? What did I do in the first ce? I wasughing for his sarcasticment.Leena''s anger red up and she was about to reprimand, her thoughts were cut off by him.

    "Mobile." Devin demanded. How dare this old bat ignoring and reprimanding my little kit. Initially, he wanted to politely reject not to scare off his darling, now that she has touched his bottom line, he will give her the best humiliation possible.

    "Here." She excitedly handover the phone. "This is her most beautiful picture."

    Devin looked at the picture and scoffed at this foolish woman for not even paying to attention of the picture she had given him.

    "A scar in front of each ear and the fresh wound close to eyes which means she has undergone a full facelift and double eyelid surgery recently. Nose, unusual and weirdly upturned towards the sky which means nose job surgery has failed miserably. Eyebrows unsymmetrical which means, undergone an aggressive botox. Jaw contouring, forehead lift what not. With the number of surgeries gone under the knife, she can be a spokesperson for the stic surgery clinics."

    " "

    " "

    Both looked at him with their mouths wide open.

 Chapter 34 - Illusion

    Holy Banana Pants! His tongue is razor-sharp. No! It is sharper than a surgical scalpel. Leena looked at him and the jaw-dropping floor incident as she watched him unveil the old bat''s daughter secrets as if exposing skeletons from the closet. Although he was speaking in a gentle way, it was obvious that there was sarcasm in his tone. She was startled to see him identify all those surgeries with a single nce at the photo. She confirmed he must be a yboy to know all these things about a woman.

    While Devin, he has been in the modelling industry for over a decade and can discern real beauty from a stic beauty effortlessly. With just a mere look, he can tell, which face has undergone the knife.

    "Looks like your daughter went too far with the stic surgery." He scoffed.

    His humiliationbined with the sarcasm made the old bat looking down with pure embarrassment. She tried to snatch her mobile away from his grip, but Devin was holding it firmly clearly meant to say, he is not done yet.

    "You should have at least given a recent photo. Perhaps, I would have missed out mentioning her double eyelid surgery."

    Leena immediately peeped into the photo and giggled all the way up looking at the foolish woman. Although the photo might have taken after a month following the surgery, the scars were still visible. Her nose looks really nasty pointing towards the sky. At least she should have gone to the best stic surgeon when she wanted to hide her ugly beauty. She was never a person to believe in stic surgery but looking at that old bat''s daughter''s photo, she would have definitely suggested a yes to her. Not all can be as beautiful as you Leena, forget about brains. You are an excluded rare specimen. She gently patted herself.

    "You should have rejected in the first ce when you were not interested. Even if my daughter had undergone a face surgery, do you have to humiliate so brashly?" She harrumphed and went away not before ring daggers at Leena envying her thinking that she has undergone a full-body surgery for being so beautiful.

    Devin did not even bother to entertain her words. He has been avoiding her right from the beginning, but that foolish old bat was too muddle-headed to even recognize it. If she had not touched his little kit, he would have spared her considering the age.

    "hmm... That was a cool one, Mr. Jinx." Leena sniggered at him adding. "But not as good as me."

    "At least I don''t cook up stories like you Miss Pervert. But then, don''t you think we be a good pair?" He winked with a faint smile.

    "Have you ever seen fishes flying?"

    "I can make it fly for you." He started at her with a star stuck face.

    Her lips and eyebrows twitched violently with his shameless words.

    "Do you want me to kick you again. Trust me, it won''t be your leg this time." She threatened him.

    "How can she kick our baby''s origin?" He muttered.

    "What?" Her shrill voice came-out.

    "Nothing." He said putting an end to the conversation. This heartless woman would not even think twice before kicking him if she had heard his earlier thoughts.

    Leena ordered the Mediterranean sandwich and orange juice again when she was fully famished and started watching another series, eating and sipping simultaneously. Devin was internally praising himself that his little kit liked the taste of the food he has picked for her earlier and that is the reason she is ordering it again and again.

    Little did he knew, Leena did not find the food menu and she was toozy to look around and ask those flight attendants again. She wished to ask this shameless man, but her ego did not allow it. So reluctantly, she ordered those two not so delicious items which she remembered.

    After getting bored of watching the series over and above, she put the tablet aside and peeked at the other person working on theptop. This jinx is even attractive while working. Show off, man.

    She scoffed and opened her notes only to check some of her colleagues have written souvenirs to get from Seattle.

    "Renya: Eye cream, Naomi: Seattle coffee, Mandy: Fram''s Caramel Choc_"

    Wait, when did this chubby Mandy start ordering me. We both are not in talking terms right. Did they really think she would get all those listed souvenirs? Her brain got a wonderful thought to make them super embarrassed. Without wasting a second, she immediately put down her thoughts in the paper. She crossed all those gifts recing with her own ideas.

    [Renya: Mushroom Headed Lipstik]

    "She will not even apply when she sees it''s head." She giggled imagining her face.

    [Mandy: Breasts lift tape]

    She needs it for those big melons.

    [Naomi: Bunny backpack]

    Leena wished to not torture that poor girl when she was too good for her.

    [Reese: Poop ice cubes tray]

    "Let her make drinks with it." She mumbled and giggled again. She was adamant about gifting those to her best friend and make her drink from that tray.

    Devin gazed to the side when he heard his little kit''s giggles only to find her pulling the book towards her chest as if she is hiding something.

    "I don''t have a habit of peeking into someone''s property unlike you."

    "How many times I have told you it was a mistake. Can''t you leave that matter." She yelled.

    "Can''t leave." That was only word from him.

    Can I kick him down there? She went back to her writing again before throwing a deathly re at him. While jotting down all the dress styles she has to buy in Seattle and the things to do at the wedding, she dozed off in the middle itself.

    Devin heard her mumbling in the sleep and looked up to see her whole body wrapped into a ball andbined with the thin summer dress she is wearing, Leena started shivering without any sheathe.

    He swiftly checked her forehead and sensed it was very cold.

    "Fuck." He cursed at himself for thete recognition. Turning off the air vent immediately, he draped a nket over her and made sure she is securely sheltered inside it. After patting her head for some time, Devin was about to retreat his hand but it was pulled again by a strong force.

    Leena in a dazed state sensed a warmth was missing from her and immediately pulled that snuggling under the nket holding it tightly as if it would be taken away by someone.

    "Sleep, sleep," Devin whispered, gently patting her head. She was mumbling something in her sleep continuously and even after many attempts, he barely recognized that she is indeed scolding someone

    Why is she so cute? He wished to hug her once, but then again swatted the idea. She will definitely throw him out of this seat if she gets to know the bottom of it. Devin could already see his tragic future of courting this heartless woman. He sighed and looked at the drooling mouth.

    "You have be a big baby and still drooling?" Chuckling to himself, he wiped her drool with a tissue and closed her pout, his gaze unconsciouslynded on the opened book. She was throwing tantrums at him initially for peeking into it, and now she did not even bother to close it.

    He was about to close it when he caught sight of a certain word. Things to do at the wedding. She is going to Seattle for a wedding? He made a note to find about it the moment hends there.

    He flipped the page and read about things to buy for her colleagues.

    "Mushroom head lipstick, bunny bag, poop_"

    He closed his eyes tightly and flipped to the next page not to see those weird stuff. Who is contaminating her mind to always speak in double entenders? It must be that Jasper''s sister Reese. I have to call and ask him to reprimand her for teaching nonsense to my darling.

    He was relieved when the next page was all about her list of dresses to buy-in Seattle.

    "Vintage skirts, bohemian floral skirts, victoria''s secret fantasy bra_"

    His gaze unconsciously shifted to her bosom and came back from his thoughts cursing at himself.

    "Clearly she has no sense of shame at all and now calling me shameless?" He knocked on her head with the book. Leena fluttered a little but went back into her sleep again.

    This idiot is breaking down all the self-control I had maintained for twenty-eight years. With one hand, being tightly held by his little kit, he kept his other hand over his forehead not to look at her side and counting sheep. After a long stretch, Devin felt fatigued and slept off to catch at least a wink.

    A familiarvender scent was slowly approaching him in the dream, her warm breaths making his heart beat faster. He opened his eyes to feel her only to see her face inches away from him and he was in a dilemma contemting if whatever he is seeing was an illusion or real.

    "What are you doing.." He spoke in a deep voice confirm.

 Chapter 35 - Dogs Birthday

    Half an hour before.

    The warmth of the certainforter was making Leena sleep peacefully for a longer time than she expected. After a long stretch, she stirred from her sleep when she was hearing the noises from the crowd. Slightly opening her eyes, Leena drowsily looking at her sides to sink in the ce she is currently present. Finally, her gazended on the nket where her body was securely wrapped when she did not even put it in the first ce. Who did it? She brushed off that thought when her stomach made a loud rumble. Yay! I am famished again. She wanted to stretch her body like she always did after waking up, but her hands could not even move rooting to the ce. She looked at the outline of her nket only to find it was strongly held by a tight held under it.

    In a sh, she swiftly removed her nket only to find her right hand was securely entwined together by a strong and firm hand tightly.

    Leena watched their hands with an open mouth with confusion written all over her face. How did this happen? Was it him or me? If it is me, he will definitely use this to tease forever this time.

    Shuddered at the thought, she tried to unsp their hands quickly, but Devin was holding it tightly as if he wouldn''t let it go even in his sleep. Why are his hands so big and strong?

    Using all her strength, she pried open each finger patiently with her other arm and gasped a long puff of air when she sessfully unravelled them as if it was her biggest mission. She kept on scolding him continuously for having a body as strong as an athlete until shepleted her task before giving an annoyed stare to him.

    "Why is this shameless man attractive in all the angles!" She pulled his hair roughly expecting a chunk of fallen follicles only to be disappointed in getting nothing in return. She noticed beads of sweat forming on his forehead wondering if he is feeling hot. Leena gazed up to see the air vent waspletely turned off. Opening the vent, she Lowered the temperature ordingly and draped a nket around him incase if he feels cold after a while without thinking about the things she was doing to him.

    Puffing her cheeks, she felt her energypletely drained out after investing everything on him. She ordered juice before opening her tablet to resume the series she was watching it before. She tried to concentrate on the show but couldn''t do it when something was bothering her. Finally, she peeked at his face when she couldn''t control her curiosity.

    "What kind of face creams and exfoliators he is using? His skin is wlessly glowing and he doesn''t even have single pores." Keenly looking at him, she mumbled and pulled his hair again out of anger only to notice his hair was as smooth as for her hands to touch. I hate him!

    Leena looked at her hands contemting over the idea that was popping in her mind continuously. She finally gave up and submitted her ordeal to the angel and the devil in her for their judgement but obviously went on with the devil''s opinion while her angel wondered why to ask her in the first ce when she already had decided her answer.

    Leena brushed off herints. Watching him sleep for some time, she decided. Just get that damn thing done fast before he wakes up Leena!

    She poked his arm first and when he did not even budge, her confidence increased and like a cat, she slowly went near his face and raised her hand to touch, but her mind became nk suddenly.

    "What are you doing?" His deep voice rumbled piercing into her eyes.

    Opening his eyes, Devin was momentarily dazed with the sudden turn of events. When a familiarvender scent approached him, fanning her warm breath against his skin, his breath hitched. He confirmed it must be another one of his dream that he has been getting off hertely. Having only a point not not one percent of the hope that whatever he was imagining was real, he opened his eyes. His throat tightened at the sight of his little kit only a few inches away from his face looking at him with innocence.

    "I_I" She stared at him nkly without even opening her mouth, looking at him as if she is a child caught by his mother when she was found eating the mud in the rain.

    "I_ I wanted to tell you that today is my dog''s birthday." She babbled whatever came to her mind in the instant.

    "You could have said it normally." He whispered in a low voice

    "I_ I wanted to have a soap opera effect." She whooshed in a whisper when his breath was ticking and sending butterflies all over her body.

    "Do you recognize our positions at least now?" She was only a inches away from Devin and one wrong move, he couldn''t imagine what they would be doing here. Travelling with her was pure torture for him right from the moment she stepped on to the ne.

    When Leena recognized she has literally toppled on him, she widened her eyes and backed off immediately hitting the wall in the process.

    "O. My head." She shrieked and bawled like a child.

    "Now, now. Don''t cry." Devin worriedly reached out his hand and started rubbing her head gently to ease the pain.

    "I am not a child." She pouted and tried to strike his hand, but Devin held on to her wrist. Leena did not evenin or repulsed by his touch instead she felt warmth and security.

    "That''s right. Even children don''t drool like you." He chuckled.

    "Show me the proof that I drooled." She shamelessly asked and huffed like a child.

    "I never knew you are such a big fat liar." He pinched her cheeks when he saw her childish side again.

    "Don''t touch me." She mumbled looking away to hide her blushing.

    "Now that I was harassed by Miss Pervert again, how are you going topensate me? or should I straight away take you to the police." Devin asked with amusement filled over his face.

    "Hey! What are you talking about? We are not strangers at all, in fact, we know each other very well." Leena eximed gulping down her saliva. Now that she is sitting with him, she has to y her game carefully otherwise she would definitely end up there.

    "Do you think I would_"

    "Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared tond at the Seattle Ta international airport. Make sure your seat belts are securely tightened for onest time. Thank you." The flight attendant''s voice cut down his thoughts. Both looked at each other when it was about to part their ways.

    Leena was jumping with joy, Devin, even though he was not ready to part, he did not show it on his face, unlike someone when he knew they would be meeting again.

 Chapter 36 - Flying Kiss

    Finally filling thending papers from the flight attendants, Leena was about to leave but Devin stopped her.

    "Do you think I can''t find your name?" Devin whispered behind her and chuckled how nervous she has been behaving as if he would look at her name.

    "Go and find out." She stomped on his feet, her high heels sending a chilling pain to his leg again.

    "She is a devil disguised in an angel form." He shrieked with pain, rooting to the ground with numbness.

    Completing all the formalities, Leena started to move towards the exit door, when suddenly she found him walking along with her.

    "Are are you following me?" She yelled at him.

    "Why yes? Of course Miss Pervert. We are very close right and I happen to know only you in Seattle. So naturally, I am following you." He lied covering his face with a mask not to attract any of the crowd or his fans.

    "Show off man." She mumbled looking at him covering his face. Did he think he is the only specimen with attractive features? I am more beautifulpared to him. She badly wanted to take her own mask, if she has not forgotten in her home.

    "Give me the address, we will go together." He wanted to tease her more before parting their way, for now. If not for the urgent meeting, he would have stuck to her like glue.

    "But I_I will be staying at my friend''s home." Leena couldn''t believe she is stuttering while speaking especially in front of a man.

    "I don''t have a problem staying at stranger''s_"

    Panic drove Devin when Leena suddenly held the cuff of his shirt weekly. She stumbled over her steps and was about to copse on the floor when Devin caught her making her lean on his chest.

    "Sweetheart, what''s wrong?" He nervously asked stroking her cheeks, worried about her sudden sickness. He checked her temperature and oddly he felt it was normal. Devin was about to question her again when Leena weekly mumbled which he was finding hard to hear with the bustling crowd.

    "Wa_ter, my stomach hurts. Water." Those were the only words she could utter at the moment.

    "Shh, don''t panic, I will get you." Grabbing her waist, he picked her in his arms and strode towards the lounge area with his tall legs. He gingerly ced her on the seat holding her head anxiously.

    "Don''t go anywhere. I wille back In a minute." He gently patted her head and walked out to get water and the medicines.

    After turning the pharmacy upside down for mere water bottles and medicines, he rushed towards the lounge, anxiety was written all over his face when she was barely whispering. He went towards the seat where he ced his little kit before going to the pharmacy, only to find it empty now. Where did she go? His hands were shaking with panic, his eyes darting all over the airport looking for the figure, but she was nowhere to be found.

    Finally, he noticed a figure sneaking out of the exit from one of the gates. He clenched his fists, pressing his eyes for being yed.

    "You traitor. Did you really use me for this?" He cursed at himself for buying her theory easily. He knew something was wrong when he felt her temperature was normal, but he was not in a state of thinking seeing his little kit.

    Don''t let me catch you today. Devin was noting down all her mischiefs internally to get all his revenge when the timees.

    Sitting in the cab, Leena gave the destination address to the driver and sighed in relief after escaping from him. If, not for her fast reflexes, she would have been caught by that devil for masking him. She was about to close her eyes, when she caught sight of someone from the rearview mirror, clearly looking annoyed.

    "Driver uncle, can you please slow down the car?" She politely asked the driver. Let''s add spice to his wound Leena.

    "Sure madam."

    She opened the car window, sticking her head out of it, she waved him fervently until his attention was on her. She stuck her tongue out at him when he furiously looked at her.

    She even gave a flying kiss and mouthed a goodbye.

 Chapter 37 - Her Broken Leg Was Less Painful Than Her Shattered Heart

    Sitting in the car, Leena was giggling like a child as if she has won a gold medal by masking the devil and escaping from his clutches. Just because she has entered into the men''s bathroom once, he has been throwing punch after punch at her face with his sharp words for straight six hours in the flight. He deserves that little punishment. He might have not expected thest strike would be mine.

    Her talks and thoughts were broken by the sounds of her ringing mobile. She smiled and immediately picked up the call looking at the caller ID.

    "Hey, Babie." A sweet honey voice echoed into ears.

    "Jane! Don''t call me babie. Don''t you think it''s a shame to my badass look?" She pouted.

    "I wonder if you ever live a day without being narcissistic." Jane chuckled shaking her head.

    "I am not narcissist, you are just jealous that I am gorgeous, " Leena remarked and opened the tablet putting maps of her destination ce.

    "I surrender to you mdy." Jane lifted her arms giving up. No one can put a stop to her wise mouth. They have to surrender before her.

    "You are pardoned for epting your fault prisoner." Leena giggled and added." How is life there?"

    "Struggling with two monkeys."

    "You can call him a monkey. But not my cutie." She smiled imagining the sweet little trouble makers face.

    "Speaking of that monster, she has be a brat with her mischievous stunts and she is missing you a lot, always asks about you. She assumes the TV remote as her mobile even calls your number talking to herself."

    "But I bet that monster is missing only the toys I bring."

    Leena burst outughing shaking her head.

    "Leave about cutie now. I have some other pressing matter to discuss with you."

    "What is it?" Leena knew where the conversation would lead to.

    "I got to know that you are in Seattle today. Why did you go alone, Leena?" Jane chided her.

    "I would be fine Jane," Leena whispered in a hushed tone. Now that she mentioned, all the memories of this ce were starting to resurface again. She had a hard time sleeping with her nightmares yesterday fighting over her fears. Although she had always maintained a strong front, the trauma she suffered in the past was her weakness which she could never forget. But all of them momentarily vanished away the moment she entered into the flight. Leena unconsciously looked at her hand missing the warmth.

    "Seattle is his home. He wille for you the moment hees to know now that you are there. I can''t believe Francis has epted to send you alone."

    "Don''t scold my Francy. I threatened him. Besides, wasn''t he good to me during our university days." Leena tried to ease the atmosphere curbing her friend''s anger. Leena gazed at the destination route she has put it on the maps to check if it is moving in the right direction. Although the driver seems good, she would never lower her guards when travelling with a stranger.

    "I never liked him," Jane said.

    "Is it because he used your name in order to talk with me?" She smiled at Jane''s stubbornness for not forgetting that incident until now.

    "I have never liked him from the start. I was always against your rtionship." She has never liked him for her best friend, Leena deserved the best, someone who cherishes her, not that bastard who had always ignored for someone else. She shuddered thinking of that night, the pain, her fears Leena had struggled for a year with a broken leg and arm. All of them were still fresh in her memory. He did not even visit once even when she was hospitalized. Although Leena tries to keep everyone around her happy, deep inside she carries a lonely her which she would not even show it outside.

    "Jane. I_"

    "Let''s not talk about him, Leena." She cut off her conversation afraid that her trauma would hit her again. "I heard interesting news that you have been behaving weirdly due to someone."

    Leena clenched her fists. That annoying Reese cannot even hold her tongue for a minute. I should give her a dozen poop ice cube trays when I return to NewYork.

    "Back to earth Leena. Are you thinking of him again? Is he handsome?" Jane asked with excitement.

    Handsome? She has never seen such a handsome specimen in her entire life. Unconsciously her thoughts drifted to the airport lounge, the way he cared for her. She could sense worry and anxiety in his eyes the moment she told she is sick. The amount of pressure he put on her waist during lifting her up due to theck of experience made her flinch in pain but it was more assurance to her than any other promises she could hear. It was a simple genuine touch that spoke millions of words to her as if saying he is always there to take care of her. All these feelings were foreign to her and have never felt the same with Ethan. But she was scared.

    No. Never. I don''t need a man in my life. She was scared of it. Despite she has not loved, she has invested her trust on someone for someone and had faced enough consequences. Her broken leg was less painful than the shattered heart when she came to know the truth.. She doesn''t want to go on that path again.

 Chapter 38 - Wrinkled Grandma

    Leena immediately bid goodbye to Jane''s call when she felt her mood dampen with the mention of her past. She gazed outside the car window to clear her thoughts when the car swiftly turned off from the main road and drove into a very calm neighbourhood with lots of thick greens. Leena has been in the car for almost two hours and even without any traffic, she has not reached her destination. She was getting tired of this car journey and the sleepiness she tried to control was hitting again due to the stress and the long flight journey.

    Her thoughts broke when she was stopped by the security denying her entrance. Since she wanted to surprise Leah, Leena did not even call her before arriving in Seattle. So her surprise turned into vain when she was reprimanded for not even informing even after shended in Seattle. After all the scoldings, she was escorted personally by the security inside.

    The thick lush green trees were peeking and swaying from the massive high wall when the car drove past through it. After the turn of roads, She was then weed by a pair of shy golden gates and then revealing the vast lush mansion looking more like a mini form of Versailles. The front atrium was dominated over by a massive two-storey French Chateau''s fountain surrounded by four horses gushing water from its mouth. The moment the car stopped at the house entrance, a figure was already waiting and waving fervently at her.

    "Wee home darling. I miss you a lot." A shrill voice vibrated the surroundings which were undoubtedly loud for her soft look. She rushed to the figure with her arms outstretched and gave her best friend a fleshy hug.

    "My God Leah! This house looks beautiful." Leena was looking at the mansion in awe. She has seen many beautiful homes, in fact, Haecis mansion is bigger than this, but the house in front of her has a different look which she could not express in words.

    "Lene, I told I am missing you, but here you are marvelling the beauty of this house." Leah pouted.

    "Well, I think I missed you a lot when I was doing dirty business in my bathroom." Leena yfully winked at her.

    "E.You dirty girl." Leah yelled releasing herself from the hug.

    "Don''t scream." She chided. " You are giving a dirty impression to_"

    "Lene! When did you arrive!" Their conversation was interrupted when a woman came running out of the door. Her beautiful shoulder-length golded hair dangled with each footstep giving off a matured look to her.

    "Aunt Daisy!" Leena threw her travel bag on the ground dashing towards the person embracing in a tight hug.

    "Had I known, I would have at least sent a car to the airport." Daily smiled and added. "I thought you would being tomorrow."

    "Well, I wanted to give a surprise visit." Leena flickered.

    "You have given a heart attack surprise," Daisy eximed and guided her into the house. Both were so involved in their talks that they didn''t even look at someone who was crying in pain.

    Hopping on one leg, Leah went inside the house carrying a bag cursing at Leena for not even looking where she had thrown her bag.

    The moment Leah entered, she was greeted by a show of two maids adding tes of food to the already packed table with dishes while her mom was stuffing food onto her best friend''s mouth and her dad kept refilling the banana smoothie.

    "Mom, dad! You haven''t even fed me once." Leah cried like a jealous girlfriend whose boyfriend was snatched away by a vixen.

    "What is a child doing here when adults are talking. Go and fly the kite that I brought for you." Sipping her banana smoothie Leena said making everyone burst outughing.

    "You meanie! You always bully me and Reese." Leah muttered angrily and went near the dining area to have her breakfast.

    "Correction, I bully everyone and what is that frowning face of yours. You are giving a look of a wrinkled grandma who has spent and mastered the practice of frowning for years."

    "Mark, I can''t take this anymore." Daisy burst outughing looking at her husband.

    "Our Lene is the best stress buster. I knew this wedding is going to be super fun with her presence."

    "Thank you for yourpliments uncle, Mark." Leena sheepishly admitted looking down.

    "My pleasure sweetie." He smiled.

    Leah frowned mocking at her friend and dad. If not there was a washbasin near her, she would have puked out looking at Leena''s funny shy look and her dad''s flirting.

    After the heartful lunch, Daisy and Mark were chatting with Leena, most of the timeughing hard with her cute talks. Sitting in the corner, Leah scoffed at them forpletely ignoring her.

    "Leah, take Lene to the room I have it cleaned today." Daisy yfully winked at her daughter.

    "Yes, mom!" Leah eximed. Her bitter mood instantly raised her spirits.

    "God! This is amazing Leah." The moment Leena entered into the room, she looked at awe with the thick green trees and a small pond nestled in the middle of the bushes with the koi fishes and swans jumping and ying around.

    "Mom arranged it especially for you," Leah said and smiled at her lovingly. Although they have known for only four years from the start of their modelling career, they have set out to be best friends in no time.

    "Why did you n the wedding in Seattle." Leena pondered on the thought of organizing the wedding in another ce when the Lewis family has roots in Newyork.

    "Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you. Mom is from Seattle and she met dad in this mansion, Even their wedding has happened here." Leah excitedlymented.

    "So, you are following their steps," Leena added.

    "Exactly. And the wedding is postponed three dayste." Leah said in a hushed tone.

    "What! Why?"

    "Austin wanted to have it on Saturday or Sunday so that all the guests cane around. Besides, It''s only three dayste Lene," she replied.

    "Guests?" She scoffed. "I bet that the yboy just wants to show off to his ex-girlfriends."

    "My man is a gentleman." Leah proudly dered.

    "Gentleman?" Leena burst outughing "A gentleman can have eyes for only onedy."

    Before Leah could counter, Leena cut in again.

    "I have apany to run. I can''t stay for ten long days."

    "Miss workaholic, you have Reese there."

    "Can I go ande back again?" leena cried, thinking of ways to pacify Reese for going ten long days without her.

    "Mom would kill you. Besides, this wedding is going to be super fun Lene. This house has thirteen bedrooms to fit many guests. I and Austin have invited many of our closest friends, couples and they would be arriving here by today evening. This is the reason we have agreed to get married here and we even have nned many adventurous games." Leah excitingly added.

    How is that an adventure for singles? Now she has to see people making out everywhere? Leena cried internally.

    "Take some rest. I have something to discuss with mom." Leena said and walked out of the room.

    "Wow. What a wonder. I am given an option to rest also." She muttered to herself and slumped on the bed.

    ..

    "Did you tell her about the n?" Daisy rushed to her daughter as soon as she came out of Leena''s room.

    "She would run away if we reveal the n now," Leah whispered and guided her mom to the bedroom to discuss it secretly. Like thieves, both mom and daughter were executing their ns.

    "When is heing?"

    "Today. Austin spoke with him already. His schedule is free for the entire month and to our surprise, he readily agreed when I told about Lene."

    Daisy sighed for betraying Leena. She has treated Leena as her own daughter and wanted her to at least date, someone. So after discussing with Austin and Leah, they havee up with a n.

    "All right darling. I trust you. Now if you excuse me, I have to go shopping for your wedding preparations." Daisy sighed and went out

    "Rx mom. Don''t worry. Leena would definitely like him. He is the hottest celebrity actor and very sweet in person. He will definitely steal our Lene''s heart." Leah excitingly added to her already walking out person.. They have already nned everything to create opportunities for both of them.

 Chapter 39 - Catlike

    Thest rays ofte afternoon sunlight escaped through the small apertures of maple trees slicing across the windows casting a radiance on the beautiful sleeping figure who was peacefullyying on the bed oblivious to the surroundings happening in the room.

    "Austin, please," Leah spoke in a whisper shoving her fianc��. "Lene will kill us."

    "Shhh....don''t worry. This sloth is not even stirring with all the things we are doing here." He murmured softly and resumed his task.

    "Pass on that bottle." He looked over to his right nudging Leah to pass over the bottle he asked for. His voice sank into a low growl so as to not wake thezy bug sleeping on the bed without any senses.

    "That''s enough idiot! She is a real mess now." Leah pleaded in a whisper without raising her voice. She wanted to yell at him for the nasty task he was executing but she was afraid to even raise her pitch, for a certain beast would strangle him on the spot once it is awakened.

    Austin turned a deaf ear to Leah''s pleas. It was like talking to a brick wall when speaking to him. He stretched his long hands over a table and grabbed the bottle by himself. He then slightly loosened the arm of the sleeping log and dipped her two fingers into the bottle. He wanted to roll on the floorughing looking at her doodle face, but he controlled himself.

    With the sudden cold touch of some liquid on her fingers, chills run down her body twitching from her sleep.

    When Austin sensed her movement, he immediately stopped and stared at her will all bulging eyes. He did not expect that this sleeping log would wake up very soon. He still has to finish his job, but he doesn''t want to get caught now. Reluctantly, he grabbed Leah''s hand and run away for his life.

    Leena stirred from her sleep when she heard slight whispering murmurs. Still in a daze, with half-opened eyes, she looked at the surroundings only to find nothing. Didn''t she hear some noises? She looked at the ceiling and sighed.

    Thank god, there is no ghost. There was one horror movie which Leena recently watched and the main protagonist hears all the noises and murmurs but when she looked everywhere, there was no one. Only viewers knew a ghost was crawling over the ceiling like a lizard. Didn''t she had any other ce to lurk in. Nasty ghost.

    Leena yawned rubbing her face forgetting something was still stuck on her hands. She did not know why her mind was constantly darting to those bright eyes since she stepped out of the airport. She felt like the six hours flight journey has ended in six minutes. What''s wrong with you Leena! Those are just eyes!

    She wanted to slump on her bed again, but her stomach rumbled loudly indicating the need to feed with the food again. Leena got up from her bed and straight away walked out of her room.

    When she was climbing down the stairs, Leena could hear some voices speaking, running and asionallyughing. Did everyone arrive already? Don''t they have any work? Who would arrive before ten days for marriage? Except her.

    She did not want to pay any attention to them when her stomach was already craving food again. Shezily passed by the living room not even bothering and entered the kitchen without knowing they were already looking at her with wide eyes.

    "Aunt Daisy, I am hungry."

    "Five more minutes sweetie, go and sit in the living room. I will be back in a jiffy. Even Austin hase. Go and talk to him." Daisy informed her without even looking at Leena when she was busy preparing the snacks.

    "Why did that stupid fellow arrive so early," Leena mumbled and walked out.

    Walking towards the living room, her footsteps stopped when all the looks fell on her face. What''s wrong with these people.

    "Is something on my face?" She touched her face to check if she had drooled again as she did on the flight.

    Austin was the first to burst out fromughing even rolling on the floor. When he arrived at Wilson''s mansion, Leah informed him about Leena''s early arrival. All the pranks she pulls on him when they meet every time resurfaced together when he came across her sleeping face. He badly wanted to take retribution on her for hurting his ego and bullying him all the time and he could only do that when she is unconscious. Within no time, he became an artist and painted her face with all the designs he coulde up with.

    Mark tried to conceal hisughter, but it was not enough to control when Leena was acting so innocently without knowing anything. The other two guests arrived also bubbled up in a pool ofughter. Leah was currently busy giving measurements to the designer, so she stayed in her room.

    Leena looked at theughing idiots as if they have grown three heads. What''s wrong with these people? Not to torture Leena anymore, Mark was about to get up and take her to the room when another person fast approached her.

    "Stop it Austin. It''s not even funny." Leena heard a calm voice and looked up to see a man walking towards her.

    "Trent is right. You went overboard with the prank Austin." Mark hit him on the head and walked towards Leena.

    "Overboard? It''s because you have never seen that monster ying pranks on me." He murmured and giggled again looking at those cat mustaches on her face. He had already taken the photos to ckmail her in the future.

    "Your face is painted with a marker. Here! Use this tissue." He stretched his hands to handover the tissue shing a smile at her. When Leena stood rooted staring at him, he thought she wanted him to wipe for her. He was about to reach her face when Leena swiftly stepped back.

    "Don''t!" Her voice came instantly. She processed his words only when he was about to reach her face.

    God! This stupid fellow has painted my face and I did not even know about it and embarrassed myself in front of everyone.

    Without turning back, Leena glided the stairs not to embarrass more.

    She scrutinized her face keenly with a shock written all over her face. There was not even a ce left on her face without being marked. Her nose was covered in ck, thick lines on her eyebrows making her look like a real witch, cat-like moustache. On top of it, she has touched her face which further covered with the ink left on her fingers. In total, she was a mess. Leena pulled her hair in frustration. No wonder they wereughing at me.

    "Lene. Are you all right." Leah and Daisy worriedly went to her room when Mark informed everything that happened in the hall.

    "Do you think this is alright?" Pointing a finger over her face, Leena barked at them.

    "Either I or he stays in the house, you both decide." With that Leena shoved them out of her room to clean the mess.

    I will give him a live show on how hell feels like.

    "Mom! Help me. Leena will not spare him." Leah cried banging the closed door in hopes of opening.

    "Well, I_I have to go out shopping sweetie." Daisy ran away.

    "I have an urgent business meeting in an hour dear," Mark answered even before Leah could ask for his help.

    Leah cried looking at the retreating figures for not even helping their daughter.

    Leena was d that he used a marker that could erase over a wash. She freshened up after clearing her face and went out. While she was climbing down the stairs, Leena saw a silhouette with his back facing her while talking to the person who has aided a tissue to her.

    Without making a noise, she went towards him and kicked on his back.

    "Oww. My butt." With the sudden kick, Austin fell on the ground.

    "You never learn your lessons right. Didn''t you forget that I have learned martial arts." With that, she tried to kick him again. Austin got up and threw his forearms like an offensive front but Leena pushed his elbow, catching his head making him roll on the floor. She was thrashing his left and right continuously

    "Leena! P_lea_se. I_I will never do it aga_in." He begged her with a half breath but to no avail. Leah has to take the charge dragging her best friend away.

    ....

    Everyone gathered in the garden quietly sipping the tea, but they could sense a tense atmosphere around. Austin lied down on a bench with a soar back gritting his teeth

    When Leena was munching her oat cookies, the man sitting next to her was looking intently and she was already feeling ufortable. What''s wrong with this man. She has to check her face asionally to see if there is any mark that she left out without washing.

    With all themotion happening, Trent quietly sat there looking at Leena with a smirk on his face. Sitting next to her, he could smell a flowery fragrance intoxicating him after having her fresh shower. Despite he smiled at her, she was not even looking in his direction. Being an actor and a famous celebrity, he was never ignored by anyone except this woman. Interesting! he mused.

    He had once seen her in an event and was smitten by her beauty. He tried to talk with her, but she was surrounded by many other people and he ignored it then. Now, when Austin and Leah talked about her showed the photo, he immediately recognized and agreed to it when his schedule was already free for a month.

    Ten days would be more than sufficient. He is a famous actor and had won many women''s hearts.. No one can resist his charm, even her.

 Chapter 40 - I Will Make Him Mine

    A few hours before.

    Devin marched into the office, his rough and powerful footsteps echoed sharply down the hallway. Those deep hazel eyes that always reflected a light brown with a hint of green colour have changed into dark mysterious ocellus that could freeze the bones of any species that trifled with him today.[1]

    His anger red up again when his thoughts flew back to their airport encounter. How can she turn a blind eye to the concern and worry he was pouring on her. Devin felt like his world has copsed into a speck seeing her pale, distressed look, but that heartless woman had tantly used that as a weakness and escaped from his clutches. Didn''t she feel the pain in his eyes that was crushing him down when she was in no state to speak? In his anger, he has even turned the crowded pharmacy into a mess looking for the medicine by himself.

    Even though Devin was raging at his little kit earlier for lying to him on the most triggering topic of her health, he felt relieved afterwards that she was not ill anymore but looking fit and healthy. Still, with a frustrated mood, he was about to leave the airport, when he heard a familiar voice calling him. Looking up, he saw his little kit calling him over and over again waving at him until his attention was on her. She smiled and winked at him of her victory and when she did not get satisfied with it, she threw a flying kiss at him adding fuel to the fire. He clenched his fists not show his anger in thepany, but it was reying like an echo taunting him further.

    When the employees were informed that their CEO would be visiting the Seattle office after a long time, everyone gathered in the hallway to show their respect to him. The female employees dolled up to at least get a little attention from him and the newbies were peeking at the entrance holding their breaths to have a glimpse of the hotty.

    "Good afternoon Mr. Wang." The young managing director ke Ardley walked into the hall to escort their CEO when he was informed by one of his subordinates that he had already arrived. Although everyone was eagerly anticipating his presence today, they did not expect him to visit announced by an hour earlier making the employees squeal in delight, especially women.

    "ke." Devin dered with a voice like a raging volcano. "Convene the meet in an hour." He stated and walked ahead to his private elevator. But most of the employees did not miss his murderous aura when they looked into his piercing eyes. They have always seen their CEO calm andposed. Now that they looked into his bloodshot eyes, all of them wondered who dared to enrage the mighty Wang Devin.

    "Noted sir." ke nodded and escorted him without probing anything. He has been managing the Seattle office for five years and quite close to Devin. But he had never seen his fury like the way he was seeing today. Is it because of her? There were many rumours circting in the office without knowing him. He did not want to pry further and went out to arrange the meeting.

    ...

    Design department unit of WD.

    "Sir has visited Seattle after a long time." A woman squealed in excitement.

    "But he is in the worst mood today. I will ask ke to prepare his favourite Americano coffee." A young man spoke out. He was the key fashion designer of the WD.

    "What are you dilly-dallying here. Prepare the drafted designs. We have a meeting in an hour." One of the senior key designers of WD voiced out. She was already in frustration with the sudden meeting that ke has informed. Being new to WD, she wants to give the best of her in the meeting in front of their CEO.

    "But We haven''t fullypleted the design for our next collections. I am afraid he would re up."

    "Why are you worrying. Our goddess will be here." a woman said.

    Theirmotion stopped when a tall woman stepped into the room, her six-inch high strappy heels loud and clear adorning her feet. Her soft pearly legs were exposed giving a sexy look and her usual silky ck hair was coloured into cherry red with the curls cascading down her shoulders which perfectly matched with the cherry-red tinted lipstick she applied on her lips. Her skin was wless showing off her beautiful assets in a sexy red blouse tucked in a ck high waisted pencil skirt. She threw a smile at everyone while she passed by the corridor and she knew everyone would be smitten by her beauty.

    "Wow. You are looking amazing Regina."

    "Looks like you dolled up for CEO Wang Miss Regina Herrera." A girl teasingly shed a wink at her.

    Regina, the chief designer of WD. She is known for producing excellent designs. Holding a degree from the famous Fashion Institute of Technology, NewYork, she has named herself as one of the best designers in the industry. Although she started off her career with modelling, she suddenly stepped down when her career was at peaks and started working as the fashion designer surprising everyone.

    "Is that the reason you took a half-day leave to doll up?" One of the employees asked in excitement.

    "Can you all stop it. It''s nothing like that. I was just feeling happy." She whispered in a low voice but the employees could see her blushing.

    "Happy because someone has arrived." one of her friends poked her.

    "Don''t assume. By the way, I convinced my parents finally. I am leaving to Newyork and will be working from there." She said with a wide smile.

    "Congrattions Regi. Now you will be working closely with our CEO."

    "Who can match the famous Wang family except for our Regina." A girl voiced out.

    "Everyone in the office is assuming that you two are secretly dating."

    "Don''t believe those rumours. We are maintaining a professional rtionship." Although she did not show off in the front, she was internally rejoicing when they were talking about prince charming and her. I will turn our rtionship into real.

    "Professional? Only you are close to him in the Seattle office, except ke."

    "God! You guys are unbelievable. We are not dating."

    "You are still denying? Everyone in thepany knows that he has dropped you home when he came to Seattlest time."

    "You have seen?" Holding her forehead, she added. "Keep that a secret. We are yet to announce it." She lied. Her car had suddenly punctured and Devin happens to see her at the same time. Being a gentleman, he has given her the lift and she was the one who has made it spread in thepany through one of her resources. Although he did not allow her to sit next to him, Regina was happy that she could spend time with him. She has nned everything perfectly.. Now that I will be working from New York, soon I will make him mine.

 Chapter 41 - Gaudy Clothes

    The vast conference room was brightly lit up withrge speakers ced at every table to allow every employee to hear what''s being presented. The department heads of production, manufacturing, finance, sketching artists, designers gathered all together for the meet with their CEO. WD, being spread over the world, Devin rarely gets the time to visit each and every office. So the employees foregather here to discuss the growth, challenges whenever he drops by.

    The lights were dimmed in the room when he nudged Lauren to start the presentation, being the sole representative for the current collections, she edged towards the billboard to give off her best.

    Sitting in the middle of the conference room, Devin was scrutinizing the drafted designs flipping the pages, listening to the presentation and asionally frowning when he felt a few ws in the sketches.

    "Why am I still seeing the unfinished designs when the deadline is due," Devin demanded just when she finally ended her presentation. Everyone held their breaths with beading sweats when they could feel his anger.

    "We do have some challenges, sir." She said with a smile and added. "To make the best designs_"

    "We have cut down from five seasonal shows to two in a year to provide the newness and best designs. Still, we couldn''t meet the deadline?" There was a ragged edge to his voice when he spoke up.

    When the powerhouse WD has announced to cut down their seasonal shows to create a desire and time for new products, it has sent shockwaves in the fashion industry. The anticipation in the world increased for their unique designs and their sales skyrocketed when the customers were fully satisfied with their super trendy with a touch of entricity. Many other brands tried to copy it but failed miserably when they could not cope up with the fashion house of this.

    Lauren did not know how to answer the straightforward question he threw at her. She knew they haven''t met the deadline while they were working for another event and she was afraid he would even listen to her exnation.

    "I apologize to interrupt sir. We had a Paris fashion week so, it was dyed by the event." A smooth voice spoke up. Everyone looked at their saving poise with admiration. Only Regina can interrupt and talk to their CEO. Regina looked at him, for at least he would notice her. The moment he entered, he did not even look at her for she dolled up for himself and that was pissing her off.

    "That''s ame excuse for your ipetency. I want the fully drafted designs on my table tomorrow morning."

    Devin walked out of the roommencing the end of the meeting without a word.

    He was already vexed when his girl was continuously popping on to his mind despite he was angry at her. Initially, he wanted to find about the wedding, but not anymore. He would not know what he would do when he shows up in front of her.

    ...

    Holding a coffee mug in one hand and a file on another, ke was about to knock the door, when a voice called him up. He turned over to see Regina carrying a ss in her hand.

    "Why did you stop me?" He questioned.

    "sh news, brother ke, don''t you know sir has been drinking a banana smoothie instead of a coffee over the week." She scoffed at him.

    "Banana juice? Harley didn''t inform me. But howe, you know about it?" He asked suspiciously. He was now doubting their rtionship status. Are they really dating secretly? Although Devin had never spoken much with Regina except regarding the work, him dropping at her ce was circting in the office like a fire. When he asked Regina, she blushed and brushed it off.

    "You don''t need to know everything." She smiled at him leaving the confused ke. Now she has sessfully nted a doubt on him. Anything rted to him is her top priority. With that, Regina knocked on the door.

    "Come in." A rough voice was heard from inside.

    Regina pushed opened the door and went inside with a juice in one hand and a pile of transfer papers to get it signed from Devin on the other.

    She gazed at the man working intently on a file, the man she loved for ten years is sitting in front of her. Regina had first seen him on a fan meeting when her friend dragged her there. The moment her eyes fell on this handsome man, her eyes set on only him and from then on, she attended all the events he went to at least get a glimpse of him. She had stepped into the modelling industry for him and when he started WD, she dropped down from modelling and perceived this chance. She welded as a designer to be with him even though her career was at peeks,

    If not for her parent''s overprotective nature, she would be working alongside him by now. Although she is working in Seattle, she had resources in WD to inform everything about Devin secretly. When she was informed by one of her peers that he is in love, she never believed them. None could match him except her. She stepped up her game and threatened their parents with her life if they have not agreed to her request. Devin can only be hers.

    "What''s the matter?" Devin heaved his head and looked at the person annoyingly. He wished to have some personal space, but she keeps appearing everywhere. On top of it, he had to see this foul woman in those gaudy clothes.

    "I was informed you have stopped drinking coffee. Here is your banana smoothie sir." cing the mug on his desk, she stood in front of him with a smile and slightly adjusted her dress to show off her beautiful assets. She had prepared herself from head to toe in his favourite colour and it irked her when he threw a disdainful look. Men would be smitten by her everywhere she went but she wanted only one man''s attention.

    Her beauty can make other men drool and bow down at her, but Devin had seen a long list of beautiful women. There is one woman who could make his heart flutter and he will only bow down to his queen.

    "You may go now." He dered without even lifting his head. His head was already spinning with the amount of perfume she had put on and he couldn''t wait a minute to get out the room.

    "I would be working from NewYork starting tomorrow sir and I need your transfer signatures." She added cing it on the desk.

    "Miss Herrera, is it CEO''s duty to do these trivial things." He demanded.

    "I_I am sorry sir. I will inform Harley." She awkwardly smiled and went out with clenched fists.

    Her blood boiled with the mere thought to inform that bitchy secretary Harley. Good that she did not cling on to him today. Her mere presence in front of his man would always want to taint her hands and bury her underneath the ground.

    "What''s bothering you, Regina?" Her thoughts were broken when someone called up. Regina immediately returned to her meek personality shing a sweet smile at him.

    "Brother ke, can you do me a favour?" She asked.

    "What is it?"

    "I have many designs unfinished and sir wants them by tomorrow. I have to start for New York today and there is no flight at the moment considering the packed season. Can you convince sir to take me in his private jet."

    "Regina, you do know that Devin doesn''t allow anyone to step on to his private jet right? Besides, you are rich and with your family''s influence, it would be a piece of cake for you."

    "But_" Her mobile beeped with a notification stopping their conversation. When she looked at the message, a sinister smile spread on her lips.

    "Nevermind. I don''t need it now." She remarked and went away. She will not lose the opportunity to be with him until New York. She immediately made a call to the media from her private number and informed about a juicy gossipughing eerily. Tomorrow it will re-up in the headlines. Her maniacugh could send a chill down everyone''s spines.

 Chapter 42 - Adonis

    Devin finally released a long breath he has been holding for a longer time the moment she went out of the room. Even after she left, the whole ce was smelling like a rotten sunflower. He grabbed a freshener and emptied half the container to clear off the rancid smell. All he could hear was perfume when she was talking to him. He wondered why some people wear it like they are not going to shower for weeks.

    Devin closed his eyes and just after seconds, a freshvender fragrance transpierced into his nose. He could still smell the scent of her when she peacefully slept on his shoulders drooling all over. She acts like a baby, throws tantrums like a child. Devin shook his head and switched on his mobile to make a call to Harley for any mishaps in the meetings. Notifications flooded on his mobile like a bomb fire from certain someone the moment he opened.

    [How can you leave Seattle without meeting me?]

    [We are done with our friendship if you are going without meeting me]

    [Did you forget we had a friendship at first sight?]

    [Did you forget how I gave off my food in school]

    Emotional ckmail.

    "You look annoyed Devin." ke chuckled entering into his office.

    "I get automatically annoyed after I see your face." He deadpanned and threw his mobile on the desk not intended to read any further.

    "Man! I am a loss of words in front of your sharp tongue." He shook his head and added. "Starting from next week, I will be working from NewYork. Don''t oppose this time. I have already trained someone to rece me here."

    "Offer declined." Hezily said.

    ke did not even take his words into count. He just needs to pack everything and show up at his office after a week, Devin would never oppose it. ke was about to hand over a file for his signatures, his gaze unconsciously fell on the untouched banana juice. He finally remembered the important thing he wanted to ask with Devin, whether he is really dating Regina or it is a false rumour. He could hear the whispers of many female employees cursing at Regina for stealing their CEO.

    "There is a rumour between_"

    Devin''s mobile phone rang cutting his thoughts.

    "ke I need to go somewhere urgent. Prepare the car." Grabbing his suit jacket he edged forward when the annoying person was not leaving him with peace until he visited her.

    "All right." He still wanted to confirm the rumours, but seeing Devin''s irked look, he kept the thought to himself.

    "I will be leaving for New York tonight." To find the address of his little kit was at the tip of his tongue, but he held back not after she threw her childish taunts at him. Let her enjoy the wedding, I will pester visiting her office when she is back.

    "Throw that juice into the garbage." He added gazing at the ss with a disdain.

    ....

    Regina was pacing back and forth in the washroom biting her polished nails when she has not received any reply from the man she has assigned for her work. Her frown turned intoughter when her mobile beeped. She knew it would be a sess, for the man would never fail in any missions.

    [ne ticket sent over your mail]

    Gripping her mobile, sheughed eerily with the thought of spending six hours with her beloved.

    .....

    Sitting in his car, Devin was contemting if he should take a further step when his mobile ringed again further annoying him. Just how free time this woman has? He reluctantly lifted the call.

    "Vincy! Are you here?" An exciting voice was heard from the other end.

    "I am not staying for more than five minutes here." He would go berserk if he stays in this zoo for more than a day. Did she invite whole Seattle into her home? Everywhere he could see people.

    "You promised that you woulde to my wedding."

    "You clearly know that I hate attending weddings and crowded ces right? Besides, there are still ten days_"

    He immediately stopped speaking when Devin could hear a familiar giggle, the one which has be his favourite music recently. He turned around to see a woman watering the nts asionally swaying to the music. Although he was facing her back, he clearly knew who it is.

    Despite Devin was born with a silver spoon and showered with lots of love from his parents, he had been running and running after the things in search of his own happiness for twenty-eight years and she dashed into his mundane world like a volcano creating havoc in his life and he stopped. His footsteps halted for the first time and he did not find the need to run anymore when he saw her. Without knowing to herself, she has showered and filled him with happiness. He never believed in love at first sight until he saw her.

    "Vincy do you hear my voice? Can''t you at least respond?"

    "Sorry, I was suddenly off Leah. I will stay for your wedding." He cut off the call even before the other person could respond. All the morning anger washed away looking at his little kit''s face, but it resurfaced again when he saw her in the shorts with all the men lurking around. Looks like I need to order some long trousers.

    Devin swiftly hid behind a wall when she turned around looking at his direction. Not that he minded, he wanted to give a surprise to her.

    .....

    Getting bored in the huge mansion, Leena snatched the watering pot from one of the maids tending to the nts. Dusting the hands-off after she finished her job, Leena turned around to see an outline of hotty standing at a distance but it vanished away in a blink.

    She shook her head. Hallucination. Now you have started imagining him?

    Brushing off her thoughts, Leena went inside the house feeling a little hungry again after all the work she had done. Aunt Daisy made her a veggie sandwich and orange juice. After eating, she walked into her room to y some games only to be weed by a drool-worthy scene just when she opened her door.

    Water droplets were oozing and dripping over his naked torso, his sturdy physique glistened with the illuminated lights. His ripped muscles were screaming to ooze out from every part of the body. With just one look, women get swooned at the sight of him and men have to turn pale inparison to him. There was only one word Leena coulde up to describe him. Adonis.

    You are still a real gentlewoman Leena! Even when you are bubbled up in your thoughts, you have not even crossed your morals by imagining him naked.

    Why would he be here in the first ce? Another hallucination. He will sure vanish away when she goes and touch him just like in the movie she watched. Leena wanted to experience that effect in real. Lifting her hand she walked ahead just like the actress did in the movie, but the effect did not happen when she felt like she hit a solid rock

    Her foot slipped with a sudden start. Leena was about to fall on her back when her bnce loosened, but the strong hands held her waist and pulled back into his embrace even before she could touch the ground.

    Is he real?

 Chapter 43 - Magma

    Is he real?

    Still, Leena wasn''tpletely sure if she is living in a hallucination or real-world. Only when she found a little prick on her waist she consumed her thoughts that he is really standing here. Leena felt like she has met a human version of the sun in his form and every time she is with him, he provided the warmth and care she wanted. The force he was using on her waist to hold her firmly was a little rugged just like he did in the airport but she didn''t mind it when those hands were giving the secured and cherished feeling.

    Staring into their eyes, both were in their own thoughts drowning into their pools, oblivion to the surroundings as if the world has stopped in front of them. She wished to run away from this devil, but couldn''t. Her legs were rooted as if her heart has stopped listening to her whenever he is near. What''s wrong with me? She avoided men like gues, but her damned heart is pulling closer towards this man without her consent. Did he cast a spell on me?

    Leena gazed at his face in bewilderment. There must be many women throwing themselves at his feet. The way he flirts with her, he clearly looks like a yboy but doesn''t even know how to hold a girl''s waist properly! Like a shot, Leena felt a rush of pain thinking of other women in his arms. She scolded herself for having such a strange thought.

    She brushed off those surging feelings when Leena remembered the most important thing. Why is he here? Did hee to take revenge on her?

    Devin would have burst outughing if he had heard her inner thoughts. If any other person would have seen his state, except this dumb woman, they would clearly know he looked like a lovesick puppy. How long it takes to make her understand his feelings? If he had followed his own ways, by now they would have be a married couple with force. But He never wanted that. He wanted her love, her heart, her willingness, her everything. No matter how long, he will wait for her. Besides, he liked courting her. Her annoying yet cute and childish looks when he teases, their bickering moments, her hookup stories. He wanted to treasure those moments to reminiscence them in future.

    "We meet again betrayer."He threw a wink at her yfully.

    Devin clearly understood she must be hallucinating when his little kit was approaching him very boldly which rarely happens. If she knew that he is in her room, she would have barked at him already.

    "Wait! can_ can we talk like adults?" She stuttered with her words. Good, God! Now that Leena remembered, she had valiantly provoked him, hurting his ego. Never in her dreams, Leena would have thought, she would be meeting him so soon.

    "Aren''t we doing that now?" Pointing towards their posture, he gleamed mischievously. Her eyes wide opened when she looked at their position they were in. She was half bent holding his shoulders for the support and he was holding her waist with just an inch away from her face. It clearly looked like, they were about to do some adulterous activity if someone would have barked into the room out of blue. His grip bes even tighter when she tried to twist her body.

    "You are as shameless as I remembered." She yelled at him.

    "A pervert talking about shame? Throw that flying kiss again like how did it in the airport?" The scene was still fresh in memory mocking him.

    "Actually I_I did not_"

    "Lava did it for you right?" He added. Leena nodded her head fervently.

    "How many times you will use her as a scapegoat?" He whispered still holding her with a tight grip.

    "Myva my wish. Let go of me, you baby biscuit!"

    "Baby biscuit? Let me see if you are going to call that again."

    "Mommy!" Leena cried. She expected he would pull her up but he mercilessly released his hold on her waist. She pressed her eyes tightly anticipating her body to hit the ground, but his strong hands gripped her waist securely again and yanked towards him with a sudden force.

    She cursed all the gods opening her eyes when she looked at his face which was even closer now.

    "Can you pull me up. I feel a bit ufortable." She whispered turning her face away. Leena''s breath hitched with their sudden closeness when his warm breath tickled her face.

    "But I feelfortable." Devin breathed looking at her blushing face with amusement. He was just an inch away from her lips and one wrong move, they would end up doing something.

    "What!" She whispered yelled.

    "Nothing." Devin reluctantly pulled her up. If not, he doubted his self-control. Leena sighed in relief and maintained a distance immediately.

    "Dunce idiot! Let go means, you should pull me up. That is what I meant." She barked at him.

    "You should havemunicated properly then." Hezily replied.

    "Properly? Can''t you at least understand that also?" Leena hollered. Why he is so thick-skinned.

    "I can. But magma cannot." Looking at the wall, Devin answered pressing his lips not tough looking at his darlings face.

    "Who is magma?" Leena curiously asked followed his gaze.

    "Lava''s sister, AI robot and she follows onlymands."

    Leena balled her fists not to strangle this man.

    "Woah...We have a copy cat again." She eximed.

    "It''s called originality darling. You should try mine ending your stupid illogical theories.." He remarked patting her head which was immediately swatted away by a stubborn one.

 Chapter 44 - Plot Twist

    Sitting opposite to each other in their own chairs was none other than Leena and Devin. They were scrutinizing each other without even speaking a word. Looking at the man who is fully clothed now, Leen sighed in relief for his gentleman''s behavior. At least he is decent enough to think of that in front of a woman.

    "This is my room," Leena said breaking the silence.

    "FYI, this is equally my room." Devin voiced out not backing off in front of this stubborn woman.

    "Leah! A jinx is in my room." She screamed at top of her lungs like a child.

    "Leah! A pervert is in my room." He parroted the samement earning a sharp re from thetter which Devin didnot mind and even winked at her yfully. Both were behaving like spoiled brats fighting over candy.

    Leah rushed into their room when she heard the two familiar voices shouting. She expected this would happen sooner orter judging by Leena''s temper. The moment Leah entered, she could sense a tense atmosphere between the two of them.

    "What is he doing in my room?" She demanded staring at her friend.

    "What is she doing in my room?" Devin red at Leah sending signals to not reveal a single word about their previous conversation.

    Looking at Devin, Leah imagined him as if he had grown three heads with a shock evident over her face. Before half an hour, he shamelessly threatened her with their friendship under the condition that it would be stake unless he stays in a room next to Leena. Now, he is acting as if he is innocent and she is the one being guilty. Her thoughts rewind to their earlier conversation.

    ....

    Half an hour before.

    "Vincy, are you really staying for my wedding?" Her excitement knew no bounds and dragged Devin into her room even before anyone could see him. She would not even get a chance to talk if her mom or dad finds about his arrival.

    "How do you know Leena!" Sitting over a couch, he demanded. Another mystery of her. He has many questions that he had to find answers. Many of his close friends knew about her except him.

    Leah was utterly confused with his sudden question.

    "How do you know Le_"

    "Since how long you knew each other?" He entailed when his patience was already running out when this idiot has been keeping mum to all the questions he is demanding answers.

    "Four years." She mumbled in a week tone when his rage was making her shiver in fear.

    "Does Austin also know about her?" He asked knowing the response he would get. When Leah nodded her head weekly, he confirmed his suspicion.

    "Why didn''t you introduce her to me?" He med her as if it was her fault.

    My fault? There were times, Leah had tried to patch him up with her friends and fellow models, but everyone ended up hating him despite he has been named as the most handsome hunk by the entire world. He would always reject them with the most bizarre reasons and they would alwaysin to her about how he has mocked them. From then on, she stopped setting on dates for him. At one point in time, she had thought of bringing Leena and Devin together, but she was afraid of how these two stubborn ones would get together. Besides, she did not want her best friend to re up in anger. Who would have thought, Devin already knew her and the way he is possessively talking about her, Leah could sense there is something more to it.

    "Do you like her?" Leah asked him hesitantly to confirm whatever she has been assuming is voracious.

    "No."

    She knew it. Even if a goddess descends from heaven, he would not even bat an eye. This is the Wang Devin she had known since childhood. But his next words made her choke on saliva.

    "I am Madly in love with her." He revealed without any hesitation. Devin did not want to keep his feelings a secret when he needed these idiots to help him in courting his little kit.

    When did he learn those cheesy words? Leah wondered. Wang Devin in love! This piece of news would be a sensation to the world. Leah was on cloud nine. Devin was like a brother to her and Leena was her best friend. They would perfectly make the best pair.

    "Keep it a secret from her." He warned. If his little kites to know about his feelings right now, she would definitely run away from him.

    "And who is that louse pig wandering around her?" His thoughts flew back to the scene where he got a glimpse of someone watching his little kit and his mood turned sour when she even smiled when that pig offered a tissue to wash off her hands.

    "He is Trent Scott, the famous rising actor and he is very popr among women." Leah blurted out without even knowing someone was drowning with jealousy.

    "Why is he here? I don''t think he is close to you or Austin." Devin looked at her suspiciously with a frown. He had a hunch that these idiots would have nned together and brought him here.

    "Is it your set up?" He demanded to answer.

    "I_I Vincy, actually it''s not me. It was from Austin." She whispered putting all the me on her fianc��. Had she known about their rtionship, Leah would not even bring Trent for this marriage.

    "Arrange a room next to my darling." With that, he went out not entertaining any talks. He was trying from every ounce of his cell to control his anger not to kill these idiots for setting up his little kit with a certain pig. Devin was d that Leah pestered him to visit her. Had he was not here. No. Devin stopped imagining.

    ...

    Present.

    Leah was fidgeting her hands without even looking at her friend.

    "Why is he in my room?" Leena asked again.

    "How long you will keep mum Leah?" Devin added to her question.

    Sly fox! He is the one responsible for her situation and now he is acting as if had lost the memories of their previous conversation.

    "Actually, actually it''s a linked room." She mumbled in a low voice. This house was built ording to her grandmother''s wish. Leah''s grandmom met her grandfather when she checked into a certain hotel which was a linked room and she fell in love with Leah''s grandfather there instantly. So, she was adamant about building this house in the same way as a token of their love. Leah, Daisy, and Austin used it for their advantage, arranging Trent''s room next to Leena''s so that they could get close to each other in these ten days.

    "What? Linked room? Give me another room then." Leena couldn''t understand the events unfolding in front of her. Why was she not informed of this before? She was mesmerized by this beauty of the house earlier, now there is only disdain towards the architect for nning it in such a stupid way.

    "Every room has the same pattern and there is no one willing to swap either." She half lied. Although there would be someone willing to trade the room, Leah had to lie. Otherwise, She would get killed by someone if she is not careful with her words.

    "Then I will stay in your room." Leena got up to grab her things but she was immediately dragged into the chair by Leah.

    "Austin is staying next to my room. If you want to see our activities, you are weed to stay in our room."

    "For god''s sake, why the hell a groom is living in your house. Let me go to the hotel then."

    "No." Both said in unison. Devin and Leah had meticulously prepared the possible questions Leena would ask and they even prepared the answers together, but staying in the hotel room question was out of the box which they didnot expect.

    "How can you do this to me? We have been together through thick and thin for four years. I wanted you to enjoy our wedding. You can''t even grant me the mere wish?" Leah wailed with her face burying in the hands.

    "Can you stop Leah? I_ I will stay." She pressed her eyes with annoyance.

    "Thank you, darling." Leah immediately stopped her cries and looked at someone with a proud face. Her look was obviously asking him to praise for her spontaneous acting. Devin scoffed and looked away from her with disinterest. Pathetic acting. She is still the same.

    "Now that everything is settled." Leah pped her hands with excitement and added. " He is my best friend W_"

    Leena raised her hands stopping her to continue further.

    "I know." Turning towards him Leena added. " Mr.Lord Voldemort, I have some conditions if you have to stay here."

    "Very well Miss Jurassic park, even I have. After all, I have to live with a pervert for ten days."

    Can he not bring that topic. That was the only mistake from her side.

    Devin was d that his darling has stopped Leah even before his name is revealed. He had no n to disclose his identity right now. He wanted her to know him as a normal person, not the mighty Wang Devin which the world knows him as.

    "Lord Voldemort? Jurassic Park? What kind of names are these?" Leah asked them. Why are these two behavings like children?

    "It''s none of your business. Now that your job is done, get out of here. We need to discuss some pressing matters." Devin shooed her out of their room. He was internally rejoicing thinking about how adventurous these ten days would turn out in their rtionship.

    With a broad smile, Devin exhaled a loud sigh with the roller coaster of their journey since morning.

    What a plot twist! He was searching for a story to meet her up after he goes to New York but fates have dragged him here even before that.

    Gazing up, he smiled shaking his head. Strangely, Leena also followed his direction to see if any ghost has appeared on the ceiling.

    ''My sweetheart is trapped in my web''

    ''I was supposed to be at the airport by now, but it was missed.''

    ''I was not nned toe here, but destiny brought me here to meet her again through the name wedding.''

    Looking at all these incidents, they are definitely soul mates from the past lives and they would get married in no time with a bunch of children.

    "Isn''t it?" He asked facing her.

    "Huh?"

    "Nothing," Devin remarked. If she knew his thoughts, she would definitely run away from him or worst she would kick him out of this room.. He would be d if he can hold her hands willingly before this wedding ends. Don''t imagine much from this heartless woman Devin!

 Chapter 45 - House Rules

    Fastening himself to the chair, Devin was looking at the girl who has been seriously jotting down on her notes for an hour as if she is preparing for the toughest exam in the world.

    "Are you done?" Devin asked trying to peek into the book. He was curious about what sort of rule bombs she would drop. Judging by her crazy mind, he knew it would be no better.

    "I told you not to peep until it is finished," Leena said and resumed her writing. After a long stretch of writing the rules, she exhaled loudly.

    "I am done. Here are the rules for ten days. You have to follow it very strictly." Leena said handing over the notes.

    "Is this called handwriting? It looks like a chicken scratch." Devin looked at the messy handwriting which was barely understandable even if he was trying to read it letter by letter. On top of it, she has scratched it vigorously in every line. Even preschool kids writing is at least legible.

    "Well, I am an intelligent girl, so my mind thinks very fastly. And naturally, my handwriting is sloppy." Leena proudly looked at her handwriting.

    "If you are intelligent, why do you have to strike out for nth time. You and your narcissism. Everything I say, you will use it to your advantage." Devin muttered under his breath not intended to provoke her, speaking loudly. How should I handle this narcissistic brat in the future? He pondered. Keenly looking into the notes, he was still having a hard time understanding the words.

    "Read it by yourself. Even the mascara smudge on women''s eyes is better than your writing." He shoved the notes to herself.

    "Stupid fellow. Just tell that you don''t know how to read." Leena grabbed the notes from his hand and enunciated each word slowly and clearly. "No shouting because I hate loud noises and no jumping because I am a clean freak."

    "I am not a monkey-like you to jump and shout everywhere. Continue with the next rule." For a minute, Leena wanted to strangle him but held back. For unknown reasons, she is getting used to his sarcastic remarks now. In fact, she is starting to love them as if she has got a partner in tyrannizing.

    "No peeking into my room and should not enter my room." Despite there is a single door separating both of their rooms, and although Leena knew he would not take advantage of her at any cost, she still wanted toe transparent with him.

    "Shouldn''t it be my dialogue?" Devin scoffed. Leena ignored his ironicments and started with the next rule.

    "You should always wear pants when I am around. Never take off your clothes in front of me."

    "I am not a pervert like you." He winked at her remembering their first meeting.

    "Hey! Stop that. Can''t you forget that once and for all." Leena angrily huffed and resumed with her next rule.

    "Since we have amon bathroom, you should not bother when I am in the washroom, you should never use my body wash and other products."

    "You are nting the ideas into my mind sweetheart," Devin remarked. Now that she said, he wanted to try her body wash.

    "Don''t call me sweetheart." Leena angrily rebutted.

    "When a girl says no, it means yes right? It''s their simple theory." He asked crossing his legs.

    "How so?" She asked still unclear with his theory.

    "It''s simple and they call it a girl trap to confuse men. When she says yes, it means no. When she says no, it means yes."

    "Ohhh.I did not know this theory" Leena was seriously considering the theory to use it on her next date when her brother sets it up again.

    "Since it is eptable, then it''s yes." She added.

    "That''s what I told. If they say yes, then they also mean yes. So you said yes when I called you sweetheart." Devin shook his head and smiled at her innocent answer.

    "I_I no! You are confusing me."

    "Girls itself are confusing." He said thinking his darling the best example for it.

    " "

    Just now he said it is simple. This idiot is too cunning. I should be careful of what I speak in front of him. He can manipte even a genius like me.

    "Where did youe up with this stupid theory. I am moving on to the next rule. Do not smoke. I hate cigarette smell. But I don''t know why men find smoking is an attitude. You are not in that category, right?" Leena gets nauseous with the smell but many women find men sexy when they lit a cigarette. Ethan was a heavy smoker and she has asked him many times to quit it but he had never listened to her.

    "Worry not. I am not a smoker. But trust me, smoking is not sexy at all." Even if he was smoking, he would have quit it for his little kit. Nothing matters in front of her.

    "We are even in this matter." Both fists bumped each other like children. Leena doesn''t know why she was talking about her likes with him, but something in her wants him to know about her likes, everything.

    "TV remote will be mine from morning tonight. You can use it only after ten."

    "When should I sleep then?" Although he doesn''t watch TV, he just wants to drag conversation with her when she is talking very sweetly with him which rarely happens.

    "That''s your business. You can omit watching TV. Besides, yboys like you start their deeds after everyone sleeps right?" With his dapper looks, Leena made a conclusion that he would be a yboy.

    Devin was shocked to hear those from her mouth. How did she assume I am a yboy. He had neither misbehaved with her nor looked at any other woman. He was adding a note to talk with her on this matter.

    "Next rule is, if I am right, you should be wrong. If I say no, you should ept it." She repeated again when she could see his confused look.

    "What kind of rule is that? Scratch it. I am not ok with that rule." He said. All weird kind of rules, she will invent.

    "Why yes, I am the first to enter this room. So, I have some privileges." She didnot back off.

    "Next rule is no sleepwalking." Leena had seen in some of the horror movies where some ghosts sleepwalk. Although he is not a ghost, she wanted to add it for fun.

    "I am not a zombie." He looked at her with disinterest. Now Devin understood, why she has to scratch in every line.

    She must be cooking up weird rules in her mind!

    "Next is_"

    "Is there any end to your rules?" He asked when his energy was draining out listening to all her funny rules. He had a hunch that she would be the one to break them first.

    "This is the final one. All in all, you have to respect my room, my space, my business."

    "Did the atom is made of protons, neutrons, and electrons?" He asked a question that was out of the box.

    Leena blinked her eyes to rewind his question which was out of their topic.

    "Of course yes." She answered.

    "Then my answer is a resounding yes." He threw a mischievous smile looking at his open-mouthed Darling.

    " "

    "Can''t you speak normally?" She askedposing her thoughts.

    "It''s flowing naturally after meeting a weirdo."

    "Stupid fellow, I am not weird." She puffed angrily controlling her hands which were itching to beat him.

    "I never told you were a weirdo. Why do you let the cat out of the bag every time?" Devinughed at her frowning face.

    "Add your own rules." Leena threw her notebook onto his chest.

    "After all your rules, Do I still have a room for mine?" He sighed and added. "Let''s seal it with our signatures."

    Both signed their fake signatures of Voldemort and Jurassic funnily. But Leena was not happy with it when something was missing and hit her suddenly.

    "Wait! Let''s seal with a pinky swear." She suddenly added.

    "P_pinky? No way." Devin finds it too girly and childish. But Leena didnot listen how much ever he pleaded and he had to forcefullyply. Both secured the deal with a pinky promise.

    "So we pinky swore. Whoever breaks it will have to cut their pinky." She articted clearly.

    "Then you would be on the first list." Devin ruffled her hair.

    "Don''t do that. I have perfectly groomed my hair." Why does he do that every time? Leena blushed trying to look away.

    "But you look cute with messy hair." He messed up her hair again.

    "Is it? Thank you." She even bends her head and moved closer so that he would do it again and said. "Many people have told me that my hair is beautiful. Although I knew it, I never likepliments. But what to do, they never stop praising me. I am just born_"

    Her mouth was stuffed with an apple putting a stop to her bbering.. Devin literally forgot she is a narcissist. How did I forget this and praised her?

 Chapter 46 - Personal Leave

    New York.

    Despitete in the evening, a conference was going ahead in the vast board room, avidly discussing the current project. Their thoughts broke when the loud sounds started to echo in the room continuously. The employees looked at their boss, a frown was clearly evident on his face when he nced at his mobile. Ashton peeked at his mobile and as he expected, it was from her. Only she can affect his mood.

    "Continue." He said and looked at the gathering. Even after he silenced, notifications were flooding into his mobile continuously. After a long stretch of their meet, he walked into his office room while Ashton followed him behind.

    "Any news from Seattle?" Francis asked.

    "I have contacted Mr. Lewis and little Leena has safely reached sir," Ashton replied.

    "Good. Ask our men to back off. She doesn''t like prying. Keep an eye on her only when she goes out. Leena should not meet him at any cost." Even though it is restricting her privacy by keeping an eye on her, he would only be at rest when she is safe.

    "Noted sir," Ashton answered and walked out.

    The moment Francis opened his mobile, hundreds of images popped up along with the captions.

    [My messy high ponytail. Do I look cute?]

    [ My messy bun. I am savage right?]

    [My messy lower ponytail. How do I look in this angle]

    Francis sighed and threw his mobile onto the table not intended to look at the other pictures. She has just gone there in the morning and started showing her crazy side. He did not need to look at the pictures, for everything would be the same except a little angle change, considering her ridiculous photography skills. She likes photography but can''t even take a single picture properly. Even though Francis acted like he is not showing interest in the pictures, but her images would end up in his frames.

    [Why aren''t you replying, Francy?]

    If he replies, he has to bid a goodbye to his sleep today. Did someone praise her again? How strong she was ttered to throw hundreds of images into his mobile.

    ....

    Just when Leena went inside her room, Devin closed his eyes with the thought of rxing, but her reflections were swamping ceaselessly. The very thought of being with her for ten days was making him giddy and wanted to shout off to the world. Even though the thought seemed so cheesy to him, but when ites to her, his hell would break loose surrendering the whole universe at her feet.

    But Devin seemed to forget the most important thing with all his happiness until he received a message on his mobile from his annoying executive assistant.

    [Typist Harley: I heard you haven''t boarded your ne yet]

    [Typist Harley: What are you still doing there? Get your ass out from Seattle. You have tons of work pending here]

    Looking at the messages, he massaged his nape, unsure how to convince her for the ten days'' leave. He wondered who is acting as the CEO here. Not dared to call her directly, Devin straightaway sent a mail, requesting for personal emergency leave. Within the seconds of hitting the send button, his phone ringed.

    "It''s not even a minute. Did she at least read my mail fully?" Devin reluctantly picked up his call.

    "Ten days of emergency leave? Are you kidding me?" Devin has to put his mobile far from his reach with the loud piercing voice.

    "Your voice is raising the roof. Should I teach you etiquettes again?" He chided her looking into Leena''s opened door. A silly smile stered on his face. There she is, putting all those messy hairstyles just because I ttered her.

    "My manners?" His raged voice shook her with fear, but Harley didnot back off. "You asked me to send your private jet immediately and after remitting, you are shamelessly asking for leave?"

    "I have never taken leave ever since I started mypany. Consider that I am on vacat_"

    "Did you forget our first rule? Go and shout outside." His voice was cut off when Leena entered yelling at him.

    It must be a woman only. God knows what kind of sounds I have to listen, now that I am sharing a room with him. Leena doesn''t know why she is having such a thought, her anger was zing up with just the thought of him speaking to another woman. She marched out deliberately bumping and hitting onto his back leaving the surprised Devin.

    Did I do something wrong? Devin wondered. Just before she happily chatted about their house rules and he though they have be friends already passing his test from a stranger to a friend. But he is having a second thought now. Did I make her angry?

    "Who is that? It''s a woman''s voice right?" Harley enquired. She had a hunch that he is secretly maintaining a girlfriend. Not that she minded, but she wants to know that mysterious girl.

    "No. It''s an aggressive little cat." He answered looking at the retreating figure.

    "Do you think I would believe it?"

    "Believe it or not, I am going to take leave for ten days and I know you can handle very well despite my absence. Call me if anything urgentes up." He cut off the call even before she screams at him again.

    Looking at her phone, Harley wanted to throw it off but controlled her anger when she received a message from the airlines. Her mood instantly turned better. Thank God! I sold off his ne ticket at thest minute. Now I can buy those ear studs with the refund money.. Although she doesn''tck in money, being a woman, she was thinking of using it for precious things.

 Chapter 47 - Salsa

    Sitting in the hall, Mark Lewis was discussing the wedding ns with his brother-inw Charles, while Daisy was examining the custom made bridal essories along with her sister-inw, Katherine and Leah. From the guest list to the bridal parties, wedding theme, wedding attire, Daisy has taken the sole responsibility of organizing everything of her only daughter''s wedding.

    "How are they getting along?" Daisy asked in between.

    "Vincy is working hard." Leah exaggerated.

    "I have never seen Devin with a woman. Who is she?" Katherine asked with a surprise.

    "You have never met her right Katty? You were out in the morning when she arrived. Leena is very lively and her sweet talks will just melt anyone away. Let here from her room, I will introduce her to you and you will equally love her." Daisy stopped scrutinizing her work and started praising Leena.

    "Then, I am looking forward to meeting her." Katherine smiled.

    "We unnecessarily brought Trent here and raised his hopes. He seems to be a nice and warm person." Daisy looked at her daughter worriedly.

    "Don''t worry. Vincy will take_"

    "Always talking about that brat Davinci." A man huffed and walked into the hall wearing an eey-ore headpiece jumpsuit, a tail which was pinned behind the back of his attire was swagging along with his butt when he entered.

    "Salsa!" Katherine yelled looking at his son. "What kind of tacky costume is that? You even pinned a ridiculous tail to your butt. Go and change it now."

    "Slobby Katty." Salsaughed eerily pointing his hand towards his mom. "Then should I wear those tasteless clothes which you wear every day? Unlike you, I have won first ce for this unique donkey tail costume in a fancy dresspetition."

    "The judge must be stupid to give away the first ce to you." Daisy chided giggling at the funny tail.

    "All are bullying me. I was supposed to marry Leah and that Austin has taken her away. Leah''s wedding is not even over yet and you are talking about that rascal Davinci. That father of mine, Charles doesn''t even consider me as his son and happily chatting with Mark." He wailed and wiped his imaginary tears with his sleeves.

    Turning towards his son, Charles said. "With the ridiculous outfit you wear everyday, no one is ready to marry you. Behave decently in Leah''s marriage. If you are lucky enough, someone will notice you."

    "Why should I? Women should be lucky enough to have me as their husband. I am Salsa, a great salsa dancer. Everyone ogle at my sexy salsa dance moves, you know." He started moving his body seductively to the extent that the donkey tail was about toe out off his butt with his rigorous moves.

    "Stop it! Salsa." Katherine shouted.

    "Hmph" Salsa made a face. "Hey bratty Katty, your husband can never bring me a bride in this lifetime. At least you take the responsibility. Many of your friends have daughters right. Set up a date with one of them."

    Ignoring his son''s rants, Katherin said. "Go and call vincy for dinner. His room is next to you." Daisy added.

    "Hmph." Salsa angrily walked away.

    Just when he was about to knock the door of Devin, it was opened from the other end. Salsa''s eyes twinkled at the sigh of girl.

    When a finger was flicked in front of him continuously, he snapped out of his thoughts.

    "Hi! I am Salsa from Seattle." He introduced looking at her.

    "Salsa? Wow. Nice name. I am Jurassic from Jiffy." Looking at his outfit, Leena found him very funny. Instantly, she got connected to his weird side and started her stories again.

    "hahaha...Jurassic is my favourite movie. Is jiffy a country, Jurassic?" He asked.

    "Yes, yes. It was recently discovered." Leena lied. She just wanted to rhyme it.

    "You are very funny." He giggled

    "You are very weird." Leena also giggled.

    "I am Leah''s cousin and I am a salsa dancer." He said looking at her.

    "Wow. I love Salsa. Can you do the dance moves?" Leena excitedly asked allowing him into the room.

    Sitting in the room, Devin was looking at the weird talks between them with disinterest. He did not want to feel jealous when he was not even considered as his opponent. Now that his little kit found a weird personality, he wondered how funny this wedding would turn out with these two.

    "Nice tail Salsa. Is it a donkey one?" Leena pped her hands in excitement looking at the cute donkey tail. The moment she saw his outfit, she was awed by it.

    "Wow, you are so sharp Jurassic. No one recognized it. Since when did you learn that you are so clever."

    "Since childhood." She proudly said and asked." Can I touch your tail?"

    "Anything for you Jurassic." Salsa got up and bend his body slightly to have more essible and before Leena could touch it, a pair of hands stopped her.

    "Later. Let''s go and have dinner first." Devin immediately rushed when she was about to touch that.

    "Go and change that attire now Ferris. It''s not even funny." Devin was barely holding hisugh looking at the tail.

    "No Ferris. Call me Salsa." But Devin didn''t even mind him, he grabbed Leena''s hand and dragged her out of the room. Being hungry, Leena didnot mind he was holding her hand, she went along with him.

    ...

    Boarding the ne, Regina could not control the happiness surging within her. She did not want to sound desperate as soon as she saw him. Regina closed her eyes, thinking of ways to strike a conversation with Devin when he arrives. Would he get surprised after seeing me here?

    Although he doesn''t verbalize with her except for the work, Regina was not sad or angry. Devin rarely speaks with any women except with that bitch Harley. Although their rtionship is like a brother and sister, she wanted him only to herself. When her sources have informed that he had dated a woman in the past, Regina wanted to rip off that slut''s face for seducing her prince. She was d that he broke up with her. Otherwise, she would be in rags with just a flick of her finger with her family''s position.

    Now that he is single and she is also moving to New York, she will create opportunities to crawl into his heart. And her first strike would be a sensation to the world that would appear on tomorrow''s headlines. Her thoughts stopped abruptly when she sensed her fellow seat being upied. Regina smiled andposed herself to control her emotions.

    She opened her eyes anticipating seeing her prince but was shocked when an old rag was sitting next to her. How did this happen when she has nned everything perfectly? She wanted to kill the person for upying the seat that belonged to Devin. But she controlled her anger with the crowd sitting in the ne.. Her clenched hands to the extent of crushing them, her biting lips to the point that blood was oozing out, Regina was looking like a maniac.

 Chapter 48 - Jealous

    The moment her dinner ended, Leena sped out of the house without even looking back at the people deliberately trying to tease her from the time she hade to dinner hand in hand with a certain idiot. Since she had not eaten anything from the evening, Leena was so famished to the extent of her hunger turned her into apletely different person and she even let him hold her hand.

    On top of their teasing, Devin settled in a seat next to her even though the dining table wasrge enough with vacant seats everywhere. Throughout the dinner, he was continuously refilling her soup bowl which she had taken alike to it despite everyone''s whispers and giggles. While Leena knew, they were talking about them, she tried to hint him kicking his leg but that hunk was not even budging and even acted innocently asking why she has kicked him many times further embarrassing her in front of them. He is as sly as a fox. Let hime to the room. I will show him what hell feels like.

    "God! How should I face aunt Daisy and uncle Mark? Even the new aunty Katherine was looking at both of us as if we had something going on between us." Talking to herself, Leena pulled her hair in embarrassment. She only wished uncle Mark would not take this matter to Francy when she knew both were good friends and business partners.

    Leena wondered how did the whole Lewis family know about that hunk. Everyone in the house treated him as if he is a part of their family. She had been friends with Leah for four years but never had seen him once and even Austin seems to know him.

    Speaking of that stupid, Leena was relieved that he was not there for the dinner at least today. She would be teased endlessly if he had witnessed the show.

    Austin along with Trent went out to get his wounds checked by the doctor. Although they were barely visible, since his wedding was only ten days away, he didn''t want to look worn out with those wounds.

    "That devil has hit me deliberately intended to ruin my face even after she knew it is my wedding." Muttering annoyingly he parked his car in the garage.

    Half hoping with Trent''s support, he was walking and cursing at Leena but his footsteps paused seeing the shadow sitting on a bench. He ran and hid behind the nearby tree when he sensed the silhouette sitting and talking to herself on the bench was none other than that Leena devil.

    "What''s wrong Austin? Why are you hiding?" He inquired looking at the running Austin and Trent sensed he was only looking at a particr direction without even speaking to him. He soon followed his gaze and was again mesmerized by that bewitching beauty again.

    "She is here," Austin whispered. He would get beaten by her again if he goes near her.

    "It was your fault, to begin with. Why did you have to paint her face?" Trent asked not pulling his gaze away from her.

    "It''s because you don''t know about her. Let''s leave before she sees us." He suggested.

    "Can you leave us alone for some time. I want to talk with her personally." He asked. Trent had been trying to speak with her since the moment he arrived but she would always escape away from him somehow or the other.

    "You are already smitten by her. Are you going to ask her out?" With a grin, Austin teased him. Although he is not close to him, they were considered good friends. After Leah worked with Trent in a movie, he became a good friend and he is very kind and friendly, so she wanted to pair him with Leena.

    "Man! She is damn beautiful. Just leave us alone for some time already." Running a hand through his hair, he smirked looking at the woman. Leaving Austin there for himself to deal with his pains, he strolled towards her.

    "Hey pretty. What a coincidence. Even I wanted to have a walk-in the cool weather just like you." He smiled and sat next to her on the bench.

    "How is that a coincidence when you were following me since morning." Saying that Leena moved to the edge of the bench.

    "You seem to be scared of me?" He chuckled looking at the woman trying to move away from him. Is she ying hard to get?

    "I can''t risk certain stalkers following me." She snapped. He had been following her since morning and it was annoying her already.

    "Well, You have a very sharp tongue. Don''t worry. I am not a stalker. I am just smitten by you. By the way, I am Trent. Trent Scott."

    "I am Jurassic, Jurassic Park." Smitten by me. Funny fellow. If not to face those people in the house, she would have already gone inside, the moment she saw him.

    "You don''t need to use other names. I already know your real name. Are you single?" He already knew she is single when Austin and Leah have already informed him about her status, so he wanted to use this opportunity to get into the conversation and ask her out at the perfect time.

    "How many of you do you see me if not single?"

    "Your humor is on another level, Leena, and I even like the name Jurassic." He said.

    "I know." Leena ignored his remarks and added. "But, wish I could say the same about you."

    "You don''t like my name?" He asked with bewilderment. His name was the most popr among boys and it famed even more after his raising poprity and this woman said it''s not even good.

    "Nope." She directly said it on his face.

    "Care to tell which name you like then?" He asked again with a smirk.

    "May be Lord Voldemort." Pondering for some time, Leena blurted out those names which were constantly running in her memory.

    Trent wide opened his mouth wondering who would keep these kinds of names. She really is a crazy woman to like those weird names. His interest was piquing more and more talking with this woman.

    "I really like your sense of humor. Honestly, even though it''s only a day, I am getting attracted to you. So, wanna go on ice cream or coffee date with me?"

    "Maybe I would have considered the offer if you were cute." She smiled at him mischievously.

    "Aww...That''s a harsh blow to my handsome looks. But I will make sure you yourself would ask for a date before this wedding." He challenged her. Many women would be dying to have an autograph with him much less date him and she dared to reject his proposal. Within five days, he will get a yes for the date.

    "That''s funny. I didn''t know it" She scoffed and added. "FYI, I am too expensive for you."

    She was shivering with the cool weather even though it was considered spring. With the ample trees surrounding the mansion, her body was quivering and she wished to get wrapped in her nket immediately. With the thought, she was about to get up when a jacket was draped over her from behind. A sense of warmth spread over her body suddenly and Leena immediately turned back in surprise when she sensed a familiar scent entered into her nose. She looked up to see him gazing at her with a smile, pulling her closer with the jacketpels he had put on her. She doesn''t know why she was relieved that he hase looking for her.

    "What are you doing sitting under the cold weather," Pulling her towards him, he zipped up the jacket till her neck so that the cool breeze doesn''t hit inside her. Initially, Devin walked back into their room not to tease her further when Leena rushed out of the house after dinner with an embarrassing face. But he felt something was amiss when she has not turned up even after an hour. Worriedly, he grabbed his jacket and went out looking for her, but his anger raised when he saw a pig was pestering his darling again. His eyes darkened with the way he was looking at her. Devin cleared their distance with his long legs when she was shivering with fleeting cold but did not even move. Idiot. Can''t she at least gets inside? She is freezing over there.

    "It''s all because of you, idiot. You embarrassed me in front of everyone." Now that she remembered the dinner encounter, she wanted to beat him once for all.

    "Didn''t you also embarrass me in the washroom?" He whispered into her ear so that only both could hear. Devin did not even look at the other person staring at them. Trent was looking at them in confusion and frown with the way they were behaving so closely.

    "Do you want me to throw you out of the room today itself?" That shut him uppletely.

    "Go and have some warm water, else you will have a sore throat tomorrow." Patting her head, he gently chided for not caring about her health.

    "Ok. Aren''t youing?" She obeyed him instantly which was a surprise to Devin. Leena wanted to get rid of Trent from the time he was sitting next to her. Besides, she needed some warm water after sitting in the cool weather for a long time. So, she immediately obeyed him.

    "Why? Are you missing me already?" He teased her earning a sharp re from her before she went away.

    "You both seem quite close." Trent voiced out once Leena has entered into the house. He knew about this man, in fact, the world itself knows him. After all, who doesn''t know the mighty Wang Devin? His fame is nowhere in reach.

    "Close or not, that''s none of your business." Devin was about to walk but paused when he heard him talking about Leena.

    "I like her. Looks like you are a strongpetitor Mr.Wang." He smirked at him.

    "You are not even in a race to start with." With that, Devin walked away. Although he doesn''t need to feel jealous, still it was bothering him when someone else is also liking his sweetheart.. Looks like I have to change my ns.

 Chapter 49 - Operation Banana: Cant Stop. Wont Stop

    With a vexed tenor, Devin strolled into the house irritated with the louse pig''s provocation. Even with the fact he knew, she is not the one to get ttered by sweet talks of men unlike others, his mind was still in trouble

    He has seen her avoid men like gue and she would lose her temper if someone even tries to touch her. He ought to ask if something has happened to behave in such a way, but he was afraid, afraid she would distance again by chance if he has triggered the sore spot. That is the sole reason, he is slowly progressing with their rtionship. Devin was d that she is not repulsed by now, unlike their first and second meeting.

    Watching her smile unswerving at someone which she had never shown it to him made his hackles rise. Devin swiftly marched out to their room to have a serious chat, determined to include a rule of not going outside after the dinner for the ten days they would be living together.

    Devin was about to open the doorknob, suddenly, he was forcefully dragged towards the adjacent room by another hand. His mood ratted seeing the person standing in front of him with a dippy smile.

    "What the fuck Austin!" Devin shouted seizing his arm.

    "Vincy, please release me. It hurts." Austin pleaded almost crying when his arm was being twisted again. Did he have to grab the hand which was beaten to death by her? Just now he had it treated with the doctor.

    Devin released irked with his begging.

    "I heard you are courting that monster, Leena." Ignoring his friend''s raging behavior, Austin asked distancing from him. Leah has described the entire conversation when he came back from the hospital. What''s bothering was, how did that monster manage to make this devil fall for her.

    "Watch your words!" He chided him. Devin was already in an irritated mood and these idiots are calling her monster further annoying him.

    "She is a real monster Vincy. Look at my wounds. It was all her doing." He tried to show off the wounded marks to get sympathy from his friend.

    "My sweetheart doesn''t even hurt an ant, much less a Gori?" Devin walked away leaving the dumbfounded Austin.

    "Did he call me Gori?"

    ....

    Standing a little far away from her bed, Leena was shaking in fear looking at the big package ced in her bed. She tried to peek at the box to get a clue of the sender''s name, but there was nothing written on it.

    First suspicion: No name. Anonymous sender.

    She started her detective skills which she learned in those movies and dramas.

    Second suspicion: Neatly wrapped and decorated so that the receiver gets tempted and opens the box. Explosion!

    For a second, the package reminded of the suspicious parcel she got a year back. Her face paled looking into the contents when she opened it then. It was still fresh in her memory. At least, she has stopped seeing it after the second time. She shoved those thoughts away which would only make her mood worsen. For now, she wanted to crack this mystery box.

    "Where is that idiot? He must be calling his girlfriends sitting outside." Before she ran out to drag him here to show off the suspicious parcel, Devin opened the door and looked at her pale face.

    "What''s wrong? You look tensed." Seeing her frightened look, he worriedly went near and tried to check her forehead for any fever, but his hand was bashed away. Leena has more pressing matters to discuss with him. She will worry about her faceter.

    "There is a package in my bed." She said.

    "Then open_"

    Before he could continue further, Leena pulled him along with her towards the bed. Showing the parcel to him, she narrated her analysis.

    "Anonymous. There is no sender or receiver''s name. A strange package." She studied the parcel for a moment and reported her findings again.

    "Wrapped with the finest decorative paper. The person wants to tempt me with its rich look so that when I open the box. Boom! Maybe they wanted to ruin my pretty face if not kill."

    "Operation Banana. Can''t stop. Won''t stop."

    "What!" While he was shocked to hear that name, but her next words eased his mind. Is she innocent or is my mind imagining it dirty?

    "Name of our mission and its tagline I invented. So the first step is, we get out of this room immediately."

    "Next I will alert everyone in the house." She added without giving Devin a chance to speak. "You try to call the emergency number. We cannot fail this mission at any cost." Leena tried to run out of the house, but she was dragged back by her jacket.

    "Hold your horses darling." Where is her imagination running? Is she living in a cloud cuckoond?

    Although Devin was d that she is suspicious of anonymous packages but her crazy mind is literally going berserk.

    There is one more thing, he understood. Never surprise her. It was him. He had put the parcel on her bed with all the dresses she would love to wear. Devin especially ordered long trousers so that she would not show off her legs in the house for the next ten days. He heard from Leah, his little kit loves clothes a lot. So he specially chose all the attire by himself but did not expect he would get the thunderbolt shock. He never knew this level of craziness existed until he met this crazy beast.

    "The security is very high around the house. It''s a safe one." He tried to reassure her.

    "Do you hear that ticking sound? What if it is a bomb?" She closed her eyes to hear the decisive sounds.

    "It''s the wall clock ticking." He pointed the clock.

    "I know, but we are not a hundred percent sure right? Maybe they are synchronously beating at the same time." She debated.

    "Let me open then." Devin was tired of her madness and he offered himself to open his own gift. His ns would always fail when ites to her.

    Devin was about to touch the package, a handheld him firmly without making him budge.

    "Don''t. I am scared." Her worry was visible and Devin could see it.

    "I like it." He pinched her cheeks, happy that she is starting to show some emotions. "Who knows you might like the content after seeing it inside."

    "Wait," Leena screamed when he was about to touch it but her shouting immediately made him stop again. She ran into the vanity and swiftly came back with a bottle.

    Now what another story she will add? he wondered.

    "Here. Sanitize your hands. What if, what if there is some kind of dangerous powder added to it. Your hands." She whispered ncing at his hands.

    "Don''t worry. I got your back." He winked at her and said. "It must be Leah. I saw her leaving our room after dinner. Call her and ask if she has brought it for you."

    "You should have told this before." She yelled at him.

    "Did you give me a chance to speak up?" Devin looked for a sharp object to unbox the package, but there was none visible at the moment. So he took out his car keys and started unwrapping it.

    "Operation banana mission, emergency call, suspicious parcel. Don''t you think your mind is thinking beyond imagination?" Tearing down the box, he showed it purposefully to taunt her while Leena looked down sheepishly. She really thought it would be a suspicious one like the one she has seen in movies and dramas.

    "You even added a half-baked tagline?" He questioned. "What is that? Can''t stop, Won''t stop? Do you think you are the only one who watches movies?"

    "I_ I No! It''s my own creation." She half lied. It was from the mission impossible movie where she got the tagline. As per the mission name, it was her own creation. So it''s a win-win situation.

    Grabbing the box he was trying to open, Leena pushed him onto the bed taking charge of the unwrapping. Her hundred-watt smile was evident on the face looking at the different kinds of outfits. Who wouldn''t love them? When they get a big bundle of clothes for free and being mad for clothes, her joy knew no bounds. There were vests, jackets, dresses, trousers, many more and everything she loved. One thing she noticed was, there were may long pants which she hated. But she is not bothered if it hase with a free tag. I will use all these pants for the ten days I would live here.

    "Did she kick me after using to open the parcel?" He thought to himself. But Devin did not mind it. Seeing her smile that is more beautiful than stars, he found home in her smile. She had conquered him without her knowledge leaving him defenseless with her smile.

    But after their next conversation, Devin would surely get a second thought wishing to put a tight bandage to her mouth not to bber nonsense and put a tight lease to her brain not to imagine things.

 Chapter 50 - Invisible Unicorn

    Leaning on the headboard with legs crossed, and watching her pose in front of a mirror holding all the dresses, Devin was enjoying the manifest. He could feel her eyes which was exploring its fabric, her smile when she grabbed a dress of her liking, her lips tugged with annoyance when a dress did not suit her, her happiness when she finds it looked beautiful on her. She always finds contentment in small things, be it food or dresses, people around her. Devin was chucking and admiring her childish behavior, but never his gazended elsewhere. There was only pure love in his eyes expressing his respect to her.

    "Do you like them?" He asked seeing her pick a vest to try now. She even threw his jacket on to the bed after seeing the new ones which she was clutching to her chest like a possession earlier.

    "Not like. I love them and I can''t get enough of them." Leena squealed with delight and dit it each time when she tried a new one. Devin was in cloud nine when she was jumping with excitement liking all the outfits which he personally picked for her.

    "OMG! Why do women have so many varieties and diversities in clothes? Leena pped in excitement, with a scoffing gaze at Devin. "I am very lucky to born as a woman. We can wear many different dresses and colors every day, unlike men."

    "It''s pointless to buy the same colors." He weaved. Getting up, he gave her space to sit on the bed when she is done with trying all the clothes.

    "I rubber stamp deny it. Men are color blind. That''s why you only have all funeral color choices." She giggled covering her mouth to stop making embarrassing noises seeing the agitated look of certain someone.

    "It''s not color blind. We simply tend to dress in a practical fashion darling." Devin was along used to her sarcastic remarks and he was not even bothered by it when he knew she likes to poke him so that he gets annoyed. Little did she knew, he liked quarreling for trivial and petty matters with her. He can tease her in the future for how childishly she behaved with him in the initial days.

    "ept that you are not creative like us." Practical my foot. Everywhere they wear those funeral colored clothes. Be it a party or at work. But her thoughts always contradict when ites to him. She has seen him wear stylish clothes every time she met. Even if they are of the same darker shades, he looks dapper.

    "Women are just specific about their choices darling." Hezily retorted.

    "We are not sp_"

    "Fine. Let me give you a practical example." Devin cut off her thoughts recounting it. "If we offer a pair of regr jeans to a girl, would she ept it just like that? No! She would give a hundred reasons. Boring color, not fitting properly, pockets plunging, etc..etc... But the same if you offer it to men, he would happily grab it."

    "Is this reason enough sweetheart?" He added. Devin smirked looking at the annoyance on his little kit''s face for losing a debate in front of him.

    "Not enough! And don''t call me sweetheart!" Her heart fluttered whenever he calls her sweetheart. Not to show her reddened face and riled by his taunting smirk, Leena grabbed a dress that her hand seized at the moment and rushed into the washroom.

    "It''s been an hour. Is she wearing clothes or washing clothes?" He mused when she did note out.

    When Leena was not showing up in the room for a long time, Devin worriedly went to check if something has happened to her. Before he could knock the door, it was opened from the other end and appeared a ravishing beauty in front of his eyes. He gazed with parted lips at the beautiful girl wearing a one-piece pencil dress, unting her hourss figure. It stressed her slender waist which could barely fit into his hands. Her toned legs visually longer showing off her years of work out.

    His throat dried and his spell bounded looking at the bewitching enchantress. There was only one word he came up for the beauty standing in front of him. Temptress. She is enticing his heart with feline-like grace unraveling the beast in him.

    "Why are you standing here?" Oblivious to his running thoughts about her, Leena snarled when he is not even giving space to move. If Leena had heard Devin''s inner thoughts, he would be definitely thrown out of the room.

    "Wait here." Consuming his thoughts, Devin moved from his trance after she spoke but his voice was still raspy. Ignoring herments, he walked away from the ce to their room again.

    "Huh? Why should I listen to him?" Leena scorned and was about to get out of the washroom, Devin came back picking a loosefortable sleeping outfit from the messy bed which has all the clothes fluttered around. He decided to hide all those unting dresses elsewhere once she sleeps.

    "Wear this." He shoved a dress on to her. " You look like an invisible unicorn in this dress."

    Leena looked at him with a wide-opened mouth forparison with a unicorn.. Do I really look like a unicorn in this dress? she cried. Why is he so tant with his words when ites to me?

 Chapter 51 - Tarred With The Same Brush

    Vexed, Leena looked up to teach him a lesson for calling her unicorn, but he was nowhere in sight when she wanted to reprimand him. She too was feeling suffocated in the body-hugging dress. Thinking that she should sleep now, Leena went into the bathroom to wear thefortable sleeping outfit.

    When she turned up into her room, Devin was wrapping all the hovered clothes and tidying her bed which she has dirtied it when opening and trying the clothes. Why is he so sweet and kind? Leave it, Leena! Don''t get too attached to him. He is just helping you out of courtesy because he is a good friend of Leah. It''s only for ten days. I will soon forget him after I move to NewYork. Little did she knew it was turning impossible for her miserable heart. She tried to strike off those wave-like feelings again and again.

    Get out of your thoughts idiot. He called you a unicorn. But her mind was not ready to scold him. What if he leaves in the middle of tidying my bed. I am too tired to organize it now. She let it slide him for now.

    "Thanks for keeping my bed as neat as a new pin Mr. Adonis." Reaching over her bed, Leena smiled upgrading his name to her favorite Greek God now. Like hell. He deserves that name. Where did he inherit those features? Leena felt jealous of him for looking more beautiful than her.

    As neat as a new pin? Devin chuckled at her funnyparison.

    "My pleasure Miss Aphrodite." She is thinking of me as Adonis? He chuckled at her new upgraded name without knowing his darling was again thinking a way to unt her beauty now that he isparing her to the famous Greek goddess.

    "But I am more beautiful than her right? I have seen her paintings. Her face is not innocent at all like me and her height is a bit more for a usual women''s le_"

    "Isn''t it time for you to sleep?" Devin interrupted her words in the middle of their conversation. You did a mistake again Devin. She is the female version of that Narcissus God who fell in love with himself.[1]

    "I am not sleepy." Leena pouted. She had rested for a really long time in the afternoon and sleep was nowhere near her. So she wanted to poke him until she gets tired. When Leena looked at the folded dresses, she got an idea to prolong their conversation.

    "That stupid Leah is a real miser, right? She could have brought me more dresses if she is gifting. After all, I am her best friend." Leena spoke up without knowing the real truth of the gifts.

    After hearing her phrases, Devin stopped his work chuckling at her reasoning. He really did not know how to react to her words. Should Iugh or cry? Devin has brought over all the current trending production from his brand. He picked all of them by himself. There are over more than a hundred varieties but still, she is calling him a miser. Women would be happy if they received a single dress, as a gift, but not her. As expected from my sweetheart.

    "Maybe she didn''t have time to pick." He ranted to at least get sympathy from his little kit or he thought so.

    "Aye. I will ept Mr. Adonis." She sighed resuming again."At least she could have chosen another brand. Why it has to be from that WD brand."

    "Why? Don''t you like it? It''s very famous in the world." His voice was urgent to know the answers. Did she not like his brand? But she was very happy with them a while ago.

    "I love their clothes, but I hate that brand''s CEO." Leena has her own reasons. Even though she has not seen the CEO, the fashion world has portrayed him as the most handsome hunk. Hearing thosements from Reese, her jealous red up and she did not even feel like looking at his pictures. But looking at the handsome cake in front of her, Leena called them foolish. How did they name him as the most handsome when there is another who could beat him.

    "Why do you hate him?" Her revtion was a fatal blow to him. Did I do something to her? But we haven''t even met officially.

    "He is a very bad person. I know a very famous model friend. For their new branch opening in Korea, he is pestering her every day to be their sole model. She is not even able to breathe with his calls." Sittingfortably on the bed, Leena grabbed an apple taking azy bite from it. She knew this conversation will not end very soon. After all, Mr. Adonis looks interested in my story. Now I will dly add my own tale.

    "Who knows, your model friend might be lying," Devin said with a dejected mood. Liar! Every day I called you? She did not even give off her number.

    I have only pestered twice. Don''t you think you are over exaggerating sweetheart? Now Devin is determined to conceal his identity until he lures her into the office. Let her scold however meager she might want. The more she criticizes, the guiltier she would turn out once she gets to know his identity. He was d everyone calls him here with his nickname. He doesn''t need to demand anyone.

    "My friend would never lie. She is an epitome of truth and justice." Leena proudly brandished herself.

    "Shall I tell you one more secret of him?"Throwing the finished apple waste into the bin, Leena grabbed another one when she sensed her stomach is not yet full.

    Devin weekly nodded his head to continue. What another stupid story she will add about him now. He snickered for hearing his own story in front of her. Never he thought, his sweetheart is possessing such cruel thoughts about him.

    "He has an affair with that famous actress Emily Harper." Leena heard her employees talking about his affair with that stic beauty which she has trained for a movie. How did he fell for that brainless woman?

    "I_"

    Leena interjected when she is not yet finished.

    "You know what? She has a fling with a movie director who is rotten old. Poor CEO. He must be wearing a green hat." She threw her apple not able to control herugh. She rolled on the bed literally clutching her stomach.

    "I have never dated anyone in the first ce!" In his rage, he roared slipping his tongue.

    "Huh?" She asked innocently, grabbing the fallen apple from the bed.

    "I mean, he did not date her. I know WD''s CEO and he is not that kind of person." Devin spoke up with gritted teethposing himself. He would have been caught by her now if not for his fast reflexes. Who the hell is spreading the false rumors on him? He has clearly given a statement to the media. He would never bother if it is some other person, but his own darling is having such foolish thoughts on him.

    "You know him?" She asked with a surprising mockery. "Expected from yboys. Birds of the same feather flock together. No wonder, you both are tarred with the same brush."

    Tarred with the same brush? Devin pressed his lips to control his anger, but it was not enough.

    "You are proof that evolution can go in reverse. Sleep now!" He bashed her head and walked out with irritation. Devin was making all the notes to take revenge for all the silly things she is doing to him. Why is her mind always imagining things? He wished to put a tight bandage to her mouth for a day and secure her brain in wrap not to visualize the things. Wait and see sweetheart! I will give you the most surprising gift tomorrow which you would never forget in life.

    "Hey! Stupid idiot. Why did you beat me?" She yelled at the retreating figure. He looks angry but why? She thought.

    Does he like that WD CEO or what?

    "Oh My God! Now I understood. Is he a pansexual? the one who gets attracted to any gender. If he is, then I have to be very careful." Leena got goosebumps thinking about it. After narrating the whole story, she felt very tired.. Slumping on the bed, she soon fell asleep without knowing a baffling gift was waiting for her tomorrow.

 Chapter 52 - Her Morning Gift

    Morning arrived, Leena woke up to the steady birds chirping and to the slight ruckus happening outside of her room. She skimmed the room in a hazy state, her mind sinking into the surroundings. Realizing that she is living with someone here, her instincts grew up at once. Out of blue, she checked her clothes which were still intact.

    Heaving a sigh of relief, Leena got up from her bed and the first thing she did was opening the door of her linked room. She has to pass Devin''s room in order to get into the washroom. What kind of stupid house they have built. At least they could have put up a separate bathroom. Irritatedly, she walked into the room but only to find it empty as if there is no one living there except her.

    Since she has not shared the room with someone for a long time except the days where she goes and visits the Heacis mansion or her brother, she felt a little strange to live under the same roof. It all ended after her university days. Although Reese is her best friend and they have been living together in the same apartment, Leena still hated to share her space even with her. She loathed that man for driving her into that painful trauma, the dreadful nightmare she couldn''t forget even now.

    After her friend threw a bomb that she would be sharing a room with someone, Leena instantly denied it even though somewhere in her, she wanted to try and get out of that damage. She reluctantly agreed after her friend''s continuous nagging, because it was him. Even though he teases her a lot, never Leena felt his talks offended her. Neither he behaved inappropriately and took advantage of her nor his gaze made her ufortable. Quite a gentleman. She smiled.

    "Where did he go early in the morning?" She scanned the room but there was no trace of him at all. She shrugged and headed to the bathroom when her stomach was making rumbling sounds asking to feed it with food.

    "All right. First fresh up, then food." She patted her shrunken tummy which has digested all the food in the night itself. She sighed and went singing a rhyme along her path.

    "Rise and shine, It''s time for some wine.

    What''s the big deal Mr. Banana peel.

    Come and dine here Mr. Thorny Porcupine.

    Missed your bus Miss Eight eyed octopus.

    Spring is visiting to tell a very good morning for me."

    Leena was about to open the bathroom door, arge sticky note which was caned to it entered into her eyes.

    "Warning darling! Knock on the door unless you want to see your favorite AK DRAGON."

    Leena fuzzed reading the entire sentence. For a moment her mind went nk topose herself. What the hell is that stupid idiot thinking of me? She vented her fury forcefully kicking the door.

    "Wanker idiot." She mumbled with rage. Leena pulled off the note and crumpled it into a ball before tossing it into the dustbin. Let hime back to the room, he will see my wrath today.

    Devin has sessfully provoked her outrage from just a piece of note. Little did she knew, there was more to it. She would be ready to kill him once she enters and sees her gifts in the bathroom.

    Entering into the bathroom, Leena looked up to see her beautiful face in the mirror which she does it every day.

    "OMG...What are all these." Leena was scared to see little sticky notes staked on her forehead and cheeks. How the hell he stered all those on my face.

    "Morning couch potato! You should get up early and exercise to keep your body fit and healthy like me." Inmed, Leena pulled the piece of note from her forehead and threw it onto the floor.

    "Looking at your obtuse triangle face in the mirror right now? You are the most ''Acute'' triangle I have ever seen." It was caned to her right cheek. She clutched the hem of her dress to control the zing anger she is feeling.

    " Yesterday I was a unicorn, today I am an acute triangle and couch potato. Is this the reason he ran away from me so that he can hide somewhere. I will drag him even if he is hiding in the Amazon forest and skin him alive and make sandals with it."

    Leena angrily peeled off the other sticky notes from her forehead, cheeks and even her hair Devin did not leave. She barely remembered something was put on to her face, but then again she thought it was a dream in her deep slumber.

    "Rx. Enjoy. Close your eyes and sit back until your entire performance." Leena read again and again until she understood the actual meaning.

    "Don''t forget to brush your teeth sweetheart!"

    "What the hell is he thinking of me? Does he have to remind me to brush my teeth also?" Her temper was rising with his Provocations. Vexed, Leena was about to grab her toothbrush, another note fell from the holder.

    "I forgot to remind you. A maid came to clean the bathroom without a cleaning stick. So I dly offered your toothbrush to scrub it. Don''t be stingy and use another one."

    Leena shouted at the top of her lungs calling him with all the dirty names she coulde up with. She scanned the entire bathroom which had pieces of notes stuck everywhere, be it near the tissues board, mirror, she could note up the ces. With a vexed mood, she pulled off everything to read what sort of stupidments he has put.

    "Hello, sweet cheeks." Unconsciously her gazended on her butt. On top of it, Devin even added a winking smiley to further annoy her.

    "Did he really mean that? Stupid idiot. Don''t show up today or I will kill you." She shouted and kicked the bathroom door repeatedly.

    "Don''t be stingy to use water. Tissues are big issues." Leena grabbed the piece of note which she found near the tissue board.

    "Don''t be ashamed to fart when you are doing your business. I don''t mind the sounds if ites from you. After all, even rain follows after thunder right?"

    "You farts, your brother farts." She crushed all the notes and rushed outside throwing everything on to his room.

    "Why the hell he is after me today. What did I do to him? Don''t even show up on my premises today I am going to tear you down if Ie across you." Without knowing Devin has enraged a beast in her within a span of an hour.

    Cursing and cussing, Leena freshened up and went into the hall to see everyone chatting happily. Many new faces were appearing every time shees down. Despite everyone smiled at her the moment she entered, Leena was looking for only one particr face.

    And she found him looking at her with a triumphant smile.

    Devin winked at her as if asking if she enjoyed the little morning gift while Leena was throwing daggers at him as if telling, he would be beaten to death once he is back to the room.

    But Devin did not mind his little kit. It was not evenpared to the bizarre things she spoke about him yesterday. He knew her anger, but he also knew she would not get offended and that is the reason he went a little overboard with his teasing.

    "I will hide somewhere without getting caught and sneak into the room when she is asleep.." He thought.

 Chapter 53 - Illegitimate Daughter

    Not to strangle him in front of all the guests, Leena curbed her anger and strolled inside the kitchen to fill her stomach. Why does he like to tease me a lot? Although she was angry, at once Leena couldn''t help butugh when she remembered the content inside the notes. While taking a shower, her gaze was moving to her back continuously.

    "Sweet Cheeks." She whispered and smiled. So that means I have a beautiful back right?

    "Of course Leena. You have been named as the hottest model by the top magazines." Sitting on her left shoulder, her devil spoke up.

    "Wake up idiot. You should punish him. He has seen your back." Her angel-voiced out sitting on the left shoulder.

    "So what, isn''t it normal for him to see if our Leena is drop-dead gorgeous." Her devil made a statement.

    "Devil, why do you always provoke her. She has turned into aplete narcissist." Angel voiced her concern.

    "Angel, I never_"

    "Can you both stop!" Leena brushed both her devil and angel off her shoulders as if shooing some dirt when she could sniff a delicious dress from a certain woman and her exciting eyes followed in that direction.

    Reaching over her destination, Leena''s eyes bulged looking at the beautiful modest yellow sheath dress hugging a woman''s body perfectly in the right ces. One look, she eluded elegance, her long curls waving along with her elegant moves. Under her bangs, shone the dazzling deep ck eyes which were twinkling when her gaze moved from one person to another. Leena couldn''t help but notice her glistening eyes each time she made eye contact with others.

    "You must be Leena right?" The woman uttered turning towards Leena with a smile. Her smooth honey voice reached Leena''s ears which could melt any person.

    Leena was gazing at the anonymous woman without blinking her eyes in a daze. How did she know my name? She definitely looks beautiful, but no one has been born on this who can outsmart me. Never can happen that. She smirked victoriously with that thought.

    "I am Kyle, Kyle Sawyer. Austin''s cousin." Marching forward, with a smile she greeted Leena with a hearty handshake.

    "H Papi." Leena epted the handshake wholeheartedly when she sensed a yful vibe around her. Should I ask her where she brought the dress? But then again, being a fashionista, Leena felt her ego would hurt if she doesn''t even know the brand.

    "Wow. You can speak Spanish?" Kyle asked with excitement.

    "Yo S��." She winked. Leena loved learning newnguages, especially the European ones and she happens to have many friends from the European region when she was modeling. So, it became easy to learn her favorite French, Spanish, and Germannguages.

    "Leah and Austin always speak high about you. I thought they were simply brandishing you. Now that I have seen, I have to change my thoughts." Kyle retorted, never fading her lively smile.

    "You never visit us even if we beg. What made you attend to my marriage in ten days'' advance?" Leah spoke up entering into the kitchen holding a ss of banana juice for Leena.

    "It''s my cousin''s wedding. So obviously I should be here right?" She beamed.

    "You outrightly rejected even after we requested and begged to attend our marriage." Leah knew Kyle''s reasons for not attending any events and she did not force her when she denied it. It was strange, Kyle has epted their proposal directly, after their second attempt to ask her.

    "Well, I freed my hectic schedule to not disappoint you guys."

    "I bet you will enjoy the wedding Kyle. After all, my darling is here." Turning towards Leena, Leah shoved the banana juice into her hands. " Here, drink your morning energy."

    "You are the best Leah." Leena felt bad for calling her miser yesterday. Famished, she put an end to her thoughts and gulped down the entire content in a single go and looked at her friend innocently for another one.

    "How many you drink a day? Go and have breakfast now." Leah chided her. She even added all the dry fruits and made a big ss, but this glutton finished it in one sip.

    "You like banana juice?" Kyle asked looking at the finished smoothie the moment she was offered it to Leena.

    "A lot. More than those stupid minions who im to love bananas." Both burst outughing.

    "I wonder why you don''t eat them anymore, Kyle. You used to gobble them up even if everyone called you a fatty back in your school days." She remembered the bubbly Kyle who loved to eat all the junk even after her weight was putting pressure on her. Now that Leah is looking at the beautiful woman, she wondered what made her change the decision to cut everything and slim down her body.

    "Leaving something for someone and even if we leave that something to live happily with that someone and that someone doesn''t recognize it but still you can''t leave them." Her bitter voice was not hard to recognize by Leena.

    "Why are you speaking in puzzles? Had something happened in your home?" Leah asked worriedly while Leena looked at her in confusion.

    "No. It''s a quote which I read today and I wanted to share it with you guys." Kyle smiled and went away hoping that they would not see through her thoughts.

    Looking at the retreating figure, Leena thought back to her words. She could feel the pain and distress in Kyle''s eyes, for she had once gone through that phase. She wanted to pry further, but it''s not the time when the delicious aroma was calling up.

    After having a hearty breakfast, Leena went outside to have a breath of fresh air.

    "Jurassic, wait!" Running fast from the house, Salsa followed Leena''s direction waving at her.

    "Good Morning Salsa. Why are you running fast?" Turning towards the man, Leena looked at the running and stumbling Salsa in an attempt to reach her.

    "Obviously to reach you. How is my outfit." He asked twirling around. When she praised him yesterday, Salsa ordered many of the stylish outfits to show off in front of her. After all, someone hase searching for him finally in the form of a goddess.

    "Too shy." Looking at the mboyant Batman outfit, She had a hunch that it is from the brand that was popping up in her mind.

    "Thank you. I got it from Amigo brand." He sheepishly added.

    "No wonder I guessed it correctly." Out of blue, Leena remembered uncle Pumpkin wearing all those shy shirts from Amigo. She wished to sees that amigo brand CEO with her own eyes so that she can beat him to death for designing all those kinky outfits.

    "I am bored. Let''s water the nt''s Salsa." She said.

    "Anything to for you Jurassic." He said.

    Kicking the maids who were watering the nts, Leena and Salsa took up the job of gardening seriously. Dancing and chatting happily both were engrossed in their business until they heard the noises for a man and woman from a little far end. Both rushed to the nearby tree. Hiding behind the tree bushes to listen to the conversation which was barely audible. Leena had her own reasons to hide and as for Salsa, she did not care.

    "OMG! Kyle is attending the wedding? I am seeing her for a long time." Salsa whispered looking at the beautiful woman. As far as he remembered, she doesn''t even attend their own family events.

    "Your family looks very close. She doesn''te here often?" She mumbled not raising her voice which could distract them. She disdainfully looked at the man chatting happily with Kyle. What can she expect from a yboy like him? She wanted to shave one of his eyebrows once for all for attracting every woman.

    "No. She always distances herself from everyone." Looking at his sides, he gestured Leena to move forward when his mouth was itching him to talk about the juicy matter. "If you don''t tell anyone, I will tell you a secret."

    "Pinky promise." Leena made a gesture of zipping her mouth when she is always ready for gossips.

    "Kyle is the illegitimate daughter of the Sawyer family. Even though the Sawyer family epted her, she was bullied in the school for her low birth. So, she always felt lonely and distanced herself. She was very fat and her grades were very poor back then, but suddenly she outsmarted everyone in her ss surprising everyone."

    "What made her change suddenly," Leena asked. There are so many mysteries surrounding Kyle and she did not expect her to have such a sad past life surrounded by bullies.

    "No idea. She was saved by someone when she was brutally bullied in school. I once heard her speaking to a friend that she is working hard to stand proudly next to someone and that is the reason she is changing."

    "Look at that rascal. He was always smitten by her since high school. Who doesn''t? Kyle is so kind and beautiful. Except being an illegitimate daughter, everything is perfect about her." Salsa pouted.

    ''He was always smitten by her since high school.''

    Leena felt her world has crushed after hearing those words. Watching him speak very sweetly with some other woman itself, she felt a pang in her heart. Without uttering a single word, she ran inside the house.. She even turned a deaf ear to the shouting Salsa.

 Chapter 54 - Bait The Hook

    New York.

    With the arrival of morning, the spring weather was breezing gently, kissing the skins of New Yorkers. Together with the slight soaring temperature, Women have already started upgrading with the summer outfits with a bunch of sunscreen lotions in their handy. While men being men, as usual, they were still the same despite the season change except there were no thick coats or fur sweaters draped.

    Right in the navel of the city located the unique abreast parabolic ss office building which is none other than WD. The office was buzzing with the employees, some running for work, and some running due to theirte arrival. The already arrived employees were pushed to the works and meetings in the office.

    Amidst the chaos, there was one person not bothered by any of the turmoil, for she was in her own world. Pacing in the washroom back and forth, biting her stiletto painted nails, Regina was looking at her mobile steadily for the one phone call, her source who can pull out the information of any person even hiding in the nook and cranny and that person has been helping her with neither any motives nor for her money since ten years from the day she started loving Devin.

    Her master scheme has failed unexpectedly, which would have been a picture-perfect n if it was executed ording to her line up. The reporter she has contacted has awaited their arrival for the juicy gossip, after all, it was Wang Devin and the fashion world would be in the mayhem, but all went in vain. Regina felt her prince was being deliberately driven away from her by someone.

    She has to travel with that old rag who has been snoring continuously sleeping next to her. Her blood boiled with the mere sight of him sitting on Devin''s seat. She could tter any man with her beauty and charms but not him. No one made her mind go berserk except him. Many were behind her, but she neither nced at them not she dated anyone. She has been saving her virginity for him alone.

    Although she could not travel with him, Regina was happy that she could see her prince the next day at the office. She has arrived a little early wearing his favorite red outfit but he has not arrived even after the office hours and to drive her mad, one of her friends told Harley would the stand-in CEO until Devines back.

    "That bitch again."

    Regina''s phone ringed bringing out of her sick thoughts. She immediately picked up in the first ring when she looked at the disyed contact name.

    "Did you find anything?" Her voice was urgent waiting for the answer biting her lips like some wild thing.

    "No. He left the office and straight away went to a friend''s house in Madison way in Seattle. The house is surrounded by tight security and it''s hard to get any information inside." A gruff voice spoke up from the other end.

    "You are failing in every task nowadays. Get me his new phone number at least. I will deal with it." Regina yelled without even knowing she was in the office. Since many of the employees haven''t arrived, being the top designer of WD, Regina''s work would be on the top floor. To her luck, none of them were loitering at the premises to see her insanity.

    "Rx my dear Regi. It''s not that I am failing in the work. Your prince is very sharp and quick. He has already sensed his number is being chased. He is using a private number which I couldn''t trace."

    "If you can''t find the number, get someone to enter the house. No one would say no to money. Buy them. I want to know what''s happening around him." She dered strenuously.

    "I will try, but I cannot guarantee it." The man''s voice dered from the other end.

    "Someone is speaking outside. I am hanging up now. I will call you back in the night." She whispered and hung up without even giving a chance for the other person to speak.

    Before she declined the call, the washroom door was pushed open and entered a woman startling Regina. Quicklyposing herself she smiled at her.

    "What happened to your face?" Harley asked looking at the tensed woman.

    "Nothing. Everything is new here and I am a bit stressed due tock of sleep." A pleasant smile was on her lips again.

    "You should have taken a leave then," Harley heard little noises from the washroom when she was talking to one of the employees outside the door. She clearly heard someone''s voice from the inside demanding to get information on a person. But there was no one except Regina when she entered in. What made her strange was, Regina''s screaming voice is now reced with a pleased one which was scaring her. Harley was always uncanny about this woman even though they have met a little number of times. Regina always threw deathly stares to her as if she has done something to her.

    "I am fine Harley. Sir wants the designs to bepleted by today." She said and added." By the way, I don''t see him today."

    "He is on vacation." Pulling a tissue from the holder, she stated.

    "How many days he would be on vacation?" Regina asked with avidity.

    "Why are you so eager to know about him, Miss Herrera?"

    "I_"

    "Don''t unnecessarily pry into other businesses. Instead of gossips,plete your unfinished designs." Harley stated while her gaze unconsciously moved to Regina''s sharp nails when she was about to throw the tissue into the garbage bin. Instantly she closed her eyes tight shut as if she has seen something scary.

    Out of shock, without even doing her business, Harley hurriedly walked out of the washroom in panic. The scary scene of Regina''s index fingernail chunks which she has bitten aggressively was etched into her memory. But that was not the only thing which made Harley panic, Regina has eaten the flesh of her thumbpletely which made the finger turn deep brown into wrinkled one. What a sick woman? Harley shuddered. She made a note to inform Devin once he is back. Sick people should be in a mental asylum. Her vibes are already disrupting the workce.

    After Harley left the ce, Regina disdainfully looked at her.

    "Bitchy orphan. You are a nobody without the Wang family."

    "I have to make calcted moves now. What if he cannot get any information about Devin? I have to amend my own ns else he would slip out of my hands." Regina muttered. Even if she fails in everything, she has a trump card. For the past ten years, she has used every opportunity to know about his family and friends secretively and she got close to one of the family members who hold the authority in their home and no one dares to oppose that person.

    "Looks like I have to make a visit to her." With a victorious smile, she sent a text over her phone.

    [Mrs. Wang: How is your health? I have started working in the New York branch. Can Ie and visit you once Mrs. Wang]

    Regina did not need to wait for the reply, her mobile beeped immediately with the notification.

    [Silly child. Good to see you working there. By the way, I am fine and you don''t need to ask every time. You are always wee to visit me.]

    With a jubnt smile, Regina walked out. There is no point in catching the small fishes. She is now determined to trap the big fish. Although that fish is hard to catch, she just has to bait the hook carefully without getting bitten. Everything will fall into the ce.

    She is her biggest pawn to checkmate Wang Devin.

 Chapter 55 - Tom And Jerry

    Standing in front of the closed door, Daisy, Leah, and Katherine were banging the door for the nth time, but there was no wind from the other end. Since morning, Leena has locked up in her room after finishing her breakfast. It was already dinner time, yet she didn''t turn up. Neither she is talking nor responding to their pleas which is frightening everyone.

    "Did something happen after breakfast?" With a worried expression, Daisy inquired looking at her daughter.

    "No idea mom. But I heard from Salsa that she ran away in the middle of their conversation." Leah replied. She tried to enquire about their exchanges, but Salsa was keeping mum to it without revealing anything.

    "Let''s go, mom. It''s of no use calling her. She wille down once she is hungry." Everyone knew Leena cannot survive without food for even an hour. But to their surprise, that glutton locked herself without eating for the entire day.

    "Poor child. She hasn''t eaten anything other than drinking the banana smoothie." Daisy informed her husband aftering down from Leena''s room.

    "Let''s wait for another hour. We will open with the spare key if she is not showing up." Mark suggested.

    "That is the only option we have," Leah sighed.

    ....

    Lying on the couch with her legs crossed, asionally munching over the choctes and cookies which Salsa has brought to her secretively, Leena was watching Tom and Jerry cartoon with interest not entertaining their pleas or threats even after her door was banged continuously. She has been watching the episode in a repetitive mode where Jerry was beaten to death by Tom which has matched with her current situation exactly.

    "There there! Hit his leg. Thrash his back now. That''s my Tom!" Leena pped her thigh with boisterous mirth.

    She imagined herself in Tom''s character while Jerry obviously Devin judging by her current mood. Since morning, he did not even step into the room, happily chatting with his childhood sweetheart. Leena dared to admit, she was missing him, his teasing, his sallies.

    She already convinced her angel to leave the washroom matter if he shows up and apologizes to her, but not anymore. She changed her mind. Looks like that idiot is not even bothered about her roommate.

    Little did she knew, Devin was out of the station. He went to the office when Harley called over for urgent work. Devin was hell scared to enter the room, for he had teased her a lot in the morning and he knew it would yield no good for him if he would turn up in front of her. Had he knew his sweetheart has not eaten anything, he would have rushed leaving everything behind.

    Leena''s thoughts ended when the lock of the door was opened from the outside. Her face lit up suddenly thinking it must be him but her disappointment instantly died down hearing the footsteps. Hiding her choctes under the nket, Leena turned around to see the intruder who has broken into her space.

    "Hey, Leena! I heard you did not have your lunch and dinner. Are you all right?" Walking towards her, Trent questioned with a smile.

    "Ummm...Actually, I am not hungry, but how did you get the key?" Unlike before, Leena didn''t show her arrogance when he hase to check on her. Even though she doesn''t like men, she is not someone to get angry with every man for all petty things.

    "I was concerned about you. So I asked Aunt Daisy if she had any spare keys. I hope you are not bothered by my sudden presence?" He asked.

    "No." Pointing to the chair, she smiled and added. "You can sit over there."

    "Thank you."

    The door was unfastened before he could take his seat.

    "Bro, can youe to my room? I am stuck with something." Gasping for breath, Austin uttered breathlessly as if he hase from a marathon race. Before going to the office, Devin clearly warned him not to allow anyone near Leena especially Trent. When he saw Trent moving into Leena''s room, out of fear, he immediately rushed to stop him.

    "What is this idiot doing here?" Leena muttered inwardly mocking at his disheveled shirt and hair.

    "What is it? If anything, can we do itter?" Trent said. He doesn''t understand if Austin is dumb or pretending to be one when he has been giving signs of wanting to talk with Leena alone. Yesterday when he arrived for the ten-day wedding tour, the linked room was first assigned to him. Since he wanted to enjoy the scenic beauty of the city, he requested the room ording to his choice. But it did not hit his brain that Leena was already staying next to his room. He tried to reconsider, but there was already someone in the room when he approached to bargain. When he knew who it was, he stopped. He did not dare to provoke Wang Devin. It''s just a room he has eluded to Devin, he will not let Leena slip from his hands.

    "Please understand bro, It''s quite urgent!" Austin begged, his voice almost crying. If Trent doesn''t get up now, he will have to forget his honeymoon which he has been anticipating for a longer time. The devil has promised a modest walled Vi as his wedding gift under Wang properties but with conditions applied. He has to guard his sweetheart today and also for the ten days she would be living here in case he is out for some work. Devin has lured Austin with his dream house which he had set his eyes the moment he saw the blueprint of the construction. Although he doesn''tck money, he was happy that it is arriving as a free gift. So Austin dly epted the offer.

    "She has been treated as if she is a princess from the hiddennd." Disdainfully looking at the clueless monster, Austin muttered under his breath.

    "Can you pleasee with me?" Austin pleaded Trent again.

    "Alright." He sighed. "I will catch youter Leena." Trent reluctantly got up after bidding goodbye to Leena. He made a note to reprimand Austin once he is out of the room. Leah and Austin have soured his heights letting him imagine his rtionship with Leena in all the possible ways, but even a single percent is not happening ording to his fascination here.

    "I still doubt you did not eat anything since morning." Austin poked her before he was dragged away by Trent. He knew her food habits. Even if nothing is essible to her, she will live her life if there is a little grass somewhere. She can even eat that like a cow.

    "Do you want to get beaten again?" Leena yelled at the goofy Austin. Slowly she took out her choctes and cookies which she has hidden under the nket. Eating them, she started watching Tom and Jerry''s show again.

    Laughing and giggling to the punching sounds of Tom and the cries of Jerry whenever she was thrashed, Leena was enjoying the show until the door was locked open. The footsteps she heard were crisp and clear this time. She knew it. It is him. Her eyes twinkled like stars with the thought. At once Leena closed her eyes to inhale the whiff of the familiar woody cinnamon musk.. Even if the ce is fully crowded, she can discern him with her eyes closed.

 Chapter 56 - Horse In Previous Life

    Her mind was engrossing with his thoughts. Why? Leena asked.

    "This is not the time to think about him, Leena! You have the utmost priority task now."

    Pulling herself together, Leena quickly hid the choctes and cookies. She slowly turned around putting up a sick face, acting like a malnutrition girl. If anyone other than Devin would have seen Leena''s acting, they would have pped for pulling Oscar-winning acting.

    "I heard you hadn''t eaten your food since morning sweetheart." Worriedly Devin asked her. He has to leave urgently for some office work and after talking with Kyle, he did not enter into their room when he knew his sweetheart would kick him again for teasing her in the morning. But now that he is seeing her face closely, a familiar airport scene was snapping into his brain. But Devin pushed those thoughts away. It wouldn''t be possible. Leah clearly told her she did not even step out of the room.

    "Because I am not hungry and if you don''t stop calling me sweetheart, I will break one of your legs," Leena stated throwing a mocking look at him. Looks like he is done with his talking and finally found his way. Leena is still upset over the morning incident and she herself was in a dilemma why she is getting mad when it''s his right to speak with any other women. She didn''t care when Ethan was with other women and she even asked if he is interested, she will unite them.

    "You can even break my other leg also, but I can''t stop calling you sweetheart." Devin winked.

    Leena closed her eyes not intended to talk with him. Provoking her has be a habit to him.

    "Did you really not eat? Miss pervert can''t even stand without food for an hour right?" When Devin was back from his work, Leah informed him that Leena has locked up in her room and she did not even have anything after breakfast. His anger rushed over and sted at everyone for not informing about the most important thing.

    "Did someone bully you here?" He asked when she is not answering. He sensed she is worried over something. Even though he knows no one dares to bully her, he still wanted to check with her once.

    "No. President Donald Trump was nominated for a Nobel Prize award and my hunger died after hearing the news."

    Devin pressed his lips to control hisughter.

    "Actually I was hungry." Looking down at the floor Leenained. "Leah did not even care if I had eaten or not. And that Austin would be eating the food which aunt Daisy cooked for me. At least they should have some responsibility right when I am here for their wedding?"

    "Don''t tell all these things to them. I am telling you this because you are my roommate." Dejectedly Leena muttered.

    "Don''t worry. My lips are zipped, darling." Devin pulled a zip-up gestureughing at her whining. He will dly listen to herints even if she keeps talking till eternity.

    "Come. We will go and have dinner first. You must be hungry." Looking at her healthy face, Devin still doubted how she endured her hunger when her metabolism is rapid fast. If he doesn''t act ording to his own way, this stubborn girl would sit here itself. He cannot let her sleep without food, worse it turns into gastritis.

    "I am noti_"

    Before she couldplete her sentence, Devin swiftly removed her nket to lift her up when she is declining food again. But his lips parted in shock watching the chocte wrappers and cookie boxes falling on to the floor. So this is the reason. He already had a hunch.

    "Hey! You shouldn''t remove a girls nket just like that." Leena wished to bury under a hole for eternity. She didnot expect he would suddenly push her nket exposing everything. Thank God! At least I am wearing pants.

    "I am sorry!" Devin apologized for his mistake. His worry got over him once and he acted on his instincts.

    "Leaving that aside, should I tell everyone how you have masked them gobbling choctes and cookies sitting here?" Devin counted the chocte wrappers loud enough for Leena to hear, while she sheepishly looked down as if she is caught red-handed.

    "Are you perhaps a horse in your previous life?" There were around twenty to thirty chocte wrappers along with cookie boxes. How did she eat all those in a day? Before Devin could collect them to put in the garbage, Leena pushed him thinking that he would threaten her. Grabbing all the wrappers, Leena rushed inside her room, putting it in her bag.

    "Now you can''t expose me." Leena beamed aftering back.

    "Stubborn little one." Devin lifted her up, scooped in his arms startling her. Unconsciously her hands mped around his neck for support with fear of falling, her cheeks almost touching his shoulders.

    "Put me down, idiot." She yelled in a low whisper, not looking into those enticing eyes. His breath was tickling her face turning crimson red. She could hear his beating heart for being close to his body which was creating a storm inside her. Her weakness was resolving day by day with their closeness and she was afraid if she can control her weak heart.

    "Not until you have your dinner." He whispered, his tone turned raspy surprising him. Despite there was a turmoil brewing inside him for holding her close enough, he calmed himself.

    Leena tried to move to free herself from his grip, his one hand was resting on her waist tightly squeezing, and another on her thighs tightly wrapping it as if she would run away from him. She wanted to tell him to loosen his grip a little, but she was embarrassed to bring the topic.

    "God! I have never faced this kind of dilemma. He is the first to carry me, be it at the airport or now." She inwardly cringed.

    Leena pinched and hit his arm in an attempt to free herself, but for Devin, those were feather touches of his sweetheart causing every fiber of his body to stand in anticipation for more.

    Feeling her squirming under him, Devin squeezed her waist when he felt she is moving far away from him. Leena gasped for air with his sudden touch and unconsciously, she loosened her grip around his neck. Taking advantage of it, Devin pushed her to his chest even more closely. He will not let this golden opportunity to miss.

    "If you struggle again, I wille to your room tonight and cut your hair unevenly or worse I will shave itpletely." The only way to shut herpletely is to disgrace her hair and face which she cares most in the world and he knew it works on this narcissistic brat.

    "OMG! My precious hair." Leena gasped touching her hair in a protective manner. She tried to imagine herself with a shaved head.

    "Stop imagining. I have already done that. Your bald head is cuter than your precious hair." Devin teased her.

    "E...You stupid idiot." She was continuously hitting his chest until they reached down the dining table gliding down the stairs.. When she sensed everyone was looking at her keenly with their wide mouths, she stopped her actions.

 Chapter 57 - Welcome To Hell

    Just when Devin arrived in the dining hall carrying Leena, everyone''s gaze was anchored to their position with their mouths opened and Salsa even stopped chewing his food. Despite umpteen people arrived for the wedding, many were strolling in the garden after having their dinner and only the family members were sitting over the table saving Leena from remorse at least.

    Totally embarrassed to show her face, Leena buried her face deep into his embrace timidly, startling him. She elbowed him lightly so that he would understand ande up with some story to make them believe for carrying her in his arms, but Devin was in another world. There was nothing going into his ears when she was hugging him.

    "How should I face them from tomorrow." Leena cried inwardly.

    "Put me down, idiot. Everyone is looking at us." Leena whispered, her voice almost begging thinking he would at leastply with her wishes but Devin did not listen to her pleas and straightaway went to the table. cing her on the chair, he settled next to her.

    "Why did you lock yourself up in the room since morning dear?" Daisy asked to ease the atmosphere when she sensed Leena was feeling ufortable. She was happy that both are slowly getting along with each other.

    "You scared everyone darling." Mark chided." If you repeat this again I will tell your Fra_"

    "No! I will never do it again uncle Mark. Please don''t tell him." Leena immediately begged scared that it would reach Francis''s ears. He would fly to Seattle to kill her if he knows about it.

    "Who is that? Is that your King Kong uncle?" Devin whispered refilling her soup bowl. He now has one top priority, to find about her family. If he had used his own ways, with just one phone call, her information would be sitting on his table on the first day he has seen her. But secretly collecting her information without her knowledge is a tant disrespect to her trust. Just because he loves her, he doesn''t have the right to pry on her. It is a just sick thought. Her trust is his respect and he will never break it. Even now he feels remorse for getting her name through other means. But he didn''t have a choice back then.

    "Go away, idiot. I am not telling it." She pushed him away. Did he still remember the story which I have cooked up in the flight?

    "You both seem very close. What''s your rtionship with him?" Leah asked nudging Leena''s elbow yfully. She was happy that Devin is slowly taking their rtionship to the next level. Never she has seen Leena allowing a man in her premises much less hold a hand. But to her surprise, she let Vincy carry her and she did not evenin.

    "We are just roommates." Leena sharply red at him for bringing her in a contradicting situation. He is happily eating and I am the one to answer everyone''s question.

    "Roommates or friends with benefits?"Leena rolled her eyes at the giggling idiot.

    "If you don''t end the topic now, there is a flight for New York in the next two hours."

    "You meanie." Leah hit her head. Even if Leena doesn''t admit their rtionship, Leah was sure both are going to be a couple soon. Where did this Austin go? He is always out at the most important scene happenings.

    Without eating Leena was drawing circles on the te thinking about their rtionship.

    "Eat it before he spoon feeds you." Leah poked her arm giggling to herself but her the foot was kicked again for teasing her.

    ....

    After her dinner, Leena went to the room happy that she is not feeling lonely.

    "Go and brush your teeth." Freshly showered, Devin entered into her room.

    "Are you ordering me?" Even though she wanted to brush, after all, she has eaten twenty choctes, Leena was toozy to get up.

    "After eating twenty choctes, it would be a wonder if you don''t wake up toothless."

    "Stupid idiot. Don''t you have any work other than teasing me?" Angrily, Leena went into the washroom concerned over her teeth.

    "Why are you still in my room?" Coming back from the washroom after brushing her teeth, Leena asked him.

    "I have something to talk with you." Clueless, Leena looked at him with a frown.

    "Don''t allow any man to enter into our room for the next nine days. I hate someone invading my space." He got to know from Austin that Trent has visited her just when he came back from the office. He has to keep an eye on him from tomorrow.

    "Same applies to you. If I see you getting a woman into the room, You will see my wrath."

    "Yes madam. I am leaving now. Sleep tight." Don''t worry sweetheart. There is no space in my heart for anyone except you. You have fully upied it.

    "I am not sleepy," Leena mumbled wanting him to stay here for some more time.

    "So?"

    "Let''s y a game. Can you sing a song?" Leena asked with excitement.

    "No." His reply came immediately. She would definitely ask a nursery rhyme if he says yes.

    "Then I will sing. I have a very sweet voice." Proudly brandishing herself, Leena opened her mobile to select a song. Finally, she chose Zombie the cranberries song after the thorough search but there was no silhouette of him to show off her singing skills. Leena turned to her side and found him standing near the window.

    "You haven''t even started, a donkey has already arrived." He stated in a t tone.

    Leena opened her mouth staring at him without getting any words to reprimand him. Should I cry orugh? Even Francy doesn''t dare to bully me.

    "How about I tell a story?" Devin got an idea to y with his darling for a while.

    "I love stories. Which one? Thriller or fairy tale?" She asked with excitement.

    "Horror." Sittingfortably on the bed, Devin looked at her hesitant to face. Somewhere he knew, she is scared of ghosts, and being self-centered he also knew she would never admit her ws. But he would not leave her today. The night is still young.

    "I_I love horror stories. You can start." Leena smiled acting bravely even though her legs were shaking under the nket. She is hell scared of horror stories. But she was not ready to admit that in front of him.

    "A real story." He started. "It happened ten years back. I was traveling to a remote ce and my car tire got punctured suddenly. When I got down, it started raining cats and dogs suddenly and I heard many disturbing voices.

    "M_ight be a dog. They have little tendency to hearing." Leena stuttered gripping her nket in fear.

    "I thought the same darling. But it''s not a dog when a woman suddenly appeared in front of me asking if I was hungry. Even before I could say no, she shoved a bottle into my hands and vanished away."

    "Must be water, Mr. Adonis." Leena still smiled despite her inner turmoil. You mad fellow. Didn''t you have any other story to tell? She wanted to kick him down there foring up with such a story to scare her.

    "I wished it was water. But it was freshly drawn blood. I didn''t mind her and went ahead in search of a hotel to stay. But there was a crematorium instead of a hotel and unexpectedly I saw a freshly dead body in front of me and the same woman which I had seen earlier was sitting on it without making any noise. But that''s not the surprise."

    "You want to know what I have seen?" Devin whispered creating a horror movie effect. Leena was shaking to the core. She knew it''s not real, but imagining it really scared her.

    "A horrific woman with no legs. Slowly she turned around and whispered into my ears, Wee home."

    "No! I don''t want to hear anymore." Leena''sst straw broke. She jumped into her bed shutting her eyes tightly without making any sound.

    "She is literally scared of ghosts, but doesn''t admit." Whispering to himself, Devin waited for her topletely sleep and tugged her under the nket securely, and walked into his room.

    ....

    Morning arrived and Devin woke up early to go for a jog, but his legs felt heavy to move, unlike every day. He craned his neck to see Leena''s upper body lying on his legs, her body was curled into a ball without any nket.

    How did shee here? He slightly tilted her face and ced her on the bed gently. Did she get scared of the story? He immediately checked if he had any fever and to his relief she was fine. He criticized for his stupid act. Thank God, she is not having any fever.

    "Did I scare you yesterday? I am sorry sweetheart. I will never do that again. Sleep tight.." He whispered kissing her forehead lovingly.

 Chapter 58 - Wendy

    Waking up to her stomach''s continuous gurgling, Leena got up from her bed and rushed into the bathroom. She wished she shouldn''t have eaten all those choctes and cookies like a hungry rat. Sincest night she has to hit the washroom door continuously due to indigestion. Just when she thinks it would be done, it would start again, and it stressed her till midnight.

    "Now I am free. Who said love is the best feeling? Finding a washroom during loose motions is better than that." Tiredly Leena fell on the bed with no energy to even lift her body. But to her annoyance, sleep was nowhere in reach. The horrifying picture of the woman sitting over a dead body was haunting her.

    "What a scary ghost!" The memory brought goosebumps to her arms.

    "Should I wake him up?" Leena whispered with a little amount of energy left. But her inner self did not allow her to wake him up when she remembered his tired face.

    Getting up, Leena tried to watch a movie to at least hit the bed when she feels tired, but nothing was working out. So she straightaway went to his room. Looking at the sleeping hunk, Leena exhaled a deep breath. He is definitely not a human.

    "I am here because there is no proper venttion in my room. Don''t overthink, idiot." She pulled his hair and reluctantly settled at the edge of his bed, without knowing she would end up on his legs in the morning.

    ....

    "He is not Adonis. A monster. How can he scare me just like that!" Her reaction ran from apathy to infuriation and strolled into the washroom angrily to get herself fresh. After having a long warm bubble shower, Leena emerged out happily as if her all troubles washed away. Then she went into the closet and picked a red vintage floral pleated skirt and matched it with a modern white shirt.

    "I look like a hot chick. He always teases me right? Let''s see if he doesn''t get ttered today." Satisfied with her look, Leena headed outside to have her breakfast. But it was already in her table.

    "Who brought this?" Did Mr. Adonis...

    "No. Why would he do that? Teasing me is the only job he knows." Leena grabbed the food and gobbled up like a hungry cat. After all, the night activity has drained the entire content in her body.

    When Leena went downstairs, she could see many new faces again and she recognized somemon friends of her and Leah. After exchanging pleasantries with them, she went into Leah''s room to check up on her.

    "Hello, Miss bride. There are only eight days left for your wedding. How is the preparation?" Walking into the room, Leena noticed Kyle was also sitting with Leah and smiled at her.

    "Honestly, I am not doing anything darling. Mom is not even allowing me to choose the dress." She went on. "By the way, your soulmate has arrived."

    " Why did you invite her Leah?" Leena cried jumping listening to the shocking news.

    "I did not even inform her that I am getting married. She invited herself. You very well know she doesn''t have any shame, right?" Leah exined. She doesn''t know what sort of problems that woman would create for Leena at the wedding.

    "Wait, her soulmate? you are talking about a girl?" Kelly asked in confusion.

    "It''s a long story, Kelly." Leah started. "Her name is Wendy and she shares a special rtionship with our Leena."

    "Interesting. Continue." Kyle was eager to know more about Leena. She had her own reasons.

    Lying on the bed, Leena grabbed an apple from the table listening to her own story. It''s been a long time she heard of that pest.

    "We met Wendy at a Paris fashion show for the first time. It was only a five-day tour but she created a lot of trouble for Leena. If a guy has a crush on Leena and Wendy happens to like her crush. It happened with many and she always mes Leena for snatching and seducing her princes. Since then Leena is her biggest enemy and would always create trouble for her. Even now."

    "She is funny," Kyleughed shaking her head.

    "A weird one too. She immediately flew from New York just because she got to know that Leena is here." Leah giggled. If she tells that Wendy even left her photoshoot behind, Leena would re up in anger.

    "argghhh...I am having a headache already. Stupid trouble brewer." Leena hit her head thinking of that annoying pest.

    "Salsa is entertaining everyone with his dance moves. He is the best medicine for headaches. Let''s go." Kyle winked at them.

    "I am tired. You guys carry on." Leena put up her fatigued face. Watching his handsome face would be much better than going with them and moreover, Leena has already thought of finding that idiot to show her beautiful dress.

    She acted like a sleeping pig until Leah and Kyle went out.. Soon after they left, opening the door slowly, like a cat she went out in search of him.

 Chapter 59 - Girl In Blue

    Out of blue, someone appeared in front of Leena startling her. Her happy mood turned bilious watching the annoying woman standing in front of her with a dippy smile.

    "Hey, crazy Leena. Why aren''t you answering my messages? I have sent over hundreds. I should be your priority." Licking and slurping her lollipop a woman stood in front of Leena blocking her path.

    "Either eat and speak or speak and eat. You are spraying." Caning her, Leena tried to walk away but her track was again stopped by her.

    "Always jealous of my beauty." Pointing towards a certain direction, Wendy added. "I like him. If you dare to snatch him away, I will kill you this time."

    Leena''s gaze followed her and smiled seeing him capture the scenic beauty in his camera. This half baked potato has set eyes on Mr. Adonis? Leena wanted to roll on the floorughing.

    "Listen carefully Miss pea brain. In this lifetime and in your next life and even in the next, there is not even a slight chance for you and he would never like you. By any chance, if he likes you, I will be the viin of your story to separate you both." Leena roasted her. She dared to admit, there is no match for him. Be it his gentleman character or his stunning looks, he is just him.

    "What did you say?" Wendy angrily rebuked. How dare this little one. She is not even half my size.

    "Quiet! Go and poke him." Pointing her hand towards dancing Salsa, Leena added. "He is in the dire situation of a bride and you both make a wonderful couple."

    She walked away not minding the raging women.

    ...

    Leena was strolling in the garden in no mood to go and brandish her beauty after seeing that annoying pest.

    "Look! They are ying basketball."

    "Let''s go there. My boyfriend is a very good yer."

    "I just love to watch that sport. It reminds my University days."

    Listening to the two women''s conversation, her memories of University days started to resurface.

    ....

    Wearing sses on her tired face, a girl was sitting in ab, her hands swiftly moved in the keyboard debugging the stacks of code as if her head is directly going into the system. She was in her own world until her name was called by someone.

    "Hey, Leena! What are you doing here alone in theb when everyone is in court? The most anticipating basketball match is almost winding up and we are on the winning end." A girl rushed to call her for the match. She was asked by one of her seniors to get Leena into the court at any cost. The reason, she did not know.

    "Not interested." With that, Leena resumed her work again, and when she thought the girl has gone already, there was another one.

    "Leena! Someone asked me to bring you to the basketball court urgently."

    "I have already informed the other girl! I am noting." She said with gritted teeth and tried to focus on her work, but Leena was interrupted again and again until her energy got depleted answering them.

    "Who the hell wants me there when I don''t even know basketball." Leena angrily got up from her seat and went out to send some sense into that person''s brain.

    Just when Leena started heading in the direction of the indoor court, she could faintly hear voices from there.

    "We have won the game."

    "It was a very toughpetition."

    "Leena! Here." Reese and Jane were screaming at the top of their lungs when Leena was looking here and there clueless.

    "You arete. It was a mind-blowing match." Saying that Reese moved to her right so that Leena could sit.

    "It was just an average." Jane countered her.

    "No it was not," Reese said.

    "Can you both stop your_"

    "Good evening Ladies and gentlemen, our respected officials and the talented athletes. Basketball is our university fame and we have uplifted the title again. Tonight, I am honored to congratte the winning basketball team for pulling out such a fabulous show. I now wee the captain and the game turner of the show Ethan Davies on to the stage." The host proudly announced to the gathering.

    "ETHAN! ETHAN! ETHAN!" The crowd cheered with cards waiting for his arrival and then he appeared slowly.

    A tall figure emerged out from the gathering and walked onto the stage with confidence smiling at everyone, but his eyes were searching for one girl. When he found her sitting with friends, he excitedly went in sensing that she is seeing him.

    Finally, the most anticipated moment the audience was looking forward has arrived when Ethan took over the mic from the host to address the crowd.

    "To all my fans! Thanks for cheering me up. I am very happy to drive the team sessfully." He went on. " And I would like to make an important announcement today."

    "To the girl in blue." He pointed his winning cup in a certain direction. Everybody followed his gaze holding their breaths. Hundreds of thoughts were running over their minds

    "Leena, is he referring to you?" Reese and Jane whispered. Leena frowned looking at the smirking man. What is this useless fellow up to?

    "I am chasing over the girl in a blue dress. I have seen many guys following behind her. So I am making an official announcement here. She is mine and if anybody has other intentions, back off right now." Ethan smiled mischievously at the bewildered girl.

    Their buzzing court has turned into pin-drop silence. Just when they were celebrating their winning victory, Ethan threw a bomb of his love confession. He is the most sought out handsome man from the famous Davies family and many thought the girl is lucky to have him. Some looked at her with disdain for seducing their crush.

    "I am surprised you still haven''t learned the meaning of rejection Mr who so ever you are." Breaking the silence, Leena tantly rejected and walked out. Jane and Reese silently followed Leena scornfully looking at his smug smile.

    "Did she reject Ethan Davies? She sure has some guts." A girl chided her.

    "But why is Ethan smiling?"

    "She is not even beautiful. She should be happy for getting a proposal from my crush at least." A girl looked at the retreating woman scornfully.

    "eena."

    "Leena."

    "Leena. Are you there?" Leena jolted from her stupor looking at her surroundings. Recalling him is a nightmare.

    "I have been calling you for a long time," Kyle asked looking at her dejected face. Did something happen suddenly?

    "Sorry. I was just off." She smiled gazing at a distance. Unconsciously Leena''s eyes moved in a certain direction.. Her jaw dropped looking at the sight of a man pulling out the basketball game like a pro.

 Chapter 60 - The Devins Show

    The amber sun invaded the spring skies in the afternoon. Veneered and enameled by the sun, he was radiating strength and vibrancy ying on the field. The storming cmity was brewing in his eyes like those fierce dragons while anchoring the ball.

    Her dazzling amber-brown eyes were gazing at him with veneration. The initial turmoil when she remembered the past washed away just by his mere sight.

    Both were focused. His gaze was hooded on the ball while hers was on him. Him alone!

    The basketball game set into motion when Austin threw the ball into the air and both teams started their moves trying to tap the ball off the court.

    His hawk-like gaze was awaiting the prey observing the opponent''s weakness. The moment the ball started heading towards him, one of the team members aimed at his chest.

    And the show began.

    Catching and seizing the ball swiftly, Devin started dribbling the ball with his fingertips constantly without giving a chance for the opponents to strike as he moved with the ball. When he started catching the pace, he switched the gear taking it to another level. Devin started to jog doing the short sprints along the way. But he was still on the dribble in and out pushing the ball alternating into his hands confusing everyone. His strong footsteps were resounding over the entire court with his rugged moves.

    Trent, Austin, and their other team members tried to deny him, seize him, block him in all the ways. But his one hand was brute forcefully dragging the ball over the wing and the other was counter-attacking while his eyes were searching for the target.

    He was alone, multitasking.

    When his eyes locked the target, he rocked Trent''s back who was trying to grasp the ball, and rose high up the rim shooting straight into the basket.

    "That was an awesome shot, Mr. Adonis!" Leena screamed jumping from her seat when the moment the ball fell off the basket. Excitement rushed over while she pped her hands continuously.

    For a second, Devin stopped his tracks hearing the familiar voice. He turned around to see his sweetheart jumping and pping like a child. He met her sparkling eyes which were encouraging him. He suddenly felt the urge to win the game for her. There were countless people who shouted for him, cheered him on and off the field, but only she could lit the fire and there is no bound to his happiness now.

    If not for Austin, he would be capturing the beauty of nature in his camera. He was the one who dragged Devin to the court but Devin was still in a no mood to y. Now that his darling has ignited his barrage, he will give her the best show today.

    While Devin was in his world of thoughts, Austin seized the opportunity to push him to the ground. Grabbing the chance he took over the control, and before Devin couldpose what''s happening around him, the ball was out of his reach. Austin leaped into the air scoring a basket to his team. The crowd cheered for him while he shamelessly smiled waving his hands even though it was a betrayal shot.

    Sitting on the court edge, when Devin saw Leena''s sad and angry face directing at Austin, he chuckled and got up from the ground.

    "Don''t worry sweetheart. It''s just a one-shot. I will make sure he will not get any dunk for the rest of the game." This time, he marched forward towards the ball with a goal. He wants to see her smile for him.

    "Leena, you shouldn''t have screamed when Vincy was focusing. The team has already missed a shot because of you." Shaking her head, Kylemented with disappointment.

    "Then should I sit and watch over like a nun?" Leena asked stupified with Kyle''s remarks. What''s wrong with her? She is making as if I am the wrong one here. Who sits and watches over a game silently?

    "That''s not what I meant." Kyle gave a reassuring smile immediately when she sensed herment was a little overboard. "You have misunderstood my int_"

    "OMG...My baby has hit the shot!" Leah screameding out of nowhere putting an end to their just started fight.

    "Miss Lewis, inform your fianc�� to stop by my room after the match. I will give him one of my sexy dress."

    "Huh? Why?" Kyle and Leah asked in unison frowning.

    "Attacking a person and pushing someone when he is in a vulnerable state doesn''t make him a man. He better wears my jumpsuit and then ys the game in it." She started looking disdainfully over that useless Austin.

    Leah giggled at how protective Leena is acting towards Devin without thinking she has berated Austin.

    My darling is sure a tsundere.

    "My cousin sure is eligible for it." Kyle chuckled.

    "Don''t inform him. I have changed my mind. I will gift one tomorrow as his wedding gift." Saying that Leena turned her head to watch the game without minding their giggles.

    "He is pulling a more aggressive start now." Looking at Mr. Adonis, Leena whispered in a low voice when she watched him in attacking mode. she is liking it, his physicality, his brute force in the game.

    Now that his little kit is watching him and without obvious to her thoughts, Devin was ying even more vigorously now. He went ahead near the basket dribbling, attacking, and prating, even left his foot to make Trent believe he was going to finish when he tried to capture the ball and that''s when Trent fell into his trap looking over the rim. Seizing the opportunity, Devin swiftly flew into the air dunking the ball urately through the hoop.

    "Shit!" He cursed himself for falling for his tricks.

    The other team members looked at the marvelous shot with their open mouths.

    "Just now we were trying to block him right? How did it hit the hoop suddenly?" Austin looked over Trent in astonishment while thetter was brewing with frustration. Austin knew Devin''s tricks and hawk-like moves since high school but he expected Devin would have forgotten.

    He was ying hard but he wasn''t the one at risk of getting hurt. They were. Whether it was Trent or Austin or other team members, he was giving hard time making them think twice whether to contest or not. He was dribbling passing, shooting and he was even blocking all the angles simultaneously. It was hard to decipher his patterns and hard to concentrate on his focused eyes which would change each time when they were trying to catch his next move.

    Each time he was dunking the ball, Devin was humiliating, be it Trent, Austin, or other team members. They clenched their fists on the brink of losing the game. Devin did not even let them give the chance to shot a basket except the one Austin got when he betrayed him.

    "He knows how to defend, how to block paths. We have to focus his eyes. At least one shot to crush his ego." Austin whispered looking over the angered Trent.

    There was only a minute to end the game now and they were scared looking at his bloodshot eyes.

    His hands were his weapon defending the opponents, his eyes were like eagles searching for prey and his moves were like a cheetah hunting them.

    Austin and Trent were waiting to get at least a basket and they did not want to leave the final one at least. But Devin has already nned to show off his best dunking shot to his sweetheart.

    Lock!

    Dribble!

    Lift!

    It was his only mantra during the entire game.

    Taking the ball near the basket for the final time, he slightly dribbled and when the defender tried to catch the ball, Devin suddenly lifted up his right leg exchanging the ball between his legs to his other hand. The ball straight away went in the upward movement and he elevated high in the air sending the ball to the sky hoop.

    Everyone cheered with loud apuse.

    "I feel like he is gliding through the air. His dunks are as impressive as him." Leena mumbled pping her hands.

    The moment he hit the hoop, Devin turned around and looked at his sweetheart. Winking at her, he anticipated a little appraisal from her. Leena gave a cute finger heart gesture which she learned in Korean dramas.

    Now he got a real heart attack. Little heart breaker.

    Leena looked away with her blushed face seeing his cute reaction.

    Unbeknownst to them, there were many pairs of eyes watching them with jealousy.

    "Holy banana pants! Is he an even human Leah?" Leena asked in astonishment. One moment he would be attacking and the next moment, the ball would be in the hoop even before she blinks her eye.

    "He is a beast in basketball darling. He is the best defender and the best dunker ever since high school. Everyone wondered why he did not go for the NBA. He used to confuse the best defenders and even his own teammates had a hard time catching him. The most stylish yer I have ever seen." Leah proudly unted his achievements.

    "How can one does that," Leena asked still in the shock. Hell! He was moving like a professional athlete. Is there anything he can''t do? Leena wondered.

    "No idea Leena. Only he can pull the magic. He ys mind games with the opponents. Once there was a toughpetition from another school and both the teams were running at the same score and there was only a little time left. You know how he tricked them at thest minute and won the match."

    Leena shook her head in denial.

    "He tricked them to get the ball first and when they went for it, Vincy suddenly extended the ball to foul them, and before they deciphered his move, he swiftly changed the angle and jumped over the rim beforehand shooting into the hoop. When they looked around, there was nothing left. It was the best show I have ever seen." Kyle added. She remembered the scene when he mouthed fuck off showing his middle finger to the opposition team right after shooting into the basket urately. His aggressive look, his mannerism when he challenged them has etched into Kyle''s memory.

    Leena frowned hearing her statement. She seems very exciting when talking about him. There was something off the beat when she is talking about him and Leena did not like it even a bit.

    Turning towards his direction, she saw his tired face, sweat droplets dropping over his face due to the rigorous moves he yed.

    "He must be thirsty. Should I get him water?" Leena wondered. Many girls walked up to him with the water bottle anticipating him to at least nce at him, but he was strolling into the house not even bothered.

    "He is still the same." Leah chuckled.

    "Still the same?" Leena questioned.

    "When we were in high school, many girls used to wait after the match with water bottles for their favorite yers or boyfriends and most of them would be waiting for him dying to get at least get a glimpse of him. But he would never ept anything and straight away head to his home." Kyle exined. She was also one of them but he has at least smiled before rejecting.

    "He has never epted anything from a girl after any match." Looking at him for a minute, Leena was focusing on his moving direction. No one knew what was running on her mind until she got up from her seat.

    Leena walked towards Salsa who has already started flirting with Wendy. Without asking, she snatched the bottles Salsa was holding and then straight away went in Devin''s direction.

    "He will clearly reject it." Kyle shook her head at Leena''s foolishness.

    But then Leah was enjoying Leena''s little jealousy.. She wanted to inform Kyle that Vincy madly loves Leena, but she has promised to keep a secret.

 Chapter 61 - Roman Sex God

    Grasping the water bottle Salsa was carrying, Leena headed towards the destination she has set on her mind. At once, her bold moves startled Kyle as if she knew the oue

    "Where is she going?" Wendy directed her angry scowl at Leena and when she sensed her moving in a certain direction, her rage was burning through her. She is still the same. Always snatching away my princes.

    "Don''t go near him Jurassic! That rascal is a very bad person." Salsa screamed looking at the retiring girl who was not even hearing his whimpers. First, he felt utter confusion when Leena snatched the bottle, then shock crossed his face when he saw her moving towards that rascal. The result, he wailed like a child.

    Ignoring his cries, Wendy was confused by the name he was using to address that witch.

    "Hey, nutty! Her name is crazy Leena." Wendy corrected scornfully gazing at the thriving figure.

    "But I like to call her Jurassic. By the way, She is Jurassic from Jiffy." He said.

    "Jurassic from Jiffy! No wonder she is a weirdo just like you." Wendy sniggered.

    "She is not weird. Jurassic is very friendly." He grinned like a Cheshire cat thinking of the socks toss game they both yed yesterday.

    "Even a nut like you is smitten by that seducer. Look at that woman, shamelessly going after my prince even after I imed him to be mine." Slurping a lollipop she started belittling Leena.

    "She is not that kind of girl." Instantly Salsa moved back, away from Wendy to save his face from getting sprayed by her lollipop juices

    "It''s because you have seen her merely for two days. I have been observing her for four years. She has slept with many actors and old directors to climb in her career. That''s how she has be a renowned model." Wendy snickered. Although she is aware of Leena''s hatred and her distance towards men, Wendy has long discerned Leena''s purpose of her deeds.

    "She ys hard to get until she lures men into the bed." She added.

    "You are a big liar. Liar liar, your panties will get into the fire." Salsa grinned getting up from his seat to walk away from the foolish woman.

    " "

    If Leena has heard Wendy''s thoughts, she would haveughed at her foolish ims calling her a maniac. That is is the sheer reason, Wendy always bitches behind Leena''s back to quench her anger.

    ...

    Devin was intense with all the vigor of harsh and brutal moves he yed after a long time in the basketball. Feeling thirsty, he embarked striding into the house. Despite many women offered water and energy drinks, he didn''t bother entertaining anyone and went straight ahead. Not that he is repulsed by them, he doesn''t want to boost their expectations.

    The instant he lunged near the patio, his footsteps halted when he was abruptly blocked by someone. Gaping, he saw a familiar figure standing in front of him holding a water bottle in her hands.

    Devin hastily fluttered his eyes in confusion. He was having a hard time connecting if whatever he is seeing now was a dream or reality. She is even lending me a bottle now?

    "It must be a dream. My sweetheart only knows to kick me." Whispering, Devin tried to walk away.

    "Look, I told you, Leah. He would not ept it." Kyle beamed. The idea of trying again was hovering over her mind but Kyle did not want to get humiliated in front of everyone like Leena when she knew Devin would not take it.

    "It shouldn''t have happened. Vincy loves her crazily." Leah muttered in a soft voice which was hard to hear for the person sitting next to her. What the hell he is doing. Devin would go crazy if Leena just smiles at him and now that she herself has initiated, Leah was scolding him for giving up such a good opportunity. Idiot! He will regret it soon.

    "He didn''t even nce when the most beautiful women went behind him. Much less Leena''s mediocre beauty." Poor her. Kyle sighed shaking her head. She felt bad for Leena. She was in the same position once before.

    But what Kyle did not expect is that her theory would be proven wrong in no time.

    ...

    Leena doesn''t know why she is standing like a silly high school girl holding a bottle of water waiting for his match to finish and she was actually anticipating this idiot to take it from her hands. She doesn''t know anything about him, not even his name but when Kyle confided that he doesn''t ept anything from girls or nces at them, her face brightened up. So he is not a yboy?

    If Kyle has boosted Devin''s achievements and his refusal towards women, she has done a good job in provoking Leena''s ego which brought her here.

    Smiling, Leena offered the bottle and she even opened the cap, but Devin just stood grounded there without receiving it, and to further annoy her, he now started staring at her with his lips parted. Her mood turned sour with his refusal.

    "Can''t he ept once for all and save my image?" Leena cried under her breath. She has expected Devin would at least get frightened thinking that she would kick him out of the room if he doesn''t acknowledge her now.

    "Stupid fellow, Wanker idiot." Even when she was scolding him, Devin didn''t move or change his expression. When Leena looked around and saw the judging stares throwing at her, the little self-esteem she has maintained till now has worn away. She felt prickling pain at the thought of his rejection like he did it with other women. Now the smile was reced by anger and instantaneously Leena kicked him not before running away.

    Only when he felt a strong kick in his leg, Devin came back from his stupor. Looking up, he saw his darling escaping away creating a distance from him and that''s when he realized. She has really appeared in front of him.

    Running a hand through his already disheveled hair, he med himself.

    Cursing at his foolishness, Devin hurriedly went behind her clearing their distance.

    Walking towards her with his long legs, he cleared the distance and held her hands. He yanked her hand again which she was trying to jerk him away.

    He exhaled a deep sigh. She will sure throw her tantrums now. Why not? He has hit the sour spot which she cares the most. Her pride.

    "What should I do to curb her anger. I will buy her favorite dresses or I will make a banana smoothie. If she doesn''t ept them, I will just hold her legs tonight until she epts my sorry." Devin wasing up with all the ideas to suppress her resentment towards him when her furious voice entered in his ears which scared him.

    "Leave my hand, idiot," Leena yelled trying to pull her wrist back, but his grip was stronger than a warrior yet his gentle caress was touching her skies.

    "Sorry! Actually, I was shocked to see you here. Furthermore, you even brought water which I was not expecting." Devin softly talked trying to test the water if she would buy him.

    "I did not bring it for you! You are flogging a dead horse." Even though Leena was trying to put up a strong facade, it was slowly perishing when he came back for her. But still, he needs a little punishment for crushing her pride in front of everyone.

    "Alright sweetheart. I will not overthink. Can you give me some water? I am really thirsty." Devin put up his innocent face thinking that it would work on her. The teasing Devin was reced by a puppy faced Devin now.

    "I am not giving and don''t call me sweetheart." Opening the bottle cap, Leena gulped down half off the bottle. "I have sipped it already. I bet Mr. Adoni''s mind someone''s left_"

    Before Leena could finish her sentence, Devin grabbed the bottle from her hands and downed the entire content.

    "Hey! I sipped it already. How can you drink it." Her face flushed with his sudden actions. Leena expected he would back off when she actually put her tongue into the bottle due in her anger, but to her shock, he downed the entire bottle without any hesitation. With a shy face, she raised her head. Ogling at his face which has turned hotter now after his rigorous workout, she felt he was looking like a Roman Sex God.

    Completely enthralled by him, Leena didn''t realize he had bent his head to her ear level. Only when his lips touched her ears, she felt tense.

    "It tastes sweeter now." He whispered into her ears. His voice was raspy as if he has spoken from his chest than his head.

    Her face turned scarlet red and for a moment she stopped her breath when he came in her ears.

    Many were blown away by their interactions and some were drowning with jealousy but they were in their own world.

 Chapter 62 - Scary Wife

    Leena stood there dumbfounded after getting yed by him again. She pushed him away with a little more force, and she did it sessfully this time around. Devin also released his tight grip on her.

    What''s wrong with this idiot? Why was he speaking sweet things into her ear earlier? Shameless man. He has almost touched my ear with his tongue and strangely she was still feeling his wetness.

    "What happened to your ears?" Giving her space, Devin stood a little far away from her.

    "Wh_at?" Unconsciously Leena touched her ears which were smoldering hot. Her cheeks burned up and looked away trying to avoid any eye contact with him.

    "They are red." Devin bit his lower lip to curb hisughter which was dangerously emerging out. This heartless woman is also capable of blushing? He was thinking ways to thwart her anger but here they are. She has turned into a blushing apple and he is back again with teasing. What Devin never expected was, they would have an indirect kiss. He was in cloud nine but enclosed his happiness.

    "Are you unwell?" He asked again when he didn''t receive any response.

    "I am fine. I just got my ear pierced in the morning to wear jewelry for Leah''s marriage. So, obviously, they will turn red right?" Leena immediately came up with an excuse to cover her embarrassment. She nced at his eyes which were now twinkling at her with mischief. There he goes. He is deliberately doing and started his monkey tricks again.

    Devin chuckled at her alibi. What a creative excuse darling. Let''s see how long you will keep up with your act. But he was happy that she is slowly opening up to him. Making herfortable around him when she doesn''t stand the existence of a man was the biggest step in their rtionship. He doesn''t know why she creates a distance around them but he made a vow to earn her trust and bring her to open up for him. Devin only hoped everything would go well until the wedding because he could feel some uneasiness was surrounding them.

    "No one can beat your stupid creativity." He stirred up her hair lovingly.

    "Thank you, Mr. Adonis. Get a charger. I will pass some to you." Saying they Leena fled away leaving him dumbfounded.

    " "

    Shaking his head, Devin smiled. He already got used to her crazy behavior. When he was about to follow her into the house to get fresh, Leena appeared in front of him again.

    Her earlier sparkling face was filled with a grimace and this time she was inspecting him from top to bottom which was pulling him into utter awkwardness. Why is she looking like that? Is something wrong or did she see something down there which she shouldn''t?

    "Why are you examining me like a fine-toothb? Is something wrong with me?" He asked with hesitation. Not that he minded if she sees but his sweetheart is throwing bomb after bomb today which is getting hard for him to digest everything at a time.

    "Don''t you have any shame?" Leena asked in a deadpanned voice without realizing there were hundreds of thoughts running over Devin''s head with just one statement of her.

    "Huh?"Unconsciously, Devin looked down and when he felt there is nothing to be afraid of, he sighed. I really thought she has seen something which she shouldn''t. It''s still not the time for it.

    "What is this so-called almost non-visible outfit you are wearing?" She asked taking his outfit into consideration. She nced at her surroundings and there were some women ogling at him as if he is their possession. Except for his shoes, Leena did not like his outfit which was barely covering his body.

    "I_I am ying basketball. So, I have to wear afortable outfit right?" Devin carefully answered her question. He was stuttering in front of her which never happened.

    "Wow! What an excuse chance to show off your naked body." She gave off a scoffingugh at him.

    "I am not naked!" Devin shrieked short. Which part of my body she is considering naked? I am only wearing shorts and it''s just disclosing the legs.

    "I can see your shoulders, legs, and little big of your thighs also. Isn''t it considered naked? Showing off seems a highly valuable and necessary activity for you." Leena implored.

    "Right now, I don''t have anyfortable outfit other than this. But I am open to your rmendations darling." With gritted teeth, Devin replied with still holding a smile that was bursting inside.

    "I guess suit would go better. Why don''t you wear that and y? By the way, did you forget our house rules Mr. Adonis? You are supposed to wear pants in front of me." Shaking her head, she looked at him scornfully.

    "Should I y a basketball game wearing a full suit? I would beughed at by everyone." What''s wrong with this idiot suddenly? She has turned into a scary wife trying to interrogate her cheating husband. Their conversation literally would have made others have that idea.

    "But is there a need to expose your body to getbeled beautiful? Look at my decent outfit and try to learn from me." Devin opened his mouth to counteract, but he could utter nothing as if his tongue was cut off by a sword.

    "Is she jealous that someone is seeing me or envious that I look good?" Devin asked himself. He wanted to ask and confirm but then again he knew she would not tell the truth. She would use the situation ording to her advantage. He has to carefully deal with her now.

    "Alright, darling. I have learned my lesson. I will seriously consider your opinion and wear a suit when I am ying next time." Devin dered. He prepared a note to wear full clothes even while sleeping. He was scared this brat woulde and lecture him even at the time of sleeping. She is the only girl he has ever seen who wouldpete with men over beauty. How should I handle this narcissistic brat in the future?

    Everything is getting fired on him when he opened his mouth. Devin only wished someone woulde and save him from the situation and his saving grace arrived right at this moment when he felt a light tap on his shoulder.

    "Are you both pulling out some adulterous movie here?" Austin whispered into Devin''s ear. He had seen how Devin was flirting with her when he was grieving his basketball match loss with Trent. Even though Trent was listening, Austin still could see Trent''s burning jealousy when Devin and Leena were acting lovely Dovey. He had not expected he would like her and hastily felt bad for raising his hopes on this monster.

    "Leave all that. Currently, I am in a deadlock situation. If you pull me out of this, I will sponsor your one month Bora Bora honeymoon for free." Devin whispered back.

    Austin wide opened his eyes and gave a double thumbs up. Even when he failed in the game, luck still seems to be on his side. He is getting a free vi under Wang properties and now a free honeymoon to his favorite spot. This monster has started eating his friend''s bank bnce even before they have started their rtionship.

    "You still have time to consider Vincy. You will surely go bankrupt feeding this glutton and paying for her infinite dresses." Austin talked lowly in a murmur.

    "What are you whispering into his ear since you were here," Leena asked with a frown.

    "Nothing." Turning to Devin''s side Austin stated to distract her. "You are still the same in basketball Vinci. I could only pull out one basket."

    "Hey, useless fellow. It was still a betrayal shot." Leena joined their conversation.

    Devin released a deep sigh. Finally, she has set me free and it''s time for Austin.

    "At least it''s better than your ridiculous photography skills." Austin grinned hitting her sour spot.

    Devin looked at her abruptly when he caught something. Does my sweetheart like photography? I should ask her about it when they get into the room.

    "Don''t bring my photography into this." Gritting her teeth Leena added. "Stop by my room. I have a surprise gift."

    "I am a family man." Austin hugged his chest in a protective manner.

    "Even if you are put on auction in White House, no one would dare to spend a dor to buy you." Leena scoffed at him.

    Austin was about to hit her head when Devin evaded his arm even before he could touch her.

    "Don''t you want your hand till the wedding to put a ring on Leah?" Devin threatened him.

    "Bro, she is crushing my ego." He whispered back.

    "I don''t care about your ego. Stop bullying my_"

    Before he could finish his statement, he felt a shot pat on his shoulder. Turning back, he scowled looking at the sudden intrusion of some unwanted nuisance.

    "I never knew you were good at basketball. Not bad. I guess you yed ok." Austin smiled and winked at Leena deliberately to provoke someone.

    Shortly after his statement, there was a burst ofughter. All three looked at the woman who was holding her stomach trying to control her giggles.

    "If his performance is mediocre, then what should I call yours? He made mincemeat of you single-handedly." Devin blushed at her protective nature. Winning the game was after all not a bad idea.

    While Devin was grinning like a lovesick puppy, there was someone fuming in anger. Losing in the game was a pure humiliation to him in front of Leena.

    Devin signaled Austin to take her away when he knew it''s not good to keep her in front of Trent for a longer time.

    Even though Leena was throwing tantrums, Austin force dragged her into the house.

    "What do you want?" After Leena was not in his sight he turned to him. His earlier smiling face was now reced with a cold and mysterious aura.

    "It seems she doesn''t know your name. Looks like you are deliberately hiding your identity, Mr. Wang? " Trent knew from the beginning something was wrong with them and when Leena screamed his name while ying the basketball, he understood. Devin is keeping secrets about his identity. It was a wonder that Leena has not seen him anywhere with his poprity.

    "Even you are not the same as the media portrayed. What are you hiding?"

    "Did you made a background check on me?" He warily asked.

    "Why? Are you hiding something?" Devin chuckled watching his rmed expression.

    "Don''t provoke my bottom line," Devin warned and walked away into the house.

    Trent scornfully gazed at his back.. He watched many fuming in anger when Leena and Devin were together earlier and his eyes caught one particr person already.

 Chapter 63 - Anonymous Caller

    Fear that the devil would decide to cancel the agreement which Austin is receiving without any futile attempts, Austin dragged Leena into her room without heeding to her cursing and cussing.

    "Don''t touch me, idiot." She yelled pulling her arm away.

    "I will guard her till the wedding. I can''t let this golden opportunity to miss." Austin snickered when he started imagining his one month honeymoon with Leah in Bora Bora. He has been anticipating their first night since Leah has said yes to his proposal. Very soon they are going to be one.

    "You have been speaking to yourselftely. If something is wrong with your brain, better go and check with the doctor for any defects. At least Leah can be saved from the wedding." Watching his stupid smile, she scoffed at him with disinterest.

    "You said there is a surprise gift." Austin long got wielded to her sharp remarks. He shamelessly evaded the topic as if he is not bothered by it and started inquiring about the surprise gift.

    "I will grant it on your wedding day so that you will remember your friend forever," Saying that, Leena stepped out of the room in search of Leah without witnessing there was already an amusement in Austin''s eyes thinking of the forever gift.

    "Did you fight with Leah?" Abruptly halting her footsteps, Leena came back to inquire about something which was wavering in her mind continuously. After the basketball match, when Leena was pulled into the house forcefully, her eyes unconsciously scooted on Leah conversing over the phone. Leena wouldn''t have minded if she didn''t notice Leah''s panic and scared face. She brushed off her imagination thinking that it could be some friend, but when Leah did not show up for a long time, her instincts were telling that she in some kind of trouble.

    "No. Why do you ask? Did something happened to my baby?" Worried, Austin asked. Even if he fights with her, they wouldpromise in an hour.

    "Nothing happened. I just yed a prank on you to test if you are really serious in the rtionship."

    " "

    "I am famished. Make a banana smoothie and get it to my room by yourself." Leena threw him out of her room so that she can go in search of Leah. Judging by Austin''s words, Leena ruled out the possibility that he is not aware of anything and she also did not want to conceal without Leah''s permission.

    "She acts as if she is Queen Elizabeth. I will not even give water to her." Austin walked out of the room.

    ...

    "What transpired Leah suddenly? She always puts up cool front irrespective of the situation." The instant Austin was away, Leena walked into Leah''s room but the woman in question was nowhere to be found. After searching the entire house, garden, and the surroundings, Leena still could not discover her. She called her, messaged her, but thetter was neither picking nor texting back.

    "I will wait in her room until shees back." Dragging her tired body, she cursed the family for creating such a massive mansion. In the process of searching for Leah, Leena''s energy drained outpletely but she could not get the clue.

    After entering Leah''s room, Leena started rummaging the closet, vanity table to find anything suspicious, but she could not unearth anything there.

    "Where did she go? Even her phone is busy now." Leena uttered looking at her unanswered phone calls. She tried calling her number again, but there was no response.

    Fatigue hit her finally and Leena slightly dozed off lying on the bed. But her senses were wide awake. After a while, she heard the door unlocked from the other end stirring from the sleep. Hearing the familiar footsteps, waking up, Leena finally sighed in relief.

    "Where did you escape? I am waiting for you sin_"

    Staring at Leah''s red eyes, Leena was rmed by her appearance because she has never seen Leah in such a distressed state.

    "Are you crying, Leah?" Troubled by her agonizing face, Leena rushed towards the woman. What happened to her suddenly? She was smiling all in the morning.

    "I_ I am not crying. I am just stressed with all the shopping and wedding preparations." With a weak smile, she reassured her and walked into the walk-in closet, pretending to organize her clothes.

    "Did you think I am a kid to believe in your lies?" Leena whirled her body hastily looking into her eyes.

    "I am fine. Actually, you look tired. Go and have some rest."

    "I am not leaving this ce until I get my answer." Stubbornly, Leena leaped onto the bed without giving a room for discussion.

    "I_I just had a fight with Austin. That''s all." Saying that Leah gazed into a distance trying to hide her pain and suffering. Her tears which she has been controlling were threatening to burst out. But she withheld. She doesn''t want to involve Leena in her matter.

    "Are you really fine?" Who is she trying to fool? Austin has no clue about their fight and I have never seen her in such a wretched state. She was fine in the morning. What could have gone wrong suddenly? Is it something to do with the phone call?

    "I am really fine Leena. You are worrying a lot over the matter." Holding Leena''s hand, Leah gently squeezed it to assure her, but the tenacious girl could see through the veil.

    Nodding her head, Leena smiled to make themtter believe that she is not bothered anymore now. But Leena was ransacking her brain for an idea to get the hold on Leah''s mobile. Her answers lie on the mobile alone. Even though Leena knew of other means to get the inside information, but she did not want to invade her friend''s privacy.

    "Can I sit here for some time. I don''t want to see that shameless man." Leena asked. Speaking of him, I did not confront him after I left the match. Where did he escape? First I have to grab Leah''s mobile. I will think about himter.

    "You are always wee to stay here," Leah said. In actuality, she wished someone could be there to calm the internalmotion brewing within her and she has no idea how long she coulde up with excuses after excuse to mask the lie in front of Leena.

    "Thanks a lot my sweety Leah." Sitting idle for some time, Leena got bored andbed Leah''s wardrobe, vanity table. and when the time was moving to the end, Leena thought it''s time to put her n in action.

    "Leah, did you see my mobile? I am not finding it anywhere here. I need to make an urgent call." Asking that she pretended to check random ces in the room.

    "I haven''t seen it. Let me call and check." She got up from the bed to make a call.

    "I think it''s in silent mode. Can you lend your mobile? I have to call Reese urgently. She is facing an issue with the client in the office." Leena didn''t lie. Reese has really sent a message to call her when she is free. As for the other part, she lied.

    "Pretty please." Leena imposed.

    Reluctantly Leah handed the mobile. After calling Reese, Leena began speaking with her for a long time until she could see that Leah''s initial suspicion disappeared. Her first mission is aplished.

    "Can you get me some water, Leah. I am thirsty bbering for a long time and this client is really irritating me" Keeping her phone a little away, Leena spoke up in a hushed tone trying to gruff voice.

    "I_ Ok."

    The second Leah went out, Leena gave an excuse and cut off Reese''s call. Opening the call history, she checked the recent phone calls. Anonymous call.

    "She has been speaking with an anonymous caller for three hours. Why?" Leena mumbled unable to connect the dots. Closing her eyes, she searched her brain if she stumbled upon the number, but it was a no. She opened the message inbox and phone gallery only to find it is empty.

    "I don''t have much time left. I have to find a clue to save her."

    Suddenly, Leena''s thoughts paused when she received an iing message notification. She didn''t click on the message as it would only evolve suspicion to Leah. Thanks to smartphones, at least a part of the information would be noticeable when a notification springs.

    "Tonight! 1 P.M at my house. Come along with....."

    Even though Leena could not skim the full statement, she got the point.

    Hearing to the slight footsteps, Leena pretended to act like she is still on call with Reese. She has already put the phone on silent mode so that it doesn''t hastily ring when someone suddenly calls getting her caught. With Leah''s state, she would not know or even bother if her phone is being hacked much less in the silent mode.

    "How long will it take?" Handing her the water bottle, Leah asked her without sounding desperate. She badly wanted to check if she has got any message from that person.

    "I am done." Bidding goodbye to the imaginary Reese, she handed over the phone. "By the way, you got a message from an unknown number."

    "It says you have to meet someone_"

    Before she could finish off her sentence, Leah grabbed her mobile swiftly.

    "Leena! Don''t you know a thing about privacy? Get out of my room." Leah yelled.

    "I did not even open the message." She walked out with a pout face. The mission is aplished.

    "Don''t worry, Leah. I will get you out of this situation."

    After Leena went out, Leah closed her door and burst into tears looking at the content of the message.

    "Why is he torturing me again? Austin, my happiness, our delighted life, everything will get shattered because of him." Leah wailed like a broken shell until she went lifeless.

    .....

    Fidgeting her hands, she was looking at the wall clock every now and then. It was still nine in the evening, but her mind was restless.

    "Who could it be. As far as I remember Leah doesn''t have any ex. That yboy Austin only had girlfriends in the past. Is it one of his ex trying to threaten her?"

    "Or could it be a stalker? Or someone is threatening her for money?"

    "I have to save her at any cost."

    Leena has been keeping an eye on Leah''s movements since she came back from the room and the time has arrived now. Devin was not in the room. But she was still on alert fear of getting caught. Without making a noise, Leena slowly walked out of the house and set up a ce where she could observe Leahing out.

    Unbeknownst to her, she was also being watched by another person.

    The light footsteps in the pin-drop calmness shattered Leena''s thoughts bringing her out of the trance and gazed in the direction of the woman walking out of the house.

    "She has even covered her face with a scarf now?" Like a cat, she followed behind her. Feared of getting caught, she even discarded her sandals.

    Afraid that security would inform her parents, Leah didn''t take her car. There is a tunnel that leads to the outside of the house directly without getting caught. So she went near the area to open the slob.

    Before she could open it, a pair of hands grabbed her. Scared, Leah turned around and she was shocked to see Leena standing in front of her.

    "What the hell you are doing here?" This time, Leena demanded the question.

    "I_I Leena. Actually I_" Leah burst into tears. She has been keeping her emotions in check since morning, but when she saw Leena here, she tightly hugged her and wailed like a child. There was already a sense of security seeing Leena here. Even though she felt strange to think of that thought, she still had a feeling that Leena could get her out of the situation.

    "Help me, Leena.." Leah whimpered.

 Chapter 64 - Ten Million

    Control your emotions doesn''t mean we have to avoid your emotions. In the process of controlling emotions, people get consumed by them and that is what happened with Leah. She was grieving with guilt for the one mistake which was putting her family life at stake.

    But when Leena appeared looking for her, a sense of security loomed in her. She was fretting out of pain since morning with the one phone call from that person. But right now she is not scared when she saw her friend. Leena has appeared like a star in her darker situation.

    "I am sorry for yelling at you," Leah whispered. Her guilt blew up when she reflected on her thoughts. She had sted at Leena for looking secretly into the phone when she was only trying to help her.

    "Of course you should be sorry. You criticized your friend when she was making an effort to help you." Leena patted her back trying to ease her thoughts and bring back the cheerful girl. She didn''t bother with her earlier scoldings. Anyone would have behaved worst in a helpless situation andbined with Leah''s baffled mood, it was no wonder she zed out on Leena.

    "Leave all that now. I am totally out of the depth of your problem. Care to exin what exactly transpired?" Leena asked with intense, releasing her from the hug.

    "Let''s sit and talk." Her energy was drained with all the crying and it would take some time to make Leena understand her problem. Guiding her to the nearby bench, she showed the message after they got settled there.

    Looking at the message, Leena read the full content of the message now.

    "Tonight! 1 P.M. Come to my house along with the 10 million I asked for. Otherwise, I will expose everything."

    "Are you nuts! 10 million dors, you are giving it to someone for free! Do you know the worth of 10 million." Leena eximed.

    "My circumstances urged. Even if it was twenty million, I wouldn''t have hesitated." Looking down in shame, Leah confessed. Twenty million was not a small amount. She has to use all her savings and the wedding gift she got from her mom.

    "Twenty million? I could buy dresses for years with that money." Leena felt bad thinking about it without knowing what nonsense she has blurted out in the situation.

    Someone hiding in the shadows was dumbfounded at Leena''s sudden revtion. Did she think about her clothes even when they are in the heated discussion?

    "Are you talking about dresses in the dire situation?" Leah implored.

    "I am so sorry. I was just hogged away by the amount of money. Who is this person ckmailing you?" Leena thrived serious about the situation.

    "Bernard Gibbs." Leah exhaled a loud sigh. "He is my ex-boyfriend. I broke up with him five years back. But still, he is threatening with_"

    "Is that your intimate images or videos?" Hesitantly, Leena asked. She has read many cases, in fact, shees across them every day.

    "No!" Leah immediately answered thinking that Leena has misunderstood. "I never went far with him."

    "Then what is that he is threatening you with?" Leena asked. Leha never said she had an ex. From the day they have be friends, she has seen Leah was devoted to Austin. Now, who is this intruder?

    "Five years back I met Bernard when I went to Starbucks with a friend. He works as an architect in MNC. Hees from a poor family but he worked hard to stand in hispany. Although his status did not match our family, I liked his considering and tending nature towards me. I was in love with Austin since high school. But that bastard was dating random women. To make him jealous, I epted Bernard''s proposal. But, after over a month of our rtionship, he began asking about dad''s business, his partneringpanies. Initially, I have confessed everything thinking that he was no threat. Slowly, he started showing his true colors."

    "He began asking about my shares in thepany. When I started ignoring, he tri_ed to, actually." Leah stammered with her words. She didn''t know how to exin that she was almost got assaulted. If not for Austin, she would be molested by Bernard on that day.

    "It''s ok. Leah. You don''t need to." Leena consoled squeezing her hand gently.

    "So, he has all the information about Lewis industries now?" She asked. Leena knew what kind of strategies he would have pulled to get a hand on Lewispany. There are only options she coulde up with. But how did uncle Mark doesn''t know about it?

    "It''s not only dad''s. Even Austin''spany secrets he is holding now. I have no idea how he gathered. But if he sells it to the otherpanies, we will go bankrupt." Leah whined hugging her knees. She is putting everyone''s life at stake because of that scum.

    "He has hidden all the secrets on hisputer and for safer side, he has made hard copies with it. Five years back, he ckmailed five million to start his newpany. I tried to hire a professional to hack hisputer. But I didn''t know, he was following my every move tracking my phone calls. Luckily, he did not expose that time because he was in need of money."

    "Now hispany is not doing well and he wants ten million dors to save from the loan sharkers. He has got all the inside information about Austin''s transactions. Someone inside Austin''spany is helping him. I only came to know about it today. If I warn Austin now, Bernard would surely expose everything."

    "Even if you give ten million, he would still trade the information now," Leena said.

    Taking her confused look, Leena exined.

    "He is setting a trap, Leah. What do you think will happen if that scum makes a deal with Austin''spetitors? They would be waiting like sharks to drag him down and they don''t hesitate about the little money he would ask. With your money alone, he can not save his bankruptpany. By offering a pact to Austin''spetitors, he will. As for you, he is just taking revenge for what happened in the past."

    "How to stop him, Leena. I am scared. I don''t want Austin to suffer because of me."After Leena revealed Bernard''s inner thoughts, the little hope she had to survive has vanished into dust.

    "Don''t worry. I got your back. I will deal with the system information." Leena reassured. It''s a piece of cake for her, for she has threatened the world once.

    "But to get the hard copy, we have to enter into his house. I need your help with that."

    "I will make a call right now and tell him that I could not adjust the full money."

    "Precisely." She pressed.

    "Convince him that you woulde tomorrow with full money. He would not listen. He will think it''s a trap again. But that''s your responsibility to convince him."

    "Leave that to me," Leah ensured.

    "We will buy the time until we destroy the evidence on hisputer. Then we attack him. Even if we go after that scum tomorrow for the hard copy, he would pretend to fight but he will lower his guards thinking that he still has a copy of them on hisputer which we will be erasing today."

    "How do you know to erase." Confused, Leah asked.

    "I do magic." Leena winked.

    "Leave that to me. How is the n?" Leena asked proudly. Of course, it is one of your most brilliant ns Leena. She shamelessly patted herself again.

    "I have no words. You are genius dar_"

    "The worst n I have ever listened to." A voice like a raising storm echoed into their ears startling them.

    Watching the person emerging out of the shadows, both shuddered in fear. Holding each other hands for their lives, theyforted trying to calm down. Despite the cool weather, both started sweating endlessly.

    "He must have listened to everything Leah." Leena cried.

    "We are done, Leena," Leah whispered.

    Stupid idiot. He has a habit of eavesdropping also.. Leena wished to strangle him until he cannot get up till tomorrow.

 Chapter 65 - House Robbery

    Leah was not going to lie, she was way scared of being exposed so easily to the third person which she had been trying to hide from everyone.

    If Leah was appalled, Leena''s brain was mulling over only one thing that someone has rambled. Worst n? He dared to insult my brilliant strategy.

    Emerging out of the shadows, he walked towards the two pirates trying to carry out big thievery without knowing they were being followed. What kind of thieves discuss their n without looking into the surroundings.

    "I am telling you, Leah. Even a children''s n is much better than her''s." He stressed each word to provoke someone and he sessfully did it when he saw an angry little kit.

    Since the morning when Leena was searching the entire house looking for something, Devin was also watching her move secretly. Only when he saw her going out of the house at an odd hour, his guards went high alert. She must be up to something crazy stuff again. But when he listened to the conversation, Devin realized the weight of the problem. He didn''t foresee his sweetheart was actually trying to pull Leah from something a big scam.

    "What did you say!" There was bafflement over Leena listening to his barbs.

    "Sorry, darling. I misspelled. It must be worse than a kid''s right?" His eyes scintited with ironic wit.

    "At least it is better than a copyist." Leena scoffed at the shameless man for using her ideas as if he owned them.

    "Isn''t it much better than pervs cook up story?" He snapped.

    "Can you both quit your sallies and think of some reasonable n. We are running out of time." While Leena and Leah were stunned to see another cat emerging out of nowhere, Devin was already anticipating his arrival.

    "Austin!"Leah screamed and rushed towards him. The moment she saw him, her tears were threatening to fall out which she had been wielding for a longer time. She never wanted to hide him in the shadows but her situationspelled her. Somehow, she was happy that he was aware of the situation.

    "Don''t talk with me!" Austin tried to avoid her hug, but thetter was squeezing him turning blind to his fury. If not for Leena, he would still think that Leah is doing fine. But somewhere Leena has nted a seed of doubt into Austin''s mind when she asked about their rtionship. When Austin saw her avoiding since the morning, his suspicion grew, and followed her, scared that something might have happened. But he was terrified when she revealed that Bernard is still threatening her and she still chose to keep him in dark.

    "I am sorry. I did not have a choice." Leah pleaded in a whisper. She was afraid of losing him if she had tried to warn about her problem.

    "I will ignore your mistake this time. Never ever hide anything from me. All right?" Patting her back, he consoled his baby. It was his mistake from the beginning. He knew that he had feelings for Leah since high school, but he was also afraid to admit his feelings. To make her jealous, he dated random girls. But he never thought, his jealousy would trigger her to the point of epting someone into her life already. Only when Austin understood how much she meant to him, he was almost on the brink of losing her. But luckily she was back into his arms, and he got to know their feelings were mutual from the beginning. He wanted to kill that scum with his own hands for making her cry again.

    "I promise. I will never hide anything from you." She whispered. Both stayed in their arms cuddling each other dwelling into their own world.

    Looking at the crying girl, Leena was about to make a move towards her, yet she was pulled back by her hoodie.

    "Where are you going?" Devin asked taking her gazing direction. Don''t tell me, she is going to disrupt the couple''s moment.

    "I will also go and console Leah." With a smile, she started.

    "Have you ever had an EQ test?" Devin asked curiously. He is now understanding why their rtionship is progressing like a snail race.

    "No. Why?"

    "You better get it tested." If her IQ is at ridges, EQ is not even below the base. At least she will not brag about this one thing when she gets the result, but he highly doubted that also.

    "Why I need to_"

    Suddenly, Leena stopped her words when she began hearing moans and grunts from the other end. Baffled, she looked up to see Austin mming his lips into Leah kissing and knocking the wind out of her.

    Leena got super awkward watching an adulterous show and the quietness except for their asional whimpers were deafening her. Unconsciously, She turned to her side without knowing Devin was looking only at her all along. The next thing they knew, both were staring at each other as if they were in a silent sanction. Their eyes were battling with passion while their lips werepelling to cuddle. If only time remained.

    Turning to the side, Devin instantly broke from the revere when he realized where it was taking off. The least he wished was not to make a mistake in the heat of a moment which they would regret itter.

    Covering her face which was searing hot, Leena looked away maintaining a little distance berating herself for getting carried away. She can''t believe she was staring at his lips all the time like a pervert. Why can''t those two get a room instead of torturing singles?

    "Hey, monster! Thank you so much for helping my baby." Austin was back happily chatting with Leah after his emotional kiss.

    "Ok," Leena whispered gazing into a distance fear of getting caught.

    "You are not arguing?" Austin begged to differ. It''s not Leena''s style to keep mum.

    "What''s wrong with Vincy?" Leah poked Austin''s arm when she saw Devin was also spacing out.

    "Did you both fight?"

    "No." Both uttered in unison. When Devin nced her way, Leena turned back in shame.

    Honestly, he actually preferred her bbermouth than to the silent monster. To pull her out from the embarrassment, Devin started up.

    "I can''t believe you were listening to her ridiculous n." Devin snickered taking Leena''s blushed face turning to rage.

    "What?" Leena eximed throwing her shyness when he is again using her idea.

    "ept it. Truth is always bitter." shing a wink, he snatched the mobile from Leena''s hand and scoffed at her as if criticizing her theories.

    While he was interpreting his idea to Austin and Leah, Her nerve twitched when she began listening to the copy cat.

    "You copy cat, that''s my n again." She cried out. Leena can''t believe he was utterly shameless to use her own ideas in front of her again.

    "There is a slight change in our ns sweetheart. Did you ask where his house resides?" Devin enquired.

    "Leah knows it already." She argued.

    "Then did you tell them what tools we have to take for the robbery?"

    "Shameless idiot. Why do you always copy my ideas." Leena tried to kick his leg again, but Devin easily evaded this time.

    "Have you ever went to a house robbery?" He asked with mirth.

    "Why would I go_"

    "Without doing a robbery, you wanted to go for it?" Knocking her head gently, he chided as if she was a child who made a mistake.

    "Then did you do it?" Leena asked pushing his hand away.

    "I have a record of them and I even have a history of murdering someone also," Devin whispered into her ears in a low voice only for her to hear.

    "Oh My!" Leena couldn''t help but exim sping her body in a protective manner.

 Chapter 66 - Her Identity

    "They are worse than kids Austin."

    Austin and Leah exhaled a loud sigh at their quirks. They could ept Leena''s actions. But it was getting hard for them to digest Devin''s childish behavior. As far as they remembered, he always maintains a reserved front since they have been seeing him. Now that they are watching him turn into a lovesick, both shook heads in disbelief.

    "We need to pull them apart Austin. It would be no end to the banters and we need their help right now." With that, they dragged both off them into the house. Quietly, Leena and Devin also followed when they realized their behavior looked like silly gaffes.

    "Please help us first," Austin begged the moment they entered into their room. "We will leave you alone after our problem is solved."

    "You better be," Devin whispered. My sweetheart''s sleep is already ruined because of you both.

    "Give a call to him, Leah. Convince him and make him believe that you are really in short of money. But a little careful, don''t stammer with your words while speaking." Devin elucidated.

    "Ok." Composing her emotions, Leah went out to call him. Watching her leave, Leena began praying with all her might to receive the good news from her friend when she is back.

    "At least show some expressions. You are looking like a bot." Devin whispered taking her rigid statue.

    "I am no robot, no unicorn. If you call me with those funky names next time, trust me, I will make your AK DRAGON doesn''t work for your future generations toe." Devin instantly shut his mouth with the threat.

    With a victory smile, Leena got up to bring her system for tonight''s work.

    "I will go and look for Leah." Austin got up looking for Leah when she was not showing up for an hour and just then the door also opened.

    "He agreed," Leah said. She could still sense her hands were shaking in fear when Bernard was interrogating if she is trying to trick him as she did five years ago. Only when he didn''t trace any suspicious calls in her mobile, he reluctantly agreed.

    Austin breathed a sigh of relief. Now that one of the tasks ispleted, they have another big mission. To destroy the evidence of theirpany secrets from hisputer.

    "Asshole! I will kill him once I get everything back." He balled his fists in anger.

    "I will hire someone to hack into hisputer," Austin stated.

    Even though he was taking risk of allowing another intruder, he doesn''t have a choice now. Austin barely heard Leena talking about removing something from Bernard''sputer, but he brushed off the thought reasoning she was just bluffing to make Leahfort at that time.

    "You don''t need to. She can handle herself." Pointing towards Leena, Devin stated.

    Scared, Leena looked at him with a sunken mouth. How did he know about it?

    When Leena unlocked herptop a while before, Devin peeked into it too and he was amazed to see hundreds of high leveled technical tools installed on herputer. For a moment, he thought she is a skilled programmer.

    There was only one question running in his head. How does a fashion model aware of the most high level and advancednguages? When he looked into his darlings wiki, except that she is a model, there was no other information, be it her studies, her likes, dislikes.

    "What exactly is your identity sweetheart?" He wondered. When she bragged of destroying the data to Leah, like Austin, he also believed she was only cooking up a story tofort Leah. But now that he has witnessed everything, he had a gut feeling that she must have hidden her identity.

    "Vincy, how can you trust her. She doesn''t know_"

    "Get your ass out of here Mr. Austin Sawyer if you need help. Bring one of the most trusted employee''s information from hispany. Right Now!" Leena dered leaving no room for the discussions.

    Austin and Leah shuddered at her sudden change of aura.

    The Devil is back into badass mode. Devin chuckled.

    "Are you dumb or you didn''t hear me?" Leena screamed when Austin was standing like a statue. She then began googling Bernard Gibbs''s information. If she is lucky, she may find his weak spot so that she can swindle him easily when she strikes.

    Nodding his head, Austin was about to make a call to get Bernard''s information, Devin stopped him.

    "Your number might be tracked. Use the private one." Leena gave double thumbs for Devin''s spontaneous thought.

    "Why do you have advanced technical tools on yourputer?" Devin asked squeezing her cheeks with a sweet smile.

    "I_I just downloaded out of boredom." Leena swatted his hands and went back to her work.

    How long will you mask the lie sweetheart? Will she ever trust and share her secrets with me?

    ....

    "Oliver Henry. His right hand and his executive assistant. I was informed Bernard only trusts his words in thepany. All his information is in the drive." Austin handed the USB after he came back. He was still skeptical of this monster''s abilities.

    Connecting the USB to her system, Leena scanned the data for once and immersed into the world she was in love with, her dear husband.

    She waspletely focused on it without knowing Austin, Leah, and even Devin were stunned by the way she was jabbing the keyboard and her brain which was processing as fast as aputer.

    "I am sure the keyboard will break in no time," Leah whispered poking Austin''s arm.

    Writing and running a series of codes with the information she got, Leena hacked into Bernard''s assistant mobile and traced his IP address in no more than three seconds. Fetching Bernard''s contact name, Leena sent an immediate phishing message to Bernard.

    [Assistant Olivier: We have got an official mail from Maestro creations which you were trying to make a deal for a long time Mr. Gibbs. Please check your mail inbox]

    "I am done. Message sent to Bernard from his assistant mobile. Now we wait for that scum to fall into our trap." Leena stretched her body like a cat for relief and showed the message to everyone.

    Austin, Leah, and even Devin looked at her in shock. It was not even half a minute, she hacked it just like that?

    "But darling, what are the odds that Bernard would open the mail now itself," Leah asked in confusion.

    "He is waiting for a deal with Maestro creations for a long time which I found in his information. So, the probability is quite high. Eager to know about the deal, and to save hispany, he will definitely open the mail immediately and fall into our trap." Leena exined.

    "That''s when the game starts. I have created a phishing email ID of the Maestro creations CEO which slightly varies from the original one. Out of curiosity, that scum would not even bother to check the mail ID properly and opens the mail directly."

    "Her server records the IP address of hisputer. That''s when my sweetheart will strike and steal the credentials and enter into his world." Devin added to her. He has really underestimated her abilities.

    "Don''t call me sweetheart, idiot. How many times I have to remind you." Leena yelled. How did he know about hacking? Is he also one?

    "Sorry sweetheart. I am a little deaf when you speak." He winked.

    Leah and Austin exhaled a deep sigh again.

    "Hey, monster! When did you learn to hack?" Austin changed the topic to stop their bantering.

    "Out of boredom. But I only know a little." Leena sheepishly said not to make it obvious. They have already learned a lot about me for today. I should be careful.

    Out of boredom? Who is she trying to cloak? Devin scoffed.

    "He is in! He fell into our trap and clicked the decoy link." Leena eximed and nge up a software suite immediately. She waited for Bernard to close theputer so that it doesn''t warn him when she hacks it. Within minutes, she downloaded all the secrets of Austin''s and Lewispany secrets and ced them in front of Austin and Leah. She then checked and destroyed the remnants from his backup in case if he has stored it elsewhere.

    "Vincy, did you already knew about her skills? Holy Fucking shit! This monster just cracked it in minutes." Austin muttered in disbelief.

    Even Devin doesn''t have words to describe his emotions right at this moment.

    Looking at her hands which were moving over the keyboard faster than mice and the way she was breaking the security walls in seconds. What is she? Is she a human bot?

    She even knows to lure people into her trap by ying with their emotions. Mind hacking is not an easy task and she must be practicing hacking for a long time.

    Is she a ck hat or white hat? Devin wished it would better. But his gut feeling was telling that she is the former one.

    ck hat.

 Chapter 67 - Galifrazian

    Date a hacker like Leena, she will definitely break into your security, but there is a guarantee that your heart remains secured. She has kept her secret existence quiet and limited because the world knew only what she allowed. That is the reason, Devin couldn''t find anything about her personal life. Controlling the world sitting in one ce was a thrill to her since she was small and she always went hunting for the thrills.

    Nothing is impossible for her because she believes, the word itself says ''I'''' M'' possible.

    "The data is destroyed without any mishaps. I have added the decoy data to rece the original evidence not to sound suspicious. He wouldn''t know unless he opens it." Leena exined copying their originalpany secrets into the USB and handed it to Austin.

    "What if he opens?" Leah asked. Still, she felt that Bernard is not an easy task. He is a very cunning man she had met.

    "I guess he will not open. That scum is quite busy now." Leena giggled remembering the exhibition she had seen in his home while she was hacking.

    Leena peeked at the two persons. Devin and Austin were busy scanning the evidence. So, she signaled Leah to get closer. It was already prickling her skin to share the thing which she had seen earlier.

    "When I hacked into hisputer, I have switched on theptop camera to inspect his home. Guess what I saw?" Whispering into her ear, Leena revealed. "There were two girls in his bed wearing almost nothing."

    "Scumbag! Even when he is on the verge of driving hispany into bankruptcy, he is still up for pleasures with two women?" Leah wrinkled her nose in disgust. He called those strippers when he knew I would being to his home tonight? Leah shuddered at the thought of the past would repeat again. She was d that Leena followed her.

    "Shall we peek into his house and see how a threesome is done?" Leena asked in anticipation when the idea itself was exciting. She was very eager to know how a threesome activity would be carried out and she got the chance now

    Peeping at the busy Austin, Leah nodded her head shyly.

    Even though the scum has not unlocked theptop right at the moment, he hadn''tpletely shut down and for a hacker like Leena, it''s a piece of cake to break the walls using his camera. The moment Leena opened theptop''s video camera, her eyes were instantly covered by a pair of hands, and her system was also snatched and carried far away from her.

    She knew who it was, after all, she could sense his presence with eyes closed. Cursing him for ruining the most stem-winding episode, she whacked his hand with a scowl.

    "What the hell are you watching? Don''t dirty her mind, Leah." Turning off the system, Devin warned her. If he was a secondte, his darling''s innocence would be ruined by this monkey.

    "I did not. She showed me." Leah cried in rm. Why is he ming only me?

    "Why would I show if you don''tpel." With her innocent look, Leena turned to face Devin andined like a child. "Actually, I was against the idea from the beginning."

    "I believe in you." He patted her head with a smile.

    "Liar. You are not only a narciss_"

    "Hey, monster! I can''t see Lewis''s industry information. Did you miss to download it?" Austin appeared putting an end to both the women''s fight.

    "No! The original copy is still with me. But I am not giving it."

    "Why?" Austin and Leah asked in confusion.

    "Because I want money." Leen gave them a sheepish smile.

    " "

    Devin chuckled.

    "I_ I am not that kind of illegal hacker and also I am not going to ask much with uncle Mark. Just a little over five million for my needs. Besides, I have already got your secrets without receiving any money." She pouted seeing their confused stares. If it was any technical firm, she would have fixed her fees not less than 10 million for each job.

    "I bet she will devour your bank bnce in no time, Vincy" Austin whispered. She is already earning enough money and still wants more?

    "As if I care. It''s already hers." ncing at her with a loving smile, Devin was now determined to earn more so that she would never run away from him. Even if she is tired of him, he can lure her by buying dresses.

    "You have already turned into henpecked." Austin chuckled and notified everyone. "We have to enter into Bernard''s house tomorrow."

    "Well, he wanted me to arrive at the same time," Leah informed.

    "Send an email from the decoy mail you created and request for a meet-up at a ce far away from his home. Even if he realizes it''s a trick, it takes time to get into his home. So we buy the time until then and get away with the evidence even before hees back." Devin informed her, returning theptop back to her not before double-checking if it waspletely shut down.

    "Aye Aye, Mr. Adonis."

    "I don''t want to trust anyone right now, after all, all thepany secrets are inside the house. I will go by myself." Austin said.

    "It will onlyplicate things Austin. You are being tracked. Let me go on your behalf." Devin offered himself.

    "I wille with you." With an urgent voice, Leena added.

    "No! It''s very dangerous." He said leaving no room for discussions. There is no way I am going to take her to dangerous locations.

    "I insist." Leena pressed. She was aware of the danger but her wretched heart was not letting her to send him alone.

    "This is not aputer game where you can sit and control." Devin reprimanded the stubborn girl. "I am not taking you_"

    "Please. I will be careful." Leena begged.

    "Take her Vincy. She is very tenacious. Besides, she is not that week." Austin said.

    Devin has to reluctantly agree when he saw her sad face. Damn it! When did she be my weakness too?

    "We will rock the show tomorrow. For now, I am tired. Can you all walk out of my room? I want to sleep." Leenazily ratified.

    "All right monster. But before that, I want to thank you again. I will never forget what you did today. Do tell me, if you need my help in the future." Austin meant it when he said those words.

    "I will be grateful to you always darling," Leah added to him.

    Mulling over for a while, Leenae up with an idea to make them repay.

    "I don''t like when someone fishespliments, but you are being too appreciative. So, in the future when you have a daughter, you don''t need to search for a name. Just use mine. That''s all I ask for" With an exhaled sigh, she slumped on her bed.

    " "

    Devin burst outughing when he couldn''t handle her cuteness. Seriously, why is she so cute?

    "Huh. Why is heughing?" Leena mumbled. Did I crack a joke?

    "Let''s leave Leah! We made a grave mistake thanking her." Austin dragged her away out of the room.

    "Don''tmit any illegal jobs just because you know to hack," Devin warned her before he went back to his room.

    "As if I would listen to him," Leena yelled at the retiring figure.

    ...

    Sleep was not knocking with the roller coaster of today''s events. So, she opened her mobile and began browsing the news. Suddenly, her hands halted at a certain page when she came across a familiar face and read the article.

    [Received the Medal of Valor for exposing the mafia dirty secrets]

    [The most stylish FBI agent on the Ted talk today]

    [Hacking is a crime. Be aware of hackers]

    [ck hat hacker Jamie Marshall was arrested for allegedly used malware and stealing the vast amount of credit card numbers from the US citizens]

    "I don''t understand why he is against all hackers just because his ego was instigated." Looking at his face with disdain, Leena opened herptop to ruin his Medal of Valor moment tomorrow. Let me see how he would react to the gift I would send him tomorrow.

    The moment Leena opened her ount to get into the work, she got an immediate message from someone. Her nerve twitched when she recognized the code name.

    [Galifrazian; Darling, you are back? It''s been five years. Do you recall me]

    [I have been waiting for a long time to see you. Finally, you appeared today. Did youmit a cybercrime again and went into hiatus]

    "Why does everyone think I havemitted a grave crime?"

    When Leena was studying at University, she has epted all kinds of hacking jobs that were put online except which were not involved in sensitive aspects like murder, robbery, child molestation.

    The top-notch securitypanies offered a job but Leena tantly declined. The FBI tried to trace her, but they could not even break the first wall of defense security she has created. Because the software she designed for herself was dandy which would take years for others to break into it. Only after the ident, she stopped the hacking activities and concentrated on her modeling career, but she was always up to par with the programming skills.

    [Galifrazian: Are you back for good. Why aren''t you replying]

    "Get off you Dingleberry" Leena tried to ignore the messages but the stubborn person was trying to track her location.

    [You cannot even break my first wall still? Don''t let me crash your system now. It would not even take seconds]

    Her threat worked and she did not receive any messages further.

    Irritating idiot. I shouldn''t have made friends years back. As annoying as that shameless man.

    With nothing to do, she went to the wardrobe to check her dresses. I am alreadycking dresses. The tempting hacking offers were running in her mind already. Without further ado, she opened herptop and clicked ok for the jobs, and went back into her world again.

    ...

    Morning came, Leena stretched her body like azy cat when she finished her work. She was full on the marathon for the entire night hunting. Looking at the fortune, she got yesterday, Leena let out a victorious smile.

    "I can buy as many dresses an I want now. "

    After a long stretch of running the database tool, she erased all the bank transactions in which she received the money and destroyed the backup so that she would not be trailed. Dragging her tired body to the bed, she slumped on it.

    Tonight, she has rocked the technology world to the core again and she also knew it would hit the headlines tomorrow because she has sent the most prized possession to someone and provoked his ego.

    But she least cared and bothered.

 Chapter 68 - Fresh Blood

    The day dawned crisp and clear. The dappled sun shone through the maple trees creating mysterious shadows on to the person lying on the bed. Waking up to the sunrise, Devin got up from his bed to go for an early run.

    With full-on positive energy, he got fresh and peeked into Leena''s room onest time. Scared of the devil story Devin has told her two days ago, Leena has kept the door open in the nights.

    "Look at her position. Her sleeping posture looks like a starfish with spread out arms and legs." Devin chuckled and stepped into her room to put her under the nket.

    "Why does she have dark circles? Didn''t she sleep early yesterday?" Wrapping her spick and span into the sheets and putting theptop aside which she had also thrown into the bed, Devin headed out for the morning run.

    His day doesn''t start without working his body out and it has be the habit ever since he was little. Back then, Devin wielded his body for hours of fitness training during his modeling career to the point of turning it into addiction.

    ��

    Sweating profusely after two hours of the long run, Devin went back into the house garden feeling heated. Sitting over the bench, he ran a hand through his disheveled hair and rxed closing his eyes. The tiny droplets of sweat dripping over his body were radiating creating an immense appeal on his silhouette.

    "I was surprised to see you here really. You would never attend any weddings right?" His eyeszily opened to a familiar voice.

    "What made you turn up to the wedding? Even, I have never seen you in any of your family asions." Devin asked back not intended to answer her question.

    "You are right. I have never been to any of the special events in my life. That''s the reason, I wanted to experience the joy of the wedding at least now." Kyle answered. Even more, she wants to see him from the far at least. She hase to the wedding only because Austin has informed of Devin''s stay. Otherwise, she would be sitting either in the home or in her office.

    "You should quit living over the past Kyle. It''s not your mistake." Devin advised.

    "I am trying to." She bolstered. Being an illegitimate daughter of the prominent Sawyer family is not an easy quirk. But she has been trying a lot since.

    "You must be thirsty after the rigorous workout. I got water for you." Kyle passed him the bottle assuming he would ept her souvenir at least now. Yesterday''s after-match incident was still fresh in her memory.

    "No thanks." He rejected it likewise.

    "You have changed a lot, Devin." With a bitter smile, Kyle gazed into the distance. She has foreseen his refusal already.

    "What do you mean?" Devin asked.

    "Even when the most beautiful girl from our school went after you, she was tantly rejected by you."

    "So? Devin asked clearly knowing where it was turning. "What are you trying to infer here?"

    "The man who would never ept anything from a girl ran behind a woman yesterday even after he was getting a turndown. That is very strange and not so you."

    "Look, Kyle. I hate when someone pries into my personal life. If this is what you want to hear, then yes. I am chasing after her. Don''t soar your heights which would never happen." Getting up, Devin walked away leaving the woman in an emotional turmoil. He long realized Kyle had feelings since school and the sole reason he has maintained a distance. It''s not only her, Devin was always wary of talking with girls. He never rose their expectations of epting something which would only make it worse. He had never expected he would fall in love until Leena embarked into his life like a hurricane.

    A teardrop fell over her cheeks hearing his confession to another woman in front of her.

    ...

    While he was entering the house, Devin was again stopped by another person at the junction of the patio. Can this day get any better? He exhaled a loud sigh.

    "Hello, Handsome. I am Wendy. Wendy Hamburger." Shyly, she introduced herself tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    "I hate hamburgers. So pack up." Devin tried to move away, but Wendy didnot allow to flee him.

    "You were as hot as a Greek god in yesterday''s basketball game." Wendy ignored his sarcasticment of her surname and tried toe up with a topic to extend their conversation."Do you want juice after your morning run? I will make it for you."

    "A ss of fresh blood." With a deadpanned voice, he stated.

    "Huh?" Wendy was confused by the way he was speaking. Did I hear right? Did he ask for fresh blood?

    "You are right. I am a vampire. I will be happier if the blood is yours." Devin walked away shaking his head with annoyance. Why does he have to encounter a nut case in the morning?

    "His rejection has something to do with that crazy Leena. I should have warned him just now to be wary of that seducer." Wendy also went inside the house without knowing she has saved herself for not bringing up the topic of Leena in front of Devin. She would be bashed away if it happened.

    ...

    To get a fresh shower, Devin walked into the house, and in entering into the hall, he heard a familiar voice crisp and clear.

    "Damn it! I didn''t inform him about my visit to Austin''s wedding. He would sure nag around for the entire day." Devin tried to sneak into his room but his effort turned into utter vain when he was hugged by him.

    "Vincy! Do you dare to cheat on me? Why aren''t you answering my calls and messages? " A loud voice reflected the entire house. As expected, his voice could even wake the dead.

    "When did you arrive? " Devin inquired dismissing himself from the fleshy hug.

    "Just nownded into Seattle. You are enjoying the break without taking me? Nobody wants me. If not for Austin, I would still be in the_"

    "Andrew!!!" Abruptly, he stopped his bbering and turned around when his name was called.

    "Drew. It''s really you?" Austin screamed when he saw the person in real.

    "Austin!" Running towards him, both bear an emotional hug after seeing for a long time.

    Seeking the chance, Devin immediately slipped away not interested in listening to their bbering. They will surely continue their chat for hours if time permits.

    "You look dapper after putting on a little weight." Words of praise came easily to Austin.

    "Is it? I am working out a lot nowadays." Drew also had no trouble in epting his friend''spliments. "And I could already see the glow in our groom''s face?" Drew immediately received a sheepish grin from Austin.

    "Where is the bride?" Scanning the house, Drew inquired.

    "She is busy with wedding works. What about Wilbur and Jasper?" Austin asked.

    "Jasper will arrive in another two days. But I doubt Wilbur."

    "He must be taking revenge on me for not tending to his wedding. I will talk to him. I have arranged a room for you. It''s next to mine and Vincy''s. Go and get fresh up." Austin called a maid to bring him to the room. He had urgent work to prepare everything for tonight and to deal with the mole in theirpany.

    "You are the best Austin.." Drew went up happily to enjoy his friend''s wedding without knowing it would be a roller coaster of drama in their lives which they would never forget.

 Chapter 69 - Thievery

    Entering into the room, Drew examined the space for onest time. Austin had already informed him that it is going to be a linked room and he was very curious about his roommate. Even though there is no one, for the time being, he was still excited.

    After getting fresh, he began scanning the rooms to figure out for any familiar species who are in for the wedding. On his voyage, he met Salsa, Kyle, and his other mutual friends of Austin and Leah.

    After conversing with them for a while, Drew straight away went to the kitchen feeling starved.

    "Aunt Daisy, I am starving here. Gimme something to eat."

    "Everything is ready Drew. Not to mention your favorite banana smoothie." Daisy signaled the maids to serve his breakfast.

    "There is one more person who equally loves banana smoothies just like you," Daisy said forgot to inform about Leena.

    "Is it? Who is that?" As Drew''s excitement grew, he spoke hastily.

    "She must be resting. I will introduce you to herter. She is amazing and I bet you both will get together very well." Daisy gushed, surmising their funny conversations when they both have manymon hobbies.

    Drew totally looked bashful hearing Aunt Daisy''s words. Seems like I will be getting one more friend here.

    After having a hearty breakfast, he grabbed two sses of banana smoothies. Well, one for sipping right now, the other he needed to save it forter before someoneys hand on it.

    Savoring the divine elixir slowly, he went into Devin''s room directly.

    "Why didn''t you tell me that you are here for Austin''s wedding?" Pushing open the door, Drew screamed when he noticed his friend didn''t even bother to nce at him.

    "I was left alone by everyone. No one care about me. If not for Austin, I would be missing all the fun and the thrills of the wedding." Drew started bugging like a child for getting abandoned. He had no intention ofing to the wedding before a week but when Austin informed about the adventurous games and also about Devin being already here, he rushed the urgent case in a single day to appear here.

    "It''s still third day, Drew. You can enjoy the satisfaction of the wedding for seven long days." Devin exhaled a loud sigh tired to the eternity of his never-ending naggings.

    "But still, you have betrayed me and cam_"

    Before he could put up with his next words, a girl entered into their room rubbing her tired eyes, going straight into the washroom which puzzled him. While Devin got already habituated to his sweetheart''s presence, it was obviously a shock to Drew.

    "Who is she?" In an urgent tone, Drew asked him. Despite he could not see her face, he sensed a familiarity when she passed by him.

    "You already know her," Saying that, Devin went back to his work leaving the confused Drew.

    "I already know her? But I haven''t seen anyone with Vincy except for that Lava ghost girl." Drew was talking to himself ransacking his brain searching for that face, at the same time, his eyes were loitering over the bathroom door in anticipation to see her.

    And it opened after a while. A girl in a white dress emerged out of the bathroom slowly.

    Horrified to see her again, with a shaky hand, Drew took out the ward off evil eye protection crystal which he received from uncle John when he visited the priesten church along with Devin''s brother and his uncle. Closing his eyes, he began chanting the prayer that Uncle John has preached.

    [May all evils be cast out of this ce, at this moment, in the name of Jesus]

    [In the name of the father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit. Amen!] Leena added to him.

    "I did not tell that. Did she?" His body became paralyzed as if an unseen weight was put on him. It felt like a dead body had crawled on top of him suddenly. Gulping down his saliva, Drew slowly opened his eyes and shuddered when Leena hastily appeared on his face which was only a few inches apart.

    "Lava Gho_st!" Drew stammered with his words when he saw her face clearly.

    "Banana Smoothie!" Leena said.

    "Is Lava ghost still with you?" With fear, he asked still holding the protection crystal in front of her.

    "No! She went for an urgent staff meeting." In a deadpanned voice she stated as if she sounded serious earning a cry from Drew. She is making as if she works with spirits on a 24/7 basis.

    "Drew, I already told there are no such ghosts. Don'' t believe her words." Devin butted into their conversation. His darling has started a cook-up story again scaring the poor souls trapping Drew with his only weakness. Devin wondered how his brother would react when they both meet. His brother is a scared cat than Drew when ites to ghosts.

    "Ghosts exist in reality." Both said in unison. As stubborn they are, both didn''t take Devin''s words into their ears.

    "I am innocent. Please save me from Lava. Can we also be friends?" He said, decided to befriend her. Drew remembered she liked banana smoothie a lot which he saw it in Azure hotel, so he dly offered the spare banana smoothie which he had kept it for hister drinking.

    "Ok. But you need to maintain a little distance. I am allergic to men." Leena said, grabbing the juice and gulped down the entire content in one go. Shoving the ss to his chest, she went back to her room.

    "I promise. I will maintain a half meter distance." Screaming, Drew also followed her.

    When he saw her jotting down something seriously, Drew peeked into the notes.

    "Things to buy: Toolset, cutters, jackets, gloves, ckcaps_"

    "Are you going for robbery?" Drew asked exuberantly.

    "H_ow did you know?" Leena closed her notes abruptly when she sensed his gaze was on the notepad.

    "ckcaps are used to cover the faces, cutters are to grate the cables in case the house is surrounded by fencing, a toolbox is used to open the lockers. So, I assumed it must be a robbery."

    " "

    Was my expression obvious or did he really read me? After learning his profession, Leena would definitely feel he could read the thoughts.

    "Are you_"

    "Andrew. Andrew Dawson. I am a Criminalwyer."

    Leena wide opened her mouth hearing the name because she had heard his name umpteen times. Andrew Dawson is the most famous criminalwyer, has set the record of a high percentage of winning murder cases, and he represented many celebrities and businesspanies. But seeing his childish nature, Leena felt it absolutely contradicted his profession.

    "Are you really going for thievery? " He asked with excitement. Being in aw profession, he loved running after adventures.

    Nodding her head, Leena exined everything that has happened yesterday when she sensed he was a no threat to her and they even discussed and nned on how to perfectly carry out a robbery.

    "Can you also take me to his house? I will be helpful to you." He pleaded.

    "Ask that shameless man. I have also begged him multiple times."

    "Leave that to me." I can easily convince Vincy. If not, I will just sit in the car trunk until we reach the destination.

    "By the way, what''s your name?" He was curious about her name, after all, she would be his future sister-inw.

    "For now, call me Jurassic. My name is a secret." Leena wanted to keep her name a secret from that shameless man even though she knew he would have already known by now, but still acting like a virgin mary.

    "Wow. What a unique name. I like it."

    "Thank you." She squinted her eyes yfully.

    "You know what? We need weapons to carry out this robbery sessfully. Trust me, I have solved many murder cases and I know how a robbery is carried out."

    "Shall we go shopping for the tools?" Leena asked ready for tonight''s show.

    Drew gave a double thumbs-up.

    With that, both started and even dragged Devin along with them to shop for the necessary things.. Leena was happily enjoying with them without knowing she has raged someone on the other end to the core.

 Chapter 70 - Elysian: The Worlds Most Wanted Cybercriminal

    A man stiffer than his suit and when he speaks, his voice sounds like an army. Clean cut and well-groomed in a tailored ck suit, he was suave with an allure. There is only one color in his life, right or wrong, legal or illegal. But right now his eyes held no mirth, they were soulless and lifeless.

    Sitting in front of hisputer, he rolled his fingers into balls with fury when he saw his face being photoshopped with women like features. How dare he provoke me again?

    The staff even though shuddered in fear in front of him, they were internallyughing seeing his photoshopped face which was looking funny with long hair. Some of them even started imagining him in real.

    "Did you get through his security walls, Alex?" His voice shrieked with a thunderous aura.

    "I am trying sir. But I will be honest with you, it''s hard to break his walls." Alexander meekly added. He was the famous hacker enacted by the FBI itself and has cracked and broken everywork but not the current one. Right now, he isbatting to hack the impossible security walls of one of the world''s notorious hackers. Being a cyberpunk, it was a shame to not even get into the first wall of defense. What kind of security he has built? Alex wondered.

    "Agent Kurt Weller! Congrattions on receiving the Medal of Valor. Man!!! You were dapper in yesterday''s show." With a broad smile, a woman entered into the office room but seeing his dampened mood, the woman nced at the staff asking for his unexpected change of behavior.

    "What happened to him suddenly?" Sylvia, she is one of the FBI special agents in the Kurtis team. She asked the staff again when there was no response.

    "Kurt has received the evidence of ck scorpion organization''s dark secrets and also the supporting gang involvement in their drug dealings today." Eliza, the forensic science FBI agent in Kurt''s team whispered.

    "That''s amazing Eli. For six months, we have been trying to investigate ck scorpions right?" Sylvia asked back, still not understanding with Kurt''s odd behavior.

    "Yes. But it was not us who has found the evidence. Someone has sent it to him secretly. Kurt''s ount was hacked and the proofs were directly sent to his mail when he arrived. Even his face was photoshopped in a funny_"

    "Don''t you have any other work? Get back to your ces right now," Kurt shouted at the gossipping staff. Scared, they immediately flew away.

    "Was your face really photoshopped funnily?" A giggle escaped from Sylvia''s lips.

    "It isn''t funny Sylvia." He threw the files on his desk thinking about the humiliation.

    "Who dared to challenge you?" As far as she remembered, there is only one person who can invite Kurt''s ego and that person had been in hiatus for a long time.

    "Elysian."

    "What? Elysian is back?" Silvia eximed. Speak of the devil and he doth appear.

    Just now, she was thinking about that notorious hacker and he has appeared right away. It''s been six years since she has heard of him after what he did to the entire world.

    "Did you somehow offend him, Kurt? Six years back, when you received the shield of bravery award, he has sent a big trophy to you on the next day. Right when you received the medal of honor yesterday, he exposed the ck scorpion''s secrets."

    "He is a sick criminal, Sylvia." Just because he doesn''t have any work, he is going around the world hacking everything his eyesid on.

    When the staff working in the building heard it was hacker Elysian, their interest piqued again.

    "Who is Elysian?" A girl named Sarah asked out of curiosity.

    "You don''t know Elysian?" Another employee asked in wonder.

    "Even I am not aware. But I heard one of our staff talking about him once." Another girl entered into their conversation.

    "It''s fine if we discuss him among ourselves. But never bring his name in front of Kurt. He would re up in anger."

    "Care to tell who exactly Elysian is?" Sarah asked running out of patience.

    "Hmm...Where should I start? Elysian, he is as mad as a March hare and as nutty as a fruit cake. One word, he is insanely crazy."

    "The world''s most wanted cybercriminals and he goes by the code name Elysian. A notorious ck hat hacker. No one could track his identity. Even now, there is no evidence that Elysian is a man or a woman. But Kurt strongly believes it is the former."

    "Why is Kurt after him?"

    "Six years back, he shook the technology world like a withered leaf. Like a maniac, he hacked into almost all thepanyworks and revealed the dark secrets they were carrying out under the table. Manypanies went bankrupt and some of thepanies fired the employees when the organization heads knew about the underlings. But then, he disappeared like a speck of dust after all the things he has done and now he is back again. FBI has been trying to track him down for a long time but they couldn''t find a single trace of him. He would disappear in seconds and goes around the earth if we search for him."

    "Wow. I am starting to love him already." Sarah''s eyes twinkled.

    "But isn''t it good that he has cleaned the society? Why was he branded as a criminal."

    "Even I wonder the same. Maybe he has hurt Kurt''s ego. For long, Kurt has been trying to find the dark organization''s secret, but six years back, Elysian delivered everything at his doorstep provoking his ego, just like today."

    "Kurt must be pissed off right now." The girl giggled.

    ...

    "You know what, My daughter was a big fan of you. After Elysian challenged you openly six years back, she has kicked your photos out of her room and put up Elysian''s imaginary photos." Taking a sip of coffee, Sylvia confessed.

    "Don''t bring his topic. I will not leave that bastard at any cost. How dare he ask me to wear a jumpsuit and apologize to the media if I cannot crack the puzzle in one month?" Kurt was fuming with outrage.

    "He has given a puzzle to crack?" She asked curiously.

    Kurt opened his mail and showed a series of alphabets and numbers code which Elysian has sent to him along with the message hacking into his ount.

    [We meet again buddy! Are you surprised by the gift I sent? You should be. After all, you have been trying to get your hands on it for thest six months. You better sit in your home and watch cartoons. That suits you better than catching criminals. It''s been six years, you couldn''t even find my single trace. I wonder you will ever find out. At least if you have balls, decode the below puzzle in a month. Else wear a sexy jumpsuit and apologize to me in front of the media just like how you berated me six years back.]

    [Here goes your Mystery Elysian''s untangled paradox: CROTWORHOTHREESNOFOUROBE]

    "Bastard. How dare he call me as his buddy." Kurt yelled.

    Sylviaughed reading the message. As expected from Elysian.

    "Is it alphabet numbers?" Looking at the code, she was trying to examine what it could be.

    "It isn''t. It''s not an easy puzzle Sylvia. He wouldn''t give a simple alphabet. He is trying to convey something through this.." Kurt made a vow to get him through this puzzle by hook or crook.

 Chapter 71 - Wrist Watch

    Leena and Drew dragged Devin to the shopping emporium along with them to purchase the stuff they needed to execute the n perfectly, without informing Devin that it would be thievery tools. If Devin would have foreseen it was those useless junk, he would have surely gone insane with these two idiots. Even though he was not eager to shop, but when ites to his sweetheart, he would obviously turn up anywhere.

    The instant they entered the emporium, Devin immediately put on his mask to avoid the public without knowing he has put a wrong idea into Leena''s mind again.

    "Mr. Adonis! The beauty of rose fades with time. Only thorns of it remain forever." Leena scoffed at him for unting his traits just like he did at the airport and she got prepared this time. She pulled out a mask from her purse to put it on her face. But she sensed there was another puppy looking at her eagerly. She sighed and took out another mask and handed it to Drew.

    "Thank you, Jurassic. But you are really a badass." Whispering in a low voice, Drew giggled at Leena''s sarcastic remarks on his friend, and they also fist-bumped each other for berating him for which they obviously received aa sharp re from Devin.

    Since they were schooling, Devin garnered attention from every girl to the point of all their friends turned green-eyed of his looks. But none could raise their voices in front of his sharp tongue. Now that Drew has seen Leena''s sharp tongue which is equally bitterer to Devin, Drew wasughing like an idiot. Someone has finally arrived to bite Devin''s tongue.

    "Are you jealous of my stunning looks or envious because someone is staring at me?" He asked with a mischievous grin. Devin wished he could hear the background music of Leena''s so that he could understand what''s actually going on in her mind whether she is jealous or happy or sad.

    "Aren''t you too self-centered?" Leena taunted his theory immediately. Jealous is not in my dictionary. Little did she knew, it was already ensuing, but Leena was too thick-skinned to admit it. She disdainfully nced at all the women gawking at him like he is their possession even when he was wearing a mask.

    "Thank you for reminding me how self-centered I am sweetheart, I almost forgot about it when I am already surrounded by one."

    "Why you_"

    "Hey!Hey! Enough of your quips. Let''s go. We don''t have time." Shaking his head, Drew dragged both the kids and stopped by a store. While buying tools, ckcaps, and some other bizarre stuff, Devin started lecturing when he saw the stupid junk again.

    "Why do you need a torch?"

    "What is this ridiculous outfit. Bananas in pyjamas?" Devin sighed. Are they really following the thievery cartoon television show?

    "For heaven''s sake, why do you need balloons also?" He asked with a raised tone.

    "Not telling." Turning a deaf ear to his scoldings, Drew and Leena mercilessly kicked him out of the store. Devin dly went out of the mall to have fresh air. He needed it literally.

    "Shall we go into that store?" Pointing towards a certain direction, Drew talked in an excited tone. "I saw an incredibly extraordinary jacket."

    "You are a fashionista?" Looking at his trendy clothes, out of curiosity, Leena asked. His outfit made her think that he also appears to follow the trends closely just like her.

    "I love fashion. Do you?" Drew asked.

    "I am madly in love with it. Life is too short to wear boring clothes. By the way, I really like your jacket." Leena said.

    "Thank you, Jurassic. My friend brought this. He gets everything I ask for and he is more like a brother to me." Drew said, thinking of Wilbur. Even though Wilbur yells at him for always asking clothes whenever he goes for a business trip, he would still bring it to Drew.

    "I also have a bathroom brother. But he would never bring me a piece of cloth." With disgust, Leena said berating her brother.

    ''Even though he is my cousin, I have given the privilege and upgraded to real brother, but he would never act like one.'' Leena whispered to herself in a low voice.

    "Bathroom brother? What a funny name?" Drewughed clutching his stomach.

    "He deserves that tag. You know, that idiot always visits the bathroom and stays for hours sitting there." Giggling Leena admitted to Drew. Leena really wondered how he is running a bigpany with that funny syndrome.

    ''Always visits a bathroom? Even my friend has that habit.'' Drew mumbled. Before he could ask her brother''s name, Leena already went inside the store and after entering and seeing all the clothes, Drewpletely forgot the pressing matter lingering in his mind.

    After going into the first store, they brought almost all the new trends but still, they were not satisfied heartfully. So they went into store after store and brought over an extent of clothes. Leena was happy that she earned enough money yesterday so that she could spend it on them without any worries.

    "Actually we should have code names for tonight. Our enemy shouldn''t know our real ones." Leena said, suddenly remembering which she had believed her brain has forgotten.

    "Let''s call you Mowgli," She said.

    "No. I am not a baby."

    "Ok, then. I will call you with Pooh."

    "Ew...It''s such a dirty name. Let''s go with Mowgli itself then."

    "What about you and Vincy?" Drew asked.

    "I will go with Jurassic itself and for that shameless man, we will call him Mr. Adonis."

    Drew pouted. She has given Vincy such a ssy and handsome Greek god''s name. But he has to adjust with this baby name?

    After their vigorous shopping, both were utterly tired and was about to drag their tired bodies along with the shopping bags, Leena''s footsteps suddenly halted at a certain store.

    Looking at the shop, her thoughts immediately flew back to a certain someone.

    "Oye Mowgli. I have to go somewhere. Can you walk alone?" Before Drew couldin, Leena shoved all her shopping bags onto him and fled away in a wink.

    "Did she throw everything onto me?" Crying, Drew went out of the emporium carrying everything by himself.

    The moment Leena went into the store, her eyes immediately caught sight of a beautiful sleek wristwatch sitting on the disy stand.

    "He would look dapper if he wears that." She smiled. Leena has observed he doesn''t wear any essories except a wristwatch and also noticed he likes to wear a new one every day.

    "Wee madam. Are you looking for any particr brand?" The store assistant manager politely greeted and weed her into the store. Even though Leena was still in a mask, the assistant could feel her beautiful features through the hood.

    "Can you show in the women''s collections?" Leena was looking at all the women collections the assistant was exhibiting, but her eyes were lingering on one particr watch alone.

    "Please pack the watch over there." Pointing at the watch sitting over the disy, Leena decided finally. She quit seeing the women''s watches when she knew her attention was solely focused on that one particr watch.

    "Y_es madam." The assistant reluctantly agreed. It''s way too costly. Will she be able to pay?

    Just when Leena opened and offered the Centurion ck card, the assistant was shocked and looked at her with an open mouth.

    ''Good lord! How much this woman must have paid and spent over a year to receive such an exclusive card. Judging by the way she is paying without batting an eye, the assistant wondered if she is a rich brat heiress.''

    "For your boyfriend?" The shop assistant asked packing the watch. It must be for her boyfriend only. Why else she would buy an expensive watch worth millions if not for him.

    "Huh?"

    "I mean, are you gifting to your boyfriend?"

    "I_me_ I no...I don''t have a boyfriend." Saying that Leena grabbed the paper bag and rushed out of the store. Her face turned crimson red with the assistant remarks.

    After calming down her nerves, Leena uttered a profanity at her earlier demeanor.

    "Why did I buy this one? For whom?" Leena clearly knew it is for him, but she was also wondering why she has brought it in the first ce.

    "You have gone insane Leena. Wake up." Huffing like a child, she was about to march forward, but her body abruptly hit a sturdy wall. A human wall she must say. When she looked at the man, her face instantly heated up remembering the assistant''s remarks.

    "You are still buying things?" Devin inquired. When Drew appeared carrying all the paper bags, it was a no shock to Devin. He knew his sweetheart''s love for clothes but where is she in person? When Drew said that she went in search of something again, he whacked him for leaving her alone and rushed inside the emporium again.

    Devin was scanning every floor looking for her and finally, his eyes fell on the girl walking and talking to herself with an asional frown. Even though she was still wearing a mask, he could easily identify his darling anywhere.

    "What did you buy this time?" Devin asked trying to peek at the bag which Leena immediately put it behind her so that he could not peer.

    "I_I It''s something personal. You shouldn''t ask those kinds of things with a girl."

    "Sorry sweetheart. I often forget you are a girl." He teased her.

    Lifting her leg, she mmed her high heals over his leg and drifted away.

    "Oww...Why is her kick so powerful." Half hoping, Devin also followed behind her with pain.

    "What''s in the paper bag?" Devin wondered. He had seen the name of the brand and it also looked like a watch. Is it for her or to someone?

    "Definitely not for me. I would be in thest list if she ever wishes to give something.." With a sad mood, he went out in search of her.

 Chapter 72 - Bubble Butt

    Clutching the paper bag as if she was holding her dear life on to it, Leena dashed away from the shopping emporium to get away from his sight.

    "You mad girl, why do you always lose rationality in his presence?" She huffed, pretending to look calm when she saw that he was following behind her.

    Trailing behind her, his towering long legs which could stretch over long hauls, Devin spotted her in no time. Everywhere they were heading, both garnered attention from the public, but it didn''t sink into their brains, for both were busy ying hide and seek game. The moment his eyes seized her, Devin swiftly closed the distance and grasped her hand.

    Devin chuckled seeing her running away like a scared cat after kicking his leg. "Slow down. Why are you rushing?"

    "Because the voice in my head is telling me to run away from you." Pushing his hand away, Leena snapped at him tantly, expecting to hurt his ego and make him angry, but her understandings always contradict when ites to him.

    "You are the first woman to ignore me." He said, squeezing her cheeks with a mirth dancing in his eyes. Countless letters, posts, he gets from many women every day which he rejects without even seeing them. But the only woman he is chasing always tries to escape away from him.

    "So, Mr. Adonis is finally admitting that he is a yboy?" Leena scoffed. I shouldn''t have believed Leah''s words when she said he doesn''t heed to any girl.

    "I am not a yboy sweetheart. But I know how to y with you." He said with a wink, unable to resist the urge to mess with her a little.

    Her corner of the mouth twitched in vexation with his sarcasticments.

    ''Leave it, Leena. He is a pain in the arse. His shamelessness has no shame at all. Even if you kick him away, he will somehow find a way to slink back into your life with his witty teasing.''

    Ignoring him, Leena began walking towards the exit, but with the bustling crowd, she did not notice a woman was rushing towards her direction. Before she could avoid the hurrying woman, Leena was shoved away, and right when her body was about to knock on to the ground fully, she was seized by a pair of hands.

    "Are you okay?" Devin''s reflexes were faster than hers, he caught her waist and wielded her in no time.

    "Are you hurt anywhere?" Devin worriedly asked when she is not answering back and in a haste, he thought that she might have got hurt when that woman roughly pushed her. If not for his instantly catching her, Leena would have been knocked down by that woman.

    "I_I am fine." She felt uneasy all over and her heart was going into upheaval whenever he shows little care. Even though it sounded bizarre to assume such a thing, Leena suddenly felt his touch was very familiar, the one close touch she had with a stranger at the cliff when she was in a near-death ident five years ago. Even though she sensed this rare feeling in their earlier encounters, Leena still rebuffed the theory.

    "Can you release me?" She asked. Nodding his head, Devin immediately released her and brought her to stand.

    "She did not even confess to her mistake right?" In a rage, Devin was about to leave and reprimand that woman, but his hand was swiftly caught away by Leena.

    "Let me go." He said, trying to release Leena''s grip.

    "It''s ok. I am fine." She smiled trying to bring him back. Why is he getting vexed up when I am the one who got hurt? Leena pondered.

    "That bubble butt needs a small lesson," Devin said.

    Leena immediately giggled at the nickname he used. Indeed that woman''s butt is a little rounded. But did he has to go to that extent and openly call her with such a nutty name? Thank God, she did not listen. Shaking her head, Leena looked up and her eyes unconsciouslynded on the same woman who was ring daggers at them.

    "Mr. Adonis. She is standing behind you. Did she listen to everything?" Leena whispered in a crying tone.

    Even before Devin could answer, Leena heard a woman''s unfamiliar voice.

    "I listened to everything." Scowling with a little rancor, especially towards Devin, bubble butt shouted.

    "So what if you have listened? It doesn''t change the fact that you have a bubble butt." Turning towards her, Devin gave her a death stare that was even detectable through his mask. She dared to talk back again after she pushed my darling.

    "Idiot." Leena whipped his back slightly. " Why are you fighting with the_"

    "Miss who so ever you are, I was in a rush to find my fiance. I am sorry that I did not see you. And please control your boyfriend. He is totally off the limits."

    "He is not my boyfr_"

    "It''s not your business to advise my girlfriend in the first ce." Even though he stated in a deadpanned voice, Devin was internally grinning like an idiot. Are we really looking like a couple to others?

    "What the hell are you bbering?" Hearing to his words, Leena tried to hit him for spouting all nonsense, but it was easily evaded.

    "Maybe you can start afresh tomorrow. Your daily quota has ended for today." He whispered referring to the kick.

    "You are bing more shameless by each pass_"

    Leena''s thoughts suddenly halted when she heard another unfamiliar voice calling the same woman with her nickname. "Bubble butt, shall we go?

    Leena pressed her lips to control her giggle which was threatening toe out when she saw that woman''s stigma. In no time, his fiance got sacrificed in front of Bubble butt''s fury.

    "James Gattie! Do you wish to die today in my hands?" With pure shame, bubble butt started beating her fiance for humiliating her with the nickname again.

    Watching over the couples fighting until they were out of their sights, Leena and Devin burst into a fit ofughter.

    After continuouslyughing for a whole lot of time, Leenapletely forgot that Devin has shamelessly dered her as his girlfriend when she is not.

    Stillughing over the odd couple, both were proceeding to the exit when Leena''s stomach growled with a loud noise.

    "Nice music darling. I should put it as my ringtone." He said, trying to control hisughter.

    "I_I did not eat anything after breakfast. Might be because of that." Leena sheepishly confessed looking down at the floor. Ringtone? Is he serious?

    "Let''s go then. I literally forgot there is a food devourer here." With a smile, he grabbed her hand and started walking towards the parking.

    "Don''t call me that, idiot. I am just curious about the variety of foods." Leena pouted.

    "Curiosity about food is also gluttony darling." He winked.

    Leena ignored hisments and walked along with him silently when she knew, he wille back with something to shut her mouth with his witty remarks if she opened it again.

    ....

    Out of boredom, Drew was ying video games sitting in the car and asionally his eyes were trailing outside expecting someone.

    "I am hungry. Why aren''t theying still?" He sulked. Just then he heard Vincy''s voice and when he looked up and saw them, his eyes twinkle in amusement. Ultimately, I can have food now.

    "You are here finally?" Seeing the paper bag, Leena was holding, Drew got real curious. "What is that? It looks like a wrist wat_"

    Before he could utter the next word, Leena smashed his leg to silence him.

    "O...Why did you kick me?" Crying, he asked her. It''s the second time. He still remembered her powerful kick when they were in Azure hotel.

    "There was a cockroach roaming around your running shoes." Leena lied to distract him.

    "Cockroach? But I didn''t see any." Drew questioned looking around.

    "Enough Drew. Let''s go. I will take you to the best hotel in Seattle." Devin avoided the topic knowing that Leena is not eager to discuss it. But Jealous was continuously brewing within him thinking about the watch going into someone else hands.

    "You are the best Vincy." With a delighted mood, Drew hopped into the car forgetting the real matter. Leena sighed in relief then after.

    After they got settled, Devin elerated the gas and sped up to their destination. Within thirty minutes, they were in the hotel Blue mountains. Handing the keys to the parking valet, they headed towards the entrance.

    But one pair of the footsteps halted suddenly, the moment she saw the name of the hotel. Feeling scared and tensed, Leena started sweating all over.

    "Vin_cy, her breathing." Drew suddenly noticed something was off with Leena and poked his friend''s arm.

    "Are you not well?" Moving close to her, Devin checked her forehead and pulse for any fever, but Leena was least responsive to his touch.

    Seeing her staring at the hotel name continuously, Devin was turning to get worried. Did something happen suddenly?

    "Shall I take you to the hospital?" Lightly shaking her shoulder, Devin whispered to get her out of the trance.

    "No. C_an we go to some other hotel?" Holding the hem of his shirt, Leena pleaded in a weak voice.

    "Please," Leena begged. She neither wants to walk into her past nor cross her path with Ethan again.

    "Shhh...You don''t need to ask again." Grasping her hand, he gently guided her to the car.

    Devin could sense that she is traumatized by something. Did something happen in the past? She always tries to create positivity around her. But right now, his heart was feelingpletely void, and null.. Seeing her wretched state, his heart was starting to shatter with pain.

 Chapter 73 - Like An Animal

    She thought it was over, but it has hit her all over again. Five years back, she got carried away by fear and hatred towards him and never stepped into this ce again. Her past has taught her a lesson to create and live a happy life and learn to be better. And she did it.

    But the moment Leena saw the ce which she visited with him, everything surged back in full force.

    Her world was onlyputers and coding back then and she never craved for anyone''s love or attention. But then Ethan entered and dragged her to hell. It was not the blue mountains hotel that made her traumatized, but the person. Even though she epted Ethan on impulse after his endless wooing, Leena rarely spent time with him and she never yearned for his love. That is the reason, she has confronted herself multiple times if she has really liked him or not.

    Five years back, he humiliated and tortured her to the core. He was like an animal on that terrible night giving her nightmares even now. He was the very reason she loathed men''s touch, and to make her living life hell, they schemed against her to make her crippled for a lifetime. If not for her will to get up again, she would be sitting in the wheelchair till now.

    She had expected it to be another paining to Seattle, but Leena was wrong. The man in front of her, his caring voice, his gentle touch, his warmth was wiping out all the bitter memories she once suffered here. Now that she realized, for the past three days, she was with him, never once she suffered those sufferings. His genuine caring was making her question if what she felt for Ethan in the past was real or not.

    She neverughed with Ethan as she did with him, she never once felt her heart beat faster with Ethan as it does with him. Even now she is protecting herself to mask her emotions, fear that he would see.

    "What is this foreign feeling?" Leena asked herself but didn''t have an answer to her question and she did not want to search also when she was already sensing a strong emotion towards him which she couldn''t exin in words. She never craved anyone''s attention until he came into her life.

    Leena gazed up and stared at the man clutching her hand protectively as if she was a baby since the time she stepped into the car. The sense of warmth he was providing to her and the silent supporting he was giving without asking the reason for her unusual behavior, Leena was touched.

    "Why are you so sweet?" Leena stroked his face gently with the back of her hands. She wanted to know whether the care he was showing was only for her or he is sharing with other women too.

    "Because I have enough sweet in my body." Chuckling, he grabbed her hand even before she could withdraw.

    "Can''t you stop teasing me at least for once?" Her lips pouted starting at him angrily.

    "Alright, I won''t tease you." Devin paused taking her reactions to test the waters. "Did something happen in the blue mountains hotel?" Devin finally sighed in relief when she was slowly turning back to her normal self. He knew it''s not the time to tease her, but that is the only way he could bring back his sweetheart to her usual self. He knows nothing about her pain, but still, his heart ached to see her miserable state. Leena was the love that entered into his life without warning and before he could say no, she had already captured his heart and he fell for her so hard that he cannot imagine his life without her and just when Devin saw her unusual breathing at the hotel, he felt a tremor of emotion shaking him to the core. She was the most precious to him and when she was grieving in his presence, he was tormenting inside for his helpless state.

    "Why did you get scared at the hotel?" Devin asked in a gentle voice.

    "I didn''t." She looked away.

    "Really?" He turned her chin to face her towards him. "Now tell me what happened."

    When Leena looked into his eyes, she could feel the genuine concern. His eyes were telling something more which words couldn''t say and before she knew it, Leena confessed.

    "I_I got scared by someone." Her thoughts always threaten to fall in front of him even before she could control them.

    "Who is it?" His voice had a rough edge when he spoke now. Who dared to hurt her. She would not even into any arguments until she is provoked.

    When Leena pressed her lips tightly looking away from him again, Devin sighed at the stubborn girl. He thought she would at least open up to him because of the bond they shared since they were living together. But she proved him wrong.

    Devin retreated his hand and looked out of the car not to talk with this rebellious girl.

    The atmosphere in the car was deafening. Even Drew could feel the tension between the two but he silently drove the car scared of Devin

 Chapter 74 - Vegan Twins

    In a dead silence of three people, while they were on their own thoughts, a loud rumble echoed into their ears breaking the silence.

    Leena clutched her stomach and looked away not to show her face when both the men were controlling theirugh.

    ''Did it had to growl when the atmosphere was very quiet.'' Leena cried internally for facing such an awkward moment.

    It growled again. Devin and Drew burst into a fit ofughter this time.

    "Are you trying to demonstrate a whales mating call?" Devin asked pressing his lips to control himself watching her awkwardness.[1]

    "Hey! Is it that your stomach growling or an airne passing by?" Drew looked at the clouds to check if there is any ne right above them.

    "I_I didn''t eat for a long time." She whispered.

    "Long time? You have snatched all the choctes when we were shopping and gobbled up without giving me one."

    "Oye Mowgli! Are you a sloth? Had I walked, I would be reaching my destination. You drive slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter." Leena said, trying to distract him and get out of this embarrassing situation.

    "Hey! My driving skills are top-notch. It is more fun to drive a fast car slower. Besides, I passed my driving test in my first try." He proudly brandished himself.

    "Oh.. then you must be the best driver ever lived in world history." Leena scoffed.

    "Vincy, she is bullying me." Drewined.

    "Deal with it" Devin closed his eyes when he heard their fights again. At least my sweetheart is back to her usual self now.

    Finally, with Drew''s turtle-like driving, they reached the destination. After entering the hotel, both Drew and Leena were equally famished and ordered umpteen foods. It was a shock to Devin that both have the same food taste along with that banana smoothie. When the waiter was about to leave, taking their orders, he was stopped again.

    "Please don''t add dairy to any of the items." Drew shed a smile to the waiter.

    "Add only almond milk to the banana smoothie, " Both uttered in unison. Both looked at each other shocked at the revtions.

    "Are you_"

    "Vegan?" Leena asked for which Drew fervently nodded his head.

    "Are you also a vegan?" Drew asked for which he got the same response from Leena

    "Brother!" With an emotional voice, Leena uttered wiping her imaginary tears.

    "Sister!" Even Drew has started his tragic acting skills again.

    With all the happenings, Devin was looking at them with lips parted. Am I the third wheel here?

    "Mr. Adonis, Are we perhaps twins who got separated by an evil stepmother?" Leena asked breaking Devin''s thoughts.

    "You are not twins sweetheart. There is also a third one along with you."

    "Is it? Who is that third one?" Drew asked in confusion.

    "I have hidden him around for spare parts in case you get damaged. You and your stupid theories. Eat first." Devin chided them.

    After they were done with their lunch, the three-headed home because they have the most important mission tonight.

    "Can you stop by the park? My stomach is full. I need to have a walk." She uttered in azy tone.

    "I told you not to eat everything your eyes see." Scolding her little, Devin stopped the car from a nearby park.

    "Even I am feeling the same Vincy." His sleep was already threatening him with all the food he ate.

    Leena was back to her normal self again happily chatting with her newly got twin brother. Just then Devin''s phone rang, and when he looked at the contact name he sighed. Curiosity killed the cat, Leena also peeked into the contact name.

    [My lovely Eve]

    She felt her world tumbled seeing the name. But it was not only her, but there was also another person who was in the same state as Leena.

    .....

    Sitting in the chair, he was staring into a distance with no bliss. His eyes were soulless. There was only remorse for his past actions.

    "Ethan."

    "Back to earth Ethan."

    "I am already on earth."He gave a weak smile to the other person.

    "I don''t understand why you ask me to apany the Blue Mountain hotel every day."

    "Because you are the only one who doesn''t ask anything, Oscar"

    "Even if I ask, you wouldn''t_"

    Oscar''s phone beeped suddenly putting an end to their conversation.

    "Look, It''s your fiance. She has been calling me for a number of times. For god''s sake, at least pick up her calls, Ethan."

    "Fiance?" He snickered closing his eyes. Without his approval, he got finance.

    " Sir, your usual banana smoothie." A waiter boy entere and put the juice on his table.

    "Thank you." He smiled and immediately grabbed the drink to Savour the taste.

    "I don''t understand why youe here all the way from your home every day just to drink this?" Oscar questioned.

    "To remember someone.." Saying that Ethan said walked out of the hotel leaving the confused man behind.

 Chapter 75 - Goddess Leena

    ying peek a boo with the sun was joyous than peeking into his mobile. This is the state of Leena''s emotions right at the moment. The so-called intimate contact name which she has seen in his mobile was squeezing the heart of Leena leaving her breathless.

    "Back to earth Miss Pervert. I have been calling you for a long time." Devin asked upon seeing her distance look.

    The voice of Devin brought her back to the world of reality. When Leena recollected her emotions, she blinked her eyes and chided herself for having inappropriate thoughts on him.

    "I am back," Leena mumbled without arguing. Apparently, it was a shock to Devin.

    ''Why are you so vexed up Leena? Why are you thinking about him? You, dummy. What if he has a girlfriend? yboys like him change women like how children change their diapers.''

    ''Lovely Eve, my foot. It''s not even half cuter than my lovely name.''

    To relieve her anger, Leena got a fantastic idea to take revenge on him while ying a safe game along. Without further ado, she immediately called her made-up minions.

    "My ugly Angel and lovely Devil, Goddess Leena request your presence on priority. I am going to demonstrate a live yboy story." Just when Leena called her shoulder mate minions, they immediately flew on to her shoulders.

    "Why did you call me goddess Leena?" Devil asked her with a shy smile. She was on a cloud nine when her goddess called her with a cute name, lovely Devil.

    "Why else she would call us? Obviously to cook up another story and to eat our brains. By the way Devil, you should stop praising and quit calling her goddess. She is getting addicted to her narcissistic behavior way too much." Angel chided, thinking of a way to get Leena out of the fantasy world she is living in.

    "That''s the reason she calls you ugly," Devil said, flying in front of the angel to scoff at her.

    "It''s because of you she is_"

    "Can you both stop? If you are here to argue, you are wee to leave this ce." Just when Leena was about to knock them down, Devil instantly butted in to stop her.

    "Sorry Goddess Leena! I am in." Devil insisted while the angel reluctantly supported her.

    "So, whose story you want to demonstrate ?" Angel asked, looking at Leena with disinterest.

    "You are as dumb as a post, angel. It''s obviously about my God''s story." Devil sheepishly admitted shying away. It''s been two days, I have seen this kitty right?

    "Enough with your praising, Devil, He is just an average. " Leena yelled. That shameless man would climb and sit in a tree if he knows about it.

    "Alright, Goddess Leena."

    "She is just jealous that he is more attractive than her," Angel whispered in her mind.

    "He got a call from his girlfriend. This is the theme of our story. Now you are going to listen to the conversation with his girlfriend ."

    "How?" Devil asked.

    Clearing her throat, Leena started.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, Wee to the great Leena''s show. Let''s get ready to gossip about the most shameless yet handsome man I have ever seen."

    "I am ready." With an exciting voice, Devil said.

    "First scene! He will put up an excuse front and tell us that he has to take the call urgently," Saying that, Leena gazed at Devin waiting for his reply without knowing that from the start Devin was looking at her acts in confusion.

    "Where did you put your brain again? I have been calling you for a long time." Devin worriedly asked. She had been acting standoffish since he sought her out.

    "I_I am fine," Leena said, feeling sad that the story is not going ording to her script.

    Just when Devin was about to ask her something more, his phone began ringing again.

    "I have to take this call urgently. Can you take a walk alone?" Devin apologized and walked out to take the call not before signaling Drew to take care of Leena until hees back. He was d that there are no people wandering here. Although he was in a mask, there is a high chance that someone spots him. Even though he has a bodyguard, he doesn''t prefer taking them all the time which would restrict his private life.

    "Oye Mowgli. I am going for a walk in the other direction." The moment Devin went out to take the call, Leena ran away even before Drew could catch her.

    "That''s a cool way to escape, Goddess Leena." Devil''s praise won herpletely.

    "If she doesn''t escape, Drew would think of enrolling her into mental Asylum with the way she was conversing with herself," Angel said to Devil.

    "Don''t always scold our Goddess. How did you know that the hotty would ask for private space, Leena? You are too intelligent." It was the Devil''s voice.

    "It''s basic etiquette to take a personal call in a private," Angel reprimanded the foolish Devil.

    "Enough with your arguments! Look at him, dumbos. I will exin what exactly he is talking to his girlfriend." Leena began her narration.

    "He is pondering to pick up the call because he has done something wrong. Finally, guilt-tripped him and he has lifted the call."

    "Quite a logic," Angel stated.

    "My lovely Eve. It''s been a long time we had the heart to heart talk." Leena said, intently looking at his lip movement. She paused for a moment until he resumed his conversation again.

    "I understand we know each other for a long time, but I don''t want to cheat on her now." Looking at his lip movement she exined her minions. Why he is speaking so fast. It''s getting hard to catch his movements.

    "I am in love with some other girl right now," Leena said.

    "But how did you know what exactly he is speaking Goddess?" Devil asked in confusion.

    "Because I am a lip-reading expert." Leena openly dered with a proud smile.

    "She is just bluffing whateveres to her mind," Angel inclined.

    Ignoring Angel''sments, Leena began her story again.

    "Now I am going to exin what the other person in the call is speaking."

    "Who is that girl? You can''t do this to me. We have known each other for a long time." Leena wiped her imaginary tears to exaggerate the situation.

    "You can decipher the other person''s thoughts ?" Devil asked with excitement.

    "I am a mind-reading expert also." Leena winked at the two.

    "She is the most narcissist I have ever seen," Angel whispered to herself. Without seeing a person, she is iming that she would read a person''s mind. I give my immense powers to his future husband to deal with this brat.

    Just when Leena was about to illustrate the rest of the story, her eyes unconsciously drifted to elsewhere, and instantly something caught her attention. Drew was shooting photos in his camera. She remembered when they were getting down from the car, he brought a bag along with him. So it is the camera then! While being insane for photography, Leena''s attention quickly shifted to him.

    "Thanks for appearing in Leena''s live show as guests. It was nice talking to you miss ugly angel and the lovely devil. I hope you enjoyed the show and we will meet again next time when I needed you." Leena knocked Angel and devil on to the ground before they could bid goodbye and straight away headed towards Drew.

    "I am spared. Drew will totally be insane today." Angel giggled and flew away with happiness.

    .....

    Let''s rewind the story back to ten minutes to check if Leena''s story has passed the test.

    Devin walked into a ce somewhere far away from Leena to pick up the call.

    "d that she didn''t see the contact name." Devin breathed a sigh of relief. He already knew her crazy mind which could cook up stories like there is no end. Had she seen the name, she would definitely imagine things.

    Devin was debating over the idea to pick up the call or not. He would have talked in front of Leena itself but until she agrees he wanted to keep her as a secret from his family. The thought of getting together with her was already exciting for him.

    He was back from his fantasy world when his phone started ringing again. Does she have no work today? Reluctantly, Devin picked up the call.

    "My precious baby..... How are you?" A loud piercing voice entered into his ears. Devin has to put his phone a little away to protect his eardrums.

    "Evelyn, Did you steal my phone and change the contact name again?" Devin implored. Somehow his phone gets robbed away and before he knew it, the name would be changed. I have to keep my password a little secure from now.

    "You dare to call your mom by full name? By the way, I got to know that you are in love with a girl?"

    How did my CCTV know? It must be those two idiots. Drew or Harley would have vomited out. Who else would be a bbermouth other than them?

    "For ten years I have been asking you to meet the girl at least once. I have even met her recently. She is very kind and beautiful. Please consider it once. You will sure like her." Devin could hear the imaginary wailings from his mother. Her acting has started to be more tragicpared to his dad''s

    "I am not interested in anyone mom." Except for my sweetheart. Devin muttered under his breath.

    "You are missing a true gem, son. She is my friend''s daughter."

    "Mom! I told you already, even if it is your friend''s daughter, I am not interested in her." His mom has been trying to patch him up with some girl for a long time and she has be addicted to her. He only wished she would like Leena when he takes her to the home.

    "We will discuss it again when youe back home. Your grandfather is begging to see you. When are youing back?" She asked.

    Devin chuckled hearing his grandfather''s name. He would no doubt likes Leena a lot. He is just like his sweetheart, one narcissist.

    "After Leah''s wedding."

    "I forgot to mention. Inform Daisy that I can''te to Leah''s wedding. I am busy with an urgent operation."

    "Roger that CCTV."

    After a long stretch of her continuous nagging, his mother has spared him finally. After bidding goodbye to her, Devin headed out in search of his darling.. The moment he spotted her doing something off the beat, he literally has to take the support of a tree in order not to fall. What the hell is she is doing there?

 Chapter 76 - Say..I..LOVE..eating...big.....hairy....feat

    Rewinding the scene to fifteen minutes before.

    Leena was excited in an rming way and in no second she reached the ce where Drew was shooting the photos in his camera.

    "Hey, Mowgli. d that you carried the camera all the way here. I am utterly bored." Leena squealed, expecting his brain to know that she wants the camera.

    "I got it in case if I find something good to capture." Drew''s smile broadened.

    "Do you want me to click your pictures? I am best in photography and also a famous photographer." Leena pretended to lie in thetter part to bluff him. As for the best in photography, she knows her photos don''t even pass mediocre but she ims to be the best. Leena has even created her own photography website, but none have dared to approach her till now. She is the director and her Francis has to forcefully be the producer in buying her the materials.

    "You are a famous photographer? What is the source name?" Drew asked, eager to know more about it.

    "I_I don''t like to publicize my own creation," Leena mumbled reckoning that he would buy the theory. Why wouldn''t he? She always tells stories that fall somewhere between conscious lying and delusion. Not able to decipher fact versus fiction, many believe her.

    "Agree Jurassic. Many try to keep it private." Drew nodded his head in agreement.

    "But I am not fond of photography because it takes a lifetime to master," With downcast eyes, Drew voiced out his opinion.

    "Actually, it''s very easy. Just that you need to understand little tricks in photography." Finding the opportunity, Leena grabbed the camera from Drew''s hands.

    "You know what? Vincy takes the best shots." Drew was always fond of Devin''s unique portraits. His photos always depict real emotions and many people envied him for being multi-talented in all the aspects.

    "Can you stop talking about him?" Leena yelled. She began to learn the word jealous for the first time in her life. Why is he giving me a tightpetition in every factor?

    "I am sorry," Drew suddenly remembered both were in no talking terms.

    "Leave about that shameless man. Let''s talk about me. Do you know the reason I like photography?" Leena implored, craving to show off her skills.

    "hmmm... Maybe because you like to capture the beauty of life. Am I right?"

    "Your theory is down in mes." Leenaughed knocking the bottom out of Drew.

    "Huh? Then why do you like?"

    "Because I can shoot anyone''s photo and cut their heads off without going to jail." Leenaughed out loudly clutching her stomach when she remembered her art that is hanging in her Francy''s bedroom. Not only that, she always edits her brother''s photos funnily and gives it to her niece so that she can bully her dad.

    " "

    "How is my idea? But You don''t need to praise me, duh." Even after saying that Leena anticipated for the award.

    Does her crazy theory need praising also? Drew wondered.

    "You are the best, Jurassic." Not to anger Devin, Drew apuded pping his hands.

    "I am always at the best. So we are done with the photography introductions." Pointing towards a tree Leena added. "Stand over there. I am allowing you to see my knack photography skills."

    As Leena asked, Drew walked towards the tree to get him pictured.

    "Rule number one! You shouldn''t oppose anything I ask for. Is that clear?" Adjusting the focus on the lens, Leena started.

    "Y_es." Drew stuttered, somewhere he was a little scared of the way she was talking. He only wished she would not turn out to be crazy again.

    "Say I...LOVE...eating...big... hairy... feet." Holding the camera at his eye level, Leena urged him to repeat the sentence she just said.

    Drew choked on his saliva hearing the words. What the hell is she bbering?

    "Hey! I_I am not a kid. How can I_"

    "Do you want the best photos or not?"

    "Y_es."

    "Then repeat after me, loudly. I...LOVE...eating...big...hairy...feat..." Without any shame, Leena implored to repeat after her because she believes the shots would turn out to be realistic when the person is conversing naturally.

    With her constant nagging, Drewplied with her wishes reluctantly and both were repeating the words continuously until she clicked his photos to her heartful content.

    "We are done with this pose and let''s move to the other one. Now, take a deep breath, then pretend someone has farted right in front of you." Saying that Leena opened the camera bag to get the bigger lens.

    "W_hat?"Drew started turning awkward by each passing second. My God! Does this idiot have any shame?

    "Fast, Andrew Dawson. I still have many poses to experiment on you." Leena was d that Drew isplying with all her wishes. Reese, Francis, Jane, her brother, everyone would excuse and run away whenever she asks them to pose for pictures. Now that Leena got the chance, all her wishes are getting fulfilled through the new brother she just goes out of the blue.

    "C_an I just hold my breath normally?"

    "Your wish. I only need results, Mr. Andrew Dawson." With a wicked grin, Leena stated. Even though she said it otherwise, Leena wished he would really imagine and hold the breath. That would result in a picture-perfect shot.

    "Now that you are holding the breath, slowly turn to your side and look deeply into the tree''s branch as if you are kissing a girlfriend."

    Drew stood there motionless for a second. Is there really such a quirk in photography?

    "Do it fast. You are wasting my time."

    Vincy would kill me if I don''t treat her well. Anyway, there is no one in front of me. He did not even want to consider the alien standing in front of him as a person.

    After a whole lot of thinking, Drew pretended to act in the pose as Leena exined. Little did he knew, Leena has just started her show, and soon Drew would be seeing all the movies in one frame.

    CLICK.

    "Perfect shot! You will love the photo I just clicked. Now stay right there, I am going to take another one."

    "Turn a little left."

    "No no...a little to your right."

    "Turn your face towards the sun. That''s it, that''s it. Hold your breath."

    "For the past fifteen minutes, you are onlypelling me to change the position. Did you take at least one picture?" Drew pouted gazing at her angrily. One time she would ask him to move to his right and in the next second, he has to turn left, and before he could make a move, she would ask him to tilt his chin down and then upwards. Judging by all these scenes, Drew understood he has be a scapegoat of her experiment.

    Let me see the photos, if they don''t turn out to be good enough, I will kill her today.

    "Why are you sulking? I only wanted to take the best shots of you." Leena''s lips pouted as she began to cry.

    Seeing her imaginary crocodiles tears, Drew shuddered thinking of Devin''s wrath. Hell will break loose if I make her cry.

    "Don''t cry! Yo_u can take as many as you want."

    "Thank you." With a happy smile, Leena added. "This is the final one. I am going to take a full shot and I need your full cooperation."

    Saying that Leena Lay t on the ground and started pointing the camera towards Drew. Out of embarrassment, Drew immediately crossed his legs even though he was wearing pants.

    "Wow...What a pose Andrew Dawson. Just hold in that position and say Peanut... butter... poop loudly. "

    " "

    ''Vincy, pleasee and rescue your friend from this nutty fruit cake.''

    Drew was crying internally cursing himself for heeding to all her pleas. When his eyes unconsciously darted to the silhouette walking towards their direction, his face lit up in a thousand volts with happiness.

    Present.

    Watching the stance she was in, Devin was shocked to the core. While he knew, to get the photo frames envisioned, some photographers drive to any lengths but never thought his sweetheart is insane for photography.

    "I have to stop her."

    Devin rushed towards her direction and grabbed the camera even before she could click the shot.

    "Who dared to disturb my work?" Angrily, Leena got up and red when she saw the person in front of him.

    "Give back my camera." Leena attempted to take back, but Devin was making it hard to catch hold of it.

    "I will show how to take the best full shot, all right?" If someone would have seen, they would surely assume she has gone insane.

    When Devin was not lending her the camera at any cost, Leena reluctantly agreed. After watching the way he was teaching showing how to pull out the explosive shots like a pro, Leena was shocked. Does he really capture at his best just like Mowgli said? Even then Leena was not ready to ept him, for there is another person she knew who pulls out the best shots.

    "Not bad Mr. Adonis...But not better than my beloved photographer." Saying that Leena opened her mobile to see for any updates on her Instagram.

    Why is this person not updating for a long time? She always messages in private, likes the photos,ments on all the photos but Leena would never receive any reply. Should I hack the ount? No Leena! You shouldn''t vite someone''s privacy.

    "Beloved photographer," Devin mumbled and tried to peek into her mobile, but Leena immediately hugged it to her chest even before he could get a glimpse.

    "Who is that person?" Devin demanded.

    "The best portraits in history. They are called pure works of art. The power of portraits is evident in all the shots when that person takes.....

    Leena went on and on about her beloved photographer without knowing someone was drinking a barrel of vinegar.

    With all themotion going on between these two, Drew was ring daggers at Leena when he started seeing the photos one by one in his camera.

    "Is she really a famous photographer as she imed. None of the photos turned out to be good except the one which she had taken with the help of Vincy. The rest all are blurred out or it was taken from a funny angle."

    I shouldn''t have believed her.

 Chapter 77 - Bananas Ooh Nana, Half Of My Heart Is In Bananas Ooh Nana

    After the small photography lesson, Leena felt like her skills have enriched a lot and she was already thinking of expanding her photography website after consulting with her producer who is none other than Francis Hayes.

    When she approached the car, Leena sighed in relief when Devin was the one to get into the driving seat. Finally, I can reach early.

    Sitting in the backseat, she closed her eyes and started giggling, when she imagined about the devotees she would earn just like her beloved photographer when she promotes her studio, but without knowing someone was throwing daggers at her all the way.

    Not able to resist seeing the half baked photos which she has taken, Drew knocked her head slightly. The blow was enough to get her out of the fantasy world she was in.

    "Why did you hit me, nutty idiot? Look, my hair is all messed up now." Yelling at him, Leena looked into the rearview mirror and began fixing her perfectly groomed hair. Devin chuckled softly and adjusted the rearview mirror again to get a glimpse of her, now and then.

    "I didn''t hit. Besides, you deserve it. You should be happy that I did not kill you today for the things you have done to me."

    "Everybody is ming me." Leena swallowed down a sob and wiped her eyes which were free of tears.

    "Drew, what did I tell you before?"Devin stressed every word

    "Don''t stop me Vincy. Do you know how this fruit cake has yed with me? I have be ab rat for her photography experiment. Of all the things she has done, I was at least happy that, the photos would be good. But none of them could get a pass mark." All the pent up anger Drew has been holding since the photography session, he has vent out finally.

    "Do you dare to call my photography mediocre? " Leena screamed.

    "See it for yourself." Throwing the camera onto herp, he asked her to check for herself of her so-called beautiful photos.

    "It''s just a blur. It happens sometimes, why are you so vexed about it?" Looking at the photos, Leena felt they were really good.

    "If shooting your most beautiful photos is also my mistake, then maybe I really deserve the punishment. Mr. Adonis, stop the car by thene, I will get down." Leena added wiping her tears.

    "Drama Queen has started it, already," Devin mumbled.

    "Stop your acting. Your drama credit card limit is getting exceeded." Drew red at her.

    "Then cancel my subscription. By the way, my acting is better than your driving skills."

    Both startedbatting with their words until they reached home. The only thing they didn''t have in their hands were the weapons. Without butting into their conversation, Devin silently listened to their arguments, for he has no mood to get entangled in their quarrels.

    ...

    After getting down from the car, Leena and Devin went inside their room to have some rest while Drew was wandering around the house in search of food again. Just after eating, he was about to enter into his room, but his footsteps halted when he was called by a familiar voice.

    "What''s up Andrew? Looks like you have be very close to someone in just a day?" Kyle asked with a smile. She was not understanding what sort of ability Leena is possessing that could attract everyone close to Devin.

    "It''s not my first time. I have already met her in New York." Drew''s eyes lit up when he thought about their talks in the restaurant. He can''t believe he found a vegan pal now.

    "You don''t talk much with girls, right? Do you like her? She is quite close to me. I can help you with it." Kyle asked in anticipation. Leena has be a hindrance whenever she wanted to talk with Devin. Even though he has given his rejection already, but her heart was not ready to ept it.

    "She is like my sister, Kyle," To her misunderstanding, Drew answered her clearly. He wanted to tell her that Vincy loves her but held the thought to himself when Kyle is not close enough to disclose their secrets.

    "I don''t know what''s so good about her that every one of you is keeping her on their head." Kylee shook her head at a snicker. Even though she is an outsider, she has been treated like a queen by everybody especially Devin.

    "She doesn''t wear masks, unlike someone." Saying that Drew walked into the room leaving the outraged Kyle. Even though they just had a fight, he was enjoying them and Drew has already epted her as his new sister.

    ...

    When evening approached, Leena, Devin, and Drew drove to Bernard''s house.

    Sitting in the car a little far away from his house, Drew and Leena brought over a bag full of bananas, and literally finished the half of it in no time.

    "Why doesn''t hee out, Mr. Adonis?" Leena asked peeling another banana.

    "It''s the hundredth time you have asked and stop eating bananas already." Devin has been seeing her finishing bananas, one after the other as if she has not eaten for days.

    Stopping bananas? No way. To further annoy him, Leena started singing a song on a banana.

    Bananas ooh na-na

    Half of my heart is in bananas, ooh na-na

    I can keep calm and go bananas, na-na-na

    There is something about bananas

    And now I want to taste my bananas

    Bananas ooh na-na.

    "Let me continue from here," Drew started singing in an exciting mood when it was about the banana.

    ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh....ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

    Bananas ooh na-na

    I love it when I eat my bananas ooh na-na

    I am smiling like a monkey with new bananas na-na-na

    It got me singing like

    Oooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

    And then we had to realize

    There are no more bananas to eat

    oh-na-na-na-na-na

    "Let me end it." Leena added.

    Bananas ooh na-na

    I can survive my day with bananas ooh na-na

    I like yellow because it is bananas na-na-na

    ooh-ooh-ooh, I am getting my potassium from bananas

    ooh-ooh-ooh I may soon be a banana....

    bananas na-na-na

    Bananas na-na-na

    Come back to me bananas

    Bananas ooh na-na

    "They are acting just like monkey descendants." Devin shook his head and closed his eyes listening to the melody voice of his darling.

    "Why isn''t he not arriving yet?" Leena asked after she was done with her singing. Even though they have arrived early due to Leena''s continuous nagging, she was still expecting that scum to get out of his home soon.

    "I am getting suffocated with this dress, Mowgli," Leena said, fanning her body. She gets nauseous with the car AC, so has she asked to turn it off.

    "Both of you, remove that ridiculous banana outfit. Otherwise, I am not taking you into his house." Devin suddenly remembered the funny outfit they were wearing which they told it was to hide their faces.

    "No." Both uttered in unison. They have spent all their time in selecting the dress code and finally went with the banana outfit which was famous for thievery cartoon, bananas in pyjamas.

    "Then stay here."

    When Devin did not listen to their pleas, both reluctantly agreed and remove the banana overcoat.

    Just after some time, they saw Bernard''s caring out of his house. Instantly, Leena became aware and screamed at the top of her lungs.

    The moment Devin got down from the car after he went, Drew and Leena followed him as well.

    "You are noting with me. Drew, take care of her. Unless I tell, don''t get down from the car. Is that clear?" Devin dered leaving no room for discussion. There is no way, he would take her with him. He can not imagine if something happens to her over there. Even though he was prepared, but he didn''t want to put his guards down when ites to his sweetheart.

    "Can you please take me? I will be really good and I will not make any noise." Leena pleaded. There was something in her voice telling her not to leave him alone today.

    "It''s not safe. Stay here. I will get the evidence in no time." With a sweet smile, Devin patted her head trying to coax the stubborn girl.

    "You don''t know the passcode of his house," Leena argued attempting to test her luck for onest time.

    "I got it from Leah." Devin walked out not before shing a wink at Leena.

    ...

    "It''s been an hour. He is still not turning up. Shall we go and look for him?" Leena asked getting worried by each passing second.

    "No. Vincy will kill me."

    "Brother." Leena pleaded with emotion but still Drew was not listening to her.

    "Is there any other way Bernard can enter his house? I have checked all the CCTV cameras when I hacked, but there is no such thing for his home. Nothing will happen to him, right?" Leena was whispering to herself. She felt scared after a long time when she thought about him being in a danger.

    "What if something has happened to him?" Her heart was in turmoil. What if something really happened there? Even though she knows, the search would take a little more time, but her wretched heart was not in a state to reckon anything until she sees him with her own eyes.

    "Don''t worry. Vincy is very good at martial arts."

    "Just because he knows martial arts, you are not bothered even if something happens? What kind of friend are you?" Scolding him brashly, Leena was about to depart from the car but it was blocked by pair of hands swiftly.

    "You cannot go." Drew meant it. If Vincy knows about it, Drew would be not be spared.

    "Andrew Dawson. Nothing can stop me now." Leena dered. She has decided, even if something would happen, she didn''t want to leave him alone fighting over there.

    Without any choice, Leena bit his hands and when Drew has put his guards down, Leena kicked his feet and ran away even before Drew could catch her without knowing the aftermaths.

 Chapter 78 - Knife On Her Throat

    Without giving attention to Drew''s shouting, Leena dashed out of the car into Bernard''s house. The moment Drew came back from the painful stance, Leena was nowhere in his sight.

    "O! My hand! Her tooth prints are still visible." Cursing at himself for putting down his guards, Drew pulled out the critical items from the shopping bag which they bought in the morning in case they need it for protection. Half tripping with the kick she lent him a while ago, Drew walked towards the house to search for Leena and drag her back before Devin could see them.

    ....

    Walking into the house, Leena looked around the surroundings which were dead silent.

    "For about to go bankrupt, his house is quite big," Leena''s tone turned into a whimper as she gazed around the rooms to hear any noises from one of them but unable to listen to the slightestmotion, she started searching the rooms one by one. When she could not find him anywhere, strange feelings started up in her heart.

    "Where did he go?" Leena turned to run upstairs, the panic was flying through her at the thought of something might have happened to him already.

    "It takes two hours for Bernard to reach the hotel I have sent him over a message and even if he rushed the meeting ande back here, it at least takes four hours to reach the destination. So, I don''t need to get worried about him. He must be somewhere in one of the rooms searching for the evidence." Leena whispered trying to convince herself with the thought.

    "Where the hell you went, stupid idiot? Be safe! Otherwise, I will break one of your legs." Leena frantically searched over the rooms but neither she could hear his voice nor she could get a glimpse of the man. Dejectedly, she started rummaging Bernard''s bedroom to try her luck, but her tracks suddenly halted when the door was pushed open from the other end and a pair of loud footsteps echoed into her ears. Panic swelled within her, for she knew they don''t belong to the person she knew.

    "Be positive Leena. It can be Andrew also! He must be searching to drag me into the car."

    But when the door was locked from the inside, she suspected it already.

    "What a pity to get caught before you could rob in my house?"

    The voice suddenly ran chills down Leena''s spine. Why is he here? He should be at the hotel by now, right? Calm down, Leena. Don''t panic. You can fight back.

    "Too bad, I couldn''t find a penny in your house. I came here without thinking you are a nillionaire now." Turning around, Leena snickered ncing at the surroundings to find for any weapon she could use to defend him. She assumed he must have already connected the dots on why she is in his house.

    Even though Bernard felt insulted by her words when she called him a nillionaire, he also knew she is trying to provoke his ego right at the moment. When he went to meet the Maestro creations CEO, he forgot the special gift he prepared for him and since he had started way too early, he thought of going back to his house again to get the souvenir. But the moment he entered the gate, he could see his house door was opened. He swiftly went inside and looked around all the rooms which were in a total mess. Then he understood clearly, it was a deliberate n to send him out of this ce and he knew who it must be.

    "Did that bitch Leah sent you here? Looks like she didn''t learn her lesson years back." Bernard interrogated lighting a cigar. How foolish of her to send someone again to get the evidence. I will make sure, both her fiance and his dad''spany will go bankrupt before the wedding.

    "Watch what you speak, scumbag. Do you know the consequences of stealing someone''s secrets?" Leena shoved a ceramic vase standing on a table so that the sound can warn them that she is in the house. Leena could fight with him alone but she was also not sure what sort of weapons he was carrying with him right now.

    "Consequences? I will worry about thatter if you can get out of this home today." He snickered pulling out the knife and marched forward swiftly.

    Before Leena couldpose her thoughts, he shoved her onto the closet forcefully, her back crashed onto the hard surface loudly. Pressing a knife against her throat which instantly evoked a worst fear and trepidation in her.

    "Please leave me. I haven''t found any evidence." Leena slightly raised her right arm towards his knife hand telling that she has surrendered. She has put up an act to make him believe that she is weak. Only then, he would loosen up a little.

    "Even if you didn''t find the evidence, there is no escape for you. I took pleasure in killing people. You have entered into Bernard''s territory. Didn''t Leah tell you what sort of man I am?" He chucked gripping her wrist way too tightly. Leena pressed her lips to hold back the whimper that was threateninge out. She did not want to show her weak side in front of a man, especially a scum like him.

    "Do you...know my identity?" Leena asked breathlessly feeling pain all over the body with the harsh push and the way he has digging his nails onto her wrist. She began talking about her identity toe up with somethingprehensible so that Bernard''s mind gets upied.

    "Why do I care about your identity. After all, you will be reaching the graveyard doors today." He chuckled tracing a finger onto her face licking his lips. Suddenly, there was an urge to taste this ravishing beauty.

    "Don''t touch me, bastard. I am just giving a heads up on whom you are messing with. He already knows that I am here. He would drag you to hell if you ay finger on me." Leena felt her body was slithering with the most disgusting creatures with his touch.

    "You are speaking as if you are a mistress of the President. Even then, I don''t care." He slightly pressed the knife onto her throat. Even though the blood was not gushing out, Leena whimpered in pain with the amount of pressure he was leaving.

    "But....you do care... If you listen to the name." Her breathing was getting harder and she has tomence her n right now otherwise this man would not even dare to vite and murder her. Leena wished he woulde out hearing the signal she has given dropping the vase.

    "Who is it?" Bernard demanded.

    "My brother."

    "Do you think I would get scared of your nameless brother?" He snickered.

    "Agent Kurt...Weller." Leena panted. " Now do...you feel scared?" Leena didn''t bluff Kurt''s name just like that. She has studied Bernard''s profile way thoroughly yesterday.

    "W_hat?" His voice stuttered hearing the name of that person. He may not get scared of the President, but Kurt Weller, his name itself would make Bernard pee onto his pants. That man has once made his life hell, the incident was still fresh in Bernard''s memory.

    Leena knew the name itself could trigger his weak spot. In his panic state on hearing the name, Bernard put his guards down and Leena was also waiting for this time. It gave her a split second of advantage to charge on him. Without waiting further, she grabbed Bernard''s knife firmly with both her hands and pulled down the knife down to create a space between the de and her neck.

    Locking his arms, she pushed the knife onto the floor.

    She jammed her hands on to his eyes, wed his face with her fingernails, and kicked his knees.

    "Not my eyes, madwoman." Bernard groaned and moaned in pain but Leena was least bothered about his state. If she gives him a little mercy, he would bite back again.

    Stomping onto his legs, Leena ran as fast as could towards the door to escape from the scum. Before she could open the doorknob, Bernard crawled towards her and dragged her by the legs and forcefully hit her leg.

    Leena whimpered when her leg was almost broke with the harsh hit. She gasped for a breath of air when he smashed her leg again.

    Did he have to go for the leg which was injured in my ident? Leena was not even in a state to concentrate anything with the pain it was causing. All the memories, she had suffered five years back were resurfacing again.

    "You dared to y with me and provoke my ego. I will give you the worst painful death today." He pinned her down with all his might. Initially, he wanted to taste her and let this woman go seeing beauty. But not anymore. He didn''t think this weak woman would put up a strong facade injuring him. His eyes, face, and knees were ruined by this woman but his will to kill this woman''s ego was stronger than the physical injuries.

    Bernard held her two hands with his right and picked the knife which wasying on the floor, pointing towards her abdomen.

 Chapter 79 - Exceptional Animal

    An attacker trying tomit a horrendous act of violence even when he is injured. His motive was ambiguous to Leena.

    Even after knowing that, Leena did not have the evidence and he is still trying to attack, she reckoned he must fall into either one of the two categories she assumed. His track records did not show that he is a terrorist. The only conclusion she inferred, Bernard must be mentally ill.

    "You still...dare to hurt me...even after I revealed my identity?" Leena asked. She was mulling over the thought of Bernard''s opinion whether he was only threatening to scare her or he wanted to kill her just because she entered into his ce.

    "Once I be a millionaire, I will make your brother also rot in hell." His hands clenched when he thought of the incident with him.

    "Are you sure that the evidence in yourputer is still intact? " Leena nced at the vase which was lying on the floor and smiled at him. "CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET.docx, THE SECRET OF MY MONEY."

    Bernard''s face faded right after hearing the precise names from her mouth. It was the same name he has used to save the documents. How did this woman know about it?

    "What did you do to my evidence, crazy woman?" In his rage, he released the knife and also Leena''s hands and went over her face to p her cheeks. Even before the hit gotnded, he was knocked by the vase brashly.

    Leena slightly shifted her waist when she found the rift and that brought a spun to her entire body to get shifted and in no time, she threw Bernard onto the floor and pointed a knife right into his eyes pinning his knees. He tried to jerk a little, but it was all in vain.

    "Wow...what a stunt I have put up? Was I cool, scumbag?" Asking in a threatened tone, Leena pointed straight into his eye socket.

    "Please don''t." Bernard closed his eyes in fear of getting hurt from the most sensitive part.

    "Youck concentration, scumbag. Learn from me! When you are in front of an attacker, your eyes should stay focused and your brain should work faster than your body. Now it''s my turn. Where should I start." Her lips curled in disgust when she was seeing his pathetic state.

    "Please spare me." He pleaded. He whimpered when Leena scraped his wrist which he has held harshly before.

    "You know what...I am an ethical vegan. But you are an exceptional animal." Pointing to his legs, Leena sliced his calf where he brashly hit her leg earlier.

    Bernard screamed in pain when his leg was stabbed hardly.

    "Shhh...don''t scream. Why do you have so thick skin? I have to put extra effort to drill the knife into your calves. Eat a little more vegetables instead of meat to get a flexible body." Leena softened her voice when she heard the slight footsteps which she is way familiar with. She did not want him to see her like a madwoman who is after human life.

    "Please take the evidence and spare my life." He pleaded. Even though he has pointed a knife to her abdomen earlier, he didn''t even give a slight scratch, afraid of Kurt Weller. But this woman mercilessly jabbed his legs and wrists.

    Without any choice, he slightly raised his hand with all his might to grab Leena''s throat when she pointed the knife to his bottom. Before he could catch it...

    BAM

    The door burst open abruptly and Devin stood there staring at the scene with a loss of words. Was Ite? A tear trickled down when he watched her disheveled state. His rage thrummed through his veins when the scum was about to catch her throat.

    "I look like a victim now, with the way the scumbag is about to reach my throat.." Finally, Leena sighed in relief when this idiot didn''te faster to see the stunts she has pulled out earlier.

 Chapter 80 - Hokey Pokey

    One hour before.

    Keying in the passcode which he received from Leah, Devin entered into the house and straight away started the search from the rooms which were lodged upstairs. He sought after the closets, drawers but he found no evidence in any of the rooms. While he was rummaging, unconsciously Devin''s eyes flickered to the decorative paper bag which he spotted on the table. He swiftly strode towards the table, unwrapped it, and examined the name written on it.

    "It must be a gift for the Maestro creation''s CEO he is going to meet and he would have forgotten to take it while leaving. There is a high possibility that he maye back again." Devin was d that he didn''t allow the stubborn girl to enter into the house. He could not imagine his wreck if something happens to her. Also, Devin only permitted Drew to tag along with him so that he could safeguard his sweetheart in the car until he could go back with the evidence.

    Without waiting further, he went downstairs andbed all the rooms but he could not find any sort of hard copies there.

    He then went into Bernard''s study room and checked all the drawers, but there was no such sort of hard copies.

    "Was he bluffing or was he a real smart to hide the secret where no one could see?" With a long sigh, Devin marched into onest room, his kitchen. Even though he knew there is the least chance to find anything there but he didn''t want to leave the least possibility. He did not want toment over the fact that he has left out one room.

    When Devin was scouring over the kitchen, his footsteps sensed a hollow beat between the nks on the ground at only a specific point. Devin would have knocked off the thought assuming it would be pretty normal to sense hollowness in the wooden floor but there was something questionable when a rug was put in there covering only the little part.

    Instantly, he removed the rug, and there he found a tea-stained wooden oak floor. But what surprised him was, it was very strange to find arge hatch that is cut into nks which were secured by a decorative rope that was pinned to the wall. When one sees it, they specte, it must be a kind of decorative piece. But who can fool Devin? He was sure it is a kind of secret passage

    When he pulled the racket, he was amazed to see a wooden staircase that was leading to the basement.

    "Did the scum watch Harry Potter way too many times?"

    The moment he entered the basement, he swiftly scanned the surroundings and in no time he found an electronic safe at the corner of the room.

    That''s it. He must have hidden it in the safe.

    Even though Devin doesn''t know the passcode of it, he knows many ways to open such things. Since childhood, he has yed with the machines and devices. He could have taken Leena to hack the electronic safe, but her safety is way more important. But Devin did not know she is fighting already with the scum. Had Devin been in the house, there is a chance that he could hear the noise but the basement is soundproofed to get any sounds to pass through.

    "I have to get out of this mess before the scumbag is back. I have no mood to fight." Whispering, he pulled out a ma from his pocket, Hokey Pokey.

    A very rare dangerous ma avable on the earth and it''s way hard to find it in this era. It was a gift from his grandfather on Devin''s twelfth birthday and since then he has secured this charm with him and carried wherever he went. Hokey Pokey can cause huge damage to a person when beaten with it. It''s a very destructive weapon that could open up most of the hotel locks, electronic safes, and any apartment buildings.

    Putting the ma into a small sack, Devin attached it onto the electronic safe. Just in three seconds, he unlocked the safe without causing any actual damage to it and pulled out all the documents. He scanned briefly which exactly looked the same he reviewed yesterday.

    Seizing the documents, Devin swiftly walked out of the secret room and the moment he entered out of the secret safe, he heard a big ng of something falling onto the floor.

    Initially, he didn''t worry about it and walked out of the house but when he saw Drew wandering around like a lost puppy, strange feelings began to creep in.

    Why the hell is he here?

    "What the hell are you doing here, Drew? Didn''t I tell you not to get down from the car until Ie back?" Devin''s voice roared like thunder, fury churned inside of him. His rage came out faster thanva in a destructive way.

    An involuntary shudder ran down on Drew''s spine. He could note up with an exnation. He has searched the entire house to drag her to the car before Devin woulde back, but that escaping idiot was nowhere to be found. So, he thought of trying his luck to search outside the house until he saw the devil.

    "Vincy, I_I_actually she_"

    "Did you let her out of the car!" Devin demanded.

    When Devin did not receive any response, he abruptly pushed him against the wall. Drew squeaked in pain but it was nothing in front of the ring beast. His aura of power,mand, Drew was something which he wasn''t prepared to face. Even if he does any mistakes, Devin would forgive but right at the moment, he looked like a beast ready to swoop anyone. His rage was building like deep water currents.

    "Tell.Me." He enunciated each word with animosity.

    "S_he entered into the house. To search_"

    Devin shoved him even before Drew couldplete his words and rushed into the house. The noise I heard earlier must be her. She has signaled him that she is with the scum.

    Just when he reached into the house, Devin could hear the loud whimpers from the upstairs.

    "Bastard, if youy a finger on her, I will show you what hell feels like!

    He was in a mess, but he didn''t mind. All he cared right now was her. He rushed towards the room where he received the sounds. Devin tried to unfasten the lock but it was hooked from the inside.

    "Damn it!" He banged the door in fury.. Devin only wished she would be safe and protect herself until hees to her rescue.

 Chapter 81 - Devins Rage VS Leenas Nitrous Oxide

    Hearing the noises, Devin stomped upstairs and hastily approached the room when he began hearing the desperate outcries. He knew the cries doesn''t belong to her and he was confident that she would protect herself but his heart can only calm down once he sees her in person. Understanding that the door was still locked when he tried to open it, he mmed his footsteps on to the door loudly.

    "Vincy, the door is very hard to open it." Following Devin, Drew hurriedly walked upstairs to catch him. "Here, try this. I brought hex keys in case we need it."

    "Don''t think that it has ended here. I will get back to youter." Snatching the hex key, Devin fixed the long end of the hex wrench into the hole and tried with a couple of hex keys turning it back and forth until it was unlocked with the smallest one.

    When Devin opened the door and spotted her, fear crushed his heart when he took in her messy appearance and her neck being scraped slightly. Without his knowledge, a teardrop trickled down which he hadn''t experienced in his entire life.

    ...

    The continuous banging of the door was an rm bell to Leena. Knowing that he might break it in at any second, she immediately threw the knife onto the scum''s side which she has pointed down to his member. That''s when Bernard tried to reach for her throat and the door was also burst opened at the same making Leena look like an actual victim.

    When Leena felt Bernard''s hand was reaching over her neck, it was toote for her to shun it and she was prepared for the result, but the pain she was anticipating did not arrive. Instead, it was blocked by a pair of hands.

    When Leena looked up, she was startled to see his fuming eyes. Burning rage wheezed through his body like a deadly poison. He was like a volcano surging out to destroy the world, his fury swept like ferocious waves. It was her first time to see his horrified ornery behavior. His eyes held no mirth. For a moment, Leena was terrified by his vicious personality.

    His bloodshot eyes wandered over her neck and legs which were slightly swollen red.

    "How dare you touch her! I should slit your neck straight away." His words were enough to send chills down Bernard''s spine.

    "I didn''t do anything_" Bernard''s voice died down with the way Devin was twisting his wrist.

    "Drew! Take her out of the room right now!" His raising voice was like a storm startling Leena to the core. Since they knew each other, she has seen him as only a kind, but right at the moment hearing his voice itself was making her body shook in fear but that was not the scary thing, Leena began to like his furious personality which he was showing because of her.

    Listening to his voice and scared of the Devil, Drew immediately appeared in front of Leena to drag her away. He tried pulling Leena out of the room but the stubborn girl overpowered him and threw him to the side.

    "''It''s a rare chance to see someone fighting for me," Leena whispered not to make it obvious. She wanted to see this delirious monster with her own eyes. But the way he was beating Bernard, Leena revoked her words.

    "I_didnot do an_ything to_" Bernard''s rest of the words died down when a hard punchnded on his face knocking him to the ground. Blood sshed on to the floor instantly. Before he could wake up, another strikended on his jaw. It was strange that his teeth were still intact with the jabs the scumbag was receiving. His leg and wrist were already injured by Leena, and with Devin''s ruthless punches, he wished death was a little painful.

    "You dared to hit her legs!" Devin pulled him by his leg which he has damaged Leena''s and mmed Bernard''s head against the wall.

    "AWWW!!!" His groans echoed in the room.

    Drew and Leena were loss of words. Out of scared, Drew rushed to stop him but the ruthless man was in no state to hear anything.

    "Get the hell out of here if you don''t want to be next!" Devin shoved him away sending Drew''s body straight away into the wall.

    "Hey! I am your friend." His cries did not even reach the frantic monster.

    "OMG! What''s wrong with him today? He is totally out of his mind." Leena rushed toward Drew to hold him before he could fall on to the ground. As much as Leena liked his fierce attitude, she was getting scared now. What if he kills him and goes behind the bars. She didn''t even want to imagine it.

    "If we don''t stop him right away, he would not even spare his life. We have to do something." Leena admitted when she was continuously hearing the man''s groans with the way Devin was crushing his body. She wished to close her ears.

    Pondering for a while, she suddenly remembered the things they brought when they went shopping.

    "Did you also carry the nitrous oxide spray when you got down from the car?" Leena asked.

    "But it doesn''t make Vincy stop." Drew gritted his teeth when Devin was yanking him out of the room. Is he a human or a monster?

    "We have to make him stop at any cost. You try to separate him and take him out of that scum''s sight. I will spray it onto his face so that he will not beat an unconscious man, all right?" She exined to him hurriedly. They have to execute the n fastly otherwise she was scared there would be no bones intact in Bernard''s body.

    "That''s too risky. What if you inhale."

    "You are sounding as if it is deadly poisonous. Worse, I willugh for some time."

    "Alright." Drew initially wanted to take up the task of spraying, but with Devin''s rage, if he somehow inhales andughs in front of him, he would be a mincemeat today. Let this crazy idiot do by herself. Instead of anger, Vincy would get worried about her.

    "Let'' go." Pulling out the spray from his jacket, Leena and Drew marched out of the room in search of the devil. The moment they spotted him at the downstairs, both rushed as fast as they could.

    "Enough Vincy. He will die at this rate." Drew grabbed his shoulders to push him away.

    "Back off! I will kill that bastard today." Devin marched forward to charge on him again but with all his might, Drew pulled him and dragged him out of the room.

    "Leave me, you bastards," Bernard yelled with crooked teeth. He doesn''t even know if he can repair his body even after going to the hospital.

    "Karma is a bitch. It has tripled the pain you gave it to Leah." Covering her nose, Leena sprayed the nitrous oxide onto his face and ran out of his sight not intended to hear his whimpers. Even though she covered her mouth, the whiff has slightly entered into her nose.

    Instantly it started to take effect on Leena. Shaking her head, a giggle escaped from her lips.

    ...

    When Devin sensed Leena was not in his sight again, hastily he walked into the house but his footsteps halted when he saw hering out of the house sound and safe. But the swollen leg and her bruised neck were constantly troubling him.

    But when she was giggling anding back, Devin was confused.

 Chapter 82 - One Molecule Of He, Two Molecules Of He, Three Molecules Of He

    Even though Bernard was beaten to death, Devin was still worried about her safety. Getting rid of Drew, he was about to enter into the house again but his footsteps halted when a thin figure emerged out as if she is walking drunk.

    "She was fine before right? Why is sheughing all of a sudden?" Turning his head, he inquired the backstabber who has partnered with her. Considering the way, Drew was looking elsewhere, he knew they must have gone beyond the pale again.

    "I want an answer, Drew." He dered.

    "I_we, we nned to spray nitrous oxide gas on him. She must have whiffed a little in the process." Drew looked hesitantly at Devin as he gulped air to steady himself sensing his wrath.

    "Drew, What did I tell you before? Didn''t I warn you not to get out of the car? She has fought with that scum all alone. Her leg is injured, she has bruised her neck. Don''t you have a little soft corner towards her? Ignore about helping, you even pushed her to spray a dangerous gas on him by herself?" Devin shouted over the raising mor of voices.

    Drew trembled as he saw the veins in Devin''s neck pulsating already. He regrets pushing her towards the scum. Looking at her smiling face, he thought she was fine already.

    "I_I never thought he woulde into the house," Drew whispered. He has solved many robbery and murder cases sessfully but he did not think this one would fail miserably.

    "Do you think this is your childish video games? I made a big mistake bringing both of you here. What if it has side effects?" Devin shouted at him, fury on his face, his words were lost on the storm.

    "It''s a very good brand. There are no side effects, Vincy. We have checked everything before buying it. It only rendersugh and ecstasy when one inhales." Drew exined hurriedly.

    "Have you thought about the consequences? Look at her bruises now. Who is_"

    The wild conversation they were having was interrupted by a sweet voice suddenly.

    "Mr. Adonis, one molecule of He, two molecules of He, three molecule of He." Leena stumbled as she walked towards Devin with open arms.

    "W_hat?" Devin questioned. Is she speaking Chemistrynguage now? He couldn''t help but smile despite his anger with the way she asked him a question that is out of the discussion. This is the thing about her. She has the power to raise his anger over the mountains and pull it back to the ocean of serenity with her presence and talks alone. When did it start? Devin has asked this question umpteen times but he doesn''t have an answer.

    "Did you think it is a Helium element? I would love to say yes, but unfortunately, no. It''s he hehe hehehe." Leena giggled pointing her hands towards them in a mocking manner.

    Drew and Devin stared at her in open-mouthed shock.

    "You know what, carbon dioxide is no the only greenhouse gas there. He is also contributing it to environmental destruction." Leena again started.

    "Who is he?" Devin inquired softly. He has to carefully deal with her now. He is assuming she has inhaled more than a littleughing gas to send her into a euphoria state.

    "It''s me."

    "You told it''s he?" Drew asked in a muddle.

    "It''s not HE. It''s ME. Nitrous oxide. I am the great Nitrous oxide. More cutely, people call me,ughing gas."

    "Ummmm...Vincy. I think she is assuming herself as nitrous oxide gas." Drew said. Even if she has be aughing gas, she didn''t forget to praise herself?

    "I think I inhaled a lot of LO2L. What to do. I don''t want to speak. I don''t want tough. But I am not able to control." Leena tugged the hem of Devin''s shirt.

    "LO2L? It''s N2O right? She might have misspelled." Drew agreed with his thought but little did he knew Leena was talking about LO2L.

    "Let''s go home then, you can sleep. Shall I carry you? Your leg is injured." Devin asked caressing her cheeks.

    "Of course you have to carry me. I am sleepy also. Why am Iughing again?" Leena threw herself into Devin''s embrace which startled him. If Drew wouldn''t have held him, he would have already fallen on to the ground.

    "Is she hugging me?" Devin asked Drew to confirm in a daze.

    "Why? Do you want me to carry her, Vincy?" Drew teased to enrage the already angered Devil.

    "Do you dare?" His threaten worked on him instantly.

    "Hey! I am just kidding." Drew pouted.

    "You are not allowed to carry me. I am allergic to men."

    "Biased girl. He is also a man." Drew pointed.

    "My Mr.Adonis is an exception."

    "Vincy, I think she likes you already," Drew rified. He could already sense Devin''s excitement watching over his face.

    "When did you be an honest broker. Didn''t you hear? My sweetheart is sleepy. Go and start the car." Despite his stoic face, there was an internal turmoil brewing within Devin. Did she start liking me now? As if his space has gone to the finest point possible and his time as if it copsed into a speck of dust that is exploding at lightning speed with Drew''s words. More to it, she is hugging me.

    ...

    "Call Michael and ask him toe urgently. I don''t want to take her to the hospital. Don''t inform anyone in the house." Devin spoke as low as possible not to disturb the girl in his arms. It was a surprise that she is keeping quiet now.

    "Even I want to get it treated. Her tooth prints are still visible on my wrist." Looking at his poor wrists, Drew cried.

    "Hey! I am listening," Her voice raised instantly when her topic was brought.

    "So what? Look at my wrist. You have bitten like a vampire"

    "Hey! I am a vegan. Don''tpare with those false teeth bloodsuckers. They are a pain in the neck." Leena stated. Both her friends, Reese, and Jane always watch vampire movies on the marathon but she always sleeps within fifteen minutes of the start of the movie out of bored.

    "False teeth?" Drew giggled. Even though he liked vampire movies, he likes to listen to herparison which always turns out to be crazy.

    "I named them funnily." Leena''s giggle turned into outrightughter. "Because they appear only at night times,"

    Devin suppressed hisugh at her choice of words. She alwayses up with something to light his mood.

    "Mr. Adonis, I wanted to ask you one question." Her topic immediately shifted to Devin when she remembered something.

    "You are always wee to ask anything, sweetheart." He lovingly caressed her hair.

    "Do your cologne hasughing gas?" Leena sheepishly looked down when he was rubbing her hair. She was already feeling sleepy with the way he was massaging her hair stroke after stroke harmoniously.

    "No. It doesn''t have." What kind of questions is this? Devin marveled.

    "Then why am Iughing for no reason? Laughing gas wanted to know it seems."

    "Did you seriously took the role of being nitrous oxide today?" He chuckled. Before he could ask her to sleep for some time, Leena suddenly approached his face. Touching his jaw, Leena started caressing his stubble. An unfamiliar emotion rippled through his heart as he gazed down at her which was squeezing his throat. His voice has be hoarse when he started speaking.

    "Do you know what you do_"

    "Why is your light stubble more attractive to me. You look hotter every passing day. I can look at your face without getting bored all day. Can you keep it always?" Leena mumbled. Sighing, she was about to retreat her hand, Devin instantly grabbed it cing it on the same spot when he missed the tenderness.

    "If you like it, I will always keep it." Devin bent to whisper in her ear. He likes to keep his stubble a little always and his sweetheart also likes it now. He doesn''t know if she remembers once she gets sober, but this moment, he wanted tost it forever.

    "These idiots. Can''t they get a room?" Drew mumbled grabbing a water bottle feeling thirsty all of a sudden. I will also get a girlfriend soon.

    "Thank you." Sheepishly Leena smiled. "But I have seen this stubble somewhere."

    "Where?" Devin asked in a trance state, still in the euphoria of her touch.

    Pondering for a while, Leena ransacked her brain to recall it.

    "I remember now. I think it''s on the carpet which I have ced in my home. Why is it in your chin?" Leena asked innocently.

    Drew who was drinking water spilled all the fluid on to windshield suddenly. My goodness! Did she seriously visualize that as a carpet? Her level of craziness is beyond bananas. He suddenly wondered what nonsense she would speak if she drinks alcohol.

    " One day, we should make her drink for fun." Drew giggled and out of blue, he suddenly remembered Devin''s state.

    Turning back a little, Drew peeked into Devin''s face.. He wished he would not have turned back to see his darkened gaze directing at the sleeping girl.

 Chapter 83 - Pancreas On Strike

    Lying in the familiar room, unlike before, Leena abruptly sat straight up the moment she opened her eyes. After she slept in the car in his arms for the entire journey, Leena was fully sober now. But the way she was getting sympathy from everyone as if she has undergone surgery was making her awkward.

    Do they think I am here to tell a hrious joke? Why did they all gather around here?

    "Do you always feel the urge to vomit?" Devin asked sharply, tired of Drew''s bbermouth.

    Without lifting his face, Drew continued to stare at the floor which he was finding it more interesting than his friend''s deathly stares. While Drew went to get the first aid kit to treat Leena''s wounds, he has only informed Salsa about Leena''s injury and asked him to keep it as a secret from everyone. But he did not know that Salsa is a worse bbermouth than him.

    "How did this happen, sweetie?" Daisy expressed her concern over her bruised neck and injured leg. Mark was already sweating thinking about the oue if someone knows about it.

    "If it went into Francis''s ears, he woulde for my head." He whispered in a low voice. He was d that Francis trusted him and didn''t put any guards to follow her.

    Squeezing Leah''s hand when she was about to reveal the truth, Leena gave a sign of no gesture. But seeing all the scrapes on Leena''s neck and leg, her mind was unrest. She has fought with the scum all alone because of her stupidity.

    "Mom, I am sorry." Leah began to confess. "It''s all because of _"

    "Andrew pushed me when we were ying the sliding game." Leena suddenly admitted. She has been waiting for a chance to get her revenge on that stupid Mowgli for confiding the matter to everyone in the house.

    Drew gritted his teeth when everybody turned their anger to him. Everyone started berating Drew for being childish to push a girl from a slider. Without any choice, he received all the blows.

    Standing at the door, Kyle scoffed at the girl. What is she? Five? Who ys that kind of game? Why does she always acts childish in front of everyone? Even though she wants to voice out her thoughts, she kept mum.

    "Michael is here." Austin appeared putting a stop to everyone''s thoughts.

    "Can you all go out? Let her breathe a little." Devin insisted, sensing her uneasiness. Daisy drove everyone out of the room but Andrew and Devin were not budging from their ces.

    With a smile, Michael approached her to ease the tension.

    "Hello! I am Micheal." When he stretched his hand, to his surprise Leena gave a tip the hat gesture. Michael retreated his hand awkwardly.

    "C_an I examine your injury?" He asked in hesitation.

    "Why didn''t you get a female doctor?" Leena directed her gaze at Devin.

    Micheal was shocked to hear those words. He has been named the most popr handsome doctor. Many celebrities, women would be waiting to get an appointment, but this woman outrightly rejected him?

    "He is my trusted friend. Don''t worry. I will be here." Devin fondled her head and signaled Michael to proceed with the examination when Leena reluctantly agreed.

    All along the process, Devin could see Leena clenching the quilt as if she is disgusted by the touch. Even when he tried to hold her hands, she shoved him away. Did she have any trauma in the past? Every passing day, Devin began to specte that she has a kind of fear.

    After examining her leg and the bruised neck, Michael instructed the course of pills and left the room.

    "Anything serious?" Devin heeded him to ask for any major issues.

    "Nothing as sort of. Her physical strength is in very good condition but I feel her right leg might have injured. I could feel her sensitivity when I am examining her right leg. For now, just give her the pills. She will recover by tomorrow morning."

    Despite Devin''s body physically present, his mind was wavering over Michael''s words. Her leg was injured. Will she tell me about it if I ask her? He hoped to get to know a little about her at least now. Devin was in his thoughts without knowing someone was ndering him in front of his sweetheart already.

    ...

    "Hey, Leena! How is the pain now?" Trent entered into her room to check on her just when the doctor left.

    "I am fine."

    "I feel sad for you. I know you lied in front of everyone to shield him. You got injured when trying to save someone right?"

    "Who is that someone?" Leena chuckled when she knew where this man''s thoughts are moving.

    "You know whom I am referring to. I am just giving a heads up. He is not as ordinary as you think. He is lying about his identity." Trent wanted to confess Devin''s identity to this foolish woman who doesn''t discern what''s right over wrong.

    "You know what? You are bitching like a cheapster." If she wanted to know his name and identity, she can find it in just a matter of seconds.

    "Again, you have misunderstood me. I am not bitching.It''s all about the perspective we see. You should be careful around_"

    "Bro, I have urgent work. Can you pleasee with me?" When Austin interrupted again, Leena internally smiled. What a timing yboy. Get this scum out of my room.

    "There he arrives again. It must be Devin''s doing." Trent got up and went along with him angrily.

    ...

    After Devin was done talking with Michael, he went into the room to check up on her.

    "Feeling better?" Devin asked handing her a pill after she was done with her dinner.

    "Thank you. I am sorry. I created a lot of mess today." Leena whispered referring to the nitrous oxide incident. She made a note to ask Andrew what all she bbered after inhaling.

    "It would be weird if you don''t create any mess. Did you have any leg injury?" Carefully Devin asked with hope to get an answer now.

    Suddenly her body stifled when she thought of her ident. Her eyes fringed. Even when her brain has tried to forget it, but every bone in her body remembers it. The trees and rocks have hit her endlessly on that night until her body couldn''t take it anymore.

    When Devin didn''t receive any answer, a vortex of anger swirled inside him.

    "You still don''t trust me right? I made a mistake asking when you don''t even consider me as your friend." Devin marched out of the room shutting the door with a loud bang.

    " "

    "Idiot! Do you have a sugar or your pancreas are on strike?" Leena Anger swept over her and instantly threw a pillow on to the door.

    "He could have waited a little longer. He is running as if a sugar patient runs for the bathroom on an urgent basis."

    She has not shared about her ident with anyone until now. Only her friends and family are aware of it. It was a disaster which she did not want to share with anyone. But her heart always goes south when ites to him. She was taking time topose the words on how to exin to him, but even before that, he fled away.

    "I should give him some insulin tomorrow to decrease his sugar levels."

    .....

    Sitting on a chair was digging her nails deep into her hands when she began listening to the man''s words.

    "My prince charming went to the wedding because of a woman? Who is that bitch? He is mine." Regina dered biting her thumb which has turned fleshless by now.

    "I want more details about her, Victor."

    "Let''s stay low, for now, Regina. We may nt suspicion on Devin. It wouldn''t be good for you." Sipping his wine, Victor threw a seductive look on to her body. Since he had been working as Regina''s father''s secretary, he is waiting to taste this woman. He was not bothered by the man she loved. He wanted to taste this fruit and the sole reason he has been helping her. He already knows Devin doesn''t even spare a nce at this woman.

    "I want her details. Money is not a problem. Contact that servant again." Saying that Regina walked away.

    "You are as dumb as your father, my Regi." Victor shook his head. If he contacts that servant again, there is a chance that Devin would get suspicious.

    ....

    He felt a wave of pain when their rtionship is going back to the square again. He doesn''t know what exactly he has to do to earn her trust.

    I will not talk to her tomorrow morning. Let here by herself. His pool of thoughts was interrupted by his mobile ring.

    When he nced at the contact name, Devin clicked on the message immediately.

    [ Adney: I have found the servants address which you had sent it over mail and he holds a track record of thievery. As you have expected someone is trailing behind you. Money was not wired through any online transactions. There is no CCTV footage in the area he received the money. It''s hard to track the person. I cannot even hack it]

    [There is a chance that the person might ask the servant to help again. Follow his moves without nting a suspicion]

    [Adney: Ok]

    From the day he is here for a wedding, he has been finding skeptical of one servant who is following him secretly everywhere he goes. He still couldn''t understand how they knew that he is here for a wedding. Except for his family members, he has not informed anyone. Even Andrew doesn''t know that he is here until he arrived. Initially, Devin wanted to ignore the person trailing him, but he didn''t want to take any chance when Leena is here with him. He doesn''t know the purpose of their stalking. There is a chance that she might be the target if he is not aware of it.. And his suspicion has be true now. Someone is trailing behind me! But for what?

 Chapter 84 - Submit A Friend Request

    Sleep was knocking on her, but Leena continued to wait for him, asionally peeking at the door expecting him to appear and talk with her, but the man was as stubborn as her.

    To cool her pent up anger, Leena ced a video call to Reese to speak with her Carrot. Soon when it got connected, Leena was weed by a masked girl and her adorable Carrot lying on the bed with her legs extended.

    "Not only you upied my home and bed, you even started using my expensive sheet masks. Do you know how much money I have spent on them?" Leena''s scream caused Reese to close her ears.

    ''This pinch penny has enough money but always waiting to use my clothes and skincare products.''

    "Carrot, how can you allow her to wear my sheet masks?" When Reese did not bother to reply, leena turned her attention towards Carrot expecting support from her at least. But as usual, Carrot cleverly sided with Reese since Reese is the one taking care of her food and grooming right now. Why did she go to the wedding in the first ce? Carrot wondered. She calls every one hour to tell me how much she misses me just to disturb my sleep.

    "I will go bankrupt feeding your glutton Carrot and you did not even pay a penny for taking care of her. So naturally, I have upied your home." Removing the mask, Reese tapped her skin to sink in the moisture.

    "And what happened to your neck? Why is there a bandage?" Reese inquired the moment she noticed something was wrong.

    "It''s just a small bruise." Leena immediately shifted the topic tired of telling the whole story.

    "I forgot to tell you. If you touch any of my dresses, I will kill you when Ie back home for real." Leena warned trying to sound serious. A weird hobby Reese has, she only likes Leena''s clothes and buys Leena''s used clothes at a discounted rate when Leena is tired of wearing them. Sometimes to anger her, without telling Reese steals the clothes and it always ends up in a fight.

    "Who wants your clothes? I have enough dresses now. My baby brother has already gifted many."

    "Your baby brother brought it?" Leenaughed clutching her stomach. "Then they must be outdated cartoon printed clothes."

    "Leena!" A clear scream was heard from Reese.

    "I am not deaf, generator! Let''se to the main topic. Did you visit mom?" Leena asked.

    "Yes. Don''t worry. Aunty is fine."

    "Did you find anything suspicious in the hospital?" Leena questioned. She once heard Francy and uncle Caleb talking about some ident which is rted to her mom. Then after, Leena tried digging into the past, but she ended up in a paradox. There was no proper technology back at the time to get the information she wanted.

    "Everybody is treating her well. I don''t find any suspicious person."

    "But do check up on her until I am back, Reese. Take care of my Carrot also. I am sleepy. Bye! Bye!" Leena hurriedly cut down the call when she heard her door was pushed open. To her disappointment, it was not him.

    "Are you talking over the phone?" Drew entered the room when he was not feeling sleepy.

    "I am done." She added. "It''s my best friend. Do you need anything?"

    "Do you have B12 capsules? I forgot to bring it here."

    "How can you forget B12 capsules being a vegan?" Unlocking the drawer, Leena pulled out over tens of bottles and handing one to him.

    "OMG! You have so many. B12e in vors now?" Drew eximed examining the bottles. There were papaya, cheery, lemon, raspberry, tropical fruit and the list goes on.

    "You should upgrade Mr. Andrew Dawson,"

    "Then you should also upgrade with your mindset. Why did you fight with him?" Drew asked. When he was entering the room, he saw Devin''s worried face again just like in that scum''s house. He assumed it must be rted to her.

    "He started it." Leena pouted her lips recalling the way he closed the door with a loud bang. She knew he must be angry but then again what can she expect from a sugar patient. He did not even wait for her to speak and assumed everything by himself.

    "He is a little stubborn sometimes. But he cares a lot about you. You know, he was about to hit me for sending you into the house again. Friends don''t fight, theymunicate and solve the matter. Go and speak with him once." Drew exined as if he is an expert and at the same time praising Devin to earn good points.

    After hearing Drew''s talks, Leena was pondering over one sentence and started mind talking.

    "Is he my friend? But we didn''t make any verbal agreement about it. I will first ask him to submit a friend request and when he passes the test with maximum marks, I will approve his friend request. He should have taken a bath in holy water to get a friend like me. When he bes my friend, I will patch up the things of being a big girl here and ignore his childish behavior.. What a n Leena!" Leena was wondering if her n itself is as impressive as her, she couldn''t imagine how stunning it turns out to be when she implements it.

 Chapter 85 - Copper+Tellurium=??

    The first rays of sunlight lit up the room and the rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. The melodic song of birds drifted into the ears of a peacefully sleeping girl. Remembering her mission, Leena woke up as fast as the Korean 4G service and immediately got out of the bed. In hopes of finding him, she entered the bedroom, but then again, he was not avable.

    "Where does he goes every morning? Wait! Does he have superpowers and can go invisible wherever he wants? What kind of weird habits he is possessing?"

    Her stomach made a loud rumble asking for her morning dosage not to think further about his matter.

    Getting fresh, she went down, had breakfast and her banana smoothie, and began to hunt but the man in question was nowhere to be found. Dejectedly, Leena went into her room again.

    "Why is he torturing my darling?" Leah immediately made a call to Devin and asked him to meet at a ce. She has seen Leena searching for Devin continuously and that''s how she knew about it.

    ...

    "She is searching for you since morning. What did you do to her?" Leah demanded, her fire ring in her eyes when she recalled Leena''s sad face.

    "She is not even treating me as her friend." Devin let out a bitterugh when he recalled the silent treatment and her refusal to answer his question.

    "Did you at least ask her to be your friend?"

    Leah''s question was a sudden turn off to Devin.

    "I have never seen her approaching a man since I have known her for five years. You hold a special ce in her heart but she doesn''t know how to express it. You have to bring her feelings out slowly, Vincy. Don''t fight for every simple thing, you will get pushed awaypletely. If you are thinking that the push and pull game works on her, then you are wrong. Go back and talk with her."

    Leah''s every word was an eye-opener for Devin. When he recollected her words, Devin indeed felt, he acted a little childish yesterday shutting down the door loudly in front of her. He did not know why he was dwelling over her past when they have so many things to deal with. He was never in a rtionship to know how he should act over. Only when Leena came into his life, he started understanding little by little.

    "I will go and talk with my sweetheart." He immediately got up and hugged Leah for freeing his muddle-headed brain. "Thank you so much."

    "Thank God! I thought you would drag it for months. I wouldn''t have considered you as my brother if you were again stubborn. I would have given my darling to some other man."

    "Don''t even think of another man. Besides, only I can handle her narcissism and weird stories." Devin chuckled reminiscing her funny cook up stories.

    "For that, you need to get approval from her Francy, dear brother." Patting his back, Leah fled away to take care of her wedding preparations without knowing she has left the man in confusion.

    Francy? Am I hearing correctly? It cannot be a coincidence for twice. Intuition was telling him that his theory was right. He already had a hunch since he first learned her name. But still, Devin wanted to confirm it once for all. He pulled out his mobile and made a call to that person immediately and soon it was lifted in the first ring.

    "Vincy my dear Vincy. How are you?"

    "Lifting in the first ring is proof that you are in the bathroom." Since they knew each other, his friend has a habit of going to the bathroom umpteen times and with time and technology, he started taking his mobile to the bathroom so that he can watch something until he finishes his work.

    "You have started again!" Devin could hear a cry from the other end.

    "I am not interested to hear your bathroom stories, Wilbur. What''s your cousin''s name?" He demanded an answer.

    "That crazy nut is not my cousin! Why do you want to know about her all of a sudden?" Wilbur screamed. Since morning, he had a hard time spending in the bathroom due to his loose motions and when Devin talked about that crazy idiot, his mood turned worse.

    "Don''t test my patience, Wilbur. What''s her name?" Devin stressed. He doesn''t understand why everyone calls her a crazy nut. For him, she is the cutie pie.

    "Leena, Leena Crazy," Wilbur confessed. He has long removed her surname Hayes and rece it with Crazy. That suits her better.

    Even though Devin expected it, it was still a shock to him. Since from his childhood, he is close to Wilbur and he is closer to Francis than any of his friends. He has visited their house multiple times but never had seen her once. She was so near yet so far and it took him twenty-eight years to meet her finally.

    "Are you there Vincy? I am talking to you."

    "I am here. Go ahead."

    "She has gone to Austin''s wedding now. By chance, you are going, better avoid her. Else, you will end up in a mental asylum if you talk with her for just one hour." Wilbur still remembered how she has ruined her date with Tom and now the man is not even speaking with him.

    "You better stay in Europe until Austin''s wedding." He would only spoil the fun if hees here. What an image my sweetheart has maintained. Without doing anything, she is scaring people in many ways.

    "I am nning not toe there. After all, Austin did note to my wedding."

    "Why didn''t I see your sister on your wedding day?" Devin asked. Five years back, Wilbur suddenly registered his marriage, and except for family and friends he has not called anyone and he has not given any reason why he has not held any grand wedding. Why didn''t she appear at her cousin''s wedding?

    "I_ I have to go Vincy. My wife is calling." Without waiting for Devin''s reply, Wilbur cut the call.

    "He is hiding something," Devin suddenly remembered the cook up story Leena had exined to him when they were traveling on the flight.

    "She has turned Francis Hayes into King Kong park. His face reaction would be hrious when hees to know about it."

    Devin had an urge to y a prank on both uncle and niece.

    "Let me go with my darling first. Later I will y with Francis."

    With high spirits, he walked out and marched into their room. There she was, lying on her bed covering her head fully with a nket.

    Devin walked ahead and pulled out the nket to ease her suffocation. But to his surprise, she was watching something on her mobile.

    "What?" Leena red at him. Why do I always get caught doing something in his presence?

    "I am sorry. I went a little overboard yesterday night. If you are not ok to share about your ident. You don''t need to." Devin apologized. When ites to her, he doesn''t mind even if he is the first to apologize.

    "Why is he so sweet?" Leena whispered. She was thinking of practicing on how to exin about her ident, but here he is apologizing. I will exin to himter about my ident when I am done writing the full script.

    "But I seriously got offended with your words." Leena tried to pull up her nket, but it was stopped by a pair of hands again.

    "How about I make a banana smoothie?" Sitting down on her bed, Devin asked.

    "If you make it into two, I will allow you to be my friend and also you have to pass some_"

    Before Leena could utter her words, Devin walked out of the room.

    "What now! He is a sugar patient for sure."

    Leena waited and waited. When he has not returned for a longer time, she copsed onto the bed. Just in time, when she heard the footsteps, she immediately red up again.

    "I have brought three sses of smoothie. So we are not going to be friends but best friends."

    "No.," Leena said in a deadpanned voice.

    "Why?" His mood turned down suddenly when she was not heeding to his request. But her next words were a relief for his heart.

    "Idiot! When a girl says no, it means yes. Didn''t you tell it already?" Leena pouted. How can he forget his theory?

    "Did you find my answer cute?" She asked with a huge grin.

    "Indeed cute. Just like you." Devin squeezed her cheeks. He was happy that their rtionship is upgraded to best friends. Slowly, I will pull out her feelings also.

    "Of course, I am cute! Because I am made of Copper and Tellurium."

    "Oh, No! Another chemicalpound. Is she still not over thatughing gas?" He whispered in a low murmur.

    "Do you know the meaning of my sentence?" She asked to show off her skills.

    "Well, my theory always debunks when ites to you. So why not answer by yourself." Devin answered. Even if he answers correctly, she would turn his theory down and bend it ording to her favor at thest minute

    "Copper''s symbol is Cu, Tellurium symbol is Te. So if I blend it, thebination bes CuTe. I am cute." Leena exined as if it is a known fact. But for Devin, his mind has already exploded hearing her answer.

    " "

 Chapter 86 - Tan C/Sin C =?? [Question To The Readers]

    Watching his dumbfounded face, Leena lightly poked his arm.

    He must have be speechless with my brilliant answer. Leena whispered to herself.

    Devin did not lie, he was really dumbfounded by her answer but nothing surprises when he knew her craziness.

    "How was my theory of CuTe, Mr. Adonis?" Leena asked with a wide smile anticipating her honor of the award foring up with such a clever way.

    "Tan C/Sin C," Devin started. He decided to y along with her. If she is reasoning with Chemistry, I will resolve in Mathematics.

    "Huh?" Tan C? You should solve this puzzle, Leena! If I remove C from Tan C, it must be Tan. Tan can be gained for a body in summer. Is the answer summer? But It doesn''t make any sense to the question I have asked. Don''t torture your brain. Let''s hear from this shameless man itself, Leena.

    "Well, I am allowing you to answer by yourself, Mr. Adonis. I have already opened my ount with a CuTe question."

    "Why don''t you admit that you don''t know the answer."

    "Listen carefully, how I solve the question. Tan C/ Sin C is equal to (Sin C/Cos C)/Sin C. If you cancel Sin C from numerator and denominator, you get I/Cos C."

    "So, can you answer what is 1/Cos C at least?"

    "I_I Is it Cot?" Leena looked down in shame. Earlier she was bragging about her chemistry theory, but for the first time, her mouth was tongue-tied. She did not even know her answer is correct.

    "What an insult to the father of Trigonometry. You should remember mathematics along with Chemistry darling." Leena''s face looked like a deted balloon hearing his insult.

    "It''s Sec C. Your version of CuTe is just Sexy."

    " "

    "So, How was my theory of Sec C, Miss Aphrodite," Devin winked referring to the same question which Leena has asked before. There was a satisfaction in his eyes for defeating his darling again.

    "Not even cuter whenpared with mine."Hitting his arm, Leena red daggers at him for snatching her spotlight. Sec C can not be Sexy right? Leena snickered at him for bringing half a baked version of the theory.

    "I still haven''t approved our friendship fully. I have some conditions and approvals before you be my best friend."

    "I am in."

    "First of all, I want your mobile hotspot password. Secondly, I want your Netflix password." Leena asked.

    "Permission granted. Why don''t give your mobile number when we are friends now?" Devin shook his head. She is using her friendship privileges way smartly asking for all the passwords. She is just like Andrew.

    "Once you pass all the tests, I will grant you ess to my mobile number. Next is, I have a question. Now that you are my friend, you have to be transparent in answering when I ask any kind of question. I don''t have many friends who are boys. Can you clear the question I have been wondering for a long time?" Leena asked. Since she has studied in all girls, she was only associated with girls. Even after going to University,puters were only her world until Ethan came and disturbed her happy life. She doesn''t even consider him as her friend.

    "Sure darling." Devin was on cloud nine when she said that she doesn''t have many guy friends. It was just a question, he thought but did not think it would make his jaw drop to the floor.

    "Well, you always wear either pants or shorts right?"

    "Umm...Yes." Devin hesitantly answered. For some reason, he is scared of her question now.

    "Suppose say you are wearing pants. So, when you go and poop in the bathroom, do you drop your pants to your ankles or take them all the way and then do your business? Actually, I am very curious about it." Without any shame, Leena asked.

    Hearing her question, Devin coughed until Leena got up and patted his back.

    "Are you ok?" Concern was all over her face.

    "Do you know how pervert and crazy you sound like now?" Grabbing the bottle, he implored. He wondered what kind of bizarre questions she would ask when they both get together.

    "I am not crazy! I am just special."

    "No! Maybe I am a little crazy, Mr. Adonis."

    "Wait a minute. I have to talk with my ugly angel and lovely Devil about this. Am I crazy for real?"

    "Your level of craziness is beyond bananas. Even if you get kidnapped, trust me, they would bring you back."

    "Even my uncle told the same thing," Leena smiled proudly. Her Francy always tells that she is safe from the kidnappers.

    "Now that I remember your uncle, What if your King Kong Park uncle is still searching for you? You have escaped from him right?" Devin inquired, remembering Francis suddenly. He made a note to prank on this uncle and niece together but he has forgotten it in the process of her CuTe theory.

    "Don''t worry about it, Mr. Adonis. He doesn''t have time to search for me. While I was fleeing away from him, I have epted all the orders for dog scooping from many homes so that he will go and do my duty. After all, he should understand my pain, right?" Leena rolled on the bed andughed when she imagined Francis doing the scooping work.

    "That''s why Inded in Leah''s marriage." She admitted.

    "You made a very good decision. When are you going to get married then?"

    "Why?"

    "After hearing your business on the flight, I got inspired by it. So, even I am nning to start a dog pooping servicepany. Don''t you think we be a good pair? Once we get married, you will have more shares when we merge ourpanies. You will be the boss of it and you can y with your uncle also. It''s a win-win for you." Devin exined, suddenly visualizing Francis doing the pooping work. He instantly stopped imagining once the picture entered into his brain.

    "Then what will you do?" Leena demanded. He is asking my Francy to do everything while he is going to sit and boss around.

    "Well." He smirked when Leena failed to catch the word."I will just manage_"

    "Wait! Did you trick me and proferred marriage, shameless idiot!" Leena screamed at the top of her lungs. "Even if there is only a cockroach and you on this earth, I will not marry you."

    "Thank you, sweetheart. I am happy that I will be with you even then."

    "You shameless idiot. Get out of my room." Leena kicked him out of her room and closed her door.

    ...

    Smiling like an idiot for tricking her again, Devin happily went out of the room to y a prank on the elephant now. Without further ado, he made a call and as usual, it was lifted in the first ring.

    "What''s up, Pope Francis?" Devin greeted with excitement when he realized, they would be father and sons-inw soon.

    "Cheeky boy! How many times I have told. Stop calling that name."

    "Too bad. it suits you better France. By the way, did you change your profession into dog pooping services recently?"

    "Why would I go for that weird business," Francis reckoned. Did someone spread rumors?

    "No one. I was just ying. I need your suggestion uncle. I have met a girl and I think I like her. Her name is Jurassic Park and her uncle''s name is King Kong Park. They do have a dog popping servicepany and he tortures her a lot and makes her do all the dog scoopingbor. Should I consider moving forward with the rtionship? Her uncle seems like a phsyco." Devin asked, his smile was threatening his lips.

    "No way! Don''t even think about it." Francis red up from his seat hearing Devin''s answer.

    "What kind of funny names they have. Both uncle and niece look some kind of weird idiots. And Why are you behind such a nut girl? You should be careful. I will introduce you to someone better soon."

    "That is the reason I called you. You know that I always trust your choice, right, and Don''t tell this to dad." Someone better soon? He must be talking about my darling.

    "If you stop chasing her, I will seal my lips. By the way, introduce a good doctor to Wilbur. Is there a way to slow down his diarrhea?" Francis asked. He is getting a headache already.

    "There is one of Newton''sws, France. Loose motion can never be done in slow motion."

    "Is there such aw in Newton''s theory?" Francis inquired.

    "A new Newton''sw specifically invented for Wilbur."

    "Leave about that brat. You, consider my words. Those weird nuts are trying to trap you."

    "I will seriously consider it, France. I will call youter. Bye."

    After ending the call, Devin cracked up. Looks like he has not put any guards around my sweetheart. Otherwise, he would have known that I am here for the wedding.

    Suddenly Devin wanted to meet both uncle and niece and see their reactions once they knew that I have yed with them.. Soon! It will happen.

 Chapter 87 - I Curse Like A Seadog, I Drink Like A Frog

    After driving him out of the room, Leena pulled her hair in frustration.

    "If I am not careful enough, he would even trick me into growing his family poption also," Leena gasped in surprise at her ludicrous thoughts.

    "If I am here for a single minute, I have to doubt my sanity."

    To clear her mind, Leena peeked outside to check if he is the room. She thanked all the gods for throwing him out of the room for the time being and cheerfully walked out of the room.

    She knocked on the adjacent room door to y with Andrew but there was no response.

    "He must have gone to the church again to get holy water."

    Leena then walked into Leah''s room and looked at the messy bed with the dresses and jewelry scattered all over. Kyle was organizing them but Leena did not even bother to look in her direction.

    "I am here!" Leena eximed looking at the busy Leah.

    "Hey, darling! you are here. I am inviting Kyle to be my bridesmaid. Just give me a second. I will be done."

    Leena nodded her head and leisurely settled on the bed to watch the entertainment. Looking at both the woman standing in front of each other, Leena was in the thought process. Even for inviting a bridesmaid, they have to exaggerate? Shaking her head, Leena started hearing their conversation.

    "n with me, stand with me,ugh with me, Will you be my maid of honor and hold my dress while I pee, Kyle?" Handing an invitation, Leah posed.

    "I am blessed to be your maid of honor, Leah." With a shy smile, Kyle epted the offer.

    "Thank you, Kyle."

    Leena yawned feeling sleepy looking at their funny exchanges. Hold my dress while I pee? Where did Leah copy such a foolish tag?

    After Leah was done inviting Kyle, she directly walked close to Leena with a dress in her hand.

    "Sorry for the wait, Leena!" Handing over the attire, Leah added. "This is going to be your dress for my wedding. Wear it and let me know if you need any amendments. Kyle suggested the mismatched bridesmaid''s dress theme. It''s unique and trendy nowadays. She has taken the sole responsibility to choose the dresses for all the bridesmaids including you."

    Leena gazed at the Godet gown for a second which Leah was holding and immediately turned back not to taint her eyes with the absurd dress. She likes Godet gowns but Leena neither liked the color, not the design of it which Kyle has picked. When her eyes unconsciously darted to Kyle''s red breezy chiffon stunning shashy skirt dress which looks swishy if it is worn, Leena''s mood turned sour.

    She would have purposefully selected the grandma dress for me.

    Leena still remembered the scathing look of Kyle when she revealed that her leg was injured due to ying a sliding game. She knew there should be a reason to dislike someone and she has long observed the deathly stares Kyle has been giving just because someone is giving importance to her.

    Because she has never hit the sore spot, Leena has kept quiet. But today she has reached the threshold limit when she has given her a gaudy dress.

    I will get winter fat if I don''t give a face p to her today.

    "Back to earth Leena!" Leah snapped her finger to bring back her friend from her thoughts

    "I am sorry! So what were you saying?" Leena askeding out of her imagination.

    "I am talking about your dress darling. Here is the invitation."

    "I said yes to him. Now, will you say yes to me and be my bridesmaid, my Leena darling."

    "I curse like a seadog

    I drink like a frog

    I throw tantrums like apdog

    And I am imperfect for the job

    Do you still want me to be your maid of honor?"

    "Wow! Just wow, Leena! What a rhyming? Shakespeare has to bow down his head in front of my poetry. Am I right, Leah?" Leena excitedly asked.

    "You are the best Leena!" Not intended to continue with her narcissism, Leah yed along with her.

    "You are showing attitude by rejecting Leah outright," Kyle said, referring to the bridesmaid invitation.

    "I don''t have an attitude, Miss Sawyer. It''s called personality. Sorry, if you don''t have one." Leena started crossing a leg over another.

    Kyle gripped her fists into balls in rage. She has been insulted again.

    "Don''t mind my darling, Kyle. She has a little sharp tongue." Leah butted in when the conversation was getting heated up between the two women.

    "Why don''t you want to be the maid of honor, Leena!" Leah pouted.

    "I have my reasons."

    "Care to tell, darling. We will sort it out."

    "First of all the dress color and choice is terrible. Thest time someone has picked me an outfit was when I was 7. Besides, I would never wear someone''s choice." Stating that, she looked at the woman. Leena internally rejoiced to watch the fuming Kyle. Let her suffer! She has not even picked a mediocre dress for the wedding. Even when Leena was not going to be the bridesmaid but she wanted a face-p. Did she think, me, the great fashionista would wear a dress ording to her choice?

    Kyle''s face paled when Leena talked about her preference for the dress. She is hurting my feelings again.

    But Leena was not yet done.

    "Second thing, I have to show excitement all over the wedding. My beautiful facial muscles will start spasming. It is better than licking your 80th wedding envelope."

    "Third, I can''t dance with the least attractive groomsman. I am very expensive." She again looked at the fuming woman.

    "Fourth, I can''t hold your dress while you pee, unlike someone." Leena snickered looking at the sickly face of Kyle.

    "Lastly, I don''t want to be apetition for you when you knew my beauty is over the top. What if I steal the Bride''s spotlight?"

    "I have never seen someone unting their beauty except you." Kyle sneered at Leena''s harsh jab of words.

    "If it''s not my job to unt my beauty, then I don''t mind if you take up the job," Leena dered. If a peacock itself is proud of her beauty, then me, the great beguiling beauty should be more proud than her.

    "Enough, Leena." Leah stopped their childish fights." I made a mistake asking you to my bridesmaid when I knew about you. I am getting a call from the event manager. I will be back some time."

    After Leah walked out of the room, the tense atmosphere became worse when both women started staring at each other in silence.

    "You rejected to be bridesmaid just because I am going to be one of Leah''s maid of honor right?" Kyle broke the silence.

    "You think highly of yourself." Leena chuckled.

    "You are trying to sound like a jealous woman right now," Kyle shrieked.

    "Jealous of whom? The word doesn''t even exist in my dictionary. Why beat around the bush. Come to the point." Leena added. She knew where their conversation is heading but Leena is not done with the ying.

    "You very well knew what I am talking about."

    "I am not a mind reader like you."

    "Then, I will be straight to the point. I like him. No, I am in love with him since my schooling." Kyle confessed.

    "You are confessing to the wrong person." Leena smiled. Although she felt pain all over, she stillposed herself not to show her weak front. She has sensed Kyle has liked him when they were watching the basketball game. Leena thought it wouldn''t affect, but reality hit her hard.

    "You stick to him like a leech all day even if I wanted to talk with him." She has confessed her feelings, but still, Kyle''s heart wanted to bring it in front of this woman to make her jealous but she guessed it wrong. Leena is stronger than she thought.

    "That''s not my problem. I am a ma and a ma has the attracting capability everywhere it goes." Listening to Kyle''s confession, Leena''s heart suddenly felt numb. There was only one thought running in her mind, will he ept her for real if she confesses? She didn''t dare to think further.

    "You_"

    "What exactly are you implying here?" Leena demanded. She was tired of beating around the bush.

    "I was abandoned by my family, I was bullied in school. No one came to my aid when I was beaten to death. But he saved me, protected me. In the path of my darkness, he appeared as my light. That''s when I decided to stand next to him proudly one fine day to confess my feelings. I have changed myself for him in everything. I have worked hard to be worthy of him but your presence is scaring me now." Kyle sobbed confession her feelings which she has been holding for a long time.

    "Look Kyle, I understand you have a sad past. Everybody has. Infact, I have suffered worse than you." Leena''s thoughts suddenly flew back to her ident. Kyle''s pain is not evenpared to the distress Leena has suffered. She lived with broken bones during a period.

    Kyle suddenly looked up in confusion.

    "He is not the one to decide your worth. The only one who gets to decide your worth is you. No one is med for your state, but you alone, because you never loved yourself. You have done everything for someone and in the process, you forgot yourself. Think about it. Do you at least know what is your favorite food?"

    When Kyle listened to her words, she recalled the food she liked. But she long forgot when she reced everything with Devin''s choices.

    "When you look back to your past, you will see only see someone''s footprints. There will be no you and when you die, you cannot go to your grave and tell how much you loved yourself. Do that when you are still alive."

    "I am tired of the long speech. You know what, I don''t speak much because I have to release lots of calories. My cheeks have already reduced and it''s time to have my energy drink. Bye," Leena walked out of the room in frustration to reprimand that shameless man for attracting every bee.

    Kyle copsed on the floor hearing to Leena''s harsh true words.

    ...

    Ending the call, Devin was about to leave the garden but he was called by Drew to y the basketball match. There is no reason to y now that his darling is not seeing him. But still, he went not to get nagged by his friend without knowing there was a bigmotion happening in their room right now.

    Bored with the childish y, he walked back into the house. Just when he was about to climb the stairs, he watched a man emerging out of his room.

    "Who allowed to enter the room without permission? Who are you?" Devin demanded. Since he found a suspicious servant, Devin was wary around all the unknown people.

    "I am a technician. I am appointed to check the AC connection, sir. Daisy madam instructed to test all the rooms if everything is working fine." The man escaped soon when Devin left him after interrogating the questions.

    The moment he went away, Devin walked into the room and began surveying for any suspicious things.. His intuition was warning that something is wrong.

 Chapter 88 - Narcissism To The Power Of Infinity

    Even after drinking her banana juice, Leena''s heart was still unrest. In normal circumstances, drinking her precious banana smoothie or eating her favorite food will wipe away all the worries. But right now, it was only intensifying.

    "Will Kyle confess her feelings? If he epts, he will spend his time with Kyle alone. After all, they knew each other from school. He will not have time to tease me."

    "Leena is sad it seems." With the thoughts swirling over her brain, she finally reached her destination room.

    When she watched the chaos that was made in her room, she was shocked. What is he searching so deeply to the point of messing my room? Idiot! I will make him organize everything by himself today.

    "Mr. Adonis, are you searching for inner peace? Why looking elsewhere when it is in front of you." Leena straight away lifted her right leg cing it on her left thigh and held her arms high above sping them together.

    Devin halted his job and immediately turned around to see her standing in a tree-like posture. To his surprise, she even started diaphragmatic breathing closing her eyes.

    "What are you doing?"

    "Breathing like a tree." She smiled opening her eyes.

    "Is this the time for your jokes?" Devin finally got a breath of fresh air after seeing her. She has be a happy pill whenever he is worried about something. Since the man hase out of their room, he was in amotion and has been searching for anything suspicious without knowing he has created a mess in her room throwing everything here and there in the process. But there was nothing Devin found even if he ransacked the entire room. He wondered if he is thinking beyond his imagination to suspect everyone just because he has seen one person skeptical. For now, he snubbed the thought from his mind.

    "I didn''t realize it was a joke until you said."

    "At least now you realized." He chuckled. "Where did you go? Why didn''t you lock the door when you went out of the room?" Devin inquired when his brain has hit something suddenly. Leena was still in the room when he was away. The technician would have entered when she was away or if she has locked the room, there should be a spare key.

    "Huh? I locked it when I went out. Did you see someone here? Don''t worry, even if a robberes they don''t get anything to steal, except my beauty. Wait, did you find any ghosts here? I knew it. I should borrow some holy water from Andrew." Hell out of scared, Leena started imagining things again.

    "Hold on darling. I did not see anyone. I was just joking." Devin lied. It''s better not to utter any word in front of this crazy idiot. She can even run away to build castles in the air if he leaves her just like that.

    "You shouldn''t joke about ghosts just like that. They maye at any time if they are angered." Leena immediately made a note to contact Andrew to talk about it and find a solution to her problem. She has remembered Andrew was holding a crystal when she first saw him here. That''s it. He will have an antidote.

    ''She is sure living in a cloud cuckoond. When did I bring the ghost topic?'' Devin was at a loss for words.

    "There is no need for a stress ball. You alone can eliminate anyone''s worries." Devin caressed her hair with warmth. It has be his habit of either nuzzling her hair or squeezing her cheeks. It was strange to him that she is notining nowadays.

    "That''s a known fact, Mr. Adonis. My face should be printed on the stress balls instead of those half baked fleshless and boneless open-mouthed emojis. They are not even on par with me in beauty and brain." Leena confessed. She did not understand why all the stress balls are filled with that imaginary dumb emoticon which she would not even find them funny.

    There she goes. It started again. How many levels of narcissism she has reached topete with emoticons? They don''t even exist in reality.

    "I am going out. Don''t forget to lock the door if you go out. Even if you are treating this as your house, a little careful." Devin warned. He was d that he didn''t find anything suspicious and was relieved with her cute talks. But both did not know something big was going to hit them.

    "Ok." Leena agreed instantaneously.

    When Devin was about to walk out of her room, he was pulled back again by his shirt.

    "Can''t part with my handsome face?" Devin winked watching her hold the hem of his shirt tightly. He began to like the sweet gestures she is showing slowly.

    "You are not only a shameless but a narcissist also. You are the most self-centered person I have ever seen."

    Devin''s lips parted for a second hearing her answer. Then what should I call her with? Narcissism to the power of infinity?

    "I called you because you didn''t answer my question," Leena asked referring to the poop question which she asked earlier.

    "Anything other than that." It was a facepalm moment to even hear the question but she is asking as if it is a piece of cake question. He has never seen as shameless as her in his entire life.

    "Ok then. You are probably embarrassed to answer that question. I will ask another one. How often do you poop in a day?"

    "W_hat!" Devin suddenly wanted to get out of this room immediately, far away from this crazy girl. For the first time in his life, he prayed to God to create magic and pull him out of this situation.

    "Don''t you have any other topic to discuss?"

    "I have many. But if I have to consider you as my BFF, you have to answer this question. I heard BFF''s talk about poop." With an exciting tone, Leena added. Her friends always tell that Good friends speak about their sex lives but only BFFs speak about poop.

    BFF? It must be Reese. She has contaminated his sweetheart to the core. Once I meet her, I should teach her some manners.

    "I_I have some urgent work. I will answer when I am back.." Before Leena could catch him, Devin slipped away from the clutches.

 Chapter 89 - Bubba Bones, Ghanana Gaud, Bluebell Madonna

    Pouting her lips when she didn''t receive any answer, Leena went into her room and watched some cartoons and soon dozed off in the middle. For the whole afternoon, she did nothing except sleep like a Ko. After a long stretch, she got up in the evening and went into his room to try her luck of getting an answer to her question but Devin was not yet back.

    Bored, she walked out of her room and knocked on the adjacent room again. Immediately it was opened and then entered a man into her eyes looking like an exorcist who was beaten to death by a ghost.

    "W_hat''s wrong with your face," Leena asked taking his disheveled look.

    "Salsa told about ''The Spirit Game'' movie story. I am scared of it and it''s getting night already." Drew broke into pits of cry the moment he saw Leena. He was d that he could share his fears with someone here.

    "Even that shameless idiot told that a ghost was wandering in my room. I think it''s not a coincidence. We might be a target also." Leena suddenly remembered the spirit movie she has seen where a ghost was crawling in the ceiling like a lizard.

    "You are right. We may be a target. That''s why I brought wine to forget our worries. When our mind is strong, they cannot enter into our bodies. Let''s drink and forget them."

    "I can''t. My alcohol tolerance is very low." Leena denied immediately recalling the nonsense she vomited in uncle Pumpkin''s home. There was no him at that time, but now that he is here she didn''t want to take any risk.

    "You know what? Even I tend to pass out with just one ss. But aren''t you scared of those ghosts? We can only forget them if we drink." Drew asked to try his luck again when he did not want to drink alone. It''s a win-win situation for them.

    "You are right. Let''s go."

    Just one ss! I will have it and straight away go into my bed without talking with anyone.

    With that, both went into the kitchen and collected all the food ingredients for munching and came back to the room again. Starting with one ss, they went for second, third, and kept on drinking until they emptied the whole bottle. In no time, both slumped on the floor rolling and giggling like chimpanzees.

    "Andreww Dawsonnnnn! Do you know who is the most famous ghost detective?" Leena giggled looking at the ceiling to find any ghost. She wanted to kill those scary boneless creatures with her bare hands instantly.

    "Is there a ghost detective?" Drew asked in a drowsy voice shaking his head. He was already high on energy with the amount he has consumed.

    "Yes! It''s SHERLOCK MOANS!" Giggling, Leena got up and started kicking Drew''s legs continuously.

    "Hey! Leave my poor legs. Why are you smashing them." He cried feeling a surge of intense pain in his legs with the way she was smashing them.

    "Because you are my newfound brother and your legs are as big as my dreams." Dipping a finger into the hummus container, Leena licked it and moaned.

    "It tastes divine."

    "I want to go home." Leena sobbed suddenly remembering her Francis and when she saw Drew intensely searching for something, she abandoned her hummus and went along with him.

    "What are you searching, my sweet brother," The wine has left her groggy already.

    "Car Keys, sweet sister."

    "Your sister will help you." As a baby, she started crawling to searching for it, and finally, her mission was aplished.

    "I found it!" Leena shouted showing a screwdriver. "Come and sit behind my back. I will take you home."

    "You are the best, sister."

    After Drew got settled behind her back, Leena put on the screwdriver keys into their imaginary car making a sound to get the effect.

    TCH! TCH!

    "What is that sound?" Drew asked.

    "You don''t even know this! I am turning the car key."

    Drew nodded his head. Yes! Yes! How can a car start without the TCH sound?

    VROOOOOOOMMMMMM...VROOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM...VROOOOOMMMMMMMM.....

    "What is this sound you are making now?" Drew asked again.

    "Vroom sound! The car is walking now. Sit tight. I am going to drive at the fastest speed now."

    BRUMMMMMMMMMMMM.....BRUMMMMMMMMMMM...

    Visualizing the imaginary car, Leena started to turn the steering as if she is a race driver while Drew was continuouslyining to slow down and she shamelessly awarded that she is the best racer in the world.

    "We are at home now." Getting down from the imaginary car, both slumped on the floor again as if they have made a tour of the whole city.

    Soon after some time, Leena was listless again. Her euphoria was at peeks.

    "Shall we make a prank call, brother?"

    "To whom?" Drew asked, his eyes almost on the verge of shutting down due to the exhaustion.

    "We will call pizza hut and ask for Mc Donald''s number." Leena giggled exciting to try on the prank.

    "No, call Pizza butt and ask for Pizza Hutt''s number" Drew denied instantly.

    Both argued and finally arrived at a conclusion and entered a random number on Drew''s mobile and waited for a while for the call to get connected.

    "Shhh...It''s ringing." Leena hushed when Drew was cackling even before the other person has lifted the call.

    "It''s connected. Don''t make any noise." Leena whispered putting the mobile away from her ear to silence him.

    "Hello!" A man''s gruff voice was heard.

    "Hello, is it Bubba Bones? It''s me Ghanana Gaud." Clearing her throat Leena started changing her voice a little.

    "Sorry miss. you have got the wrong number."

    Both giggled when they got an answer from the other end.

    "Now I will speak! I will speak!" Drew begged for the mobile from her hands as if he found candy.

    "Hello, Bubba Jones. It''s not Ghanana Gaud. It''s me, Bluebell Madonna." Drew changed his voice slightly to not get caught if the other personins.

    "I don''t know any bluebell, Madonna." The phone was instantly cut off.

    When Leena heard the name was wrongly pronounced by Drew, she hit him again.

    "Hey! It''s Bubba Bones, not Bubba jones. Now he will surely find that we are lying to him. Let me handle it." Snatching the mobile from him, Leena called again the number and before she could speak up, she heard a loud voice from the other end.

    "I don''t know any Bubba bones or Ghanana Gaud or Bluebell Madonna! If you don''t stop it now, I willin to the police." The man barked from the other end.

    "Sorry, sir. My brother is a little drunk. I am the Bubba bones, your mobile operator. I wanted to inquire if you shower along with my donkey every day which I have gifted you."

    "Get your nutty brain tested along with your brother." The man barked and hung up the call instantly. But the drowsy idiots still thought that man is on the call.

    "Oh! It''s not Bubba''s bones. Then I must have wing the wong number."

    "He is not our Bubba, brother. We have wasted our time."

    After she was done with the call, Leena suddenly remembered Devin has not yet arrived. He must be waiting for my car. She got up and began to drunk a walk to search for the imaginary car. The moment she was about to start the car, the door unfastened.

    When she looked up, her eyes twinkled seeing him in person.

    "My Corazon. you have arrived?" Leena ran as fast as she could and jumped on him wrapping her legs around his torso. If not for Devin''s fast reflexes to brace the impact, both would have ended on the floor.

    "Corazon? It means heart right? She hase up with another name?"

    "How much did you drink?" Devin asked wrapping his arms around her lower back to pull her up. When he arrived back, he didn''t find her in the room, and when he was searching for her in the garden, Leah informed, both Andrew and Leena has taken food items to their rooms in the evening. Only when he came back to Drew''s room, Devin was shocked to see them dead drunk.

    "Will you send me to prison if I tell?" Leena asked innocently clinging on to him like a Ko.

    "No sweetheart." Saying that he walked into their room carrying her in his arms leaving another drunk yard alone. Drew has already passed out due to exhaustion after the prank call.

    "Then it''s one liter of bananas, not much I have drunk.. It''s all because of that Mowgli."

 Chapter 90 - My Babilicious, I Want Andrews Bone Soup

    Muffling his arms around her lower back firmly, Devin strolled into their room to put this alcohol tippler on the bed. How much did she drink to call him Corazon and she even started singing the Duel El Corazon song remixing it ording to her creation. But all Devin could hear in the song was ''You are my Corazon''.

    While carrying, he could feel her arms around his neck cuddling like a ko climbing a eucalyptus tree, and her legs wrapped around his core tightly sheathing it as if scared that he would leave her at any minute. Devin was surprised at how spoiled she is acting with him right now. There is no way she would act like this when she is sober.

    He knew alcohol and wine can bring the true person''s emotions into the outside world but his worry towered him when he realized her bruised neck and wounded leg.

    "Why did you drink when your health is still recuperating?" He whispered opening the door of their room and locked it behind when he stepped in.

    "Don''t worry! My health is as STRONG as WIFI signals!" Leena shouted at the top of her lungs pulling his hair continuously so that she would get at least a cue of hair into her hand. Her mood suddenly went south when she didnot find a strand of hair in her palms.

    "I thought of making you bald. You are bing apetition for my beauty."

    "Even when you are drunk, you will not let go with your crazy narcissism." He quietly chuckled cing her on the bed and when he was about to walk away to get her dinner, Leena pulled him close encircling her hands around his neck.

    A flush crawled across his face which was hiding behind his hazel eyes when he realized there is only an inch away from her lips.

    "Sweetheart, if you continue to_"

    "I now understand why people call you handsome." Leena put a stay to his thoughts.

    "Why?" Heughed caressing her cheeks with the back of his hands. Devin knew her answer would be no ordinary, yet he was anticipating her answer. After all, it is her sweetheart who called him handsome. Even after he got praises, he was not unnerved by them. But the onepliment from her can take him to the pinnacles.

    "If sex between three people is called a threesome, then why can''t you be handsome."

    Devin: " "

    "Holy banana pants! Threesome! Handsome! How can I pair up such brilliant rhyming words? Should I be a poet and show my outstanding poetic skills to the world Mr.Adnois! At least the world would think that funny half balded Shakespeare is no par with me. But I know that his face still looks like those emotionless mannequins when hees to know there is someone born to outsmart him." Leena giggled rolling on the bed when she remembered Shakespeare''s photos which she had seen on the inte. She wished at least there would be a single photo where he would be smiling but to her annoyance there was none.

    Devin sighed and pulled the crazy idiot off the bed when she was about to fall on to the floor from continuous rolling. Her narcissism is in the mountains even when she is sober. Now that she is in euphoria, it would be no wonder even if she tells that the universe was invented by her.

    Clutching her stomach, Leena got up to ask a question that she suddenly remembered.

    "Mr.Adonis, I have a question. How far he would go when he washes his face? Does he clean his bald head also? What a pity to have such a bald head. I feel my colorful hairbands are cuter than his colorless bald head." Out of blue, Leena pulled her mobile which was close to the desk. Opening the camera, she started taking her selfies twirling her hair, pulling her hairbands whatnot, until Devin got tired.

    "Leena! " Devin sighed watching the spoiled brat activities. For the first time, he called the name in front of her without any bother. He knew she would not even remember anything that has happened around her when she gets up in the morning.

    "Oh, my Corazon! That''s my name." Throwing her mobile, she pped her hands in excitement. Abruptly she stopped pping and got up from her bed when she felt a little nauseous.

    Like a duck, she walked around the room in search of the bathroom. Even when Devin tried to help her, Leena pushed him onto the bed. While walking around, suddenly she felt a reflection of a person. Like a scared cat, she looked up, but soon giggled erupted when she gazed at the mirror.

    "Oh my! Suddenly I thought it was a ghost! But it''s my beautiful face. Muah! I Love you." Awarding with a flying kiss, Leena drunk walked into the washroom.

    Just when he went into the bathroom to check up on her, she was throwing up everything squatting on the floor. She was so muddle-headed to even look at her surroundings to know where she was puking. Patting her back, Devin closed her ears trying to soothe her irritation.

    "Throwing up makes me think that I am dying." Leena cried turning towards him.

    "Why did you drink then?" Devin was edgy seeing her crying face. Handing her the hot water, he began flushing all the mess created by her.

    "It''s all because of that stupid Mowgli."

    "We will punish him, tomorrow. Now my sweet girl will have food, all right?" Devin coaxed her with the food which always works on her but not now.

    "No! I don''t want food. I want that stupid Andrew''s bone soup. Get me his bone soup, you are my babilicious right?" Leena shook his hand continuously until he got an answer from Devin.

    "No! How dare he make me drink when I can''t handle. I want his bone soup. I will be a Batman and crush his bones and make a white banana soup with his bones. Till then I will not sleep."

    "Aren''t you a vegan? How can you drink bone soup?" Devin exined feeling pity for Drew''s bones? Babilicious? How many she would name me today?

    "Right! I am a vegan." Pouting, Leena looked at his face wondering how her life has changed after she met him.

    ....

    Hello Readers!

    You might have already known the chapters are locked. Sorry for not notifying you before. It was locked automatically when long back I have given today''s date to my editor. The privilege is set up automatically. I tried to talk with my editor but it can''t be deactivated. So, if you are using a free pass, please wait until I update the next chapter.

    Honestly, when I was contracted, I was not interested to take it up. But AllNovelFull only features the contracted novels. I want my book to reach as many readers andugh heartily and that is the sole aim of writing this book. For me, the smiles on your face when you see the update of ''The Devil''s Sweetheart'' is worth million power stones.

    Lastly about my updates, I know updates are a little slow. My work is a little hectic and as a newbie in writing, I am trying hard to stabilize it.

    Writingedy is extremely difficult than other genres because there needs to be originality for the fun to click and connect with the readers. This is another reason it is consuming lots of time to think and write a chapter. I hope you will support this work in the future even after the chapters are locked. Please stick on to me with this voyage! I will take you on an adventurous journey of mystery and thrills until you can''t get enough of the fun. There are many more charactersing up in the future to entertain you. So brace yourselves.

    I am not able to post this entire content in the author''s thoughts. So I am publishing it here. Don''t worry. It won''t cost you any SS.

    Sincerely,

    Ainsley

 Chapter 91 - Your Banana Is Very Apealing. Can I Undress?

    Mulling over her thoughts, Leena recalled back to the past few days of meeting him.

    "You know what, Mr. Adonis. My life has be like your pleasure pump after meeting you. Nowadays, my mood suddenly goes up when I see you and it abruptly goes down with unhappiness when I don''t see you. But I am not finding it hard as I anticipated."

    "W_hat did you say? Pleasure pump?" Devin was at a loss of words at her talks. Where does she learn all these double entendre''s?

    Up and down, hard? What aparison. She is making me crazy all the way again and again with her witty question and answers.

    "Shall I tell you a secret?" Leena asked urging him toe forward.

    "Now what another cook-up story you havee up with." Still, Devin moved close to her.

    "It''s not a story. Something happened for real! When we first met in the bathroom, I have seen your pleasure pump fully." Giggling, she pulled his ear whispering something leaving Devin dumbfounded again.

    "Y_ou want to see it again?" Devin was getting shocked aftershock at her revtions. Why doesn''t she put up such a bold front when she is sober!

    Leena nodded her head fervently.

    "Can you show me? Your banana is very a-peeling. I want to y with it." The excitement was all over her when Leena thought of seeing it again. Never had she seen anyone until she went into the bathroom and unconsciously peeked at his dragon. The small ones which she had seen were the little kids when they were peeing, but that cannot bepared to his massive dragon.

    "You don''t need to worry. I myself will undress your banana." When Leena did not get any reply, she was about to reach for his belt but Devin abruptly stopped her hands from further moving. He is not even wearing a belt and God knows what kind of thing Leena has imagined as the belt.

    "Why did you stop me?" Innocence was all over her face like a virgin mary.

    "Do you want me to see it?" Squatting down, Leena has bent her head fixing her innocent eyes at his tent intently. "Ok, So, you are telling that you will be happy, only when youe out of his pants right?",

    "You are as shameless as Mr.Adonis. Look, how you are even smiling at me." She giggled. "It seems he is eagerly waiting for me, Mr.Adonis."

    Devin closed his eyes with the facepalming moment. He was already hard and he doesn''t know what else to speak in this situation. There is no way I can handle her craziness. Without talking anything, he lifted her when she started bbering again about it. He now understood why she likes bananas a lot. Devin wondered how she would react if she recalls everything in the morning.

    "Hey! You meanie. Show me!" Leena yelled again.

    "Impatient much sweetheart. But you have to wait for it. Even if you don''t want, I will make you eat it every day in the future." Even though Devin had an urge to take her then and there, he controlled himself. It is the worst insult that he could give it to her when he goes physical with her for the first time in the bathroom. She deserves to be loved. He has already progressed a milestone in the rtionship and he didn''t want to ruin their rtionship by breaking her trust.

    "No drinking from now onwards." He dered.

    "Why?" Leena giggled. "You think that I will act sweet with other men?"

    "I trust you, sweetheart. If at all, I have to get worried about them." Even if she is drunk, Devin has full confidence that she would not allow any man close to her. The people around her have to get scared. Her drunk craziness is too much to handle than when she is sober.

    "You have to eat dinner. No more arguments." Devin lifted her and carried her out of the bathroom. With her face resting on her chest, Leena nuzzled closer to his neck sniffing her favorite musky scent.

    cing her on the bed, he called Leah and asked her to send the dinner to the room itself and informed about Drew''s condition to at least make him eat dinner. Devin arranged all her favorite foods on the table and passed over a spoon. But Leena straight away opened her mouth asking to spoon-feed him. Devin very well obliged her wishes, after all, it''s a rare chance he gets where she acts spoiled.

    After Leena was done with her dinner, She hugged him when he was about to leave.

    "I am not going anywhere." He smiled patting her back at a rhythmic pace.

    "Why are you so sweet to me? Do you like me?" Leena asked eager to know why he has been acting so nicely from the time she has met him.

    "I_"

    "It''s ok if you don''t like me. Not everyone has good taste." She giggled and nodded her head when she found her answer has logic in it.

    "No! I_"

    Even before Devin could confess his feelings, Leena stopped him again.

    "Will you p and beat me like how he did?" Unconsciously, her hand moved to her cheek. His ps and the things he did to her on that night have etched into her memory.

    "Who pped you?" Releasing her from the hug, Devin demanded. Who dared to hit her. Even before someone could talk badly in front of her, she would give back until they look down in shame. What sort of state was in to get pped by someone. He felt his heartache at the sight of her watery eyes.

    "I hate that bastard. Not once! He pped many times." Leena again hugged him feeling the emptiness of his warmth. "Can you beat him, Mr.Adonis? I will give you 1 Euro. No! One Euro is too expensive for him."

    "Sweetheart, can you tell the name at least," Devin asked again trying his luck. He wanted to see that person who dared to hit her. Devin felt there is more to know about her past. Her ident, her disgust when a man approaches her, her trauma. There are lots of things, he has to find the answers.

    Devin tried asking Wilbur about her ident in the morning again, but he kept on giving excuses evading the topic. Even though Wilbur always scolds her in the front, Devin could sense he is very protective of Leena and that is his way to show his brotherly love. There is no way Francis would tell the truth if I he asks. He has tightly sealed everything. The only thing Devin has now, patience. He has a hunch that she would talk about it soon.

    "I don''t want to spell his disgusting name with my beautiful voice." Leena pushed him away when she suddenly remembered something from the morning. "Am I holding on to you like a leech?"

    Never I had clung on to a man in my, entire life but that annoying woman dared to call me Leech! Drinking in the name of the ghost was just an excuse. When Kyle confessed her feelings, her blood boiled thinking of some other women in his arms. Then she understood, how tightly he is holding a grip of her heart and she knew her liking for him has started already. Leena wanted to tell him about all the things that the annoying woman uttered but she did not have the courage and so she went for a drink.

    "Isn''t my phrase darling. I am the one sticking to you like glue 24/7 right?"

    "You are! But she is thinking I am a leech. You better go and tell her I am not that kind of girl." In her drunken state, she didn''t even know that she has spilled the truth making the devil angry.

    "Who is she?" Was it Kyle or that burger girl? Devin demanded. Who dared to call her Leech! He already doubted that it could be Kyle.

    "Your childhood school sweetheart," Leena replied remembering Salsa''s words.

    "Listen, darling! Sweetheart is solely for you. You got the false information. She has just happened to study at the school which I went to. She is a nobody to me. I have already rejected her confession. Other than that, I don''t have any rtion to her." Devin enunciated each crisp and clear. He knew there is no way her brain could process the things he is uttering when her eyes are already closing. But still, he wants toe transparent when ites to his feelings.

    After securely putting her on the bed when she was fast asleep, Devin walked out of the room in anger to talk with Kyle.

    ....

    Strolling into the hall, Devin saw Kyle sitting on the couch with Austin and Leah enjoying a dance show Salsa was executing.

    To head the attention, Devin immediately shut down their entertainment.

    Everything went into silence. When they looked up annoyingly to see who has the gal to stop their enjoyment, they met with fierce eyes. The change of Devin''s eye color meant destruction, it was a known fact to everyone sitting there.

    "I need to talk with you, Miss Sawyer! Next time, I don''t even give a damn to your face in front of everyone even if you are a woman." Devin strolled outside leaving no room for discussion.

    Tightening her hands, Kyle quietly followed to face his wrath stunning Leah, Austin, and Salsa thinking what might have made him angry to the core.. Kyle already knew the question he would ask.

 Chapter 92 - Devins Most Precious Treasure

    Emerging out of the house, Kyle strolled close to the patio area and stopped at a little distance away when she spotted Devin standing with his back facing her. The moment she saw his dark ocellus in the hall, she expected the denouement but reality was arduous. The smiling face she had seen on him was reced by trepidation and she had a hunch that he came to know about the things she has spoken to Leena.

    Kyle squeezed her hands tightly and gazed up ready to face his wrath. But when Devin turned around facing her, she immediately thwarted her gaze not intended to look at his stormy eyes. His lethal stares felt painful and tearful to her as if his re was tearing her heart apart with a blinding teal light which she had never seen since she knew him.

    "Didn''t I make it clear that I don''t have any feelings for you. How despicable can you be to utter your nonsense in front of her again?" Her behavior right now was the worse he had seen her in the past. Devin did not realize the weak and vulnerable girl once he has seen would be a shrewd woman. If Leena didn''t speak in her drunken stupor, he would never know the truth about Kyle''s idiocy.

    "Did shein to you already? She is quite fast." Kyle let out a sarcastic smile. When Leena spoke about self-love, Kyle has thought about it way deeply and she started to see her in a different limelight. But she did not expect she would be the type of woman whoins everything to her man. They didn''t even be one and she is alreadyying a tight grip on him.

    "I am warning you. Don''t talk about her with your foul mouth." He was d that Leena doesn''t keep everything to herself like other women which would only end up the misunderstanding. Devin made a point to talk about it tomorrow when she gets up in the morning. He doesn''t want to think to her that he is holding on to some other women.

    "We have known each other since school. Is that leech important to the point of castigating me?" Kyle broke down watching his emotionless eyes.

    "You have quite guts call her leech again." His voice gruffed like the creaking of gallows. "Another slip of your tongue."

    Kyle''s lips began to tremble, her eyes threatening to cry when he imperiled her. She was almost on the verge of breaking down.

    Since she was born, she never received love and care from her family. Her mother died due to cancer when she was five. Her womanizer father left without marrying her mother the moment Kyle''s mother has be pregnant. Kyle was thrown into an orphanage when her scum father did not bother about her after her mother''s death. Only when the head of the Sawyer family, Austin''s father came to know about her presence, he brought back to their family from the orphanage. Even though she was approved in the family, she still carried the birthmark of an illegitimate daughter. Even after she was sent to the same school as Austin, Kyle was always bullied by her ssmates, worse she was beaten to death once. No one came to her rescue. But he came. Like a knight, in shining armor, he saved her many times. From then on, she admired him. She always looked forward to seeing him, found excuses to speak with him but Devin would never nce at her in the way she wanted to.

    A mediocre student who can''t even pass the test thrived hard to stand next to him. She was ready to confess her feelings. When she knew that he has arrived for the wedding, she has arrived only to see him and talk about her feelings but everything got shattered when Leena appeared.

    She has never seen Devin with a woman. Even when the most beautiful girl in the school was behind him, he didn''t spare her and always maintained a distance with girls except with Leah and Harley. At least Kyle was happy that she could see him every day. She could not change the name of being an illegitimate daughter but at least she wanted to be the worth of the Wang family to stand next to him proudly. But that is also turning into a fantasy.

    "Have you never felt my feelings once? I have given up my youth loving you, Devin." Why can''t he love me? They have known each other for a long time. Why can''t he carry me, hold me, and put me in sleep, caress my face just like he does it to Leena? He would bring mountains to her feet when ites to her but when ites to her, she is being treated as a spec of dust.

    "I have never asked for your love in the first ce." He never felt anything for her. That is the truth. Devin was about to walk away but her next words made her halt his footsteps.

    "Then why did you save me from the bullies when we were in school if you don''t have any feelings." She screamed at the top of her lungs.

    "I would have saved even if it was some other girl. It''s not my mistake if you get the wrong idea. I have always hinted about my feelings from the start."

    "I am warning you again! She is my most precious treasure. If I hear again that you have hurt her or try to destroy her, you very well know what sort of man I am. Don''t bring the worst in me. I respect women. Hold the esteem when I am being nice." Devin respects women because it is the greatest gift his dad has shown to him as a father and it is the first thing his mom has taught him as a mother.

    Devin fled away from the ce leaving behind the wailing woman.

    "You already made a mistake Kyle! There is no turning back except to face his wrath again." She dropped onto the ground when her legs gave off thinking of her another mistake she made.

    ...

    Without waiting for a second there, Devin strolled into the room to check if Leena has woke up again. Watching her peaceful face lying on the bed, all his angst he had earlier was cooled down. Gazing at her calm demeanor, he smiled caressing her face moving close to her. Leena lightly stirred in sleep when she sensed the familiar scent but soon went back into a deep slumber when Devin began patting her back.

    "I will not let anyonee between us." He whispered kissing her forehead, his gaze unconsciouslynding on her lips. He had an urge to steal a peck but it wouldn''t be fun when she is asleep. He wanted to see what crazy things she woulde up with when their first kiss happens. Besides, he wanted it to be special and he wanted her to never forget it in her life.. Little did he know, it was bound to end up funny again with Leena''s crazy brain.

 Chapter 93 - Stark Raving MaddeLeena

    The dappled sun shone through the maple trees creating mysterious shadows on the sleeping girlying on the bed. Still resting on her back, Leena was in deep slumber oblivion to the outside world. But an intruder arrived suddenly to disrupt her peaceful sleep. Hitting her shoulder, he tried to wake her up but the sleeping log did not even budge. Just when Leena turned around to roll on to the other side of the bed, her hand unconsciously smacked his face.

    "Oww...My beautiful face." He cried patting it to soothe his tensed facial muscles.

    But still, he did not give up the ship when he is here to gossip on an urgent topic. Moving close to her feet he began tickling them. Vexed that her sleep was disrupted again, Leena kicked him with her back leg and he was straight away delivered to the ground.

    "O! My butt. Why does she always aim for my leg or butt.."

    "So that your day will be as bad as your butt, Mr. Bluebell Madonna" Leena groggily replied remembering bits and parts of their yesterday''s adventures. How stupidly his brain was working toe up with such a girly name even if he is dead drunk.

    "Hey! Your Bubba Bones name is worse than mine! By the way, my bum is cute. Don''t call it bad. I do lots of work out, you know." Drew replied showing off his hand muscles.

    "But I still find your bum is as round as a basketball." Still, not nning to leave her bed, Leena replied struggling with her drowsy brain and sore throat. She felt like cutting her throat is the only cure for it.

    "You always bully me. Get up, my lovely sister. I have to talk about something important." Getting up from the ground, Drew went near her trying to pull the nket off. But Leena kicked him again.

    "Why did yound into my room in the morning itself? Didn''t we both create enough circus yesterday?" Leena yelled at him when she is starting to remember snippets of yesterdays. The worst things she talked about him were getting a little clear. What have you done Leena? He got an excuse to tease you and he would not leave that matter. Why did you drink with this nutty fruit cake?

    "Isn''t it good? If everything fails in our life, we have an option to join the circus." Drew replied with excitement.

    "Three chimpus escaped from the circus, one was caught wearing makeup, the other was caught watching a T.V."

    Chimpus? It must be a monkey. What a funny name. Drew reasoned with a giggle.

    "Nice joke." Drew cracked up. "So the third one must be caught eating a banana, am I right?"

    "No! It is sitting right in front of me eating my brain. Get away from my room, you dingleberry" Leena yelled and slumped on her bed again when she felt her eyes are still heavy. She doesn''t even know when she caught up with her sleep yesterday.

    But Drew again interrupted when Leena was about to sleep.

    "What!" Leena barked.

    "My friend has arrived for the wedding," Drew whispered as if it is a big secret. When he was in the dining room drinking his usual banana smoothie, he heard a familiar voice and he knew, he has arrived. So he straight away rushed to give heads upon him. Little did Drew know, Leena already knows him.

    "Congrattions."

    "Don''tpliment Jurassic. He is a pain in the ass. As a sister, you should support me and you shouldn''t talk with him. He is a very bad person." Drewined as if like a child. The reason for hate, only both of them know and they would keep mum even if they are asked which has happened after one incident.

    "Oh! He is bad? Ask him toe to my room. He would soon reach mental asylum." Leena said as if it is a matter of fact. She got a record of people telling them that they would end up in a mental hospital if they speak with her for an hour. Being a crazy narcissist, she felt it is an achievement.

    "Leave about that brat. I heard they are nning for a treasure hunt game for all the people who are here for the wedding. It is based on ''chits of paper picking'' and two people would form a team. I will pull out some string and I will make sure that we both end up together in a team." Drew exined, he was scared that his friend would be his partner again which is thest thing he wants to do with him.

    "Treasure hunt?" Leena blinked her eyes once, twice. So, I have to go with Andrew? But I want to go with Mr.Adonis. I think I am starting to like him. If that annoying Kyle or Wendy is paired up with him, I will also pull out all my strings to pair up with him.

    "I will go and ask aunt Daisy to prepare snacks. If it a whole long day, we cannot survive. Get fresh ande down. I will show my friend''s dirty face."

    Leena weakly nodded her head but her brain was thinking of a master n on how to end up with Mr.Adonis for the treasure hunt game.

    After bbering everything, Drew hurriedly left the room, and right when he was about to open the doorknob, he was caught by Devin.

    "Andrew Dawson!" Devin yelled pulling Drew''s ear when he saw him in the room again. "Didn''t I tell you not to disturb her sleep before going out? You sneaked into the room again just when I went out?"

    "Ow! O!" Drew cried when his ear was pulled off. "Vincy, please leave my ear. I can''t attach if ites out."

    Right when Devin released his ear, Drew escaped away from the room in a sh.

    ...

    After Drew walked out of the room, Leena rose from her bed when her stomach began asking for food, but when her eyes trailed to the dress she was wearing which was not the same she was wearing yesterday, her face went expressionless. Straight away, Leena walked into his room. To her surprise, Devin didn''t appear away just like he always does in the morning. He was taking a call and the moment Devin sensed her presence, he immediately ended the call to speak with her.

    "Are you sober now? Shall we talk about your yesterday''s performance?" Getting up from the couch, he strolled towards her.

    "I_I my dress. H_ow, who." Leena stuttered with her words. She knew he would not take advantage but still it was scaring her.

    "What do you think?" Devin crossed his arms closing their distance. He would never forgetst night''s events. When Devin thought she has slept peacefully after talking about banana, it was just his thought. She got up again after an hour and has started bbering asking for hummus. He has to go in the middle of the night to get it when it was not readily avable in the home and like a monkey, she has eaten a tub full of hummus spreading it all over her dress. Until dawn, she did not sleep and also did not allow him to sleep. Finally, when it was beginning to sunrise Devin got a wink of sleep but it was again disrupted by Drew. He kicked him out of the room to let her sleep for a while and went out for getting some water but Devin did not realize Drew would sneak into her room again just when he left.

    "Was it you?" Leena gazed at the floor, her eyes brimmed with tears.

    Seeing her on the verge of breaking down, Devin put an end to his tease. He could understand her stance. No girl would blush and get happy when her dress gets changed by a stranger in reality. Even though he is not a stranger to her, Devin is still far away to get physical.

    "Don''t worry. It''s not me. I have asked Leah to change it." He reassured.

    "Why did you ask her to change?" Leena asked looking into his eyes. Forget about men she is not even ready to get her body watched by a girl. Even if she goes to the hospital for any kind of treatment, she reluctantly agrees to open her dress when it is necessary. Only her mouth speaks, but when ites to actions she is as shy as squirrels.

    "Then would it be fine, if it was me?" Devin needled her.

    "Hey! It''s not the time for jokes. You could have woke me up." She cried thinking of how to face Leah.

    "You were not even in a state to wake up, darling."

    "Ummm...Did I torture you?" Leena asked in a low murmur. When she looked at his dark circles, she understood her feats.

    "Sweetheart, never drink again. Your normal craziness itself is too much to handle and when you are drunk you are stark raving mad." Devin did not lie, she is a meshuga when drunk.

    "I_I_"

    Devin cut off her thoughts in the middle when he was not done with his talks.

    "Where do you learn all those kinky stuff? Pleasure pump? Handsome, threesome! You keep on asking to undress my pants to eat and y with a banana. In your drunken state, you even revealed that you have seen everything in the bathroom where we first met. But you have been pretending to be a victim until now."

    Leena''s face flushed in embarrassment. Did I blurt out the entire thing? I thought it was a dream. So it was real from the start. But the only way to escape is to bluff him and pretend that I didn''t remember anything.

    "W_hy would I talk about those things? I live by morals and ethics. I have never seen anything in the bathroom and I don''t even know what threesome is much less pleasure pump?" Mumbling, Leena fled away in shame without turning back.

    "She clearly remembers everything." Smiling at her red turned face, Devin walked out of the room shaking his head. He only left her to fill her stomach now, he was not done with his teasing yet.. Get fresh, we will have another round. Did she really think she can escape?

 Chapter 94 - Hakuna Matoddler

    Smiling like an idiot thinking of her red face, Devin happily walked out of the room. Despite he had more to discuss with her, he let her escape so that he can catch her after breakfast. Just when he stepped down the stairs, he could hear a familiar voice from the distance.

    "Another troublemakernded." Devin suddenly recalled his friend might have known her already when he thought of Leena''s best friend. While Devin was mulling over the idea, out of blue, he was squeezed in a fleshy hug.

    "Vincy! Man! I missed you a lot." A voice like a strained foghorn reached into his ears.

    "How are you?" His excitement was all over when he saw Devin instead of that ugly face as soon as hended.

    "Fine and dandy like cotton candy, Mr. Jasper Allen," Devin replied too muddle-headed to realize the loophole.

    "Are you Wang Devin or his doppelganger?" Jasper''s mouth wide opened listening to his reply. He was a hard time connecting his friend''s usual one-word reply to aical answer now.

    When Devin reflected on his friend''s question, he was also astonished by the answer he slipped. Why did I answer in such a witty way?

    "I_I_ nevermind. There might be a familiar person you may encounter. Don''t get shocked seeing." Devin had a hunch that Jasper would be knowing her, after all, Reese is her best friend. There is a high chance that Leena would guess his identity also, but he did not care. Just that he would miss the thrill of the cat and mouse game both are ying.

    "Familiar person? Who is_" Before Jasper could ask the name, Devin disappeared?

    "Get fresh ande down, Jasper. I have arranged the room already." Edging towards him, Leah handed the key to his room cracking his head to think of that familiar person.

    "Thank you, Leah! One more thing, I heard from my baby sister that Crazy Leena is also here for the wedding. Arrange a room far away from her and also from that nutty Andrew. I can''t even bear their presence for one hour, much less six days."

    Leah weakly nodded her head walked out to let him face the reality. Only if Jasper knew.

    ��.

    After Leena got fresh, she was supposed to go down for breakfast. But all her favorites were readily kept on the table. Who else it could be except him. He is so cute. with a satisfactory smile, she began devouring the food like a hungry horse.

    Finishing her breakfast, Leena began watching Lion King out of boredom. Tired of watching it hundreds of times already, she shut down herptop to go and check on Andrew. He would pester me all-daying to my room. Where did he vanish now?

    "God! Please let that idiot disappear for today. I can''t show my face after all the things I did in the night." Leena pleaded as if her life was banked on it. Just when she reached for the doorknob to sneak out quickly, it was unfastened and then entered the devil.

    Oh no!

    Leena flushed in embarrassment recalling the night events. Speak of the devil, here he is. Come on, Leena! Think of a n to escape. But right now nothing was kicking her brain.

    "Where to?" Devin questioned closing the door before she could escape.

    "I_I, I am going to Andrew''s room to y with him." Before Leena could run, her body was twirled and shoved against the door. Thinking that she would kick him, he pinned with his bodytching the door.

    "Not until we settle some ounts." His hoarse voice fluttered in a whisper into her ears.

    Her blush seared through her cheeks and for a second she thought her face was on fire with their closeness. Feeling coy, all of a sudden, she even went as far as attempting to hide her cheeks with her slender fingers.

    "Why don''t you put up a bold front when you are sober?" Devin whispered, grabbing her fingers, his gaze not even dropped for a moment from her flushed face.

    "I_I_ I didn''t do_"

    Her thoughts halted with a jaw-dropping moment when Devin suddenly grabbed her hand taking it further down to the south.

    Did he take my hand there for real? Leena cried when her voice did not reach her mouth when her breath tightened in her throat.

    "It''s all yours. Don''t you want to see it? You even started scolding me for not showing it yesterday."

    "Ummm...I have no idea what you are talking about." Leena tried to kick his leg, pulling her hand away but it was no use in front of this elephant. She was d that he is just teasing and didn''t put her hands down there.

    "Easy darling. I am here to talk about something important." Devin whispered turning her face when she looked away for a distraction.

    "I am not interested to_"

    "Shall we do a mistake right now which we will regretter?"

    Leena opened her mouth in shock, not because of his words. Because she felt a little Deja Vu.

    "It''s not a dream. Do you remember now?" Devin chuckled when he could see her shocked face.

    These were the same words Leena spoke with Devin in her drunken stupor.

    Rewinding yesterday''s scene.

    After Devin brought the hummus, Leena began lying on hisp while Devin has taken up the job of spoon-feeding her. She did not leave him at all even once.

    "More!" She demanded when the whole tub was already finished.

    "No! You had enough already." He was getting tired of her bratty activities. It was already four in the morning, but she is as active as a horse.

    "E...You are a big miser. You don''t give me hummus and you don''t even show my banana. You should get punished." Getting up from hisp, Leena pushed him onto the bed and climbed on him straddling with her body.

    "Wh_"

    His words pared suddenly.

    "Shall we do a mistake right now which we will regret itter?" Leena whispered tracing a finger to the edge of his lips without touching them.

    "Only one mistake." She confided. "Because I never make the same mistake ag_"

    Her words were cut off when Devin flipped towering her body, buckling his knees on either side of her thighs.

    "No! Let''s make more sweetheart. Only then we will learn from mistakes." Now it was his turn. His thumb slowly brushed her soft lips as their breaths hitched. Now, he had an urge to break her and ravish her lips.

    "OMG! It is ticking." Leena giggled, her hands unconsciously locked around his neck pulling close to her. "Where do we start our first mistake then?"

    "Let''s start with X, darling," Devin whispered resting his forehead against hers, taking shallow breaths.

    "Huh? Isn''t it English Twenty-fourth alphabet?"

    "But for us, it means Kiss." He slightly grazed her neck with his stubble.

    "It tickles." She giggled. "Then, I want X Square."

    Her words were setting him to a fire, but Devin was considering her state to move further or not. He didn''t want to take advantage of her drunken state, but something in him telling to tear her apart. I never faced such kind of dilemma even when closing a deal. Finally, his conscience won him over his desire. Besides, she would re up in anger once she is sober.

    He got up from his bed and walked out to have a cold shower even when Leena started shouting demanding for X Square. Taking advantage of a woman doesn''t make him a man and it is against his morals.

    Present...

    Devin pulled his mind out of that steamy scene. He did not want to embarrass her by telling their night activities.

    "I did not know your perverted skills are at the national level."

    "I_I don''t remember doing those. Besides, you are missing logic. There is no proof that I am behind all those things." Leena got a chance to escape from his harsh qualms. What nonsense you spoke with him, Leena! Mad girl! Even when she ransacked her brain, she could only remember a little of X and X square. She didn''t understand why she is remembering algebra here.

    "My bad that I was busy taking care of a toddler, So I could not record your stunts."

    "Is it? Then did I ask for a waffle?" Leena asked trying to shift from the topic.

    "You are worse than that. A Hakuna Matoddler crying and asking why the waffle was taken away." Devin honestly didn''t have a rest for a minute yesterday heeding to this kid.

    With a pout, she hit his shoulder for calling her worse.

    "I_I want to tell you one more thing." He hesitated to speak on how she would react. "Kyle went to the same school which I studied. There is nothing more. Don''t assume things. I have already made it clear to her." Devin wanted to slowly understand his intentions toward her.

    "Hmph. It has nothing to do with me. I am not interested in your affairs." Leena walked away seizing the chance. She remembered a little, talking about Kyle calling her Leech. So, he made it clear to her? Is it because of me? Even though Leena did not show in front of him, there was a satisfactory smile on her face.

    Devin didn''t realize, a small seed of warmth and affection that he has sprouted is slowly blossoming into a tree.. Only a little time, it would flourish with a garden of love.

 Chapter 95 - Sixty Nine

    The gloomy face Drew had put on when he saw his ugly friend was reced by joy in his face when he thought of the treasure hunt game they would be ying. I will make sure that I would end up with my sister. He has already asked aunt Daisy to get their snacks ready for it since it''s going to be a whole long day.

    Happily whistling to a song, Drew was showering when he heard crisp and clear footsteps crisp and clear.

    "Must be my new roomie. Dear God! Don''t let it be that ugly face." Drew pleaded to be left in peace alone at least till the wedding. He had a hunch that it would be him. Except for his one-room vacant, there is none in the entire house. So that ugly friend has a chance ofnding in this room.

    After hours of taking a shower which he always does making everyone wait in the process just like Leena, he opened the bathroom door and peaked at his sides. Only when he did not find anyone there, he stepped out of the bathroom. Just when he rushed to wear a shirt before anyone could see, a figure emerged out of the walk-in closet startling him.

    Both gazed at each other in surprise. After all, it''s been a long time they met face to face. Despite they are living neighbors, they would nevermunicate. Even if all their friends gather, they would end up fighting if they are put together.

    Finally, Jasper broke the silence not wanting to look at his nasty face.

    "How did you get into Seattle, monkey fellow. Did someone leave your cage open?" Jasperughed edging a finger in front of Drew.

    "Monkey''s friend is also big ass monkey, fuck off you donkey fellow," Drew shouted at the top of his lungs.

    "Anyone willing to fuck you must be toozy to masturbate," Jasper''s scream was soul dying.

    "God wasted someone''s good asshole putting teeth in your mouth." Drew''s scream was inhumane to ears.

    "Nasty fellow, you dare to insult me again. Go and wear a shirt first. I am controlling my puke watching your nude avatar."

    "I knew it, you always liked my body since when we''re in school." Drew protectively sped his chest with his two hands.

    "Is there anything to like in your body? It is as pine as a pikestaff."

    "Bastard! What did you say? I will kill you today." Drew charged on to Jasper at once.

    Their voices were too loud for the outsiders that Austin and Leah rushed into the room thinking something might have happened. But it was a jaw-dropping floor event for both, watching Jasper yanking Andrew''s towel, while Drew pulling Jasper''s jeans forcefully. If there is any other one looking at the scene, they would probably think they are lying on one another in a 69 position exiting some adulterous activity.

    Since Austin and Leah knew about them from the start, it was no shock that they both fight each time when they stay together.

    "Let''s separate before Andrew''s toweles out, Austin."

    "Jasper''s jean is in no good position. It would pan out in no time with the amount of pressure Drew is applying." Austin said.

    Without wasting any time, Leah and Austin rushed forward in the opposite directions pulling the mortal enemies apart.

    "Leave me Austin, I will kill that monkey fellow today," Jasper yelled.

    "I will kill that donkey fellow. Leave me, Leah." Drew screamed.

    "Enough Drew. And Jasper you too. Do you think you are still in school?" Austin chided as he often does it for these two.

    "Give me another room. I can''t live with this trouble maker for six days. He is always up with a problem." Pulling his jean which has almost emerged out, Jasper red daggers at Drew''s ugly face.

    "If you got a problem with me, write it in a piece of paper and stick it your ass." Securely buckling his towel which Jasper has almost pulled out despite he sped it hard, Drew red at Jasper''s nasty face.

    "Why? Is your ass jealous of the amount of shit that wille out your mouth?" Jaspermented.

    "You_"

    "Can you both stop! If you are here to create trouble at my wedding, go and stay in a hotel. Besides, we don''t have any extra room. Stay together or both of you get out." Leah had enough with these two. She has to use other means to shut these fellows even though it was painful to scold them.

    Gritting their teeth, both sat at the edges of the room in silence.

    "Once upon a time, you were like glue sticks who were inseparable. Suddenly, what happened on that day?"

    Hearing the question, both Drew and Jasper immediately averted their eyes moving into silence.

    Everyone in their friend''s circle always wanted to know what exactly happened between these two when both used to stick together like big fat thighs. But on one fine day, they entered the school bing mortal enemies. From then on, even if anyone asks, they behave as if they are mute kids without telling anything. And as time passed, their friends stopped asking and so their fights increased.

    "Stop fighting, else I will throw both out of this house. You can go and live in the streets."

    Austin and Leah walked away after giving a warning dose.

    Just when Austin and Leah left, they started their fight again.

    "I am warning you, if you stick anything pink on the doors or eavesdrop on me, I will kill you," Jasper warned, remembering the pink school bag Drew was wearing it to school. That was his gift to Drew on his tenth birthday.

    "If you don''t put the room clean and tidy, I will st your ass with a bomb." Drew equally warned him remembering the walk-in closet where Japer used to dumps all his clothes. He is the one who always organizes them neatly when they were best friends.

    "Get away from my sight, asswiper." Drew yelled.

    "Same goes for you, nasty piece of shit." Jasper screamed.

    Both returned to their rooms with gritted teeth.

 Chapter 96 - Ethans Request

    After having his morning dose of teasing Leena, Devin was full-on happy mode until he received a message notification to leave for the Seattle branch office.

    [DaddyPoppins: Meeting at eleven with the directors for the new retail business proposal. I am busy touring wildlife sanctuary in Africa. So, they need your presence]

    "Can''t he let me enjoy for ten days at least?" His grip on the mobile tightened peering at the message."Why did he travel to Africa for watching animals? He should havee to the wedding alone. All sorts of zoo creatures are roaming in here."

    When Devin gazed at the message again, he began finding the contact name a little odd.

    "DaddyPoppins? He has changed it again? Where does hee up with such a funny name?" Devin wondered whether both his mom and dad knew his mobile password or it is one of his brothers doing again. Devin instantly changed back the name to the original and got up from the chair to get ready for the office.

    Before getting ready, he knocked on the door and entered the room to see her once.

    Leena immediately stopped watching the cartoon show, her eyes twinkled seeing him.

    "I am going out. If you need anything, ask Andrew."

    "When are youing back?" Leena asked, her tongue slipped even before she could control. Why is informing me? Her cheeks flushed, it''s the happening way a lot of times these days.

    "If you are missing, I will stay here." Devin winked.

    "Get lost," Leena yelled throwing a pillow at him and even before it hit his head, Devin escaped.

    ...

    Just when Austin saw Devin emerging out of the stairs in a professional suit, his eyeballs popped out of the socket.

    "Man, you look suave. Did that monster see you in this suit?" Austin asked, imagining that narcissist''s jealousy. He still had a hunch that she would unt her beauty criticizing Devin even if looked dapper. The first time when he met that narcissist was through Leah. Until then he didnot knew narcissism exists at ridges.

    "It''s not the time yet." Adjusting his cuff links, Devin suddenly remembered he has yet to get a reply from her agreeing to be a model for WD''s new store in Korea. Once after the wedding, I will pester her again when she is back in Newyork.

    "She would burn in jealousy if she sees you. So, where are you heading to?" Austin asked out of curiosity.

    "A meet with directors." There was a littleziness in Devin''s reply.

    "I wonder how you manage two majorpanies, Vincy" Austin snapped. It was a surprise to him, how Devin shuttles between WD and The Wang Industries solemnly.

    "If you have a clear vision that is well understood by your employees, you can manage multiplepanies. But technically, I am only a board member of Wang Industries. So I have only one on my te." Devin stated.

    "Agree! But you are the face behind Wang Industries helping uncle." Austin has always been proud of his friend''s capabilities. While all the riches went running behind the family business, Devin independently started from scratch creating a brand for himself through the fashion house WD, entering as one of the top entrepreneurs who not only seeded but built a vast business empire with his bare hands.

    But Devin didnot neglect his family''s business empire. Wang Industries capsizes half the world in retail, construction, petrochemicals, technology.

    With the vast growth expansion, the sharks waiting to seize the chance have also increased but it has been protected firmly under his care. Even though Devin has not taken up the CEO position, he had been advising thepany in every deal. With his immense ideologies, it soared to greater heights even before it was. Many of them knew Devin has not stepped in as CEO due to hispany WD, but little did they knew he was the face behind it but to the outside world, he is just a board member who just holds shares of The Wang Industries.

    ...

    A pin-drop silence ensued among the employees in the vast conference room when the faint rugged footsteps echoed into their ears. The ss door was heaved open and entered the man with a kingly aura, his custom suit embracing the sturdy built.

    "Good morning gentleman! I would be acting as a stand-in CEO temporarily recing Mr.Fredrick Wang. We will begin the meeting in a few moments. To respect everybody in the room, if you could, please at this moment, look at your cellphone and turn it off or into vibrate, whichever works for you. It gets unnerving when listening to the presentation. With that said, we will start the meeting in approximately one minute." His voice had a rough edge when he spoke. His whole aura changed into an authoritative professional when he is into the business.

    "Morning Devin. Thanks for gathering with us. So the theme we do havee up with would be exined through the presentation." One of the directors spoke up.

    Devin nodded his head in approval.

    Instantly the lights went dim when a person edged onto the billboard to start the presentation. Looking at the copy and gliding the slides on theptop, Devin was intently listening to the demonstration.

    "As this meeting is focused on retail, so we are nning to enhance our grocery quality by having a direct connection with the farmers to get fresh local products and_"

    "What are the odds that there wouldn''t be a problem for the farmers from the FDA when selling directly to the retailer, Mr. John." Devin interrupted raising a question.

    "Well, we have approached some of the farmers and they do agree to the deal, for their profits also would elevate with the new proposal."

    "That''s an absurd way to think." Devin got up from his seat and edged to the billboard taking up the presentation.

    The man gazed at the floor in embarrassment for failing at his job and getting the CEO on to the billboard again.

    "There are many counties in which retailers directly visit, only when farmers have licensed farms. Not all the farmers will be willing and we can not take the risk of being huge in the country. They would rather sell to the broker and let the broker take the chance. Farmers don''t have time and customers want everything in their handy." Devin exined in detail putting everyone into shame for noting up in all the possible oues.

    "So, how do we ovee the situation, Devin," The director asked in remorse for not checking all the probabilities.

    "Submit a proposal to customize an application that does exactly what you are asking. Connecting farmers to the consumer through it would benefit both."

    The employees got a hint of Devin''s proposal and again they were impressed by his brilliant idea. It was a realization why he has evolved to be one of the top entrepreneurs in the world.

    "Meeting adjourned." He dered marching out of the conference room.

    ....

    Working on the budget submitted for one of their projects, his hands roughly moved to point the errors. Just then he heard a knock on the door.

    "Come in."

    The door was pushed open and a man entered rhe office room.

    "I got to know you will be in Seattle until your friend''s wedding. Why don''t you visit my home for lunch?" The assistant director, William asked.

    "I will try, uncle, or maybe next time." Devin smiled, his gazending on the folder. "What is that?"

    "I_t''s D_avies corporation''s proposal. They want to partner with The Wang Industries now." There was a hesitation in William''s voice when he brought the topic of Davies''s family again.

    Devin''s hand briefly paused for a moment hearing the name after almost a decade. But he was not the type of person to mix personal and professional emotions.

    "What''s the proposal?"

    "Since we have started live streaming tforms with our new application and they are into the entertainment industry, Davies Corps wanted to connect with us for their uing project."

    "Does dad knows about it?" Devin asked lifting his head finally. As far as he remembers he wouldn''t even like to talk with them.

    "Y_es! He said you will deal with it."

    So the African zoo was just an excuse to escape.

    "One more thing, I have been receiving personal emails from Ethan Davies requesting a meet with ourpany''s advisor. Since your identity is kept as a secret, he doesn''t know, it''s you." To outside, it is just a meet, but Ethan wanted to poach him out of Wang Industries into hispany, for he has been hearing his outstanding capabilities for along time.

    Devin''s corner of lips snickered hearing his name. Does he still request for a meet if he knows my identity?

    "Check my schedule and arrange a meeting ordingly. Probably, I might be busy for an entire month." Devin has an important job other than the work now, to court his sweetheart.

    William was shocked by hearing his words. Did he agree just like that? Do they know each other well?

 Chapter 97 - Brotherinlaw

    Holding aloof from the night circus she created, Leena tried tobat her boredom by watching the Tom and Jerry cartoon. Exhausted to the core of watching the same episode for the nth time, she closed her MacBook in frustration.

    "Can''t they grow mature and be friends just like us." Leena snickered watching the two juvenile characters still with no progress in their friendship. She couldn''t believe the most shameless man to the core has be her BFF in no time, unlike those Tom and Jerry which are taking years.

    "Maybe I should ask for a gift for epting his friend request. Let hime back, I will demand one." Thinking of the gift she would be coercing, Leena was getting excited imagining his already sunken face. Probably she would have never imagined, teasing someone and getting poked for fun at by the same person would make her smile for no reason.

    Jumping and dancing, she exited from her room to stroll in the garden for fresh air only to be encountered by a barnacle outside of her room.

    My poor day! What a bad omen! Leena wanted to strangle him for wearing the same worn-out smile whenever he sees her. How did he be an actor with his mediocre face?

    "Hello, Madam." Trent looked up with arge grin splitting his face. "Looks like you are enjoying someone''spany way better, despite my warnings."

    "And you seemed to be very bothered by it." She snapped.

    "Of course, if the girl I like is going aimlessly with someone, don''t you think I would get hurt? Why don''t you give me a chance? Let''s go for a date." Trent initiated reaching for her hand. He has been wanting to hold her hand at least once since the day he has seen her.

    Even before he touched it, Leena immediately retreated it back.

    "Keep your ratty hands away from me. I can beat men until their bones would break. Besides my life is too short to do stupid things and by stupid things, I meant you." Leena was annoyed by the desire for his friendship itself much less a romantic one? In his dreams! Does he have some disorder or what? Before he could speak any further she fled away not intended to talk and dampen her mood further.

    "She is just scared of me." Looking at the retiring back, Trent chuckled. Being an actor, he was surrounded by many women but there was no fun with them and he would get bored in no time. But he found that is way different from Leena. Despite getting witty replies from her, there was something in her which was sensually drawing Trent towards her.

    "She is not an easy fall as I assumed."

    ...

    Just when she strolled into the garden to water the trees, her eyes scooted on to the woman sitting alone on a grass ying with a withered leaf.

    "What''s wrong with her face? She seemed to be bothered by something." Despite Leena felt a little sad about her tragic past, she realized in most ways, Kyle doesn''t deserve too much sympathy. She was one to be med for being weak in front of her bullies.

    And like a hero, he saved the damsel in distress every time she needs help, and with that, Kyle soared her hilltops of expectations on him. What a tragic drama. It would have hit the stores if they continued further and he would be the show stopper.

    "What does he think of? A Mother Teresa offering a hand for all the blind people?"

    Not all can fight like you, Leena. Be proud of yourself. You don''t need that shameless idiot''s help, unlike someone.

    As angry as she was, Leena couldn''t suppress her emotions when ites to him. To clear her thoughts, she walked away in the other direction, further into the maple tree groves to breathe fresh air and sunshine. While she was enjoying the greens, Leena heard a slight rustle of leaves and a familiar back entered into her sight. But when she heard the voice, Leena confirmed it''s him.

    "Oh my! It''s him! What is Jasper doing here?"

    His voice is still the same. Poking with a roof sheet on a high way rood is better than hearing the man''s voice. Like a cat, she went hiding behind a tree to eavesdrop when she heard her name was used by them.

    "No baby sister! I haven''t met that crazy yet...What?.Why would I bully her? I will be d if I am spared from that nutcase until Leah and Austin''s wedding."

    "Crazy? Nut case? Both brother and sister are bitching behind my back?" Leena shrieked in a whisper.

    She is way familiar with him from the time she started her university because he would always visit to see his baby sister, Reese.

    "It seems Jasper is also aware of Leah and Austin. But Reese never told about it."

    Leena got to know Wilbur was a friend to Jasper when she was studying at University. And to her surprise, she was shocked to know that even Leah and Austin knew her brother during her modeling career.

    "Then there is a high possibility that Wilbur would know about Mr.Adonis also," Leena whispered ransacking her brain to check if she had seen him anywhere. At a point, Leena realized she was lost in a maze with many unanswered questions when ites to Wilbur''s friends.

    "Leave it, Leena! Don''t stress yourself." Hairfall was the worse she expected to see in her precious hair.

    Just when Jasper ended the call and about to leave, a voice called him raising a terror within his core. Jasper hoped he could be buried under a hole right now than speaking with that crazy.

    "OMG! Brother inw! Is it you? Are you bitching with my wife right in front of me?" Leena screamed watching the stiff figure. To create a dramatic effect, she moved towards him in a slow-motion wiping her tears as if she has seen him after a long time.

    "Don''t you have shame to openly im a woman as your wife? And don''t call me brother inw, nutty cake." Jasper yelled when she began stirring their rtionship again. She has not yet changed the habit of calling brother-inw even now?

    "My shame is only from couch to refrigerator, brother inw, and to address with your name? No way! I live by morals and ethics. Besides, I should get used to it in the future, right?" Shyly Leena looked down tracing with her toes on the cute ko faced sandals.

    Watching her dramatic expression, Jasper wanted to puke right in front of her.

    "Hey! Crazy Leena! Can''t you leave my baby sister alone?" Jasper cried, he still couldn''t fathom Reese choosing to work under this crazy girl when she has a bigpany under her te.

    "Don''t separate us, brother inw. Even if you hunt the entire world, you can not get a better match for your sister other than me. ept it. All right it''s my lunchtime. I have to eat and drink in time to look more beautiful for the pictures. After all, your sister asked for my beautiful solo photos. Let''s have lots of fun at the wedding, bye! bye!" Waving him goodbye, she walked out controlling to crack her smile which was coercing to emerge.

    "Why can''t I have normal people around me? Ugly Drew is one monkey and this narcissist is hell crazy." Out of blue, he recalled Devin informing of a familiar person.

    Did he mean crazy Leena? If it is, how does Devin know that I already knew about this nut case?

    "Whatever it is, I have to warn him to stay away from her."

    His thoughts flew back to years where he was tortured by the three monkeys, Reese, Jane, and Leena! Out of all the three, Leena is worse than a bomb. You get killed in an instant when it is activated but she would kill people in installments with her crazy behavior making it more dangerous than a bomb.

    He walked out to concentrate on the treasure hunt they would be ying instead of Andrew and Leena.

 Chapter 98 - Scavenger Hunt

    Thewn was full of people waiting in anticipation to collect the scavenger hunt notes. Their anxiety has taken back to school days right at the moment. The crowd was almost gathered except Leena and Devin. One was sleeping like a log and the other was out of the station. Even if Devin was here, he would have said a big no to the childish game.

    Opening the box, Leah and Austin went ahead to the gathering so that the crowd can pick up their chits. They have beenined about ying the football and basketball game multiple times which was making them bored and hence the scavenger hunt emerged and to make it a little adventurous and fun, they havee up with an outdoor treasure hunt

    "The game wouldmence on the day after tomorrow. Let''s be honest and dont peek into your neighbor''s chits and also no exchanges. Remember we are all adults. If anybody is trying to y a foul game, they would be worse than a monkey and donkey." ncing at Drew''s eyes which were already wandering onto Jasper''s chit, Leah screamed. "Andrew Dawson! Are you a monkey or a donkey?"

    Leah''s harsh voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He nodded his head in denial, his embarrassment rippled when everybody started looking at him as if he has done the biggest crime in the world.

    "You have lived up to your name again, monkey fellow." Jasper snickered.

    "Get lost donkey fellow." He countered.

    "The names written in the notes are harmonized pairs. You will be paired into two and your partner name would be revealed when wemence the game. Until then, don''t disclose it to anyone. Let''s y an honest game." Leah dered looking at Jasper and Andrew sharply. For some reason, she was getting a little skeptical about these two.

    "We are in." Everybody screamed in an uproar.

    ....

    Stirring from her sleep, Leena jerked from the stupor when she remembered the treasure hunt game which she has not attended to pick her chit.

    "It''s already afternoon So, I am out of this game?" Leena huffed like a child when her imagination got crushed into pieces.

    "You are still in the game darling." Entering into the room, Leah opened a box to pick thest remaining note.

    "I did not want your beauty sleep to be disrupted."

    The paper chits were picked by everyone who is up to the game, except Leena and the crowd was equally delighted to y the game apart from Devin.

    At first, he didn''t pick up any note but when Leah threatened him that she would partner his sweetheart with Trent, his trigger was kicked. So he reluctantly gave in to her wishes.

    "I am the leftover in te now?" Leena pouted her lips starting angrily at her friend. Still, she pulled out thest one from the box and opened it.

    [Congrattions Sd! Search for your partner, soup, and enjoy the adventurous game]

    "Oh my? Is it Sd?" Leah eximed peeking into the note.

    "What''s wrong with Sd?" Leena asked.

    "Ummmm... Leena! I am not supposed to reveal it but as a friend, I must look after you. Keep it as a secret of the juicy gossip I am revealing now. Wendy is the soup. So, she will be your partner for the treasure hunt game."

    Curious about that funky woman, just like Drew, Leah also peeked into her chit when Wendy has opened. That''s how she was aware of Wendy''s pair up name.

    "What! I can''t bear with that lollipop." Leena screamed thinking of the exciting game with that lollipop slurping woman.

    "Try swapping with someone else." She whispered." You know, what I mean."

    Leena nodded her head in a fog. She was already nning to exchange it with someone else but none of the person''s face was clicking into her mind.

    Talking with her for a while, just when Leah left, Leena abruptly got up and walked into his room and surveyed the niches where she could spot his chit but there was none.

    "What a kinky fellow. He might be carrying it in his pocket. But I can''t pair up with that retard. I can bear anyone other than her." Despite Leena wanted to get paired with him, right now getting rid of Wendy is her priority task.

    She scoured her brain for the scapegoat and finally, her brain has delivered the answer. Let him rot in the hunting game with that Wendy. Leena immediately rushed out to carry her mission to bring back the smile on her face.

    ...

    Gazing at the pair up name he has picked, Drew was almost on the verge of breaking.

    [Congrattions Spice. Enjoy the audacious game with your partner Sugar]

    "Why the hell I am partnered with him?" Drew cried but then he was d to peek into Jasper''s chit while he has opened it in the garden and that''s when he got to know that Jasper is sugar as in his partner.

    "I have to rob someone''s chit now. Maybe Jurassic could help." Mumbling to himself, Drew walked into the washroom when his stomach began dribbling due to the junk he has thrown into it.

    Waiting for the golden opportunity, Jasper wasted no time sneaking into Drew''s room. He searched all the drawers and finally found the chit in a neatly ced box.

    He was again shocked when he looked at the paired-up name.

    "Thank God, I have seen it. I can''t spend the whole day with that monkey fellow." Just when he heard the bathroom door was pushed open, he put the chit back into the same ce and rushed out of the door but he was caught already.

    "What the hell are you doing in my room," Drew yelled. Did hee to check out the name? That could exin.

    "I Went to check if you have stick your ugly portrait on the wall again." Jasperughed with a roar.

    "Nasty fellow. I wish I had more hands to show as many as middle fingers to you."

    "What did you say?" Jasper charged on to him and their fight began from Drew''s room and it got pushed to all corners of the room, finally ending on the bed.

    Jasper pushed him on the bed, kneaded him with his legs grabbing Drew''s hands with no escape.

    "Donkey ass, you will regret why you haven''t taken life insurance if you don''t release me now," Drew yelled trying with all his might to unsp his hands.

    "Scrunchy lizard. Rot in hell. Aunty should have swallowed you when you were born."

    The fightings continued in the bed until it started to shake and to their horror, all their activities were watched by the person they least wanted to see.

    And their doom began!

 Chapter 99 - Running Around The Ring

    Closing the door shut, Leena mped her mouth shut taking deep breaths to feed her brain slowly with the activities she has just watched in the room.

    "Jasper and Andrew are getting rumpy-pumpy in the broad daylight! Even their bed is shaking! What are they? Lovers or friends with a big F? But can they jump into someone''s bones while still wearing clothes?" Leena whispered, her brain was still muddle-headed to imagine them being together, for she knew Jasper for quite a long time. She did not realize Jasper is a friend of Dorothy until today.

    "Is Reese aware of Jasper''s sexual preferences? So, Jasper was the ugly friend Andrew was talking about in the morning?"

    "But they seem to be enjoying. There are only two possibilities. Andrew doesn''t like Jasper and he was being forced or Andrew must be ying a push and pull the game to make Jasper realize his feelings? That''s it." Leena whispered, sticking an ear to the door expecting to hear moans or grunts but to her annoyance there were none.

    "I should have waited until the love birds went into their oats all the way." She was always curious about how guys would go mating when both the carrots collide once theye in contact.

    Then again, it would be awkward and they may end up stopping their activity if I continue watching them.

    It was a pity that Jasper and Drew were caught by Leena and little did they knew her imagination has already turned wild and their lives would be no better from now.

    "Love birds." Leena giggled and walked away with a happy grin for sessfully executing her mission of exchanging the notes.

    Once she entered the room, Leena opened the note she has just swapped with Jasper, a smile spread across her lips reading the content.

    [Congrattions Sugar. Enjoy the voyage with your partner, Spice]

    When Jasper and Drew were not fighting in Drew''s room, Leena quietly entered to check for the note, but she did not have to rummage the room, for it was readily avable on the table. Just when she was about to return, her eyes slightly darted on to the love birds making out on the bed which shocked her to the core.

    ...

    Without realizing and checking his note which was already swapped, Jasper walked into Devin and Leena''s room but neither he found them in the room nor their notes.

    Scared that someone would steal, Leena has securely hidden when she knew Andrew woulde looking for it.

    "I want a scapegoat now," Jasper whispered.

    Austin and Leah are not ying due to their busy schedule with the wedding preparations. Jasper was only aware of Salsa and Kyle in the house out of all the Austin friends. He did not want to waste his time checking with that introvert woman. His friend had introduced Trent but Jasper was not in a friendly rtion to enter into his room.

    Finally, he decided to go with Salsa and walked into his room.

    "Jaspee! What''s up?" Salsa eagerly shouted when he saw his brotherly figure.

    "I am just curious about your new wedding outfits, salsa. why don''t you show them? I am bored anyway." While he was speaking, his eyes were running around the room.

    Jasper wasted no time cashing Salsa''s love towards the clothes adding it to his advantage. If Salsa was asked to show off his clothes, he would forget everything and brag about them even a person is on the verge of dying.

    "No one was bothered about my cute outfits. Love you Jaspee! Sit here. I wille in a jiffy." Salsa rushed to his walk-in closet to get all the clothes he purchased for Austin and Leah''s wedding.

    "I have many branded outfits. If you want any....."

    His thoughts halted when the man sitting on the bed just now has disappeared when he was back in the room.

    "Huh? Where did Jaspee go?" He stomped his feet and pouted. To get him back to show off his clothes, Salsa went behind in search of him.

    Desperate to know the name written on the chit, Jasper rushed as fast as he could and reached his room.

    Just when Salsa entered the walk-in closet, he reced the note with no effort when the note was fibbing on the table and when he was done, he walked out of the ce in pdash.

    Making himselffortable on the bed, Jasper scanned the name written on the note.

    [Congrattions Miss Mouse! Enjoy the rebellious Scavenger hunt with your partner Cat] He sighed in relief and slumped on the bed. Jasper didn''t bother about his partner anymore as long as the monkey fellow was not involved.

    "What a smart y, Jasper! Keep it up." He patted his shoulder congratting him.

    "The game began!" He squealed in delight.

    ....

    If Jasper had thought that he was the only one ying a smart game, then he was wrong. All three, Leena, Drew, and Jasper have been running around the ring wasting their energy on the futile activities without knowing they were going back to the square again.

    Desperate to get rid of Jasper and without knowledge that Jasper has already exchanged his note, Drew walked into Leena and Devin''s room.

    "Jurassic, are you there?" He slightly knocked on Leena''s door and when he did not get any response, he was about to leave the ce but suddenly a thought struck his brain when he began hearing water sounds from the bathroom.

    "It must be Vincy! I can exchange it with his note, right! Anyone is better than that donkey."

    Drew straight away checked Devin''s pant pockets, unlike Leena and Jasper where they were rummaging the entire room. He was a notoriouswyer and finding clues was piece of cake and there, he found the note and he instantly reced their notes.

    After fleeing into his room, Drew opened the note and smiled reading the content.

    [Congrattions Mr.Cat. Enjoy the joyous ride with your partner mouse]

    "Cat! Thank God! I will not get paired up with that donkey." Despite the urge to get paired with Leena, he was fine with anyone except Jasper. He got hell scared of being caught when he was exchanging with Devin itself and he did not want to pull any more stunts.

    "Who would be my mouse?" Drew wondered.

    "The game began."Drew cheered with the victory.

    Both have started the game on their own without knowing there was already a third person involved and yed it way smartly.. If only they had noticed instead of their fightings.

 Chapter 100 - Sugar And Spice

    A continuous game of cat and mouse!

    A twist to their story when a third yer entered the game scattering their dreams. Neither the cat nor the mouse had a winning end. End of the story!

    Presuming that Drew would pester her again, Leena wandered in the maple groves leisurely talking with Reese and Jane all the trio together in a conference call.

    Eventually, when Leena sensed the twilight zone was being returned, her fear of ghosts kicked in, and within no time, she bid goodbye to her friends and fled into the house.

    Just when Leena reached for the doorknob to open the room, she heard an amicable voice across the corridor.

    "Where were you, Jurassic? In an excited voice, Drew curtailed her footsteps. "I was searching for a long time to show my ugly friend''s face. "

    "Me? I was talking with my best friends." Leena''s reply was fast and she knew that the ugly friend is none other than Jasper.

    "Good that you have a best friend unlike me," Drew mumbled in a low voice but still, she heard his words.

    Despite Drew started, as a matter of fact, Leena assumed Drew is entering into a depression because Jasper has note clean with his feelings.

    What a tragic love story they are entangled in!

    Leena sighed, freeing the door wide open, aware that Drew would join to pester her again until he gets to know about the treasure hunt pair.

    "Leah told that you have already picked the treasure hunt chit. What did you get?" Drew asked, he has been so eager to know if both of them had be a pair. If luck is by his side and the note he has exchanged would kick in the result he anticipated, they can enjoy the whole day basking the game.

    "Andrew Dawson! Are you a monkey or a donkey? Anyone trying to peep into other notes is worse than them." Having said that, she settled on the bed and nudged him to sit on the chair.

    "I am just curious." His face brooded when he thought of Leah''s insult just like Leena did it now. That wicked woman would haveined about me.

    "Leave all that! I am a little curious about you. When did you know that you have be a friend of Dorothy?" Leena asked in anticipation. She was curious about the new love birds and wanted to know whey have lost their virginity. If so, she wanted to know how they have done the deed. Despite it is a little odd to listen, she did not mind being shameless. After all, in a world full of Kardashians, she is just a Gagher.

    "Huh? Who is Dorothy? I don''t have a friend with such a name." A sense of confusion was written all over his face when Drew asked.

    "You_ your ga_ nevermind." Surprised that he was not even aware of Dorothy, Leena dismissed the thought. She felt a little embarrassed to talk about it again with Andrew.

    After chit-chatting with her for quite some time, Drew left the room to check out a suitable outfit for the treasure hunt game.

    ....

    When Andrew left the room, Leena instantly walked into the linked room. While she was entering her room along with Andrew, her eyes caught sight of a familiar note lying on the table and she discerned it must be Mr.Adonis treasure hunt chit.

    Leena quietly checked the walk-in closet and knocked on the bathroom door and when she did not find any response, a wicked smile spread across her face.

    Right away, she marched forth to check his note.

    An expression of shock was evident on her face when she opened and read the content inside it.

    "Spice! Spice! Spice!" Leena mumbled until her brain processed the content.

    "Yay! Mr. Adonis is spice and I am sugar and we are going to be treasure hunt pairs." Leena jumped in the room squealed with excitement with the revtion. Her happiness knew no bounds thinking that she would get to spend alone time with him.

    She has already weed the little butterflies she is receiving from her heart whenever her mind wanders on to him, a way she has never felt with anyone until he crashed into her life. Leena doesn''t want to know the exact feelings she is garnering on to him, for she was sure it would get revealed with the progress of time. But right at the moment, she wants to enjoy spending more time with him, talk with him, get to know about him, and hear his teasings.

    Her intuition was telling that he is already aware of her identity and when Trent talked about him being a dangerous person, she was curious about his identity and when she got to know that Wilbur and Jasper were friends of him, she wished to know his personality. Her curiosity always piques when it matters to him. It was a piece of cake if Leena wanted to know about him. She could get his information from Leah, Austin, or Andrew or through her hacking skills. But for Leena, that is just an ordinary way and she wants everything to be extraordinary. Getting close to him without knowing his sameness was one thing that she had never received the opportunity with anyone and she is enjoying it.

    Just that she is waiting for the day he would confront her with his real identity. Until then, let the cat and mouse game continue.

    Like an idiot, Leena was grinning for no reason when her brain was getting upied with him.

    Soon she felt something was off when she read the note likewise. How can he be spice?

    "Isn''t itme that I am the sugar? He is the sugar patient going for runs even before listening to everything. Besides, I am hotter than him. So, naturally, I am the one eligible to get called as a spice." Recing the note with his which she had been carrying all the way, scared of the robbers like Andrew, Leena walked out to thank Leah for pulling her out of this situation. There is a high chance that he would ask about the swapping chits when hees to know about it on the gamemencing day, but Leena has alreadye up with a story to make him believe.

    Leena was proud that by exchanging her note with a single person, she would be lucky enough to get paired with him.. Little did she know, it was a groundwork of the two mortal enemies who have worn out their efforts just to get separated, but in the process, bringing Leena and Devin together.

 Chapter 101 - Phantom Vibration Syndrome

    While Leena was fleeing into Leah''s room, her cogitation drifted to the outfit she has to wear for the scavenger hunt game. Instantly she took a detour and dashed into her room again.

    Rummaging her closet for nearly an hour, she did not unearth a single eptable dress and in the process, she turned her room into shambles.

    "I can''t even get a single outfit out of hundreds. But take your time ande back again, Leena! You should look ravishing and promising than him." Lost interest to explore now, in frustration, she walked out of her room to check on Leah.

    ....

    "I am so bored Leah! I need a vacation. I wish someone would kidnap me so that I could go on an adventure." Grabbing an apple from the table, Leena slumped on the bed tiredly.

    "Adventure yeah! That''s what I can call when your kidnapperse back alive aftermath." Leah did not want to imagine the state of poor robbers if they get to kidnap Leena by any chance.

    "Even Mr.Adonis forewarned the exact words. Am I really powerful?" Leena posed, feeling proud of her achievements.

    "Did she think I have apuded her?" In a whisper, Leah gaped.

    "You seem very close to him, Leena." Leah started to drift the topic, seemingly tired of her narcissism. "Looks like you do like him a lot?"

    The sudden shift in the topic forced a gasp from Leena and the Apple she was eating caught in her throat shortly.

    "Rx Leena darling." Patting her back, with a dubious smile, Leah started pestering her again. "So with this, I can assume you do like him right?"

    "I_I, get lost, dirty girl. I_I would rather swallow a pillow instead of liking him." She turned her head away to hide the embarrassment.

    How long will you mask your feelings miss narcissistic? Leah marveled. She knew Leena loathes man and whenever she asks or brings the topic, her tenor changes into a terrified girl and she would be unwilling to discuss the topic. Since then, Leah has also stopped bringing the subject.

    "Alright, Leena! You seem to be a little hampered about it." Leah changed the course of the topic not to torture her. "I brought dresses for my honeymoon. Can you check if they look good on me?" Having said that, Leah began trying the dresses.

    Leena nodded her head fervently. This is better, instead of an interrogation.

    "Why does the honeymoones after the wedding? I can''t wait anymore for the day I can be together with my baby." Emerging out of the bathroom, Leah twirled showing off her exotic sea-green babydoll dress

    "Then why get married if the honeymoones before and why the hell is you twirling dirty girl," Leena yelled. Did she think her dress is long enough to swivel? I could see everything from the inside.

    "Oopsie! I forgot. Don''t mind it, Leena!"

    "Putting that aside, are you nning to stick to the bed for the entire honeymoon. I can''t see a proper piece of cloth here." Leena asked exploring the dresses. All she could see we''re one piece see through clothes. Why did she buy them? She could better go naked instead of wearing them.

    "To put it frankly, my baby doesn''t like clothes on me, so I have packed little full clothes. Besides, he said that we would be sticking to the bed for one whole month." Leah shyly squealed turning beet red when she recalled Austin''s shameless words after he brought the topic of honeymoon.

    Leena wanted to puke hearing those cheesy words from her mouth.

    "You are speaking as if you haven''t done the deed. FYI, he is a yboy, Leah. Didn''t he date almost all the women in Seattle?" Leena has hate for womanizers. In her viewpoint, men who refuse to see women as anything but objects are nothing but trash, even if they have other reasons. When she thought of men, Leena''s thoughts instantly drifted to him. She wondered how many women he had an intimate rtionship with. With his dapper looks, she was sure he would have bedded N number of women.

    Don''t think about him all the time Leena! Her thoughts broke when Leah recited.

    "Don''t call him a yboy, Leena. Besides, we haven''t done the deed yet and we are still waiting for our first time." Leah''s cheeks flushed to answer her question.

    Despite Austin was a Casanova in the past, Leah knew he had never taken the rtionship to another level with any other woman, and right after they got together, he has never sought after any woman and that was the honesty and respect he has shown to their rtionship.

    "Madam pinkness. Enough with your blushing. Let''s get into the business."

    "I can see your skin has be a little coarse when you wore those see-through outfits. You need better skincare products, Leah. Are you even moisturizing your body?" Leena asked.

    "Is it?" Looking at the skin, Leah felt a little rough when she touched her back." Then can you rmend a good brand? I will ask mom to order them right now."

    "The stock is very limited and by the time ites to Seattle, you will be back from the honeymoon also. I have ample of products. Go and check out my bathroom. You will find all my skincare products in the case."

    "I am not familiar with the cupboard, Leena! Can you please get them? I am dog-tired." Leah dragged her body and copsed on the bed.

    "I am so tired that even my tiredness is tired," Leena replied in a sapped voice.

    The room was just next to them but still, both were reluctant to move an inch of their body.

    "I have an idea to get them here without any efforts," Leena said.

    "What''s that?"

    "Call my bunky and ask him to get it. He must have arrived home already." Leena tipped her head to the side and winked at her.

    "You are right, Leena! Why didn''t I get the idea at first?"

    "Isn''t it obvious? There is no one born in this world to knock my intelligence power." She proudly stamped again.

    There she goes again. Isn''t she tired of putting forth her narcissism every time? Leah marveled. There is no point in talking with her. It''s better to call Vincy than speaking any other word with her.

    Grabbing her mobile, Leah made a call to Devin.

    "What?" His voice had that crisp edge to it again when he spoke.

    "Ummm...actually" Leah hesitated a little to ask. "I need the Skincare products which are handy in your bathroom. Can you get them to my room right away?"

    "It''s just a room away. Get it by yourself." Devin tried to cut the call but Leah interrupted.

    "Please Vincy."

    "I am very busy_"

    "It''s for your sweetheart," Leah whispered in a low voice when Leena began listening to the conversation intently.

    "I will be there in two minutes." Just when Leena''s name was called, Devin took a three-sixty degree turn. Cutting the call, he immediately went into the business.

    He stepped into the bathroom and began rummaging all the containers, but he soon found them empty.

    "Where did she keep them. Everything looks empty."

    When Devin was not turning up for a long time, he got a call again. The moment he lifted the call, a sense of slight disturbance urred in the ce he was standing. He just snubbed the feeling thinking it is some sort of phantom vibration syndrome which he gets usually.[1]

    "What''s taking you so long?" Leah asked.

    "Pass on the phone to my darling quickly." He interrupted.

    When Leah passed on the mobile, Leena got a little nervous, for it was the first time she would be speaking to him.

    Even after sticking the mobile on to her ear, Leena quietly stared at the floor without speaking. She did not know how to start the conversation with him right at the moment.

    Sensing her hesitation, Devin took the initiation.

    "Where did you keep your skincare products, Miss pervert?"

    "I am not a pervert shameless idiot, unlike you," Leena argued. The moment his teasing started, Leena instantly brought the inner self.

    "Is it? Then why did you ask for my banana all night_"

    "My products are on the top shelf." Leena cut off when he started exining the night activities she did with him.

    "Why did you keep them in the top cabs leaving the bottom ones empty?" Devin wondered if she is jumping on to the rack every time she wants to use them.

    "I_I thought you will use my products." Hesitantly Leena answered in a whisper.

    "What? Do I look like some pervert who goes after girl products? I will get back to youter." He cut off the call in the middle leaving Leena in remorse.

    Soon Devin leaped onto the rack and opened the top case, where he found her skincare products. Just when he was getting down, he got a call again.

    "What now? Is she feeling guilty?" Devin smiled and lifted the call, but even before he could speak, he felt the same sensation, the signal tampered at the same spot. But rather it was intense unlike before.

    "What''s wrong? Does my mobile have a problem or is it something else? But it can''t be my phantom vibration syndrome again." Devin was sure there is something more to it. It can''t be a coincidence twice.

    He could sense there is a kind of radio frequency signal which is intruding with his phone signals earlier but the differing is getting intense at a certain ce and position.

    He cut off Leena''s calling up with some excuse and immediately called Andrew''s number hanging in the same position. He wanted to confirm if the worst case he is thinking could be true.

    When the call got connected and Drew began speaking, Devin felt the signal intrusion again with the same vigor and he discerned what exactly is happening here.

    Stunned, he was speechless for a long moment when the realization hit him.

 Chapter 102 - Three Red LED Lights

    Everything seemed to be a mess of puzzle when Devin couldn''t connect the dots. Every lock has a key but to find the key, he needed to figure out the truth with a little patience.

    Strolling out of the bathroom, he hastily made a call to Leah, and right when the call got connected, even before she could speak, Devin suspended her thoughts and articted stressing each of his words brassily.

    "Listen carefully, Leah! Until unless I give a cue, do not let Leena out of her room! I repeat, do not let her out of the room! did I make myself clear?" Devin enunciated each sentence so that she couldprehend the weight of his words.

    "W_hat''s wrong with you suddenly and what about my skin care_"

    "Screw with your skincare products!" His voice was like an echo in the empty voice when he yelled.

    Suddenly when Devin realized he lost theposure, he spoke up a little quietly trying to sound normal.

    "I will send them through Drew and you, keep my words in your mind."

    "I_ ok." Leah flinched at the sting of his words. It was not the first time Devin lost his temper but Leah felt he is more vexedpared to the times before.

    When Leah ensured that there would be no mishaps in confining Leena to her room until he gives an indication, Devin ended the call and dialed Andrew''s number, and demanded his presence in his room right away to deliver a package to Leah''s room. He wanted Leena to get connected with as many people as possible now, else there is a chance that she woulde back to the room. That is thest thing Devin wanted right now. He needs to figure out the fact of the matter first and to tell her the truth or not, he would decide itter.

    After delivering the package, Drew got settled with Leena and Leah seizing the chance to escape from his mortal enemy.

    Right after sending the package, Devin dialed Austin''s number. Instead of relying on his intuition alone, Devin wanted to find if whatever he is assuming is right or his mere spection.

    "Ahoy Matey! You are calling up even if we are staying in the same_"

    "I have no time listening to your nonsense!" Devin ceased Austin''s words irresolutely. "Get your ass out of the house and cut down the power supply and also the backup. Right now." His thunderous aura made Austin twitch when Devin''s voice revolted like a rising storm into his ears.

    "What?" Austin continued. "Are you crazy? There are many guests and rtives in the house. Everyone would freak out if there is a sudden power cut. How can I_"

    "Cut your crap, Austin, and do what I said. Right now!" His voice had a rough edge when he spoke with audacity.

    "I_ all right. I will do it right away." Before Austin could cut the call, Devin talked back.

    "Make sure everybody believes that it''s not a deliberate attempt," Devin alleged, he doesn''t want to alert the intruder in case if the person is one lurking in the house.

    "Did something happen Vincy?" Austin asked. He was getting second thoughts with the way Devin was behaving now when he seemed to be fine earlier. What made him lose theposure all of a sudden? Austin wondered.

    "Let''s talk about thatter." Devin instantly cut the call before Austin could bug him and waited for the power break down and shortly the lights went bleak in the entire house. Even after, Devin did not enter the bathroom instantly, for it would sound skeptical. Anything that would raise a suspicion would only alert them. Devin was d that he didn''t find anything suspicious thing in their living rooms.

    After waiting for a while, Devin leisurely walked into the bathroom. Despite he was fuming inside, he was putting a good stunt to keep up his vexed tenor.

    The sun has already gone down and with the added power out, it was pitch ck when Devin entered the bathroom except that his eyes could spot three LED light casting a shadow on the floor which were blinking even under the low light conditions.

    It was a confirmation that spy cameras are indeed installed.

    How cheap they could get to put a spy camera in the bathroom and when a girl is involved in it? He was disgusted by the sick thought itself.

    He knew LED around the camera lens will turn on automatically so that they could produce night vision images clearly and that is the reason he asked Austin to cut down the power. He could have used other methods but that would be evident and alert the person behind this if they are lurking in the house.

    To sound it obvious that he is in the bathroom for a business, he casually switched on the mobile shlight, but his eyes were scampering nook and cranny everywhere the red beam light was focusing and he soon found the positions. One was in a power supply wall socket, another in a small pot nt which was sitting in a rack, and one more was in a smoke detector. If Leena had the habit of using a hairdryer, she would have found out while plugging into the pocket at least. But the possibility was also worn out. Rage churned inside him throbbing like a drumbeat with disgust. Which sick bastard is behind it?

    Smoking with anger, Devin left the room and sat on the edge of the bed to process the things he has witnessed just now. All the time, only one thing was running in his mind constantly. Leena!

    Three hidden spy camera was fitted in the bathroom which would have recorded every move of them if he is not wrong. Devin didn''t care about him, but her alone! He knew how painful it would be to ept, if Leena gets to know the bottom of the truth, after all, it''s her dignity in question. After spending time with her, he realized her personality. She lives by, Death with dignity is better than life with humiliation and he did not dare to imagine if the video goes out viral.

    There is a high chance to detect if the camera is fitted in the living but they cleverly inserted in the bathroom to ruin their images. There was one thing he still had to find the answers. Who is their target? Him or her?

    His hands itched to bring the downfall of the person behind this.

    Until unless the culprit is found, he has to patiently wait and let them be at the winning end, and only when they let their guards down, he could catch them red-handed. The only advantage Devin has, the person behind this might have not yet figured out that Devin has already known the truth.

    When Devin was thinking of the possible causes, a person stuck him when he recalled a man hase out of their room yesterday. Were the spy cameras imnted yesterday or it was way before that?

    "Whatever it is, I should make sure Leena should not enter the bathroom at least from now."

 Chapter 103 - Roasting His Broomstick

    Right when he remembered the man, Devin immediately called Leah''s number and asked her to meet alone without alerting Leena.

    "You are acting too secretive. What''s_"

    Her words thwarted again when she heard cries from the room. Leah wished she could be brave enough to kill the scared cats together for creating a ruckus in her room. Since the power breaks down, both were freaking out in fear and it increased each passing second as if they have seen some ghosts.

    "Did something happen to her?" Devin asked with worry.

    "These two are a pain in the ass Vincy! Just because there is a power cut, both are flipping out, and even the power back up has issues adding salt to my wounds." She said, pulling her hair in frustration.

    Her words ringed an rm bell in his brain.

    "Fuck! Leena is hell scared of ghosts. Ipletely forgot."

    Devin ended the call asking Leah to meet at the maple groves and dialed Austin''s number to revamp the power supply.

    ....

    In Leah''s room! A little before the power supply went in...

    "Aren''t you scared?" Leena initiated when the silence was killing her. It''s been a while since the electricity went out and even Leah walked out locking the door leaving her with a scared cat alone.

    "Scared? I am shitting bricks here. Every sound I hear feels like a ghost." Drew cried struggling to maintain his precarious position. He switched on his mobile shlight but terror gripped his heart when he saw a reflection of someone on his phone.

    "C_an you feel it?" Leena asked gripping the bedspread.

    "W_hat?" Did she also see the reflection? Was it a ghost?

    "I feel that someone is hugging from behind."

    "I_I don''t feel it." He denied touching his back.

    "You can''t feel it. But still, they are here hugging you. That is why it''s called ghost hug." Leena gulped and turn to his side to check his reaction. She was terrified to see Drew''s face as white as a ghost with the shlight put on his face.

    " "

    Why did she have to scare the already scared me? Drew wailed internally.

    "You know a fact about ghosts Andrew? It''s not only a hug. They could be humping you right now but you would never know it. It might be moving without your knowledge."

    "E...Yuck! Dirty girl. Your mind is dirtied totally." Drew hit her on the head foring up with such a fact. He has not even heard of ghosts fucking someone but this crazy girl has already imagined it.

    "Mad fellow. Don''t touch my precious hair." Leena gently brushed her hair with fingers. My mind is dirty? Then what about his? Wasn''t he roasting his broomstick into Jaspee in the broad daylight? He is the dirtiest creature in the world.

    "Aren''t you the one doing_"

    "Sister, can you walk me to the bathroom? Due to the distress, the chemical messengers carried signals from my brain to the gut and now my gut has responded to these signals with physical symptoms."

    "Why don''t we put it this way! Your loose motions are refusing to put on your pants?" Leenamented.

    "Hey! It''s not loose motions. It''s just my stress taking a toll on my digestive system since I am scared of ghosts."

    "Digestive system my foot! Aren''t you a famous attorney! But still scared of ghosts! I will pass the message to your wholew firm and_

    Before she could finish her sentence, the lights turned up. Both squealed in celebration forgetting their fights instantly.

    ...

    "What''s wrong with you? You are acting weird since I called asking for skincare products. Are you not even willing to share your sweetheart''s products with anyone now?" Leah teased walking into the maple grooves. It''s the ce where Devin asked her to meet secretly which was unusual for him and to her surprise, he asked not to inform anyone in the house.

    "Did you ask someone to check the AC condition in all the rooms?" Devin cut to the point. He remembered when he interrogated the man, he got to know that it was Leah who has sent him to the room.

    "Oh right! I called a technician. Wendy demanded. She is facing issues with the air conditioning. So I asked a technician to check on it."

    How could a branded new AC go haywire suddenly? He got to know from aunt Daisy that everything was reced with the new electronic devices right before the guests arrived so that they shouldn''t find any disturbances. What are the odds that it could get ruin within five days of staying? He would have skimmed the thought if it was any other day but right now he is finding it''s a deliberate attempt. His suspicion was increasing on her strongly. Was it a lie? Or it was ruined?

    "Who is Wendy?" Devin asked, he felt the name was familiar but still unsure. He doesn''t even remember the faces here much less a name.

    "Wendy! Wendy Hamburger! The one who pesters Leena. You might have seen her right? She always walks around the house slurping a lollipop."

    "How is her rtionship with Leena other than her annoying behavior?"

    "She is oneic girl, Vincy! She was giving a hard time with Leena. But my darling would torture her hundred times_"

    "Never call her darling. She is mine." His fury sprang to life when he listened to her addressing.

    What a possessive man! Leah gaped.

    They are not even in speaking terms. Yet he is acting overly greedy.

    "And one more thing. Don''t reveal our conversation with anyone especially my sweetheart and that bbermouth Drew. Forget everything here." If a person in the house has a hand on it, it could alert them if a word goes out and that bbermouth would circle it to the entire world by tomorrow if he knows it.

    "Did something happen? You look tensed. I can help you."

    "Don''t worry! I will sort it out and don''t let Leena step out of her room until I give a cue. Please do me the favour."

    Leah nodded her head. She didn''t understand what sort of problem Devin is facing but she could only support him whatever he asked to. She wished he would at least exin it to Austin or Jasper.

    Devin walked out of the maple groves and directly strolled into the room.

    Wendy Hamburger! Is she the one! No!

    Devin had a hunch that there are more people involved in it.

    Devin called a number and asked him to check up on the servant who was following him since he began staying in the house. He can not rule out any suspicious person right now.

    Was it a n to trap both? Both are celebrities after all.

 Chapter 104 - Jammer

    Right after talking with Leah, Devin walked into the house to check for any clues and before he could open the door of his room, he was blocked by two pairs of hands. Devin was anticipating their presence already but did not expect it would be at a rate of knots.

    "Why did you ask me to turn off the power supply all of a sudden. How long you are going to keep us in the dark? We need answers." Austin chided knowing it was useless in front of his friend when he was least bothered even by his constant bollocking. Austin got a little wary when Devin asked to cut all the power resources and even the backup. Thinking that something might have happened, without wasting a single second, he informed Jasper to meet face to face with Devin, only then they could get a little relief. They tried to inform Drew, but that annoying fellow got settled with Leena and he is not even picking up the calls now. And the monster would be dubious if they enter her room. She is as suspicious as an old man with an eye patch.

    "And here I am! Feeling like we have be strangers already." Jasper added not liking Devin''s silence even after they are demanding the truth.

    "Stop with your drama Jasper. You are bing worse than Andrew." Before exining the situation, peering to his sides, Devin scanned the corridor once for all. Despite none was lurking around, he still wanted to verify.

    "Don''tpare with that donkey fe_"

    "Let''s meet in the old garage. " Austin interrupted, tired of the fights. Jasper and Drew have been fighting like a cat and mouse and instead of the wedding preparations, both the bride and groom are babysitting them now.

    "Where is the garage?" Jasper asked.

    "It''s at the back of our house and no one would enter," Austin said, sensing Devin''s predicament to talk here.

    "Let''s split up." Having said that, he started, stepping down the stairs already.

    Austin and Jasper also separated their ways to meet at the garage.

    ...

    Upon entering, Austin scanned the area and waited for his friends to arrive.

    "Did you check the area thoroughly?" Devin asked stepping into the garage followed by Jasper.

    "Positive." Austin continued. "So, what exactly happened?"

    "I found spy cameras in the bathroom." Rage pulsed through his veins when he was reminded of the disgusting act.

    "What!" Austin and Jasper screamed in terror with the sudden revtion.

    "Are you sure Vincy?" Austin asked in hesitation. If it was a hotel, he would have believed it straight away but since it is ther home, he has a hard time reckoning the sudden surprise.

    But Devin''s silence was enough to conclude, they are indeed installed.

    "How many?" Jasper inquired.

    "Wall socket, smoker, a pot nt," Devin exined.

    "Jesus Christ! Austin stated with disgust. "So, all the three are in working condition?"

    "And that''s the reason I have asked you to switch off the power supply to verify if they are in working condition. It''s a wireless spy camera and if I am not wrong, it is not connected to the house WIFI. Even after the power break down, I could feel a movement in the smoking detector and I am expecting it would be connected to the mobilework. The criminal is staying close and that is the only way a wireless camera can be operated with an inte connection."

    Devin''s words sent chills down their spine hearing his exnation.

    "What sort of sick pleasure they would get spying on someone?" Austin was getting nauseous with the thought alone.

    "Does she know?" Jasper asked in hesitation. Just like Reese, he treated Leena and Jane equally. Despite Leena is a crazyss, he has epted it long back and he quite enjoyed her craziness. Out of blue, Jasper recalled the scandal she experienced when she was in University. He still couldn''t take down the image of her then state. How would she react if she gets to bottom of it?

    "She shouldn''t know and nobody is going to open their mouth." Devin dered leaving no room for discussions.

    "We understand Vincy! You have my word! Do you suspect anyone?" Jasper asked, now he confirmed the girl Devin was talking about. So it''s Leena he likes. He would get tortured by the monster in the future.

    "As of now, only burger girl," Devin exined the incident which he has encountered with a technician who was here to check on the air conditioners. He omitted the servant who has been prying on him, for they had enough on their tes already.

    "Wendy Hamburger? As in lollipop slurping girl? I don''t think she is smart enough to install cameras with her pea-sized brain." Austin said.

    "Until we find the person behind it, we can not rule out the possibilities. Who knows, she might be working with someone." Devin meant. He was getting thoughts that it might beter.

    "Who could be? What kind of benefit they would get? If it was for money, they would have already confronted either you or Leena! Above all, who is their target? Is it you or Leena?" Jasper had many unanswered questions on this unfolded mystery.

    "We are still in a paradox situation." Devin meant, even he is looking for answers. As far as he remembered, none has suspiciously contacted Leena. The media would not post anything rted to Leena or him and if it is publicized, it must be approved by him.

    "Then how do we tackle the_"

    "Get a mobile jammer and WIFI jammer. Legal or illegal, buy it! We will hijack everyone''s signals tomorrow. Rest, leave it to me." Devin has a n to lure out the criminal by himself, just that he has to y the cards well.

    "I don''t think it''s a good idea! It may look like a deliberate attempt and it would raise suspicion if everyone''s mobile signals get seized suddenly. Besides, how do you make use of it?" Jasper asked and even Austin agreed with his statement.

    "Just get it Austin. I will show, how a game can be yed."

    Austin hesitantly nodded his head. All their friends knew Devin is bonzer at ying mind games and now that his bottom line has been hit, they have to face his wrath.

    After a little discussion, they were about to return to their respective rooms, Jasper stopped them.

    "Aren''t you nning to tell him?" Jasper cleared his throat referring to the person they knew.

    "Here you go. Both are mortal enemies in front of everyone. But still, care for each other yet you don''t disclose the triggering incident which made you enemies." Austin chastised.

    As if he has not heard anything, Jasper was looking outside gazing at the tree branches even after Austin''s endless scoldings.

    "Let him be with Leena! They both get together very well. She would be cynical thinking we are nning something even if a small suspicion raises. You know about her already."

    Nodding their heads all three split up and walked out of the garage individually.

    ...

    While Devin was walking into the house, his eyes unconsciously bounced to the woman sitting on a bench seemingly lost in thoughts. He was a little skeptical about her since she confessed her feelings. Was she involved? I have to keep an eye on her.

    Skimming the thought aside, he strolled into the house, the exhaustion was taking a toll on him already.

    Sitting on the bed, he was still unsure to check on the person he has in his mind but it could only give rise to more uncertainties in the future.

    Grabbing his mobile phone, he instantly called a number and it was lifted in the first ring.

    "What sort ot trouble you caused today? Yesterday it was Bernard and now_"

    "Just dig on to the person I am sending the details with cutting you crap." Devin interrupted.

    "I am busy! Go and check the sarcasm store. They offer free services." His voice had a mocking edge when he spoke.

    "State your price." Devin dered.

    "Bastard! You are trying to bribe a civil servant. Fine! Since you are my best friend, I will provide a free service."

    "You might have known the person already. One more thing! Carry out the mission secretively."

    "I knew?... Now it''s getting interesting. Bring it on, Vincy."

    Right after mailing the information, Devin closed his eyes but only her smiling face was popping up everywhere. I will not let anything happen to you.. That was a promise he made to himself the moment she crashed into his life.

 Chapter 105 - Inception

    Stuck in the room, Leena was trapped between Leah''s endless bbering. The moment when she gets up to escape into her room, Leah pulls her to the bed again.

    "Let''s make time for girl''s night today, Leena! You will be sleeping in my room. Despite we cannot get out of this house, we can still have fun here. I have already kicked Austin out of the room." Leah stated, struggling to distract Leena from fleeing away. Devin has warned that Leena has to stay in her room at any cost.

    "W_hat?" Leena screamed putting a stop to the grapes she was devouring. "I_I cannot sleep if I keep changing my bed. Worse, I may get insomnia."

    "Even if you take a nap in the firece, you still sleep like a log. So we can rule out the possibility of your sleeping disorders."

    If I stay here, I will not be able to see him today? Leena happened to sulk for a moment. Think of a story, rocket scientist. Besides, she is having a hunch that something is happening behind her back. Never, Leah would ask her to stay in her room. Why did she ask unexpectedly? I have to find the truth behind it.

    "Then I will get some stuff from my room." Leena whisked out of the room in a wink even before Leah could catch her.

    Arriving in her room, she peeked at the man working diligently on hisptop.

    "He is behaving as if he is a hacker. He is not even acknowledging the presence of a huge tree staining right in front of him now." Whispering to herself, she walked inside to get the stuff she needed. Taking the essentials, Leena was about to depart, another person walked into her room carrying junk with him.

    "What''s up, Mr. Andrew Dawson! Did you forget the way to your room?" Leena asked ncing at the duffle bag he is holding up.

    "Nope! I am at the right address. Since you girls have kicked Austin out of the room with the name girls night out, he got settled in my room. So, Austin will stay with that donkey and I will stay in your room." Drew exaggerated, happy that he is getting a break from his mortal enemy.

    "NOOOO! I oppose your request!" Her screams were so loud that Devin surged to her in panic. Even Austin, Jasper, and Leah who were staying the next doors arrived.

    She rushed towards Devin, grabbed his hand, and dragged him into her room locking the door behind it. Everyone present there gaped at Leena''s sudden shift of emotions.

    "Did she willingly take his hand?" Leah wondered what sort of spell he has put on the man-hater.

    ...

    "Is he going to stay in my room?" In a whisper, she asked when only both were alone.

    "Since you have upied Leah''s room, so he doesn''t have a choice." Devin finally had a breath of fresh air talking to his darling. The exhaustion was taking a toll on his body since he discovered the secret cameras. But everything vanished when she appeared in front of him.

    "Hey! You cannot stay with him. Do you know his identity?" Leena cried adding. "He is a friend of Dorothy, idiot."

    "Who is Dorothy?" Devin asked weirdly curious about the funny name. As far as he remembered, Drew doesn''t have a friend named Dorothy.

    "You don''t even know Dorothy?" Dear God! Why did you make me the most intelligent person? You should have also put a little knowledge on these block heads. Can''t they understand Dorothy ng and this dunce idiot seems to be unaware of Jasper and Andrew''s love story?

    Leena ransacked her brain toe up with a story to make him understand in a better way.

    "Since you are not understanding, I will put it simply. Listen properly."

    "I am all ears." Devi inclined a little to listen to her story.

    "I saw Andrew using his telescope to explore a ''ck hole'' in the broad daylight," Leena stressed the word ck hole anticipating that it would work on him.

    "Let him explore. He loves ck hole and astronomy. Nevertheless, telescope can be used during day time even, darling." Devin was wondering why did she bring the topic of telescope out of blue. Since he already knew her crazy brain, it was no surprise to him.

    Leena wanted to bang her head on the wall for trying to make the idiot understand.

    "Fine! Don''t ask my help if something happens tomorrow. If you lose your vir_ nevermind. Deal with it."

    Having said that, Leena opened the lock and walked out of the room not before givingser atomic death stares at Andrew and Jasper.

    "What did I do to her?" Drew and Jasper wondered.

    Devin stared at her retiring back with a thunderstruck expression, not able to grasp what she is inferring with her words.

    ...

    Sleep kicked in and Leena drove into a deep slumber right after finishing her dinner. Scratch with the night out. She was thinking about Devin and Drew all the time, her thoughts running wild and she even dreamed about them.

    Her subconscious mind was 30,000 powerful than her conscious mind. It has epted the idea of Andrew and Devin staying together and began executing their story in the middle of the night.

    "Please don''t..." She screamed, sping the quilt so tightly, droplets of sweat were plummeting from her forehead.

    "Stop! Please don''t do anything to him.." Leena cried hitting the sleeping girl beside her.

    "Leave him alone, Mowgli. He is innocent....." Leena sobbed, her pillow soaked in tears without knowing she is manufacturing illusions in her dream.

    The girl sleeping next to her started from her deep slumber with the harsh jabs she was receiving from a certain someone. Even in her dazed state, she could see Leena slinging her hands, talking to herself.

    "Mad girl! Who is innocent? Who is alone? Even she began dreaming crazily."Ignoring her, Leah tossed and turned for a while but couldn''t get back to sleep again when the crazy girl started hitting her again.

    "Leave him alone, you piece of an ass... He doesn''t like you..." Leena screamed pping her hands in protests. "I will rescue you, Mr. Adonis. Wait for me."

    In frustration, Leah mmed her back, pulling Leena from the stupor.

    With a start, Leena arose from her trance. Taking her time to process the sinful activity she witnesses, Leena nced at the wall clock.

    "It''s still three-thirty?"

    "Leena! Can''t you let me sleep for a while?" Leah yelled.

    Leena blinked her eyes once, twice. Without any words, she got up, marched towards her room, and started kicking the door continuously with her leg until it was opened.

    "Why did you wake up in the middle of_"

    Before Devin couldplete his words, Leena shoved him, entering into the room. When she peeked at the sleeping Drew in her room, she sighed in relief.

    "He even brought a new set of the quilt?" Leena scoffed, surprised to see him freaking clean.

    "Why didn''t you lock the door?" Leena yelledtching her door securely where Drew was sleeping.

    "Should I?" Devin questioned back.

    "Of course! What if something attacks you?"

    Leena memorized her dream crisp and clear. In her dream, Drew was trying to assault Devin while he was begging Leena to save him from Drew''s clutches, but she was tied up to a new branded shoe. She couldn''t understand why she was getting pinned to a shoe. Finally, she unwrapped from the shoe with all the strength and sliced a huge tree vertically with her bare hands. Making a hole through it, she arrived at the other end and killed Andrew with the green grape she was eating.

    "What a dream Leena! You are using grape as a weapon? Even your dreaming brain can build excellent stories that are on par with your awakening brain. My story can beat Christopher Nn''s Inception movie if it is pictured on the screens. I should contact Francy immediately and ask him to start an entertainment industry." Leena giggled imagining Christopher Nn phoning and congratting her for making a blockbuster once it hits the box-office.

    "Did youe here to giggle and disturb my sleep? Crossing his hands, Devin asked. He didn''t catch a wink of sleep surveying and searching for clues.

    " Can I sleep here? I am scared." Without heeding his answer Leena quietly hopped onto his bed inhaling the cinnamon scent which she is familiar with, and in no time she slept soundly.

    Devin: " "

    She is a spoiled brat.

    It was still early in the morning and her google sources have notified that people go wild since they have higher levels of testosterone in the mornings. She was scared that Andrew would attack him and there would be no one to save Devin and she cannot protect him if she goes and sleeps in Leah''s room again.

    Is Jasper not enough for him? Can''t he leave Mr.Adonis alone? She cried sensing a sudden ounce of jealousy. He is attracting men also which is bad.

    Good that Devin did not hear her inner thoughts.

 Chapter 106 - Snatch

    Twilight melted away, elegant orange rays swept over the horizon were now gushing onto the sleeping girl and her face shimmered like a glowing me with the lifted curtains.

    Gazing at the serene girl, he was getting envious of the sun rays which were kissing her skin and whispering sweet mornings into her ears.

    When her body slightly swirled, his gazended back onto theptop in fear of getting caught. Since Devin couldn''t sleep after he was awakened by Leena, he began scanning the online threads to check if the videos got leaked just to be safe, despite he knew that wouldn''t happen.

    Waking up from her slumber, Leena quietly gazed at the man diligently working on theptop. When she noticed his dark circles, she felt guilty for waking him up early in the morning. But then again, she was scared that early morning dreams woulde true and Andrew would attack him.

    "Mr. Adonis. I am sorry for upying your bed." Lazy to even get up from her bed, she began speaking from the bed.

    "Let''s say I have forgiven you now. Can I change my mindter?" Devin asked putting aside hisptop to converse with his darling.

    "Are you demanding now? You should be happy that I appeared as an angel to rescue you from an evildoer."

    She started again! Since yesterday night she started bragging about rescuing him from someone and speaking all jim-dandy words which he couldn''t fathom. But then, she would nag him until unless he apuds her. So Devin went along with her.

    "Thanks for safeguarding me, sweetest girl." Gazing at her sleeping position he started. "Speaking of which, your sleeping position is the worst I have ever seen. There is no ce you didn''t touch the bed from the time you slept. Donkey Kong position, roundhouse kick....the list goes on."

    Walking towards the bed, he smacked her back. "Get up,zy bum!"

    "D_id you just smack my back?" She asked in ambush.

    "Shall I do it again? Maybe your gaga brain can confirm it now." With a mischievous smile, Devin winked. When Leena was in a haze, to try his luck, he went for her back again but that was quickly stopped by her hands.

    "Shameless pervert." She shrieked.

    "Even if I am the one, but still I rank second in front of a top-notch deviant pervert."

    "I_I am not." Leena was surprised by his sudden act but didn''t feel difort which she always gets even when a man stands in front of her, much less touching. This was no time to get shy about him, Leena! She cursed and hastily got up from her bed and rushed towards the bathroom.

    Sensing her direction of running, Devin hurriedly reached her and closed the door shut which she opened.

    "Open it, stupid idiot! My digestive system is sending urgent warning signals." Leena yelled. If he doesn''t open it, I will do it on his face today.

    "Just because it is urgent it''s not necessarily important right?" Devin winked, locking the door.

    "Not important?" Leena yelled at the top of her lungs when her dder was taking a toll on her. "Let me pee on your head then."

    "Potty mouth! Your mind always moves towards X rated stuff." Devin knocked her head for talking all lewd words.

    "I am not a potty mouth, crude creature."

    "Alright, you are not." He sighed. "Thevatory is under maintenance. Until it gets repaired, use Leah''s bathroom."

    A suspicion has already been raised in her head and she is receiving a confirmation. How could it suddenly go bad when it was fine yesterday? At least I would have got a whiff if there was an issue. He is hiding something. Until I find the truth, I have to pretend with my superb acting skills.

    "Ok." Nodding her head, Leena walked out of the room, she already had an upper hand when they fought and doesn''t want to spoil it.

    "Did she leave without throwing any tantrums?" Devin muttered in disbelief.

    ....

    After a while, Devin sent Andrew to Leah''s room again and strolled into Jasper''s room since he did not want to use his room as a source ofmunication. Right after he went into the room, Austin appeared with a package.

    "Not bad. You got hands on it quite quickly." Jasper gushed.

    "I had to work my ass off. It''s very hard to get hands-on when using jammers are criminal sanctions in America." Austin said. Despite they are rich, they abide by thew until unless someone provokes their bottom line.

    "Don''t tell me you used his name again?"

    When Austin nodded his head, Jasper gasped in surprise.

    "He will roast you alive if it reaches his ears."

    "Well, I will worry about thatter." Passing the package to Devin Austin inquired. "I still couldn''tprehend what sort of stunts you are using to block the mobile signals. What kind of tricks you have up in your sleeves, Mr. Wang?"

    "Wait and watch." He ventured and walked out of the room and straight away marched into Daisy''s bedroom. Curiosity killed the cat! Austin and Jasper followed him.

    "Oopsy daisy! Don''t you think daisies are the friendliest flowers?" Devin asked shing a smile.

    "Don''t you think someone would get jealous if she sees you praising others?" Despite her words, her actions contradicted when she put on a timid smile.

    "Well, technically my darling is not here. But I must say, it''s kind of boring to stay in the house. Isn''t it Jasper?" Devin signaled to take a hint and flow with him.

    "Very boring," Jasper exaggerated with a yawn. Despite he doesn''t have any idea of Devin''s n, he continued.

    "Is it? So you aren''t enjoying it here?" She asked in a dejected voice.

    "Nope! That being the case, let''s have some refreshing events with everyone involved genuinely." Devin urged slowly bringing her into his bait.

    "I am quite busy and_"

    "You have been working for the wedding for a month and it''s time to chill out at least for a day." Devin gradually stirred Daisy into his trap.

    "Alright, boys! Let''s y then. I will ask everyone to gather_"

    Before she could finish, Devin interrupted.

    "First thing first! Snatch away the mobiles to get them out of the mobile world."

    "You are right. they are kind of hindrance." She was excited by Devin''s idea of getting refreshed with everyone and to get everyone immersed absolutely into the game and not running behind calls, she has to take away the mobiles. After all, everybody is here to enjoy the wedding.

    "I will call salsa to_"

    "Jasper is free. He will take care of it." Devin motioned Jasper tomence their n.

    In no time, everybody gathered at the garden in bare hands. Some were reluctant to part with their mobiles but they reluctantly gave in to their wishes.

    "That was a very smooth idea. I bet no one would get suspicious if we highjack the signals." Austin and Jasper stood there stupefied with Devin''s awestruck n.

    ...

    Devin, Austin, and Jasper followed the trend standing in the garden to y the events not to raise skepticism on anyone. To his surprise, Devin couldn''t find anyone acting suspiciously. After a few ys, when everybody was engrossed in the games, Devin quietly left the ce and soon Jasper followed him.

    Before Austin departed, he walked toward Leah to speak with her since he hadn''t had a proper talk with her from yesterday night. But his footsteps halted when he saw Wendy approaching Leah, sucking on to a lollipop as usual.

    "Sick pervert. Why does she always suck on to a lollipop even after she has grown up?" Austin wondered in incredulity.

    Despite they were not specific whether Wendy has a hand in the case, he was still sickened by her. Without moving, he stood in the same position to listen to her talks.

    "Hey! Annoying Leah! Didn''t I ask you to get my AC fixed? I have notified it yesterday, yet you haven''te up with any action? I am sweating in the nights." Wendy yelled licking her lollipop from time to time. To avoid the spraying juices to spit on her face, Leah stepped back.

    "Stop eating those sticky pops and considering your AC issue, I have called for a technician yest_"

    Before Leah couldplete her words, Austin interrupted walking towards them.

    "I will bring someone to check." He said, gesturing Leah not to speak anything. So, Wendy''s AC is not working for real! I have to check her room to confirm if she is lying or diverting them in a wrong direction.

    "Austi boy! You are the real man. I wonder why you are getting wedded to an annoying girl leaving a beautiful girl like me." Pulling out a lollipop from her jean pocket, she removed the cover and pounced onto the second one. Austin and Leah we''re turned off watching her licking and slurping like a dippy crackpot.

    Austin walked out of the ce not intended to speak with a pea-sizedic girl when he knew Leah would take care of the matter. He has other matters to settle now that he got juicy information.

    All three thought they have sessfully gone into the house masking everyone.. But they couldn''t evade two pairs of eyes watching their moves diligently despite ying their games.

 Chapter 107 - Sandra Campbell

    Austin scurried to the room to deliver the news which would be a breakthrough to their case.

    "You arete, Austin. We have been waiting_"

    "I met Wendy while I wasing back from the garden," Austin shared his findings, getting settled in a chair.

    "You should have hit her pea-sized brain. Maybe it would work properly then afterward." Jasper demurred.

    "She is not the culprit if my intuition is urate. I have passed by her room to check on the AC and it is indeed not in a good condition. ording to her, the technician did not enter to examine the AC." Austin exined.

    "If she is not the one, this appears to be a misleading notion. Besides, there was a stalker spying on you, Vincy. What if, it''s the stalkers doing?" Jasper asked turning towards Devin.

    "It''s not the stalker. If I am not wrong, they are lying low since I got to know about their activities." Devin already received the information that the servant who was stalking him has no sort of connection to the technician who hase to repair the AC''s and the man in question is nowhere to be found now. He has a strong premonition that he is in hiding. It''s of no use getting a hands-on the scum when he knew, he doesn''t get any kind of useful information.

    "Then, we got to rule out Wendy and the outside person at least," Austin concluded.

    "We have no time to discuss it now. Switch on the jammers first." Devin got up from his seat to walk away.

    "I was actually surprised by your idea of seizing everyone''s mobiles at a time Vincy. How did youe up with it?" Jasper asked.

    "I am drinking lots of banana smoothies." In a deadpanned voice he started and walked out.

    "He is smitten by her," Jasper said, shaking his head.

    "Weren''t you the same in school?" Austin asked with a triumphant smile provoking his bottom line. Hearing Austin''s words, Jasper halted his footsteps abruptly when he remembered the person haunting his dreams.

    "I_s sheing for the wedding?" Jasper asked, the question has been lingering on his mind but too scared to ask, for he knew the answer would not be as he expected.

    "Even if shees, she would run away after seeing you here." Austinughed ncing at Jasper.

    With clenched fists not to choke the man in front of him, Jasper quickly left the room.

    ...

    Switching the Jammer''s power button, Austin checked using his mobile to test if the signals are blocked. In a sh, the mobile signals were shut down and Devin entered into the bathroom and scanned for the movement of the cameras and when he could not discern the red light signals, he gently pulled out the device from a flower pot. Except for an alphabet craved on the outer rim, there was nothing on the device when Devin began examining. Jasper and Austin also peeked into the small device to find a clue.

    "Bastards! They have nned out everything perfectly." Jasper grumbled. Since it is an anonymous brand, they could not get any information on the person who has bought a spy camera. That''s the reason, Devin has put an effort to hijack the mobiles to stop the working of the camera and to check for the brand but all went in vain.

    "I guess I have seen this somewhere! There is a ce in Seattle where local electronic equipment is sold. It''s the hub for junk devices. We can_"

    "Let''s go then. We cane back and put the camera into the safe again. Until we return, keep the mobiles safe." Devin didn''t want to leave any possibility until he finds the criminal even if he has to reach the other end of the world.

    "You sure want toe? You are a celebrity after all. What if someone snaps you_"

    "I can manage." Nothing is more important until he gives her justice and he swore to drag the criminal in front of her.

    "Then I will wait outside the house," Austin said, walking out of the room.

    ...

    Stuffing the things in the trunk they needed for, Austin closed the trunk, and before he could pull out the keys from the rift, his mobile ringed. Seeing his baby''s name, he forgot everything and moved a little far away from his position to talk with her without knowing he has given ess for someone to enter the car trunk.

    "Bastards. They are scheming behind my back." Within seconds, the car trunk was opened and closed. He breathed a sigh of relief when he got sessfully settled in the car until it opened again and a person entered into his eyes startling him.

    Both stared for a while in shock. Just now they were ying the games and at the same time watching Austin, Jasper, and Devin''s movements. Both excused in the name of water when they sensed the three dumbheads were moving out of the house.

    "What are you doing here," Drew whispered lending space to her.

    "What about you?" She shrieked in a low voice ascending onto the trunk.

    "They are plotting something big. I am here to stop them." Drew exined.

    "I got the same feeling. Let''s catch them red-handed." Leena said.

    Since it was a tiny area, both were suffocated to death but still endured the pains to catch the culprits red-handed.

    Without knowing there were already two guests in the car, Austin and Jasper started bitching about them.

    "You should have seen those two monkeys ying ''kick the can'' game. I wanted to throw up watching their silly antics." Austin cackled. Even though he was in the garden for a short while, he still watched the funny stunts Leena and Drew were pulling. While everyone was engrossed in a little mature game, like a pick the odd one out, they choose a kids game.

    "That was hrious I must say. I experienced a circus effect watching those two running behind each other. If they are put in a zoo, they can go on par with the other animals and they are enough to entertain the whole crowd." Jasper cackled up when he began recalling their faces.

    "Bastards, they are bitching on us." Drew clenched his fists to control his rage.

    "I will make mincemeat of the two when I get down." Gritting her teeth, Leena muttered but her thoughts halted when she heard a familiar voice supporting her.

    "Enough," Devin yelled which made Austin and Jasper instantly shut their mouths. "Don''t you have any work other than talking bad about her?"

    Hearing his words, Leena shyly grinned thinking that her Mr. Adonis hase to her rescue. But then Drew red daggers at Leena when he was left alone with cursings but Leena was least bothered.

    ...

    After two hours of driving, they reached the destination. The three got down from the car and walked a little in the crowded area to reach the shop. Devin instantly covered his face with a mask but it was of no use. His aura alone was enough, everywhere he stepped, he garnered attention.

    Austin guided them to a small shop. Despite the ce was shabby, it is the most famous one for buying local electronic devices and junk at a cheaper rate. He got to know about it through a friend when he faced a simr kind of situation.

    The moment Devin stepped into the shabby shop, he instantly covered his mouth despite he was in a mask when the smell around the room was disgusting enough to nauseate. Hearing the footsteps a middle-aged man walked opening the filthy curtain.

    "How can I help you, sir?" He politely greeted sensing a wealth smell from the three.

    "Can you check if the camera was bought from your shop?" Handing a device, Austin asked.

    Examining the instrument, he checked for the alphabet and even recalled the person who paid for the spy camera. "It is indeed from our shop."

    "That''s good to hear. Can you provide the information of the person who purchased it?" Austin asked.

    "My lips are seized, boy. I cannot disclose any_"

    Before he could finish, stacks of bills were thrown on his table by Devin.

    "Smart boy!! Money speaks louder here." The manughed eerily showing his crooked teeth. Since he doesn''t sell the branded items and his shop includes illegal things, he doesn''t maintain a database, instead, he records everything in a book. He has a record of rich customers visiting his shop to buy the spy cameras for their pleasures and he seized the chance. They throw him money to shut his mouth and he was obliged to do it. Discerning their outfits, his greed for money heightened and he thought he could earn the fortune again. So he went for it not realizing his doom was arriving soon.

    "Now that you got what you wanted, make it fast." Devin was getting nauseated to stand in the disgusting ce.

    He grinned and nodded his head rapidly. Adjusting his broken ss, He pulled out a book from the drawer and checked for the alphabet which has exactly matched with the device and there was a name in the other column.

    Finally, the man looked up, and when he enunciated the name Austin was stunned.

    "Sandra Campbell."

    Devin and Jasper stood there clueless of the name, for they have never heard it before or they knew of the person.

    "That''s impossible." Austin grabbed the book and searched the name likewise but it was indeed her name ''Sandra Campbell''.

    To get it confirmed for onest time, Austin opened a picture on his mobile and showed it to the man to verify.

    "Exactly! She is the one. I don''t forget beautiful faces, sir." He grinned gazing at the woman in the picture.

    His words made Austin thunderstruck for a moment and he couldn''t believe it is her.

 Chapter 108 - She Has To Get Retribution For What She Has Done

    Devin expected the name that the shop owner has articted to be a familiar person but it was in no way rted to the person he knew or heard of. Or did he miss something here? Watching Austin''s baffled expression when he heard the name Sandra Campbell, Devin frowned feeling vexed. Who could be the person connected to Austin and trying to harm his sweetheart?

    "Who the hell is Sandra Campbell, Austin?" Devin demanded feeling restless when Austin was refusing to show the picture that the shop owner has confirmed it to be the one who purchased the spy camera.

    "Let''s talk somewhere else," He whispered and walked out of the shop. The atmosphere in the car was deafening quiet when Austin was sitting in his seat tight-lipped refusing to speak a word until they drove to the outskirts of the city.

    "W_hat will you do with the criminal? What if the person is close to us?" Austin stuttered, his words threatening toe out of his mouth. He knew Devin very well. Despite he looks cool and calm at the surface, he is a ruthless Devil when ites to something he holds the dearest and Leena is on the top list. There is another side to him which only his close ones knew and if that turns up, hell would be the better ce. Austin had a hard time believing the person close to him has done such an audacious thing that he couldn''t condone.

    "Don''t test my patience, Austin." Devin professed. He suspects that the person Austin was talking about, might be the same woman he has been assuming on his mind. If Austin is the only one who knows about her, an rm bell has rung on his head already that she is the one. But still, he wanted to confirm it once for all.

    Austin closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. "It''s Kyle."

    Slowly, he opened his eyes and briefly nced at Devin who didn''t seem surprised or bothered by the fact that Kyle is the one behind this crime. Rather he seems calm and serene except Jasper.

    "Was it really Kyle?" Jasper gasped listening to the name. He never thought the calm and introverted girl would go to such lengths to tarnish another woman''s image.

    "But her name doesn''t settle with Sandra Campbell? I have never heard of it." Jasper asked, feeling confused.

    "Because it''s the name only our family members knew of. Her mother Julia Campbell named her Sandra and she lived with that identity until her mother died. When dad found her brought her home, he has changed her name to Kyle to erase her memories and gave her a new identity." Austin exined.

    "I never thought she would be a lofty person Austin," Jasper reflected. He hated the woman who schemes as if they have the only job to think of other than minding their own business.

    "But she is a very gentle girl I must say." Austin turned to Devin as his heart raced to convince him. "I still doubt that she is a criminal, Vincy. Think about it. Why would she spy on you both? She has been with us since schooling and you know her better. We cannot_"

    "Enough!!!" Devin''s roar was nerve-wracking, chills ran down their spines hearing his threatening voice.

    "I will not spare her if she is found guilty. She has to get retribution for what she has done!" His voice was stringent and relentless. If it was any other mistake, he would have quit it aside, but it is his sweetheart''s self-respect in question and it has no price for it. Whoever is involved has to pay and I will make sure they do it.

    "But at least let''s hear the reason she has put the cameras in the first ce?" Austin pleaded. She is the cousin whom he had grown up with and very closepared to others.

    "Are you dumb enough to know why she has put?" Jasper scoffed watching Austin still pleading for a criminal.

    "She harbored feelings for Vincy since we were in school, bastard, and who is the hurdle for her if she wants her path to get cleared? Feed your brain with a little thinking." Jasper shrieked at Austin for not even thinking ahead. He sensed Kyle bore feelings for Devin long back. She was an introvert who wants to be alone for herself but when Devin was involved she would make herself noticeable. and he has discerned it many times.

    "What! Why didn''t I know that she had feelings for Vincy?" Austin growled. It was another shock to him. Had he known about it, he would have warned her from the start at least.

    "You were always upied with yourself or dating girls. How would you know about her? If you would have to spend a little time with her, you would have known theplications she faced in school. She has been beaten to death by the bullies and you are not even aware of it until now. You have utterly failed as a brother and the reason she has be absurd, it''s all alone your responsibility." Jasper yelled. When ites to protection, none coulde on par with Wilbur, even him when safeguarding her baby girl Reese. Despite the fights with Leena, hell would break loose in Wilbur when ites to her and Jasper has seen it in Leena''s university days when a scandal broke her sanity.

    When Austin reflected on his thoughts, he uttered a profanity at himself for being vulnerable for not even knowing that Kyle was bullied in school.

    "I did not know about_"

    "Cut your crap assholes. We are not here to talk about the past." Anger ripped through his veins when he thought about the disgusting act. He has warned her from the start but she bit the hand that saved him.

    "Start the car. We are going home." Devin dered. It''s time to confront her. He wanted to check if she is the only one involved in the act or she is working along with someone before the videos get leaked to the world.

    "Let me grab some water first. I don''t even have the energy to move my hands. My mind is going berserk with all the events unfolding. Get me some water, Jasper." Austin quietly whispered when his energy was almost weakened.

    Jasper nodded and stepped out of the car to get some refreshments. Right when he opened the car trunk, he was startled for a second when he saw two souls curled up like balls.. He was shocked to see them following. Did she listen to everything which Devin is trying to keep away from all along?

 Chapter 109 - Promise To Cross My Heart

    When the gush of fresh air touched their skin, as if the country was brought to their knees, both inhaled and exhaled taking deep breaths to expunge the suffocation they have endured since they stepped into the car while following Austin Devin and Jasper.

    "Oh My! Y_ou scared me." Jasper stuttered with his words feeling terrified to see them here.

    Leena and Drew nced at each other and quietly jumped down from the car. Both were happilybatting with their silly antics in the car until the atmosphere turned chilly when the truthnded on their ears. She would be suffocated to death if not Drew aided her and supporting her silently throughout their ride. The only thing she wished right at that moment was to run into Devin''s arms but she was craving to know the truth and Leena knew he wouldn''t tell the truth scared that it would trigger her into vulnerability. She silently wailed churning alone in the trunk.

    "We listened to everything." Drew voiced out with scorn to the person for doing such a stupid thing. He wanted to kill Kyle with his own hands.

    "WHEN DID YOU BOTH STEP into THE CAR!!AUSTIN! AUSTIN! THEY HAVE FOLLOWED US HERE." Jasper screamed his friend''s name at the top of his lungs. Since they were in a secluded area, his caterwauls put the screws on Devin and Austin and they immediately turned up.

    Both rushed to the backside of the car and the person Devin has been putting under to not let her know the truth has overheard everything. If he was not wrong, she would have got to know about the spy cameras and also the person behind it.

    When Leena looked into his eyes, she was amazed by those orbs again. It''s not because of how stunning his eyes were. But they were assuring her that everything she wants right now is in front of her and he is there to protect her. She feebly walked towards him, her eyes never left him even once.

    "Was everything true whatever you talked in the car?" Leena tugged Devin''s shirt, her voice barely a whisper and she was on the verge of copsing if not Devin could wield her body.

    "Tell me." She cried, droplets of tears trickling down her cheek when he is keeping quiet. She couldn''t imagine some has tried to step on her dignity and humiliate her again which she faced in the past.

    Words we''re tied to his mouth when he witnessed her picture which would be forever imprinted into his memory. Her miserable state was stabbing his chest and ripping his heart out when he began listening to her silent cries. The first time he had seen her crying and it happened right in front of him. The crazy, funny jovial girl he has always witnessed was gone, only her broken shelf appeared now.

    Devin looked at his friends, watching the scene as if it was a kind of a romantic Korean drama. One heated gaze, they fled away from the ce to give space to the two.

    "W_as it disclosed to everyone?" Leena felt her tongue-tied to even frame her words with a lump in her throat. Like others, she has never exchanged her dignity for poprity or a man throughout her life. But why was it stripped again and again?

    She has put her guards down for the first time because it was her close friend''s house. Never thought she would be plotted again.

    "It''s not spread anywhere. Trust me, I will not let anything happen to you." He gently cupped her face and wiped her tears away. Just like he wiped her tears, he swore to wipe away the people who made her cry.

    "I am scared." Leena wrapped her arms around his body tightly, resting her face on his chest surprising Devin. The first hug they had and he never thought it would be so wonderful yet emotional.

    "What should I do now?" Leena was terrified her dignity would be shredded to the rags just like the night she was humiliated five years back by the person she least wanted to see and then her near-death ident petrified her the second time.

    All the time she faced alone but right now, the man in front of her was giving her all the strength she wanted. It doesn''t matter what lies ahead in front of her because she knew that he is standing behind her back protecting her. Can I get such a man in my life? What should I do with him? I can''t let him go! Leena hugged him more tightly when her possessiveness carried to the surface.

    "Just sit and watch the game!! As long as I am here, I will not let anything happen to you." He hugged her and gently patted her back to soothe the pain.

    "Promise?"

    "I promise to cross my heart if I don''t bring the criminal in front of you by today." Be it Kyle or some other, they have to pay for her tears. Her every teardrop is precious to him and they are not worth dropping.

    Both remained silently hugging there without talking, and it was all needed to melt her stress away.

    When Devin sensed her uneven breathing for quite some time, he slightly shook her shoulders but her eyes were squeezed tightly. Something triggered him when she did not respond to his talks and slumped on to his chest unconsciously.

    "Damn it." Devin cursed and in a blink of an eye, he lifted her in his arms and rushed towards the car.

    "Speed up to the home," Devin ordered climbing up the car.

    "Is something serious? Shall we take her to the hospital?" Drew grew anxious seeing her weariness. She has cried a lot in the car andbined with the suffocation they suffered, it was no wonder she copsed.

    "No. She will be fine. Let''s take her home first." Taking her to the hospital would make it worse. She would throw tantrums just like she did on the other day when she got her leg treated.

    Even in the car, Leena did not leave Devin''s hand when she was unconscious and snuggled closer to him as if he would run away if she leaves his hand.

    ...

    The moment they reached the home, he climbed out of the car and hastily rushed to their room. Reaching for her bed, He gently ced her on it as if the bed would leave a bruise if it touched her skin and securely tugged her into the nket tightly to not let the air enter. He checked her forehead for any fever and Relief flooded him when he felt her temperature was normal.

    Sitting at the edge of the bed, he was gently patting her back putting her into sleep when his phone ringed.

    [KW: Meet me at Citadel hotel. I got the information you asked for. Your intuition is right all along]

    He gripped his mobile tightly when he learned that it was all nned all the way. He scanned Leena''s temperature onest time and quickly got up from the bed to meet his friend to settle the ount fastly.. But his hand was tightly held by when he was about to walk ahead.

 Chapter 110 - Your Ring Finger Is Bigger Than Your Index Finger

    Just when Devin got up to leave for the citadel hotel, a hand stretched out gripping the edge of his shirt tightly.

    "Don''t leave me." Leena pleaded in a whisper. She rapidly unfastened her eyes and reached for his hand when she realized she lost the affection and warmth of herforter. The word clinginess was not in her dictionary but the longing to have him by her side has intensified today.

    "I will be back soon." He sat at the edge of the bed and gently grabbed her fragile fingers to soothe her worries "Now now...smile..your frown lines are getting visible...don''t you want to look beautiful for the photos at the wedding?"

    "I do face yoga every day, idiot. How could I get frown lines?" Leena yelled snatching his mobile to check the lines on her face. Liar! I don''t even see one.

    "Alright, sweetest girl. I apologize for my mistake. Happy? Now if you let me leave, I have some business outside to attend." Devin cajoled her, to finish the task soon and get back to her early.

    "Was it really Kyle?" Leena asked, she has a hard time digesting the fact she was involved in such a shameless act. But her instincts believed that she might not have done such a horrendous act.

    "We are yet to find the truth. But have trust in me. I can assure you that nothing will happen." Devin swore to her.

    "I do trust in you." Leena learned that he stands by his words and she got her reassurance already that he would safeguard her.

    "Can you stay for a little longer?" Leena asked putting up her innocent puppy face not ready to part away with him. She wanted to know more about him and to understand him. Does he belong to my short-term goal or a long-term goal?

    "I will stay." He whispered. "But we are not talking about the incident anymore."

    "Ok done!!" Leena cheered herself with his words. "Can I ask you something, Mr. Adonis?"

    "Like?"

    "You haven''t yet revealed your name." She asked. Now she has be the sugar patient dying to know his name. Even though it''s a verymon and straightforward approach which is not her usual style, she got bored with the ways she does crazily all the time. Once she wanted to approach normally.

    "Forget about it until you disclose your name." He dered.

    "You are acting as if you don''t know my name. You would have known about my full bio by now," Leena argued, she has heard from Reese that in many CEO books if a rich boy wants to know about a girl, he would order his secretary and by the next day. Boom. everything about her past, her likes, dislikes would be on his table. She scratched her brain thinking how they get hands-on personal data without any source. If the woman is a celebrity, the logic would apply but how would they find if she is a normal woman? Even if Leena hacks she couldn''t get such kind of information. Do they go for mind hacking? Leena wondered. And that annoying Reese binge read those kinds of illogical books.

    "I am not a pervert like you. Besides, I still don''t know your name." Devin half lied. His only mistake was getting to know her name through other means. But even when he got the chance to know about her personal information, he did not trespass her privacy. He knew she doesn''t like to pry on her personal information. If he has to know about her, it has to flow naturally and that''s how both like it.

    "If I know that you are lying, I will roast you alive." She threatened him, for Devin''s doom ising soon.

    "For a vegan girl, your thoughts are a little wild." He cleared his throat afraid of the day she would roast him but for now, he tried to distract her with an idea that popped up in his mind. "Shall we y a small game?"

    "What kind of game?"

    "Name discovering game!! We will try to find our names without asking anyone. If you can''t find my name before Leah''s wedding, you should grant me a wish and the same goes for you and no cheating in the process." He got a hunch that she would hack into his ount in the worst-case desperate to find his name. Devin felt an extreme ounce of happiness his efforts are blossoming.

    "Wish?" Leena marveled with the thought for quite some time. What if I fail? Does he make me his servant and order me to clean his bathrooms and sweep his floor until my back would ache? Worse he could even order me to massage his body, after all, I will be his servant by then. Dirty fellow. Leena imagined herself cleaning, sweeping, dishwashing, massaging his body and she stopped visualizing turning beet red when her hands went further down.

    "Back to the earth Miss pervert." Devin snapped his fingers when he sensed she went into cuckoond again. Even God doesn''t know what kind of story her crazy brain would be creating now.

    "Alright, Mr.Adonis. But I want the name of your first letter word at least. Mine starts with L." She said, the worse case if she fails, she would run away from the punishment. But if I win, I will make him my servant for one month.

    "What''s the first word of your name then?"

    "D."

    D? Deep-V-diver! Wow! what a name for this manly creature. Even when Leena has no idea of his name, she felt the name suited urately for Devin''s hotty body, and even before she knew, her eyes unconsciously drifted towards his pants when a thought suddenly pooped into her mind.

    "Mr. Adoins can you remove your running shoes?" Leena''s question came out of the blue.

    "Why?"

    "Don''t ask questions. Just remove it."

    Leena pestered him until Devin removed his shoes and after analyzing them for a while, she asked him to show his fingers surprising him.

    Indeed they are big. She giggled with her discovery.

    "What funny thing did you discover in my fingers and feet?" Devin chuckled listening to her sweet giggles are the melody to his ears.

    "You will be amazed by my ingenious brain if I reveal the fantastic thing I discovered."

    "I am all ears." Leena gestured him toe forward.

    "Your ring finger is way bigger than your index finger." This is the thing she unearthed examining his hands and feet for a while.

    "So?" Devin looked at his fingers and indeed his ring finger is quite bigger than his index but that happens with many men or am I missing something?

    "You don''t even know about it? Leena banged her head onto the pillow out of frustration. He neither knows Dorothy ng nor the ck hole. How should I deal with this innocent creature?

    " Did I miss something?" Devin asked.

    "Fine! Looks like I have to teach you everything from the scratch. If your ring finger is bigger than your index finger, then your ''bama ck snake'' must be very big, idiot. Now you get it?" Leena whispered in a low voice, her tone has a mocking edge for not even catching a single dirty word. What else he can do when he doesn''t have good friends to teach all this kind of stuff. It''s not that I am experienced. I am just born intelligent unlike him. Poor creature. Austin must be busy dating girls and as usual, those two love birds are busy bouncing their pogo sticks into each other leaving the poor creature alone.

    While Leena was feeling bad for Devin all the time, Devin was lost hearing her answer. He only came out of his trance when Leena snapped her finger.

    "Mr. Adonis, back to earth," Leena shouted. He must have entered into a trance feeling jealous of my genius brain.

    "How can you speak so shamelessly with a man and where do you learn all these things? Pleasure pump, bama ck snake! You are the lewdest girl I have ever seen in my life." Devin came back from his stupor and the first thing he did is to knock her head for always imagining dirty things in her mind. Does Francis know about her dirty mind?

    "You are calling me shameless and lewd? Aren''t we BFF''s, dunce idiot? They do speak all these things. Besides, I don''t need to learn things. I am born intelligent." She adjusted her hair gentlybing her lovely hair. Why does everyone knock on my head spoiling my precious hair?

    "BFF? You are misusing it way smartly." Devin thundered. if I stay here for a single second, my thoughts would drift elsewhere. I have a mission to aplish right now.

    "Sleep tight, dirty girl." He put her under the nket and was ready to leave, but Leena pulled his hand.

    "Maintain a little distance with Andrew and Jasper," Leena warned him. Those two are sex maniacs. If they can go wild with even pants on, she couldn''t imagine them without clothes and she was scared of this innocent person. What if they attack him suddenly. Do I have to safeguard him from those two? I should ask Reese about their affair to understand better to protect him.

    "Alright." He squeezed her cheeks lovingly and walked away. She must be feeling jealous that they are upying my time and space. Don''t worry sweetheart.. Once Ie back, I will spend my time with you alone.

 Chapter 111 - Mad Dog

    The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The night sky was aglow with bright city lights. Austin, Drew, Jasper dwelled in the hall waiting for Devin to turn up.

    "We are leaving for Citadel hotel," Devin announced strolling into the hall.

    "Why?" Austin asked. "We have already found_"

    "Where is Kyle?" He interrupted.

    "She is not in the home." Austin pressed his lips to curb the outrage burning inside him. He has been calling her for a long time but neither his calls are picked up nor he received any response from her.

    "Drew, stay in the house with her." Turning towards him, Devin added. "She is alone and_"

    "No!" He instantly cut back. "You still want to keep me in the dark. Are you my friend?"

    "Hey! Monkey fellow. I have been calling you since yesterday. But you were busy with your new-found sister." Jasper rified his misunderstanding.

    "Donkey fellow. It must be your_"

    "You better sit and fight all alone." Having said that, Devin stepped out of the house.

    ...

    A man stood in the shadows of a high rise building. He was the epitome of authority with a Beretta 92FS revolver mped to his hip pocket. Leveling the firearm straight to the skyscraper, in a breath and a blink of an eye, his fingers twitched the trigger and the shot was muffled like a sound traveled through seawater and the object straight away sped to the suction cup of the ss wall firmly.

    Aplishing his mission, he then walked into the Citadel hotel and straight away moved into the VIP suite. In no time, he was in front of a certain room with a housekeeping cart knocking on the door continuously until it was unlocked from the other end.

    The door was unfastened and a man emerged out of the room wearing a bathrobe howling like a mad dog. "Who allowed you to knock on my door!!! I have warned the hotel not to disturb my personal space when I am here!!"

    "I apologize for the mistake, sir. I have arrived at the wrong ce." He atoned politely and walked out of the ce taking his cart not before rolling a small device onto the ground. While leaving for the room, he got a glimpse of a woman lying on the bed bare from the waist up. There was only disdain left for the man. How did I be a fan of this scum bag?

    Without any word, the man shut the door with a loud bang.

    "Disgusting rotter. Let''s see if you put up the same bold front when I drag you behind the bars." He walked away into his suite, now that everything is fixed.

    ...

    ���Warning: Under 18 and those who are notfortable can skip the part and read after the dots...���

    Closing the door shut, the man removed his bathrobe and hastily walked towards the bed, all the while, the woman was looking at his erect manhood seductively. He could feel her eyes fixed on his throbbing member and watching her naked body with his flecks, the desire to go for another round intensified.

    "I am tired, Trent." She whispered but her actions said otherwise when she opened her legs to have him clear ess.

    "You have to bear the punishment for raising your voice, Matilda." He coldly dered, and even before she could speak, he pried open her mouth and devoured her like a hungry beast. He further went down and aggressivelypped his mouth onto her right nipple while his other hand traveled down to the navel thrusting a finger along her slit and kneading it like crazy. The woman gripped the covers tightly as he thrust his finger in and out of her taking into ecstasy.

    A loud moan escaped from her lips the moment his hand left her nipple and buried his face deep inside her hole licking the dribbling juices thriving from it.

    Before she could reach her ridges, he pulled out from her hole surprising her. In one swift move, he flipped her on to the back and yanked her against his thighs. Sumbing in front of her, he raised her hips and thrust his member with one harsh jab into her already spurting hole which was oozing with her juices.

    He was pumping his member in and out of her mercilessly while his one hand was fiddling with her clit abusing for his pleasure. Not that the woman was against it. She was equally enjoying his harsh thrusts.

    "D_id s_he give the video?" She moaned breathlessly when he twisted her hard nipple.

    "She will give it by today." He slyly answered and resumed attacking her clit with his other hand. Holding her shoulders, he sent two more powerful punches deep inside and growled throwing his head back, when he found his climax. He withdrew his member from her hole and spewed all his fluids on her stomach.

    "Why are you so persistent to get her? Am I not beautiful?" She gasped clenching the sheets when she found her climax.

    "Don''t pry into my business. You are only my mere mistresses. And I want that bitch to beg for my mercy for hurting my ego." Since the day, Leena has rejected him, he had an urge to y her. Since Devin was protecting her, he couldn''t get hold of her for a single time. He has nned everything perfectly to get her to crunch his ego, and finally, the day hase. I will not spare that woman.

    "You are exactly opposite to the world you have portrayed, Trent." She slyly whispered. To the outside world, he is a softcore person but she has been his secret mistress for a long time and she very well knew about him.

    "Every coin has two sides and I know when to use them." He shonky replied, he could mask everyone with his charms except Leena.

    His gaze traveled to the woman ying with his hardened member. And in no time, he spread her thighs wide and pumped himself in and out of the woman as shey in the bed clutching the bedspread with the harsh jabs he was hitting her womb.

    Both were in sheer pleasure without knowing their activities were being recorded.

    ...

    Listening to the audio recording for a minute itself, he felt disgusted. Plugging out his earphones, he couldn''t believe he is a fan of the disgusting man. When his friend notified him that he might be knowing the person, he didn''t expect him to be the famous actor, Trent Scott. He broke from his trance a familiar voice entered his ears.

    "Kurt boy! How are you?" Drew eximed when he saw his friend after a long time. Devin has exined the incident when they were riding in the car and he was surprised that Kurt is dealing with the case.

    "Andy boy!" Kurt hugged his friend, it''s been a long time, he has seen them together.

    "Why are you wearing a housekeeping dress," He asked.

    "Did you forget he even wore a beggar attire once for a case?" Jasper added.

    "Get me the file, Kurt?" Devin cut their recreation to the chase.

    "I didn''t know he is a womanizer Devin." Handing a file and the recordings, Kurt exined. "When I dug into his past I got to know that he has been ying with umpteen woman ckmailing them but it did not hit the surface. He has cleverlyid."

    "Umm...the record and the videos are X-rated. I know we are all adults. But still, I am warning you guys." He curtly replied. Devin has already exined about the incident, so he didn''t ask much in details.

    Devin didn''t bother to take a look at the videos or audios. He pulled the file and scanned all the woman''s names Trent has ckmailed. Most of the women were celebrity wives and in the scare of tarnishing their husband''s reputation, everyone has kept tight-lipped.

    Jasper, Austin, and Drew we''re still unaware of the culprit and when they opened the video to check his face, all the three were dumbfounded again.

    "I can''t believe it''s Trent," Austin eximed. "Why did Kyle involve with him to do such an audacious act."

    Eager to listen to the conversation, Drew grabbed the audio recording and began listening until Jasper knocked his head, Drew unplugged the headphones.

    "Thanks, Kurt, and take care of his mistress or whatever. Worst the punishment, the better it would be." Devin had a bad premonition on Trent from day one and it didn''t prove him wrong. I will not leave him easily for making her cry.

    "Leave it to me," Kurt replied. He already has a charge sheet recorded for the vile woman.

    "Why don''t youe to the wedding with us? It''s really fun there." Drew asked.

    "I am busy with cases, Andy. I wille for the wedding day." Kurt replied.

    Conversing what Kurt for a while, Devin got the confirmation and he has to know if Kyle helped him or she was forced.

 Chapter 112 - No One Knows The Truth Except One Person

    Leena was restless after Devin moved out and the urge to check the online threads was at the edge but she was frightened to even open herptop system scared that she would see something that she shouldn''t. The moment Devin left, her insecurities began kicking her thinking of the worst possible cases. Finally, she decided to give it a shot feeling restless.

    Before she could open herptop, she heard the footsteps and her eyes twinkled to see him back again.

    "Did you sleep well?" He asked. "The videos are in Kyle''sptop. Can you hack into her ount?"

    While it was no shock to Jasper and Austin, Drew was surprised that she knows about hacking. Immediately, he rushed towards Leena to irritate her.

    Even before reaching Leena''s room, in order not to exhaust Leena, Austin went into Kyle''s room to delete the videos from herptop since she is not home but he has toe back dejected when she has put a password for it. The only one who can gain ess now is Leena monster.

    "Hey Monster! Herptop is not turned off. Can you do_"

    Even before Austin could finish his words, he could hear the keyboard withering endlessly in Leena''s hands.

    "You can even ess the shutdown systems?" Devin asked with shock, he has already witnessed her top-notch hacking skills, but he was still skeptical about how a turned offptop can be hacked.

    "Herptop is not turned offpletely. If the system is in sleep or hibernation mode, the webcam would be still running and it''s a way easy for us. This is called camfecting." Leena exined. Mostputers have built-in cameras and people tend to forget to shut down their systems thinking that it''s not a threat but hackers are watching.

    "You are a real genius," Drew eximed.

    "Hey, monkey fellow! Don''t believe her. Her skills are just mediocre." Jasper argued. Except for his sister, Reese, he wouldn''t ept anyone beautifully or intelligent

    "Get lost, Jasper," Leena yelled.

    Both started with their fights and it proceeded endlessly. But Devin was looking at her intently proud of her achievements. No wonder she got a crazy brain.

    When Leena hacked into the system, she didn''t find anything rted.

    "The folder is empty." Leena could still retrieve the videos through the cloud if is deleted but she had a question. If Kyle wanted to frame, why did she delete them? Did she know that I havee to know about her acts? or she has some other n?

    "She might have copied and deleted them for safety," Austin added. "I will look into her room_"

    "You don''t need to look for them anymore because you are not going to find anything on myptop." A voice chimed into the room and then a woman stepped in.

    Austin''s rage churned with disgust the moment he saw her face and before he knew, a loud sound reverberated the entire room.

    PAK

    She stumbled and fell to the ground with Austin''s harsh p on her face.

    "I never knew I was raising a monster in my home. When did you lose your morals! Aftermitting a shameful act, you dared toe here!!" She trembled in fear listening to Austin''s voice. Before Austin could p her face again, Leena rushed and stopped him.

    "Can you please stop it, Austin? Why would shee here if she is guilty?" Leena yelled. Until unless she hears from Kyle, she doesn''t want to conclude that Kyle is the criminal. She still believes Kyle is not such a demon.

    "I believe you are not such kind of person." Leena grabbed the file Kyle was clutching tightly and when she looked into the evidence, she got a rough idea of what exactly happened.

    "We''re you forced to do this?" Leena asked squatting in front of her.

    Kyle weakly nodded her head, her words were quelled with her whimpers.

    "Can you at least tell the truth, Kyle? We can''t help if you keep quiet." Devin urged pulling the file from Leena''s hands. By looking into the evidence she collected, he got a glimpse of the things that happened. The file was exactly which Kurt has lent him and Kyle has gathered more than that.

    "Trent used to visit my room wherever he is bored and I got a little close with him. But I never knew he was a wolf in sheep''s clothing. He has filmed my video secretly when I was out and threatened to release it to the public. I begged him but in exchange, he asked me to nt a spy camera in your room."

    "Although I was disgusted by the idea, I agreed to his proposal to make him believe that I am working along with him and I started collecting the evidence secretly from the day he threatened. Even though I have recorded everything, I have been deleting them. I am not a despicable woman who goes after tarnishing another woman''s image. Please believe me." She whimpered hugging her knees.

    "Why didn''t you tell us that you have been abused by that scum, Kyle," Austin asked bringing her up and gently wiped her tears. He had made a mistake bringing a scum into the house. To the world, he is the heartthrob but only now he hase to know his true colors.

    Leena breathed in and out to control her anger. Trent scum!! Your doom has started. I will make sure you will not have a face from tomorrow.

    "Don''t worry about the video. I will erase everything. He will suffer a thousand folds of karma which he lent you." Leena meant and she swore to stand with her words.

    Kyle did not understand Leena''s strategy except to believe her. She wanted the scum to rot in hell. She immediately called Trent and asked him to meet at a cafe to get the video he asked for.

    ....

    "Shall we go for a little adventure?" With a triumphant smile, Leena asked facing Devin.

    "As long as it is you, I am ready to move to the other world." He shed a wink and started his teasing.

    "Get the cameras, idiot," Leena shouted and turned away with an impish smile.

    Austin Drew Jasper open-mouthed watching the two partings. What are they going to do with cameras?

    ...

    Devin fixed the cameras in Trent''s room which he pulled out from their bathroom and before they walked away, Leena tossed something on a shelf.

    "What is that?" Devin asked skeptically. She must be doing something crazy again.

    "Nothing." She walked away hiding her smile.

    ...

    After getting the video recording from Kyle, Trent walked into his room with a victorious smile. She dared to insult my ego. I will make sure she will beg for mercy. Even though he has deleted the video in front of Kyle, he still had a backup in case she messed it.

    Putting the device safely in a drawer, he walked into the bathroom to have a fresh shower first without knowing he has bitten his tongue.

    ...

    Sitting in Devin''s bed, Drew and Jasper we''re closely monitoring the live cameras in frustration and finally, the person entered the bathroom. Even before he could take out his clothes, he started acting weirdly. Like a sex maniac, he was running his hands throughout his body stroking down his member.

    "He is a womanizer! Pathetic creature." With disgust, Drew added.

    When Devin nced at the video, he too felt a little strange about the behavior and suddenly remembered Leena putting something in the bathroom whileing back. Was it a stimnt to increase the desire? Where did she get them?

    ....

    The next day morning, the media was in an uproar with Trent''s bathroom video spreading all over the media along with it, the women who were damaged by him confronted the police to hang the disgusting monster.

    He has be the most wanted criminal in a single day. But the man in question was nowhere to be found. Some imed that he has been hiding and some avered that he has fled to another country. There was only one question trending online. Where exactly s Trent Scott.

    No one knows the truth except for one person.

 Chapter 113 - Tyrannizing Mates

    The first rays of the sun shone through the maple grooves turning the stillness into a peaceful morning. When a familiar sound tickled the serene soul, her eyes flew open immediately.

    "Get upzy sloth. We have to get ready for the Treasure hunt game today." Drew began poking her until Leena woke from her slumber. With his endless nagging, like azy cat, she stretched her body before she got up from her bed.

    "What is the scum''s position now? Was he taken into custody?" Leena inquired with azy yawn. She has hacked into his system yesterday and deleted the videos he filmed on all the women and notified every woman so that they can approach the police without any panic now.

    "What can I say? He is missing and I have no idea where he is hiding," Drew added remembering Trent''s mad dog usations when they delivered him to Kurt precisely and now when he looked into the morning tabloids, Trent has been put up into the most wanted list stating that he escaped from the police. He very well knew Kurt''s caliber but couldn''t fathom why he was making any moves on in search of Trent.

    "What do you mean by missing?" Leena frowned in shock. So all the efforts I have put into deleting the videos went into vain? Wait!! Does it have anything to do with him?

    Leena rushed into the other room and when she saw him still sleeping, she sighed in relief. But still, she has a qualm about him, for he is not easy to trifle with. His looks might deceive everyone but Leena could see the monster facade which he is hiding way smartly. Brushing her thoughts aside, Leena went into her room and gazed at the package Drew was unwrapping.

    "We got the outfits delivered in the morning," Drew pointed, unboxing the package. Together, they ordered outfits to steal the limelight for the exclusive treasure hunt game.

    "Wow!! They have delivered quite fast." She smiled with a nod when she was satisfied with the color and the fabric.

    "Let''s get ready and rock the show." Both fist-bumped each other with joy. With a happy mood, they busied themselves to get ready for the feat.

    ...

    The crowd stood in the garden along with their treasure hunt chits awaiting for the game, in between gossiping on Trent with the scandal that broke today.

    "I can''t believe he is such a scum. I am a big fan of his movies. He should be hanged for abusing women." Wendy added slurping on to her as a usual lollipop stick.

    "You are right. But he effortlessly escaped from the cops." Salsa said, getting a little away from Wendy again. How many lollipops does she eat in a day? Every time I see, she would be licking onto lollipops except when she eats her food.

    "But I strongly believe he is captured by someone. After all, he has abused several businessman wives. What if it is one of them doing?"

    Wendymented."I hope he is_"

    Her words died when she saw Leenaing out of the house in a stunning cowboy outfit. When everybody in the garden gasped seeing her outfit, Wendy red her nostrils. I have picked up the most beautiful dress and she is the one to get credits now? She dashed towards her with jealousy.

    "Hey, crazy Leena!! What''s in your paper chit? Let me see if you have be my pair?" Wendy demanded looking at Leena''s beautiful cowboy''s outfit feeling jealous of not getting such a beautiful innovative idea.

    "Why looking into it when it''s not going to be you? I would rather find ake full of piranhas and jump into it instead of getting paired with you." Leena scoffed walking away to avoid her spraying juices. She was d, Leah has given a heads up that Wendy was her partner on the first day. She couldn''t imagine spending her whole day with this lollipop creature.

    When the names were called out one by one, they got the necessary stuff and clues and started their journey in the directions they were bestowed immediately. Since the game was set up in a forest, it would take a while to find the treasure in the dense forest, so they started fast. Drew and Jasper were eagerly waiting for their names to be called up and their suspicion started when only four were left in the tow.

    "Now I call upon Mr. Cat on to the stage!! Pleasee forward." Leah said, grabbing a pack of essentials for the next team.

    With a proud smile, Drew entered the stage in his cowboy outfit waving his hands at everyone despite, barely four to five members were avable in the garden.

    The moment Drew left the ce as if a thunderstorm hit him, Jasper''s face went pale. When did this monkey fellow be a cat? Did he also exchange his paper with someone and we are now back to the square? Can this day get any better? I put all my efforts just to end up with him again?

    "Now, I ask Miss. Mouse toe and shake hands with his partner Cat." Leah announced.

    Drew was peeking at the people especially Leena anticipating she might be his partner but to his shock, he saw the person he least wanted to see. The glow in his face faded when Jasper slowly reached the stage. When did he be a mouse? Did he also peek into my chit and exchanged it with another person? Can this day get any better? I struggled to get rid of this donkey.

    "Aha, I see the fuck up fairy doesn''t want to part with my handsome face," With gritted teeth, Jasper shook hands with his mortal enemy.

    "Handsome? You must have been born in the dark ages. You look terrible in the light, donkey fellow." Drew shouted jerking his hand away.

    "Your face could scare the shit out of a toilet, monkey fellow," Jasper yelled.

    "If you don''t end your fights, I will kick both out of the house. Trust me, I meant it. I am tired of babysitting you both." Leah whispered with burning rage but still maintained a smiling face in front of others.

    Both instantly shut their mouth with the silent threat.

    Staring at the pair, Leena was on cloud nine thinking that even fate couldn''t rip them apart. Maybe they could sort out their feelings now that they got their alone time. I should give you some advice. Leena rushed towards them to congratte the love birds before they would fly off into their dream forest.

    "All the best Mr. Cat and Miss Mouse. You look cute and the best pair I have ever encountered and I hope you will workout with your feelings. I heard going wild in the forest would be adventurous. You have got a full day in your hand." Leena giggled imagining it already.

    "What did she mean by working out with feelings and going wild in the forest?" Jasper and Drew scratched their heads not realizing Leena''s inner thoughts.

    Sensing their confusion, Leena dragged Andrew a little away from Jasper to talk to him and guide him properly.

    "Don''t always let him explore the ck hole, idiot. It''s not healthy. Speak to him properly and make him understand." Having said that, Leena winked at both and fled away not to embarrass the love birds further.

    Drew and Jasper: " "

    ....

    Without any vignce, Leena stood in the garden waiting for her turn. After all, she already knew her partner and eagerly waiting for Devin to turn up. How would he react if he knows that I am his partner? Her thoughts halted when Leah called out thest pair.

    "Now finally, I request sugar toe forward," Leah proimed.

    Looking here and there, Leena was searching for Devin when a familiar voice entered her ears.

    "Don''t you want to y the game, sweetheart?" The smooth baritone of his voice reverberated through Leena''s bones.

    She instantly turned around and when she caught the sight of his enchanting smile, her heart skipped a beat. With the rustic denim jacket rolled up to his elbows and paired with blue pants he was looking dapper along with the ck shades. Added with the slight stubble, his features were rugged to be described in one word. Does he look attractive always? Leena''s gaze inclined to his wrist which she always does to check if he has changed his wristwatch and it was no surprise that there was another one. Her thoughts flew back to the watch lying on the drawer which she bought it a few days back.

    "I know I look dashing but you need to wipe your drool first, darling. " Devin felt the rim of his lip tug into a mischievous smirk when he witnessed Leena rubbing her mouth already.

    "Idiot!! You tricked me again." She started hitting him and when she heard an announcement for the sugar to appear, Leena stopped smacking and nced at him.

    "I am not the sugar Why don''t you look at your paper. After all, we are the only two left alone." Leena said.

    Unfolding the paper, Devin disyed it in front of her eyes. Upon seeing the name, Leena''s eyes bulged out of her socket. Did I go blind? I have exchange the papers two days back indeed. He must be the sugar right? Why did he be spice? Unless...

    "How did you exchange with my chit when I have put it in a safe ce," Leena asked, without knowing she let the cat out of her bag again.

    "And what does that mean? Did you swap with mine already?" Devin questioned, his smile threatening toe out of his lips when her face looked like a deted balloon.

    "I_I didn''t_

    Silently collecting the stuff and the necessary clues, Leena quietly started walking for being a bbermouth to expose herself.

    "Take it, easy darling. I know you cannot win every time with me." Devin fondled her hair closing the distance. He did not mean to check her chit deliberately, for it has happened unexpectedly and he was inclined to see them, partners, again.

    " Sugar and spice." Devin was pleased with their pair up names. Right after the unexpected sh of sugar and spice, everything felt nice.

    "Aren''t we tyrannizing mates, sweetheart. Everybody is talking about it." Devin asked out of the blue.

    "Tyrannizing mates? In your dreams." Gritting her teeth, Leena yelled. "Shout out to the world and ask them to experience our witty banterings also."

    "Well, I don''t need to shout. We have already gathered enough attention."

    Having said that he dragged Leena from the ce collecting the necessary items they wanted for the game.

 Chapter 114 - Neardeath Accident

    After a while of walking into the dense forest, Leena shoved her backpack on to Devin feeling the heavyweight. Both Drew and Leena packed a bag full of snacks not to go die out of hunger and it was not even a half distance they traveled with the clues, her backpack was almost empty with the snacks.

    They have already crossed the four clues sessfully and now it was time to probe on the fifth one.

    "Red maple tree," Leena mumbled. That''s all in the clue? She looked around and found several trees surrounding them. When she looked into the necessity pouch which Leah has provided, she found a clue which would lead them to the red maple tree. She dragged Devin along with her and finally found a clue hoarded to the tree trunk.

    "Finish the half-gallon of water to find the clue." She read the note. It''s just a half-gallon, right? Leena grabbed the bottle tied onto the tree and after just a sip, she spat the entire content.

    "What''s wrong? Does it taste bad?" Devin was beginning to look worried.

    "Very bitter. Must be a mixture of tomato and lemon judging by the taste and smell." Leena cried. Can I throw the juice and take the clue? But it doesn''t make sense to the game right?

    "Don''t stress yourself. Let me drink it." He grabbed the bottle from her hands and even before Devin could finish the bottle, Leena snatched it.

    "Everything is better together. let''s do it together." Leena countered and gulped the leftover juice gripping Devin''s shirt tightly when she couldn''t take the bitter taste. Leena doesn''t want to show her weak self just because she is a woman and doesn''t want to take advantage of Devin just because he is a man. To her, men and women are equal despite she hates them. She wanted to have a fair share of everything with him in the game.

    Listening to her words, Devin was enthralled. Her brain might be crazy but she is way mature than he imagined.

    Once Leena drowned the entire bottle, she found a clue at the bottom of it. No mood to check the note, she pulled the hint and put it in her pocket and then slumped onto the ground opening the backpack to have her dose.

    "I packed for both. Are you not joining me?" She asked pulling two vegetable sandwich wraps.

    "Maybe if you feed me, I will?" With a smile, he walked and settled next to her.

    "You never stop teasing me, idiot?" Hitting his iron arm, Leena grabbed her mobile to capture the beauty of the red maple tree when it piqued her interest instantly.

    "Sorry, darling. My happiness lies in teasing you until you get mad." Devin meant it. Her cute pout, her frown when she gets angry, he couldn''t get enough of them to the point of framing it in his album.

    Ignoring his satires which she long used to it, Leena began clicking the pictures but none turned out to be better. Why can''t I master photography until now? Out of blue, Leena remembered when she was taking pictures of Andrew, she got help from certain someone.

    "Can you teach me photography, Mr. Adonis?" She made it all sound so innocent.

    "Sorry! I am very expensive." Devin turned away instantly. Why ask me when she has a beloved photographer already. He still couldn''t forget about the way she praised the person in front of him.

    "I will bear your expenses then," Leen was already thinking of giving a dor when he teaches the basic photography skills. It''s more than enough for a BFF.

    "My fee would be your beloved photographer''s name," Devin demanded. He wants to see if the person can take better shots than him.

    "Not telling." How would I tell him if I don''t know anything about my beloved photographer? Leena has no idea whether the mysterious photographer is a man or woman and the person doesn''t even follow anyone or replies to anyments on Instagram. He or she must be ugly to confront the world. Poor creature.

    "Then I am not teaching." Devin got up and walked out, he was equally stubborn this time. It was the first time Leena has taken a liking to someone and It was burning him alive and the urge to know that person was at the edges.

    With a pout, she followed him opening her Instagram ount to check for anytest picture and she found none. Slowing down to her pace, Devin slightly peeked into her mobile but Leena locked even before he could get a glimpse of the name or person. Damn it! I will check it when she is asleep.

    When both were about to move ahead with the next clue, a pair of familiar voices started echoing into their ears.

    "It''s Andrew and Jaspee, They must be close to us." With an exciting voice, she eximed. "Love birds are seizing every opportunity to get alone."

    "Love birds?" Devin asked in confusion.

    "Ah! You don''t know about them, right? Both are in love." Leena said as a matter of fact.

    Devin''s lips parted in shock hearing the unexpected news. How did she concluded that they are in love? Devin marveled.

    "You might have mistaken." Devin tried to clear her confusion. "They are not_"

    "No! I have seen it with my own eyes." Leena attempted to exin to him better so that he could vary from them.

    "What did you see?" Devin asked. Now he is worried about the two. She would have assumed something.

    "When I went to talk with Andrew, I have discovered something which I shouldn''t, in their room. Dirty fellows! They were mashing fruits and making fruit sd with it in the bed without closing the door and that''s the reason I asked you to stay away from them." She exined in one breath and a giggle escaped from her lips.

    Devin did not know how to respond. So this was the thing she has been trying to exin to me for the past two days? Telescope, ck hole. While Devin was feeling that she got jealous that his friends were upying his time, she has started living in her deception world again crashing his heart.

    Devin felt bad for Drew and Jasper suddenly. Now that they have caught my sweetheart''s attention, their doom has started. With her crazy brain, she would have already visualized far away.

    "Putting them aside, what''s the next clue?" Devin asked to distract her from the thoughts.

    "I found a small box in the bottle and it is just a nk paper." Leena handed him not understanding why they have put up an empty paper as a clue.

    "The paper itself must be a clue. Open the kit which Leah has given to you. If I am not wrong, it might be connected to the hint we are searching." Devin implored, examining the paper carefully. When he saw Leena pull out the stuff from her bag, he got the concept behind the clue.

    He grabbed a lighter, ignited a me, and burnt the paper slightly. Right after that, a handwritten note was visible which appeared to be their next clue. "It must be written with lemon juice."

    "That''s brilliant. Even if it is a lemon juice, how did you know that by igniting a light, a note can appear?" Leena was again amazed. For a moment, she kept aside her self-love and praised him and it was the first time to apud someone.

    "Lemon juice is made of sugars, acids, and clear water and if you are diluting with the water and paints it on the paper, nothing appears. Only when you heat it, the sugars react with oxygen and turns into a brownish shade and that''s when you see the words. Ideally, it looks like magic but in reality, it''s just chemistry." Devin exined.

    "Are you a chemist? or perhaps a scientist?" Leena asked with curiosity.

    "None." He chuckled and grabbed Leena''s hand and pulled her along with him. ncing at the hands which were harmoniously ambling, she gleamed in happiness.

    While they entered into the forest a little deeper, except the asional birds chirping or the gushingke squeaks, they couldn''t listen to anything. Leena tightly gripped Devin''s jacket in fear of animals, even after they were given heads up that there would be no wild ones.

    "Don''t worry. Even if an animal notices you, it would run away." Devin held her hand safeguarding her but with the steep slope in the forest, Leena''s leg slipped suddenly, and even before she could fall, Devin caught her waist.

    "Did you get hurt?" Devin asked, he was sure she must have got stung on the same leg which she had an ident.

    "I am fine. You caught in time." She smiled and before she could turn away from his zing eyes he lifted her to her surprise.

    Strolling close to a ce where a giant rock was nestled, Devin ced her on it gingerly to check her leg. The quiet atmosphere was deafening them and both were in a pool of thoughts. Devin wanted to ask about her ident but he too was terrified to ask when he thought of the cold shoulder she has lent him. But Leen was muddling with the thought of how to start.

    Just tell it, Leena! He is your BFF right and they do share everything right?

    "I_I suffered a near-death ident five years back when I fell from a cliff." She started.

    His hand halted for a moment. Near-death experience? Did she suffer trauma at such a young age?

    His silence was all she wanted that he is listening to.

    "I had a broken pelvis, fractured back, crushed bones in my legs, feet, and almost every part of my body was torn and ripped apart. None of the parts in my body were spared when I fell from a cliff. For days, Iid in a weird state between sleep and awake. Everything seemed blurry until I got up and when I woke up from the surgery, I couldn''t move my legs and arms. My physical pain was intolerable and when doctors told me that I would never walk again, I felt like my heartbeat stopped at once." A teardrop fell from her eyes when the past surged back at once. It was the first time, she has shared about her ident with someone since she did not want to remember the painful days which has broken her physically and mentally.

    Squatting in front of her, Devin wiped her tears and quietly listened. A lump formed in his throat when he heeded to the horrible disaster she faced.

    "I did not want to live my life relying on others for a lifetime and the naive me even attempted suicide on numerous situations realizing death would be better than to withstand the humiliation God has bestowed on me. But I couldn''t give myself to lose again. I wanted to walk again and show the world of my loss." Leena huped, her face crushed and scraped recalling the dreadful night. She has to touch the graveyard doors on that night but like a knight in shining armor, someone has arrived and saved her. She recalled the words he whispered into her ears when she was struggling with life and death. ''Fight with death by living your life, little one...'' The only words she remembered before copsing. She wanted to meet her guardian angel once but he was like a mysterious mermaid in an ocean hiding from her. Leena has been searching for him from the moment she got up but there was no trace of him as if he has disappeared into thin dust. Even the CCTV footage of the hospital didn''t help her.

    It was devastated to his heart to see Leena''s wretched state and Devin craved to hug her and calm her racing heart and hisst resolve broke when Leena nced at him with her watery eyes. That''s it! He instantly got up and embraced her tightly with his sturdy physique. It was the only way he could resist the stabbing pain in his chest and to soothe her grief.

    "Don''t stress yourself if you are notfortable, You don''t need to tell me," Devin whispered stroking her hair. He is slowly understanding the reason she did not want to share the tragedy. The pain in her heart was evident in his eyes.

    Why did she go near a cliff alone? Was it an ident? or it was deliberate? Devin didn''t want to probe her further seeing the broken shelf. He was happy that Leena has put trust in him to share her secret. They have a lifetime in their hands.. Devin was sure she would open up in the future if there is more to her ident.

 Chapter 115 - Looking Into The Ocean Searching For Her Mermaid

    Her fear was sitting like a pillow over her nose, bringing enough air into it allowing her body to function but paralyzing slowly. She thought she has forgotten the memory after five long years but the buried nightmare resurfaced again when she recollected it. Once again terror found her and spoke to her in a crackling voice.

    [Killing her gives me no sense of satisfaction. I want her crippled for a lifetime]

    The words Leenast heard when her demise called upon her on that night. Even now, her nightmares haunt her when she remembers the two persons credible for her dreams to crumble. Driving to the cliff alone was the stupidest thing she has ever done in her life and with the heavy downpour, her brother couldn''te to her rescue on time and Francis was in New York. Leena would have vanished along with the storm if not for the person. He was her knight in shining armor, forever grateful to him.

    "I was in a wheelchair for six months. Persistent to get up, I sought after many alternatives, bit by bit, I got up and walked again and I gave a second chance to myself turning my pain into a smile. But the doctors believed it was a medical miracle taking it to their credit but I surmised the miracle was the fruit of my zeal to rise again."

    "I can''t describe in words how amazing you are." He whispered caressing her hair asionally, quietly listened to the story.

    An hour passed, but still, they dwelled listening to their heartbeats. If not for Leena shifting her lithe body asionally, Devin would have assumed she has dozed off due to fatigue. He regretted pushing her to talk about her ident without knowing the depth of her agony. He did not think she has endured such chronic physical and mental pain. How much pain she would have undergone to even think of suicide? He felt as if his heart has ripped into pieces to even think of her body ripped apart. He could wipe her tears away but the pain in her heart was still impable.

    "I am sorry for bringing your memories to the surface again," Devin confessed studying her face which was poised now.

    "Don''t be!! I_I wanted to tell you about it on the day you asked. I haven''t shared it with anyone until now. So I was reckoning how to exin." Leena mumbled. Except for her family and friends, her ident has remained secretive to the outside world and the first time, Leena has willingly shared with Devin.

    "Thanks for putting your trust in me." He smiled, even if they are friends now, a bond is built on trust. He swore to never break her trust.

    "You are talking about trust now? You fled away like a sugar patient shutting the door loudly on that night. I should gift you an insulin powder." Leena pushed him away releasing from the hug. Even his hug is starting to take an effect on me now? You have gone insane Leena.

    "Sugar patient?" Devin asked in surprise. Now she is thinking I have a health history also? Good that she did not peruse medicine. If she can make a healthy person chronic, Devin stopped imagining then after about the sick.

    "Well, if you run away in the middle of a conversation, I thought you wanted to pee just like sugar patients do. It''s better to check your sugar levels once." Leena advised.

    "You are living in never-nevernd again and to answer your question, I am still fit and healthy. Check for the next clue if you want to win the treasure." Devin notified. He had no intention to y the game but Leena was very eager to win the treasure and how can he notply with her wishes.

    "Okies!!" She smiled, her eyes twinkled. She doesn''t know why she felt a burden has lifted when she shared her story with him. In her happy mood, Leena grabbed Devin''s arm and dragged him along with her. But Devin shoved the hand away embracing her shoulders.

    Leena paused in her tracks suddenly facing him, silently threatening to remove his hand but to her annoyance, he was putting up a face as pure as the driven snow.

    "You said we are BFF''s right? I heard they embrace each other often." With an innocent smile, he replied and dragged Leena despite her protests. BFF my foot! Wait for a little more days sweetheart.

    Twilight was breaking with the light dwindling and they were almost were at the edge of the game. Until the afternoon, they could hear the voices of other people but they have vanished with the time. It could only mean, they could not crack the clues.

    "The clues are hard to crack except for an intelligent like me." Leena proudly seized the credit when it was Devin''s contribution to the max.

    "I was the one to break all the clues and you have shamelessly taken the credit?" Devin asked with a sarcasticment.

    Ignoring his remarks, Leena followed the route which she got from thest clue and they arrived at a ce where a beautiful wooden house nestled in the forest, and to open the lock of the door, thebination has to be cracked.

    Suddenly an elf-like man appeared in front of them wearing a ghostly costume to deliver thest clue. With a scream, Leena hugged Devin tightly until he was sent away.

    "He left the ce. You seem to like cuddling me a lot little one..." He whispered with a triumphant smile.

    Little one!! Did I hear correctly? His voice! Five years back the person which has loaned her the courage and strength to live.

    "Did you call any other girl ''little one'' before?" Pushing him away, Leena asked looking intently waiting for his answer. What if he is my Mermaid I have been looking in the ocean for a long time.

    "Are you feeling jealous that I am talking about another_"

    "Tell me, idiot!" Her voice exploded like a volcano startling Devin.

    "I_I don''t recall." Devin was not prepared to get such a harsh blow from Leena. Did something happen? I don''t remember any such memory of calling a girl ''little one''.

    "You don''t?" With a dejected face, she looked at him. "I am sorry for raising my voice."

    With a pout, she put up an innocent face which earned a smile from Devin instantly. For a moment, her hopes lifted after five years. He is not the person I am looking for! Brushing her thoughts, Leena opened the clue to distract herself

    "Crack the final puzzle and get your treasure."

    [Clue 1: 6 8 2, one number is correct and well ced.

    Clue 2: 6 1 4, one number is correct but in the wrong ce.

    Clue 3: 2 0 6, two numbers are correct but in the wrong ces.

    Clue 4: 7 3 8, none of them are correct.

    Clue 5: 8 7 0, one number is correct but in the wrong ce.]

    "What a big puzzle." She whispered and looked intently to solve the riddle even before someone coulde and crack it. She heard little voices of Drew and Jasper here and there. Leena thought they would be enjoying their lonely time going wild in the forest but to her annoyance, they are cracking the clues.

    "6 8 2! Number 6 can be eliminated since 6 is found in clue 1 and clue 2 at the same ce which contradicts with clue 2." Leena was satisfied with her answer.

    "If 7, 3, 8 are wrong, I can rule out the three numbers. and from 8 7 0, I can pick 0 but it may or may not be in the third ce." Wow, you are a genius, Leena. Looking at Devin who was sitting on a rock enjoying leisurely, she rushed towards him and shoved the clue. I am struggling here and he is sitting and relishing She exined the part till she cracked and invited him to do from the rest.

    "2, 0, 6, ording to clue 5, 0 is the correct number but its ce can not be second(clue 3) and third ce(clue 5). So 0 has to be in the first ce and 2 should be in the second ce. From 6, 1, 4 clues, we can conclude that it cannot be 1 because it cannot be ced in first or third ces as they are upied by 0 and 2. So thebination is_"

    "It''s 0 4 2. Yay!! I made it." Leena jumped in joy and opened the lockbination of the door and ran inside leaving the surprised Devin. Dirty girl!! She did not even thank me and iming to be hers.

    A velvet box was enclosed in blossoms, her eyes widened in disbelief when she opened the box. The crystals glittered like a sun-kissed oceanpping the sand.

    "OMG! Blue Moons!!" She muttered in disbelief and touched them gingerly. Did Leah know that I would win the game? It was the same ring, she has shown it some days back. Why did she get such a costliest one just for the game?

    "Do you like them?" Devin asked emerging behind her. By the twinkle in eyes, he could understand, she loved them.

    "They are beautiful." Leena was even scared to touch as if she would dirty them and packed the box into her backpack safely. I will give the other ring to him when I reach home. He has contributed a little to find the clues.

    With a victory smile, Leena walked out of the forest along with Devin.

    ...

    Right after they left, Drew and Jasper arrived cracking all the clues but to their resentment, thebination was already opened.. Cursing and using each other again, they returned home with a sad face.

 Chapter 116 - Bound The Souls In A Second

    Right when Leena and Devin reached home, she kicked him out of her room when he started following her like a lost puppy. What''s wrong with him today?

    Leena cautiously put the box in a safe, delighted that she earned the treasure. It was already ten in the evening by the time they arrived home and getting fresh, she went down to have her dinner not before aplishing a mission which she has been thinking from the morning. Feeling heavy with all the food she dumped into her stomach, she went into the garden for a small walk.

    Strolling for a while, Leena yed with the little puppy that was newly brought into the house today. The cute one''s antics reminded of Carrot. I have to call that idiot, she haspletely forgotten about her mommy.

    Bidding goodbye to the little pup, Leena turned around to leave but stopped when her eyes shifted on to the girl moving towards her. Since yesterday''s incident, Leena didn''t talk to her.

    "She must have suffered a lot for the past four days with the scums vitriol," Leena whispered in a low voice.

    "Are you ok?" Leena inquired sitting on a nearby bench.

    "I am good! Thanks, Leena." Kyle started. For three days, she was sleep-deprived, and only when Trent was taken away by the cops, Kyle got relieved from the stress.

    "For deleting the video?" Leena solicited with a smile.

    "Yes! But that''s not the only thing. While everyone suspected I was the criminal, you believed in me even after we have known for a short while." Kyle was rmed when Leena asked her if she was framed directly. Even Austin didn''t specte her when they have been knowing each other for a long time.

    "You can tell it''s women''s instincts. I know you live with morals and that''s all it brought me to believe you might not be the fugitive. I don''te to verdicts until I see it with my own eyes." Leena meant it. She would never jump to conclusions until she hears from the person or she sees it with her own eyes.

    "Thank you! Friends?" With a hefty smile, Kyle handed a banana smoothie to her. "I made it by myself."

    "You have sessfully lured me with a banana smoothie. Then I ept your friend request." She smiled grabbing the ss. After a little chit chat with Kyle, they entered the house cheerfully clearing their misunderstanding.

    ...

    Waiting for Leena toe out of the bathroom is worse than waiting for the best stic surgeon in Beverly hills. Devin was not understanding what sort of skincare products she was scrubbing onto her body for two hours and that''s the reason, he has been taking shower before dawn. Once she wakes up and goes into the bathroom, the end of the story.

    Even after banging the door for the umpteenth time, Leena did not acknowledge him. With frustration, he walked out of the room and appeared back after two hours. To his relief, she was back from her shower battle.

    Getting fresh, he scanned Leena''s room, but she was still not back after her dinner. To drag her back, Devin was about to depart when his eyes unconsciously scooted to a gift wrap that he has spotted near his bed.

    When Devin nced at the gift box which had no return address on it, he warily opened it. Surprise, followed by astonishment when he saw a wristwatch sitting on the box. It looks simr. Was it bought by Leena on the day when we went shopping? was it for me!!

    Devin wordlessly stared at the watch with an ambivalent expression on his face. He froze, running a hand through his hair unable to control his crity.

    Strolling in the room back and forth, he thought of the possible reasons. Why did she give me? What if it was a mistake? That idiot would use it for her benefit if I ask more. But still, he wanted to confirm if it was for him.

    Unable to pacify his poor heart, he rushed out of the room with the box to confront her but luck was purely on his side when the girl of his dreams appeared in front of him.

    When he suddenly appeared in front of her, she stared at him nervously. He would have known by it now.

    "Did you buy a watch for me?" Devin asked anxiously as he waited for her reply.

    "I_I it was for my King Kong Park uncle. But then, he did not like it when I sent a picture of the watch and I have invested a lot of money. So, I thought of giving it to you since you have be my best friend." Leena quickly cooked up a story to escape from his probing questions. How many times was it, Leena! You have been using Francy as your scapegoat to escape every time. He would chop you into pieces if it reaches his ears.

    He seems to know Wilbur very well. What if he knows Francy and exposes me? I have to handle him carefully.

    "M_y uncle doesn''t like watches. I forgot that part." She blurted out whatever came to her mind right at the moment.

    "Is it? Then why did you give it to me? Why didn''t you give it to Drew or Jasper then?" Devin asked with a mischievous grin.

    "Because I _I" Leena ransacked her brain to cook up another story but none hit the surface. Why did I give it to him? I have known Jasper for a long time and Drew has be close to her to the point of bing a brother.

    "Perhaps do you like_"

    Even before Devin could enunciate his words, in a sh Leena appeared in front of him trying to grab the box but her efforts were futile when he lifted.

    "Give it to me, idiot." Leena jumped striving to reach his hand but Devin held up his hand stiffly.

    "Catch me if you can?" He winked, unable to resist the urge to mess with her a little.

    Damn it! Why is taller than me? To get the box back at any cost, Leena leaped onto his feet.

    Caught off guard, Devin stumbled and lost bnce, and before he realized he was knocked on the ground yanking Leena along with her unconsciously. Before Leena could recover her senses, she toppled him and the soft lipsnded on the warm ones. At the touch of their lips, her face blossomed like a flower. The one kiss which has bound the souls in a second.

    They gazed at each other in a trance until the door was pushed open and a scream echoed into their ears

 Chapter 117 - + One Kiss One Kiss Equal To

    As if the time has stopped, he was not sure the world was rooted for their moment but with every breath, Leena took, the familiarvender smell infused into his nerves.

    Perhaps the time stopped when her lips met his but the inner tremor intensified. Both started at each other as if it was a silent argument battling with their eyes.

    Leena''s heart pounded in her chest when Devin''s eyes focused solely on her lips and that''s when she realized how soft they felt even if it was just a small peck on her lips. It was still not clear if she was dreaming but the swirls of emotion she saw on him made her gasp and before she could mull over further, she felt a hand encircling her waist pulling her closer against his warm chest which was chiseled to perfection. The wristwatch box they were fighting with was lying somewhere on the floor but they were too muddle-headed to reckon that.

    Heat rose from Leena''s cheeks as his lips got closer to her to capture them again. His fresh cinnamon fragrance has hypnotized her and as if a cast was a spell on her, Leena closed her eyes, but the anticipating moment was reced by a scream.

    "NOOOOO!" The voice as cruel as a knife interrupted their sweet moments eventually.

    Leena and Devin turned to the door where the scream originated and as they expected it was him.

    "Damn it! He always arrives at the wrong time." Devin cursed under his breath. He wanted to steal another peck since they have already experienced their first kiss and he was craving to ravish her soft lips again. Devin never foresaw his first kiss would turn out to be unexpected and with Leena''s craziness, it rounded the bend again.

    Leena tried to wake up seeing Drew here but Devin''s grip on her waist was too strong to move. Sensing Leena''s struggle, Drew scrambled towards them and pulled Leena from Devin''s grip.

    "Are you ok, sister?" Drew seethed in anger turning to Devin. "You dared to force a kiss on my sister?"

    "Arguing with a fool proves there are two." Devin got from the ground not intended to contend with Drew. Didn''t he recognize our positions at least? When did I force a kiss on my sweetheart? Devin was at loss for words for his friend''s dumb brain.

    "You are calling me a fool after you did the lewd actions? We want justice," Drew demanded. Even Leah, Austin, Jasper docked into their room with Drew''s soul dying scream.

    "What the hell are you talking about! Stupid Andrew!!" Leena whispered in anger. Firstly it was a mistake from my end and he is creating a big scene for it? Even now Leena was scared of how he would tease her even if it was a slip.

    "What kind of justice you are talking about, Mr. Andrew Dawson?" Devin chuckled pulling Leena from Drew''s grip. Watching her flushed face, Devin smiled with satisfaction, she is slowly learning to show emotions now.

    "W_e will discuss it together and thene up with our demands." Andrew pulled Leena from Devin''s embrace and dragged her along with him.

    Leah, Austin Jasper looked at the three people perplexed not understanding their conversations. Since they arrived a littlete, only Drew got the chance to witness the scene.

    ...

    "Stupid! dumb idiot! What kind of justice you are demanding with him. He didn''t force on me. It happened unexpectedly." Leena hit his head to put some sense into his brain. Did he seriously consider his role as a brother? A chill ran down her spine suddenly when Leena felt someone''s gaze was cruising her and even before she realized it, she whirled around. Looking at the smirk which was pointing at her, she wanted to wipe it out from his face. She retracted her eyes trying to focus on Andrew''s words but the warm touch of his lips was reying on her mind. Unconsciously, she raised her hand to her lips slowly tracing them with her fingers.

    "You shouldn''t give too much freedom to him," Drew began nagging not thinking Leena was in another world, to start with.

    "Did I?" Leena asked in a haze.

    "Absolutely. You should be a little strict with him when ites to such things." Drew was offended by Austin Devin and Jasper for acting secret in Trent''s matter until he caught them red-handed and Leena is his pawn to get revenge on Devin. About the other two, I will worry about themter. Without wasting any time, he dragged Leena from the ce to confront Devin.

    "As a brother, I want Justice for forcefully kissing my sister," Drew demanded.

    Leena nervously stared at the floor without looking at Devin. Her violent heartbeat was not allowing her to take a peek at him. When did you be a weedy cat, Leena! It was just a kiss but her heart was not hearkening to her brain.

    "Did you forcefully kiss her, Vincy?" Austin and Jasper asked in surprise.

    "If you have forced on her, apologize to her. It''s a mistake from your end." Leah insisted. Even though she approved of their rtionship, forcing a kiss was a big no in her opinion and she guessed it was a mistake sensing Leena''s innocent face. He dared to force a kiss on my darling. Poor little thing. She is not even lifting her head.

    All four started screaming demanding an apology making Devin the culprit here.

    "If you are thinking that I did a mistake, let me correct it right away." Devin walked towards Leena and leaned forward wrapping his arms around her waist.

    Leena parted her lips, heat rose from her chest again. The feel of his body leaning on her as he wrapped his arms around her and when she felt his soft lips again, the taste of him nearly silenced her thoughts even if she wanted to protest.

    "Sweetheart, if you y with the fire, you are gonna get burned," Devin whispered into her ears releasing her after getting a nip on her lips. He was fully satisfied now that he got to taste them again. Devin was cursing Drew when he disturbed his sweet time with Leena but he was the one to pave a way to steal a kiss with his sweetheart again.

    Leena stood there dazed even after Devin released her, her heart thumping in her chest. What''s going on here! Did he take revenge on me for kissing him earlier? It was a mistake, right?

    "Are you Satisfied now?" Devin inquired, his gaze now directed to all the four dumb idiots.

    "We asked for an apology. Not the kiss." Leah asked stunned with the turn of events. When did Devin start showing such a shameless side? Lewd idiot! He is not leaving any opportunity to steal a kiss from my darling now.

    "I am not apologizing. It was not my mistake, to begin with." He said as a matter of fact.

    "Then why did you kiss her again?" Drew asked gritting his teeth. He was raging in fury when his revenge went into dogs again.

    "Because in the arithmetic of kiss, plus one and one minus one equals nothing. Now that we have kissed twice, the kiss is nullified and if you please get out of our room, we have some pressing matters to discuss." Devin kicked the three out of his room and turned to his girl.

    What kind of theory is this? Everyone wondered.

    "I_I have to sleep. I will go back to my room." Leena breathed in when Devin slowly stepped ahead. Scared, Leena took a step back and their cat and mouse game went on until her back was pressed against the wall.

    Before she could escape, Devin ced his hands on each side of her head and leaned in trapping her.

    "I_I didn''t tell them that you forced on me." Leena inhaled trying to concentrate but all she smelled was him. "A_nd kissing ismon in our culture."

    "Is it. Then let''s do it again if it ismon." Devin whispered, his breath was closely dancing on her lips, and one step forward, they would be on it again.

    "No. C_an you move away? I_I can''t concentrate." Leena crushed her back against the wall, out of breath when he started grazing her throbbing neck thumb up and down.

    "What if I leave?" His hand slid down the wall stopping behind her back.

    "I_I will go to bed right away." Leena flinched when his hand stopped behind her hips. Where did you put your bbermouth idiot!! You can''t even protest him now? He is the dangerous devil but why am I liking this side of him. Do I like him or Did I like his kiss? I have to sort my feelings out.

    Right after Devin stepped back, Leena fled away in a wink scared that he would catch her again.

    Just when Leena left, Devin breathed in relief. The n to seduce her backfired on him when he looked at his tent.

    "I have to take a cold shower again." Devin inhaled a deep sigh. He tried the watch multiple times and like a fool, he was smiling all the time.

    Keeping it in a safe ce, he went into the bathroom to curb the heat down there. He lost the urge to wait now. Right after shees back to New York, I have to proffer her. It''s time to im her fully.

    After a shower, Devin calmed down a little and looked at the girl sleeping on her bed. He closed the door and began googling the threads about a gift to give a girl at the time of proposing but a message popped up to annoy him.

    [KW: The public and media are demanding an exnation. I am giving a time of utmost three days. If you don''t deliver him by then, I will have to visit you]

    "Three days! It''s more than enough for damage.." Having said that, Devin closed the mobile and got ready to meet a certain person.

 Chapter 118 - Abra, Cadabra

    New York... Morning 3 O''clock...

    The world was silent as if a shadow was speaking in a dream. The streets were as dark as death''s eye with the sun still below the horizon.

    In the silent city, a man was wailing in pain when he was thrown on the floor. Struggling with his life, his soul seemed to have departed from him when he began crawling on the ground as if his bones were loosely connected to his body. He was a definition of grotesque with swollen eyes and drooling blood from his ck jaws, but still not a skeleton. At least for now.

    The once heartthrob of the country is now lying on a dirty floor, he doesn''t know if it was his blood or someone else, but it was a foul stench and nauseating to inhale.

    He was supposed to be in prison. Even before he was taken to the vault, he was abducted by a group of people. Delighted that it was his dad or his mom hase to save him, he smiled in achievement but the moment, hended in the secret cer, he was tortured to the point that death would be better than the life he is living now and he wished it woulde already. Since yesterday he was tied to a post and his skin and limbs were sliced slowly by two maniac girls and he suffered pain as if it was a death by thousand cuts.

    Coming to his senses, he wheezed and looked around to see a young man sharpening his knife on a whetstone, three other men busy whipping a man and they were carrying the task as if it was a daily job and the same two girls who tortured him were making out right in front of him. He still could hear their loud deeper moans. Just what kind of ce is this?

    "Sara, ra. It''s time to sleep. You still have school tomorrow and I have warned you to carry out your lewd stuff in the private." The young man deciphered.

    "It''s Abra, Cadabra for you, Nick." Both the girls shouted in unison.

    Nick shook his head with indifference. Right from the day they watched the ddin movie, both have changed their names to Abra and Cadabra splitting the name Abracadabra.

    "Besides our Devvy is visiting now. Until we see him, we are not going to sleep." Both the girls screamed turning to the man lying on the floor when they heard his wheezing sounds. "My precious treasure, you are awake?"

    The man looked in terror when he saw the two girls'' sinister smile again.

    "I heard your name is Trent and hurt someone precious to my Devvy. Here, my name is Abra. I was the one who has cut your nails." A girl named Sara giggled pulling Trent''s arm."Your fingers look faaaaabulous now. Am I great?"

    "And I am Cadabra. I was the one who has cut your pinky toe. You look cute with only four toes now. I am greater than Abra right?" ra pped yanking Trent''s leg earning a loud growl from him.

    "P_lease leave me..." He begged terrified by the two girls. "I will give you double the money the person asked you to kidnap_"

    His words stifled when the door was pushed open and a man entered with a group of men in tow, his face as cold as the shivers which run through your heart when you look into the eyes of doom.

    Trent''s eyes erged, a gaggle of goosebumpsminated his frigid skin, his brain shut downpletely. He never thought the man behind his kidnapping would be Wang Devin.

    Devin walked into the room and sat down where a chair was ced for him. Looking at Trent''s stance, he turned towards the two girls and smiled in satisfaction.

    "Good job, Sara, ra. As expected both have lived up to my expectations."

    "Thank you Devvy." Both grinned when they got praise from Devin and with that they decided to torture Trent extra.

    "Do you realize the consequences of kidnapping me, bastard? I am a famous actor_ AHHHHHH"

    Trent wailed with the pain, his words squelched, and his senses numbed when a sharp knife was sliced into the arch of his foot by Sara. "Silence! You dare to talk bad about our beloved Devvy?"

    "Never talk badly of our Vincy, understand." ra pierced a needle into his forehead. Then another and continued when she found Trent''s cries were bing melody to her ears. "Yay!! I like your cry."

    "Enough ra!" Devin instructed not that he was sympathetic to Trent. Pricking his forehead would only pain on a certain part. He wants to torture his whole body. It''s a token of a gift for making Leena cry.

    "Ok, Vincy!" With a pout, ra removed the needles from his head and turned to Trent. "It''s because of my beloved Vincy, I am leaving you."

    "Nick" Devin ordered. "Throw him into the water."

    Even before Nick could lift him, Sara and ra stripped Trent naked and threw him into the big tub. When Trent thought it was just the water, he rxed his nerves. But little did he knew it was not the usual water to toy with.

    The freezing water spanked his naked body and ttened across his skin like thecy tides on frigid winters in Antarctica. Trent''s pale lips dyed with blue, his teeth chattered and his breath became fuzzy with every drop in temperature and to make it gruesome, Devin rotated the lever mercilessly which changed the course of water temperature to boiling.

    "DEVIN!! PLEASE LEAVE ME. I BEG YOU. I WILL BEG FOR LEENA''S MERCY!" With the water started to smolder, Trent screamed in pain when the rough texture of salts rubbed the already cut wounds and tore them apart. Why did he put salt into the water! He shrieked.

    "The damage is already done." He calmly replied crossing his arms. Not once Devin flinched or cringed hearing Trent''s pleas or wails. Like a rock, he stood there watching Trent getting tortured to death.

    "You know what to do right?" Devin turned to the two girls who were looking at Trent''s stance with a grin as if it was some kind of y."Make sure that no animal is harmed."

    Since Leena is a vegan, Devin doesn''t want to hurt any animals. She shouldn''t get upset about anything.

    "Leave it to us, Devvy." Both grinned in unison. The moment Devin walked out, they pulled Trent out of the big tub and took him to the torture room where they both usually get to y. For Sara and ra, ying would be torturing the people.

    Sara immediately picked a hungry caged rat and ced it on Trent where his gut was sliced by her already.

    "NO! PLEASE!" Trent cried sensing what was about toe.

    "Bye! Bye! My precious treasure." ra grinned cing hot coals on the caged rat and when it started burning, she released the rat not to torture the poor thing since her beloved Devvy doesn''t like to torture animals. The moment the rat was released, it pealed Trent''s stomach to ease the heat which it was enduring.

    ..

    His wails were a hymn to their ears and they wanted to listen sitting for some time but they rushed to the room thinking that Devin would leave already.

    "Devvy, I heard we are getting a sister-inw. Is that true?" Sara asked in surprise.

    "Who told about that?" Devin chuckled. Even his parents don''t know but it has spread fast to these two.

    "My ageless Andy." Sara stared at the floor with a shy expression thinking about Andrew''s cute face.

    "My kooky Kurt didn''t tell about it." ra pouted.

    "Andrew would run away if he sees your gore actions, Sara and as usual Kurt would run away if he sees your face, ra. You have seen Devin already. Go back to sleep. You have a school to attend in the morning." Nick sent them to the house with one of his men. Seriously, where did Devin get these two mad girls? Even he would think twice to torture someone and they both do it effortlessly.

    "Deliver the scum to Kurt by tomorrow itself. I doubt he would be alive if he is in hands of Sara and ra for three long days" Devin ordered and walked out. If not Kurt has demanded, Devin was thinking to make Trent rot in the dungeon itself.. The biggest mistake Trent has done was to touch Leena, indirectly touching Devin''s bottom line and he has unleashed the beast.

 Chapter 119 - I Think I Like Him

    Leena woke from her sleep and after getting fresh, she started peeking into Devin''s room but he was still no in the house. Where did he disappear again? What sort of work he is doing that he is vanishing in the mornings almost every day? I can''t believe he fled away right after we kissed. Her cheeks reddened thinking of yesterday''s activity.

    Dusting her thoughts aside, Leena made a call to her sworn brother and that annoying idiot was not picking her calls even when she called him twice and she knew he is doing it intentionally.

    Finally, it was picked in the third ring.

    "What''s up, Crazy Leena? As far as I remember, you would never call me." Wilbur lifted the call with one hand, and with the other hand, he began wiping his daughter''s butt after she was done with her potty. For a year, he has be an active coach in the bathroom to his bratty daughter but he is still on the hook of ass wiping duties. He thought he could enjoy the Europe tour, but he was bound tending to his daughter day and night.

    "How are you and how is Cutie?" Leena sweetly inquired beforeing to the actual question.

    "Come to the point." Will cleansed and dried his daughter''s hands along with his and took her out of the bathroom.

    "Umm...What are your friend''s names? I heard they are here for Leah''s wedding." Leena inquired. Devin has already instructed ''no cheating'' but Leena was scared to serve as his servant for a whole month working on house chores and cleaning his bathrooms.

    "Why do you want to know about them?" Wilbur asked suspiciously.

    "So that I don''t scare them." Leena innocently replied.

    "You better not! You already knew Jasper and Austin and the other one is Andrew and he would have already be your friend since you both fall into the monkey''s category. Get paired with him, so that I don''t need to search for a groom." Wilbur replied, his voice had a sarcasm to the edge. He didn''t want to speak about Devin with this crazy idiot otherwise his friendship would be at stake if she approaches him. Kurt would run away from girls if he sees them and he doesn''t want to torture that poor fellow. So he eliminated the two.

    "I curse that no matter how hard you try to stop it, your loose motions would keeping." Leena ended the call in frustration and walked out of the room to try her luck on some other person.

    ...

    "I am not going to invite him to our wedding, Austin. What if he is my senior and you are his friend. He might be your friend but Vincy is more important to me." Leah screamed on her phone. "You do know they don''t get along with each other right?"

    "But still_"

    "No buts. Don''t bring his topic in front of Vincy." Leah ended the call when she saw Leenaing into her room.

    "Are you busy?" Leena asked stepping into Leah''s room. "I don''t see Austin in the house."

    "Groom shouldn''t be seeing the bride before the wedding day. So he went home." Leah smiled and looked at Leena who was fiddling with her fingers. "You want to talk about something, Leena?"

    "I_I think I like him." Quietly settling on the bed, Leena confessed. She couldn''t sleep for the whole night thinking whether she liked him or it was an infatuation. She even wrote many online tests and it said, she likes him, and to get a clear picture, she has to contact her friends.

    "OMG! I knew something is going on between you two. You will be the best pair." Leah was on cloud nine. If the wedding was her happiness, watching. Leena and Devin getting paired at her wedding was contentment.

    "But I don''t know if he likes me or not," Leena replied gazing at the floor. Despite he is very kind and caring, Leena was still unsure of his feelings and when she saw the name Lovely Eve on his contact list, she is a little hesitant about his feelings.

    "So what''s your n darling? Are you going to talk to him about your feelings." With an exciting voice, Leah asked thinking about Devin''s reaction. Poor him! He worked really hard. He had warned everyone not to talk about his feelings with Leena, otherwise, Leah would have vomited everything now.

    "I_I am nning to pursue him. But if I profess him, the touch me not name I maintained with men till now will be ruined to dogs. I feel like crying thinking about it Leah." Leena cried huffing like a child.

    "Dumb girl! You should discard your ego when ites to such things but if you are still inferior about it, make him propose to you and I am sure you can do it." Leah said. Even if Leena doesn''t propose, Devin was already nning for it. Devin would shoot the stars if he knew about Leena''s feelings.

    "That''s what I needed and in case that happens, I will boast to the entire world that I did not go behind him and he was the one who was running behind me. I can maintain my range and now I will wait for him to propose." Leena was pleased with the idea. In case if we fight in the future, in a heat of the moment, what if he brings the topic that I was the first to propose. I can''t let that happen.

    Leah wanted to bang her head on the wall hearing her answer. Even now, she turned out to be a self-centered brat.

    "Alright, darling. You are always the best! Can you get me the blue dress inside my closet Leena? I just want to show it to you."

    Leena nodded her head and walked into her closet room and when she was pulling out the dress, a small book dropped onto the floor. She picked up the book and as she expected it was an album catalog.

    "Must be Leah''s." Leena opened the album and began flipping the covers and when she saw a familiar figure, her hand halted. With a smile, she traced his photo looking intently. He is such a cutie.

    Leena pulled out his picture from the album, and when she turned to the next cover, another familiar face appeared.

    "It looks like a group photo in the school. What is Ethan doing here? He is from Seattle right? When did he study in New York?" Leena pondered. She got to know that Ethan was Wilbur''s friend when she started her university but never probed into their business. She was always in herputer world to think about other non-sense stuff. Her answers to the questions can be answered by only one person.

    Leena threw the dress on to Leah and ran out of her room along with the album.

    ...

    "Andrew Dawson!! What''s up?" Leena barged into his room with a smile.

    "I am ying video games." Without lifting his head, Drew continued ying and he doesn''t care, anyone, when he goes into y mode.

    "I have something to ask." Leena pulled him onto the bed throwing hisputer away and showed the photo album.

    "Where did you get this? Let me see if can spot my picture." Drew tried to snatch the album from Leena''s grip but she jerked him away.

    "Only if you answer my question," Leena revealed a certain photo and asked. "Do you know him well?"

    The moment he looked at the photo, Drew immediately mumbled. "It''s Ethan! Ethan Davies."

    "Are you close to him?"

    "Not really. Vincy and Ethan don''t get along with each other. They always end up in fights. So we don''t speak much with him."

    "Why do they fight?" She asked.

    "I have no idea. They are actually cousins, but Vincy doesn''t like to bring Ethan''s topic." He exined.

    Cousin? That was a big bombshell on Leena. The man she wanted to avoid is rted to someone she likes now. Why is the world so cruel to her? One is sweet and caring and the other is a pathetic bastard whom she hates to the core. Should I tell him that I knew Ethan? No Leena! First sort out your feelings with him then you can talk about him.

    "Why do you ask about Ethan? Do you know him?" Drew asked.

    "I don''t know him but he looks like a Chimpanzee. So I wanted to know his name." Having said that, Leena walked out.

    Drew " "

 Chapter 120 - Wedding Day

    It was a wonderful day for an outdoor wedding, the early sun peeked out asionally, a pleasant breeze from the north rustled the surrounding shrubs cooling the guests as they took seats on either side of the gazebo. Sweet strains of music drifted through the crowd, balloons, and streamers were fluttered around the railings with a festive mixture of blue, pink, and white.

    Guests and the people in the house got prepared early in the morning for the wedding, except for one person.

    Leena smiled staring at her reflection in the mirror proudly. An elegant sea-green off-shoulder dress snuggled her body wlessly, a mixture of stars and flower-shaped beakers were spread all over the dress with the sleeves loosely hanging around her arms.

    Her hair was in a slightly messy semi updo with undone waves which matched with the rustic themed wedding. A pair of lc flower drop earrings dangled from her ears which paired with her sea foamed green dress.

    "Indeed, I am the most beautiful girl in the world. Why did I_"

    Her words died off when she heard the familiar footsteps clicking on the marble floor. Since yesterday Devin disappeared like a spec of dust and Leena waited for him untilte at night anticipating his arrival. But still, he did not turn up. Only when Drew informed that he woulde back for the wedding tomorrow, Leena went back to sleep. As much as she dared to admit, he was slowlyying a stronghold in her heart. Her heart was too frozen to get broken but when he crashed into her life, it started to drown.

    "How long will you take to get_" Devin''s words ceased when Leena swirled over with a smile, the smile which he fell in love with, over and over again.

    "How do I look?" As if happiness passed in waves when she saw him again, Leena twirled around instantly and nced at him with a smile that reached her twinkling eyes.

    Leena swore, she would get drowned in his eyes one fine day. With eyes as bright and spellbinding as lodestars, they would bewitch all those who fell under his steady gaze. As she expected, he was dressed in a simple white shirt, paired with blue pants but the only difference is that Leena would always see him wearing darker shades on the usual days. Her eyes scooted to his wrist, which she always does, and to her surprise, he was wearing the watch she has gifted him.

    "You are some kind of wonder.." Eyes can''t withhold her charm and Devin couldn''t find words beautiful enough to describe her beauty. She always makes his heart beat faster without her knowledge.

    Without a word, Devin bent down and knelt on his right leg.

    Leena flinched when he suddenly grabbed her right hand. Pushing aside her loose sleeves, he opened a small box and draped a flimsy charm bracelet onto her hand which now rested gently on top of her wrist.

    The moment his fingers touched her wrist, she felt a surge of electric current passed through her heart and the same jolt she felt in her soul whenever she feels his touch, and whenever he whispers sweet things and it intensified when they shared their first kiss.

    "What''s this?" Leena asked digging her left hand into the palm to calm her nerves with his touch.

    "To make the evils in your life go blind," Devin recited, getting up from the ground after he locked the bracelet. He never believed in Talisman which ims to have magical powers and bring good luck casting the evil away. Even when Drew and his brother carry the charms all along to protect them from the ghosts and evil eye, he would reprimand them for believing in that silly stuff. But here, like a lovesick fool that he is. Even if it is the slightest thing concerning to Leena, it''s worth taking a risk. He doesn''t want to keep her in a bubble, he doesn''t want anyone to hurt her, and especially, he wanted to protect her from all the evil eyes.

    Just when Devin was about to walk away, Leena held his hand stopping him. "Why did you give it to me?"

    "Figure it out by yourself." Devin unsped her hands and strolled away leaving the girl in confusion. Devin wanted to slowly make her understand his feelings before he threw a bombshell. He was terrified that she would freak out or worse try to push him from her life if she knows his feelings. So he started moving in a reverse direction.

    Only when he was out of the room, Leena came back from her stance.

    "What does he mean, figure out by myself? Did he just leave me in an endless maze now? Can''t he give a proper response? Should I take it as he likes me or did he mean something else?" Leena mumbled massaging her temples. If Leena has not seen the contact name on his mobile, she would have concluded that he hold feelings for her. But right now, he has put her in a big dilemma.

    She surged out of her room to talk to him about it right after the wedding. The moment she went and sat next to Drew, the music stopped and all the heads turned to face the far end of the walk when the opening to the bridal chorus began to y. Down the aisle, Leah came in a strapless wedding gown, rhinestones and pearl beads are sewn onto the gown wlessly. Holding her dad''s hand, she reached thest step and Mark finally ced Leah''s hand on to Austin''s hand. Austin was looking stunning in his ck single-breasted tuxedo with a white wing cor shirt.

    After the preacher led them to their vows, the bride and groom exchanged their wedding bands.

    ....

    Devin searched the entire crowd for his sweetheart''s face to tease her when he got an idea to mess up with her again. There he found, looking gorgeous as always. Devin knew the very moment that more than anything he wanted to see Leena walk up towards him in the wedding gown.

    Leena and Drew were staring intently at the bride and groom kissing and out of blue, she turned towards her left and there she noticed Devin looking at her intently.

    He gave her a little wink and mouthed a kiss when he got her attention.

    "Stupid fellow! He is the most shameless idiot I have ever seen. He is behaving like a maniac." Leena ran away from the ce turning beet red.

    "She is just a paper tiger when I am involved.." Devin smiled shaking his head.

 Chapter 121 - Monstrous

    Leena whisked away, her face blushed like a moonlight when her feelings got ignited again. Thinking to find a little peace, she walked away from the spot, away from the crowd to find some peace but it didn''t transpire when she encountered a familiar face.

    "Kurt Weller!!" Leena gaped. "What is he doing here? Did he get to know about me? It can''t happen."

    "There is only one way I can find about it" She strolled in his direction to investigate if he can identify her but before Leena could arrive at his ce, she saw her nemesis approaching him and Leena halted her footsteps.

    "Wendy!! She would end his life today." Quietly, Leena stood in her ce to listen to her absurd talks.

    Wendy stopped fretting over Devin after she suffered a brutal incident. A few days before, she approached Devin, and like how she berates Leena in front of everyone, she criticized Leena in front of Devin. Wendy was in cloud none when Devin listened to her for the entire time and even bought her a juice. Pleased with his hospitality, she gulped the entire content happily, thinking that he quit preferring Leena. Little did she knew, her doom started then afterward. Within minutes, she felt bowel movement urgency and for the whole day, she was hitting the bathroom doors, and with no choice, she was admitted to the hospital by Salsa when her energy waspletely depleted. She then realized, he has mixed something in her juice to get diarrhea. All though Wendy got discharged by the next day, she was terrified to see him from that day. She was back from her reverie when the story ended in her senses.

    Wiping her notions, with a broad smile, Wendy approached Kurt to try her luck at least on him.

    "Hi, handsome! My name is Wendy, Wendy Hamburger, single." Wendy introduced herself with a shy smile when she got attracted to him instantly.

    "Umm... I am sorry Miss, but I am not ready to mingle." Kurt replied stepping back nervously. He could handle criminals like a duck soap but when ites to girls, he would run away just by seeing them.

    "It''s ok if you are not ready to mingle. I am romantically challenged." She replied, in-between slurping on to her sugar candy. The candies were specially ordered by Leah for Wendy and until she got them, she continuously pestered Austin and Leah.

    "I_I have an urgent business to attend." Even before Wendy could catch him, Kurt scampered away from the ce.

    ...

    "Damn it! Where are they hiding?" Kurt cursed scanning for his friends from the crowd but except Austin and Leah, he couldn''t find them. He did not intend to spoil their big day, so he was alone looking for them standing in a precise location.

    Busy with his thoughts, he was too muddle-headed to discern a girl was walking in front of him. Only when she started moving a little close to him, he realized.

    "I_I am not interested in you. Please try on someone else." Kurt replied thinking that she was after him just like Wendy.

    "What a joke of the year! Have you ever seen your face in the mirror? Do you think you can match my impable beauty?" With a scoff, she walked off. Since the dumbo didn''t recognize her, Leena walked away with a happy grin on her face.

    Kurt " "

    "Why am I encountering all maddies here? One is a lollipop dupe and the other is a narcissist. But she looks way familiar. Where did I see her?" Kurt scoured his brain but neither her face nor her name hit the surface for the moment.

    Brushing his thoughts, he called Drew, Devin, and Jasper but it went into voice mail again. Feeling suffocated with the heavy stares, he was about to leave the ce, when he saw her again.

    "This girl again!!"

    While she couldn''t find Drew in the crowd, Leena was looking here and there scanning the people when a bouquet came in her direction suddenly, and Leena caught the flower hoop before it could touch the ground.

    "Leena! you are in the next line to walk down the Aisle" Leah screamedughing at her friend''s unconcerned expression.

    Leena never believed in such kind of bouquet tossing stuff. Not intended to carry the heavy bouquet, she looked around for someone and there she found her scapegoat. With a triumphant smile, she walked towards him and pushed the bouquet into his hands. Caught off guard, Kurt looked at her in confusion.

    "What should I do with it?" Kurt asked innocently.

    "Put it on your head. Maybe you will look little cute in it." Having said that, Leena walked away with a winning smile. She wanted to satisfy her ego on him for berating in the past. Even though it was negligible, but Leena was hostile towards him.

    Kurt " "

    "Woah! This girl is a hell lot of self-centered." Gripping the bouquet tightly, he was about to depart to get away from all the maddies when he found the person he was anticipating to catch a glimpse of. He swiftly walked towards him and dragged his friend to a secluded ce.

    "Do you know what sort of state he was when you delivered him in the morning? His parents are sitting on my neck demanding me to find the person behind this." Kurt yelled at the top of his lungs.

    "I have delivered him alive just like you begged," Devin admitted and nced at his sides to see if he was being followed. He was only concerned about one person and he did not want her to listen to their talk. The least he wanted to show her was, the beast within him.

    "Just alive!! He is better dead than alive. I couldn''t believe you would go to such an extent. His genitals were cut, broken bones, scraped skin. For heaven''s sake, you even used rat torture to rip his abdomen. He has been put in ICU and there is no guarantee that he would survive and even if he is, there is no future for him. You have be a ruthless monster, bastard." Kurt yelled. "Did you know the consequences if the mediaes to know that it''s you?"

    "He deserves the worst punishment and if you can, get the evidence that I am the one behind his demise, Mr. Weller." He scoffed and turned away to leave.

    ...

    With a shaky hand, Leena opened her mobile to check thetest news on Trent. When Kurt was dragging him to a secluded ce, Leena followed them out of apprehension. But she had never thought, it would be one of the shocking news.

    [The nation''s heartthrob was brutally tortured to death. He was delivered to the FBI by an anonymous person in the morning. His genitals were cut off, his abdomen was ripped apart and with broken bones, Doctors are still unsure if he would survive]

    [He deserves death for using women for his sheer pleasure. We are d that someone did that on our behalf]

    Even after reading all the statements, Leena couldn''t discern what she heard before.

    "I can''t believe he is the one behind Trent''s torture. The kind of person I have seen was a cloak to hide his monstrous side?" Leena never knew monsters are real but right now she wanted to believe seeing him. The sound of Trent''s wails gave her skin goosebumps even though she did not witness the gore scenes. Wasn''t he scared when he tortured him? Not that Leena minded, she was on par with Devin, but the sudden one-eighty degrees shift of his personality had an impact on her.

    "Monster, Devil!! What''s your identity?" Leena whispered walking out of the ce to have some refreshments after learning a massive truth about him.

    "Ethan, Jasper, Wilbur, and now Kurt! The people I know are somehow connected to him. But why haven''t I encountered him for once at least?"

    A whiff of sweet watering delicacies entered into her nose and she put her thoughts aside and left to gobble up the food.

    "Did Andrew vanish into a thin air? Why can''t I see him?" In a low murmur, Leena was looking at the tasty starters thinking of which one to be devoured first when her name was recited suddenly.

    "Leena! Leena is that you?" His voice had an excitement when her name was called.

    When Leena turned around, her nerves cringed seeing a familiar person from the past.

 Chapter 122 - Lethal Combination Of Brain And Beauty

    The past has hurt her but she has learned from it, for it would only destroy the future if she dwells on it and she has left it for good. But right now, it has attacked her present with the pain of memories she had locked. The only way, she can withstand now is to face it valiantly.

    "Leena!! How are you? Do you recognize me? I am Flynn, your senior! I can''t believe I am meeting you here after a long time." He felt an unwee rush of excitement when he saw someone he was aware of.

    "Likewise. My friends are calling and I have to leave." With a forced smile, Leena turned to flee away from the ce but like a barricade, he blocked her path.

    "Woah! You are still the same, shutting eyes to every soul. As always, you look stunning, I must say." Flynn breathed, remembering their university days where Leena was regaled as the Diva in every man''s eyes. Countless proposals, from the senior to juniors, almost the whole university was behind her but she has resolutely turned a deaf ear to everyone. He was also the one among them. But her ignorance made the men got behind her again and again, while girls envied her impable winsome. The first time she entered, everybody thought she was just a beauty with no brain but Leena soon changed their viewpoint utterly. She was the lethalbination of brain and beauty. Right after she has rejected Ethan in front of the entire university, Leena became the hot topic. Even after he graduated, Ethan kept a tight taboo on her scared that she would be snatched out and It nearly took him four long years to make her ept his proposal.

    "No wonder Ethan was head over heels for you. It''s been a long time, I spoke to Ethan. Are you both together now?" Flynn asked hesitantly. He knew a scandal shattered her right before she graduated and he even heard a rumor that Ethan broke up with her and he wanted to confirm if it''s true or just fake news.

    "Never bring his topic in front of me! He is the most disgusting two-faced man I have ever seen and a worthless bastard." Leena shut her eyes tightly to keep a check on her emotions. Just the mere name, Leena jerked as if an awful creature has crawled on her body.

    "I think there is some kind of misunderstanding between you guys. He loved you from day one, Leena! Why don''t you talk to him once and sort out your misunderstandings?'' He urged.

    "Misunderstanding?" Leena scoffed, if only he had witnessed the animal in him on that night, he would have changed his opinion on that beast.

    "I don''t want to hear anything about him. If at all, you want to do me a favor, please don''t tell him that I am in Seattle. I don''t want to see his disgusted face." Right, when Leena was about to move away from the ce, Flynn instantly tried to catch her hand to put some sense into her brain thinking that she is barking the wrong tree, but a strong hand-blocked his move even before he could touch her.

    "It''s not a gentleman''s demeanor to hold a woman''s hand without her consent Mr.... nevermind." His voice was low but powerful enough to send chills through Flynn''s body.

    For Leena, his voice was enough to calm her in a way that she could never imagine.

    "Do you know him?" Devin turned to Leena, pulling her to his side.

    "A senior from the university," Leena confessed sping his hand. She was happy that whenever she needs him, he would be there like an omnipresent God.

    Flynn widened his eyes in incredulity when heposed his thoughts. He knew the man standing in front of him. Who doesn''t know Wang Devin? Model, Businessman, his very name speaks to power and wealth. Once when he went to a business event along with Ethan, they encountered him and Flynn realized Ethan held deep animosity with the way he spoke, And the way Leena is acting now, it seems she is dating him. Never he has seen her holding Ethan''s hand even after they were together. Did she move on already? or to get back Ethan, she is ying a push and pull game? Does Ethan know about it?

    Flynn ended his thoughts when Leena recited again.

    "Can we go somewhere else," Leena asked, turning her face towards Devin. "I don''t want to be here?"

    "Ok." With a smile, he nodded his head and took her out not before giving a warning stare to Flynn.

    Gazing at the retiring figure, Flynn was contemting notifying Ethan or not about Leena and Devin.

    ....

    "Rest here. I will ask someone to bring you food." Devin was inclined to leave the ce, but Leena held his hand which instantly curtailed his footsteps.

    "Thanks for not asking," Leena whispered, referring to the earlier sh with Flynn. She was not yet ready to share about her past with him.

    "You don''t need to thank me. I can understand." Devin meant. Just like she shared her ident with him, Devin was certain that she would speak about her past in the future. He has to be a little patient with her.

    "Thank you. Can you send Andrew here? I am searching for him for the past hour, but he vanished like thin air. We thought of ying sock toss game with some other children." Leena pleaded.

    "What are you? Five?"

    "Pretty please," Leena pleaded, shaking his hand. That''s all, Devin has toply with her wishes when he saw her puppy face.

    "Alright, madam." And before he walked out, Leena held his hand again to get a confirmation on something.

    "Why did you give a charm bracelet? What do you mean by ''Figure it out by yourself''?" Leena asked to ensure if he shares the same feelings as her.

    "Your vision bes clear when you look into your heart." Having said that, he walked away leaving Leena in confusion again.

    "What now! Mad fellow.. Can''t you speak in a normalnguage?" Leena threw the pillow knowing that he was already out of the room. "I should google and ask someone about his behavior or should I confess my feelings first?"

 Chapter 123 - Ripped Apart

    Out of frustration, she opened her mobile and began checking some online threads when she got a message from Reese.

    [Snoring tractor: Lucy At has invited you to Mia''s sessful movie party. The party wouldmence at eight in the evening. You are one of her main guests. It''s private and you don''t need to worry. No media is going to bother you. Since you are Seattle, just got and show your face for an hour.]

    [Crazy Leena: I am tired, Reese. I have toe back to New York tomorrow. Can you call her and decline the invitation]

    [Snoring tractor: She has been calling me for five long days just to invite you. Have a word with her ande back. It''s only an hour]

    [All right. Send the hotel name and a copy of the invitation. I will meet her]

    After talking with Reese, Leena rested for a while right after she had her food. She was not fond of weddings, precisely, the crowded areas and luckily she got a chance to flee away from it and slept for a while to attend another event in the evening.

    ...

    Despite Austin was busy greeting the guests on his big day, Devin reached out to him to get answers to his questions. He wanted to know if the person he has met earlier has a connection to her past. Even though he did not want to pry on Leena, he was petrified that something would happen to her if he doesn''t know anything about her.

    "Bro! Did youe to give me another gift? I am d to take_

    "Cut the crap. Do you know the man sitting over there?" Devin asked pointing his eyes towards the guest line.

    "It''s Flynn. A rtive from mom''s side." Austin added scanning the guest''s line.

    "Which university did he go to?" Devin recalled Leena calling him senior and he was sure he must be from her organization.

    "I remember he graduated from Seattle University," Austin remarked. "Why are you curious about him?"

    "Enjoy your big day while I consider your proposal." Devin smiled and walked out. Seattle University, it is then.

    ...

    The night sky was aglow with bright city lights. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery w into the darkness.

    A gorgeous woman entered the hotel in a burgundy high neck tassel sequin evening dress. A greeting was offered along the path before she was escorted to the arena. She was weed by a woman right after she entered the party hall, the dainty fairy lights added a surplus amount of color to the caravan of footsteps.

    "Leena! Oh, my darling! I am d to see you here." Leena was greeted by Lucy with a quick hug.

    "Pleasure is mine, aunt Lucy." Leena smiled, returning her hug.

    "Mia is awaiting your arrival," Lucy stated. "I will call her right away."

    When they were engrossed in their talks, Leena''s eyes were suddenly sealed by a pair of hands.

    "Why bother closing my eyes when you will appear in front of me in seconds." With a smile, Leena unlocked her hands.

    "Well, can you give me a chance to win over you, at least for once," Mia pouted starting at Leena angrily.

    "Can''t happen," Leena added. "So, how is your career now, after all, you got a big hit"

    "Hectic! Let''s talk about you, Leena! When are you telling goodbye to your single life? You are wasting your beauty,"

    "My single life is going very well," Leena added with a chuckle grazing her charming bracelet. Shortly, her single status would be razed.

    "You need to spice up your life, madam! I have a cousin and he is very handsome. Since you are single, let me introduce you to him." Mia chimed in eagerly. She begged her cousin to attend the party to introduce Leena solemnly. Despite he has fiance, she doesn''t consider that vile woman to be his partner. At least, he deserves better.

    "You know that I am not fond of such kind of things right? I am not interested, Mia." Leena whispered. She wanted to tell her that she started liking someone already but until they both are transparent about the rtion, Leena wanted to keep it concealed.

    "I know you don''t like. But I am sure you would change your opinion after talking with him." Mia advised, looking for her cousin eagerly awaiting his arrival.

    "There he is." Mia pointed in a certain direction when he saw him and out of novelty, Leena also nced at the pointed finger.

    Panic stered across her face upon seeing the face after five long years. Right now, Leena felt nothing except numbness. Her senses withdrew into herself, feeling absurd and empty. The person she wanted to avoid has appeared atst after five long years.

    Her past, the humiliation she endured on that night surged back, mocking at her. The sound of clothes being ripped apart and the battles of a girl, begging to end was reying in her mind continuously opening her sealed wounds.

    [You are mine, Leena! No one will take you away from me]

    A tight p echoed in the lone room. With a shaky hand, Leena held her cheek as if has transpired now. Her thoughts continuously drifted to the harsh words he spoke that night.

    [Did you believe everything I said when I confessed to you? Making you my girlfriend was a bet I made with my friend. But it''s worth to take the risk, after all, you have been regaled as the Diva]

    Another taut p echoed followed by another until she was knocked onto the ground.

    [You are a bitch who opens legs for every man. I never knew you are a disgusting woman to start with]

    "Am I really disgusting?" Tears were surging from her eyes like infinite gushes. She was frantically scrambling around the hotel searching for a way but she felt was endless until she bumped into someone. She knew who it was and that''s all for the hell to break loose. She hugged him tightly.. Right now all she wanted was his hug, no words, just his hug to make her feel, he is there for her.

 Chapter 124 - The Man In Her Dream Shadows

    One hour before...

    The day was hectic for Devin. Running twopanies even after he is on a vacation would discern the weight he was carrying on his shoulders. He has to scurry for an urgent board meeting and has to leave Leena alone. Since she was enjoying ying games with Drew, he did not bother to disturb her.

    When he entered the room in the evening after the long meetings, Andrew was sitting on the couch ying video games alone. Hearing the rough footsteps, Drew stopped ying and bucked up.

    "You are back, brother-inw?" Drew asked resuming the game. He was in a happy mood that his mortal enemy left for New York right after the wedding waspleted due to urgent work. His mom was also nagging him toe back but he wanted to travel with Leena and he also talked about the newfound sister and she readily asked her to bring since she loves girls.

    "Brother inw? You changed my title already?" Devin asked with a smile knocking on the bathroom door to look for Leena when he did not find her in the room. He was nning to take her to New York today in his private jet since the wedding is ended today.

    "Jurassic is my sister now. So, I have to quit calling you brother right?" Drew added.

    "Screw that name, Drew. It''s Leena." Devinpelled. He made a note to lecture her for going serious with this kind of kinky names every time.

    "Leena is a good name." He said, reckoning his brain when he felt that the name was familiar. "But I like the name Jurassic. It''s unique and_"

    "Where did she go?" Devin interrupted not nning to listen to his endless bbering again.

    "She left for Sierra hotel." He said.

    "Why did she go? I told you to call me in case she goes out." Devin yelled making a call to someone urgently. Since the day Leena told that she is afraid of someone, Devin has appointed secret protection to look for her in case she goes out alone.

    "Her friend has invited her to a party and you are worrying way_"

    Before Drew could finish, the door was shut by a loud bang startling him.

    "I wish I had a girlfriend to worry about." With a dramatic sigh, Drew started ying again.

    ....

    Devin hurriedly got down from the car when he reached the hotel and strolled towards the entrance. Being a high-end luxury hotel, Sierra was crowded with the affluents. Devin was long used to the stares and gasps people would throw at him and he knew the media is loitering around to gossip on him, but he didn''t care.

    Right, when he walked into the hall, he caught sight of Leena scrambling in the hallway without any clue of her direction. He was startled to see her red eyes.

    "Is she crying?" Devin was worried that it''s something to do with her past again. He felt his heart crashed seeing her in a state of pain. Why I am the one to witness her cries again and again?

    It seems Leena sensed his presence already, she halted her footsteps suddenly and her eyes scooted in the direction Devin was standing without any inkling of her whines.

    Hell-bent lose after seeing him, she rushed and hugged him tightly. Sometimes a hug is worth more than a thousand words but when she remembered, he taunted her for hugging a lot during their scavenger hunt, she felt scared that he would not like it and was ready to let go, but she was pulled into his strong embrace squeezing her lithe body. His hug was so firm that she could hear his heartbeat and for a moment everything felt so calm and safe like nothing could hurt her.

    "Why are you crying suddenly? Did something happen?" He whispered. Her mild sobs were poking his heart mercilessly. Who dared to make her cry? The people wandering in the hotel were gazing with open mouths but they were too bothered to see.

    "My head is spinning like someone has hit my brain with a rod. Can you take me home? I forgot the directions also. I don''t know anybody here." She whimpered, Ethan''s harsh ps were still attacking in her memory. She had a migraine for seven to eight-day straight away, unable to sleep on most of the days after that night. The worst days she has encountered and even before she could recover from the nightmares, she suffered a near-death ident. She couldn''t understand what sort of animosity he held towards her to make her life living hell.

    "Shall I take you to the hospital? It''s going to be all right." He whispered continuing to rub the back of her head in an attempt to console her. He doesn''t know the person responsible for her crying but, one thing he understood, it''s time to know about it. He has to understand what sort of pain she has undergone in the past.

    "No! I am feeling dizzy_"

    When he heard her haggard breathing and flunked her body without answering further, Devin lifted her in his arms and rushed out of the hotel. He made a quick call to one of his men when he could see the paparazzi waiting outside. Right now he doesn''t want any distractions seeing her wretched state.

    "Listen ahead, Ford! Paparazzi at 9 0''clock and 12 0''clock. I don''t want any interruptions today!" Devin ordered and ended the call right after he delivered the message to keep them in check.

    He fled towards his car and when he was about to open the car door, a group of men whisked in front of them with a camera.

    "Mr. Wang, can you show the women''s face in your arms?"

    The media was shooting question after questions, but Devin did not care even if he was caught by paparazzi, he was only concerned about Leena''s condition.

    "Are you dating her? Can you tell her name at least ?" A man spoke upholding a microphone.

    One after the other, a bunch of paparazzi stood in front of him not ready to leave before they got the answers.

    "Can you please give us a statement? How long you have been dating her? Is she a celebrity?" Another woman spoke up.

    When they started clicking the photos, a group of men marched forward blocking the media paths.

    "Sorry for thete, sir! I will take care of them."

    "Seize the cameras," Devinmanded and stepped in the car.

    "Head to the home." He ordered his driver and called Michael to arrive home with a female doctor.

    "Shh...Calm down." He pulled her closer when her body was shivering endlessly.

    "Don''t cry. I am there for you." He whispered, patting her back at a steady pace to soothe her pain. Soon, her soft whimpers stopped followed by steady breathing and Leena slipped into a dream unconsciously.

    ...

    Leena was wandering in an endless abyss afraid of being alone in the dark. She looked around to find protection but all she could see was darkness. She walked continuously, but the hope of being able to see the light was not in her reach until she saw a tall silhouette in the shadows flickering an aura powerful enough to pull a person from the darkness into brightness.

    She has been catching a glimpse of a shadow of him in her dreams for a long time from the time she suffered the ident. But he would neither show his face nor talk with her. Feigning his ignorance, she felt pain for being shunned again.

    "Who are you? Why don''t you show your face to me?" She pleaded.

    "I am the lone person who met you on my life''s darkest road and your soul has be my moon." His voice had loneliness when he spoke as if he is waiting for something for a long time.

    "I am your moon? Then why didn''t you show up before?" Leena felt her heart race when he started approaching in her direction suddenly. When hepletely came out of the shadows, Leena felt her soul perishing when she recognized the face. Even when he was Cocooned in shadows, Leena felt a mysterious vibe dropping from heaven on him. Slowly but surely, the darkness submerged and the light cast a shimmering glow on him when he emerged out with a smile that never left his face.

    "The time hase that we cross our paths only now, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine now and no matter what happens, I will be there for you always, and until myst breath, I will guard your life with eternity." He gently cupped her face and kissed her forehead with a loving smile. With a smile, Leena epted his hand and he securely wrapped into his, guiding her from the darkness to light. His presence alone was enough for Leena to feel the strength to push the barriers.

    ...

    Leena woke up with heavy breathing when her dream vanished.. It felt so real but sadly it was a dream.

 Chapter 125 - We Go Together Like Biscuit And Gravy

    With haggard breathing, Leena got up and looked at her surroundings when she was suddenly pulled out from her chasm.

    "Where did he go?" Her body was too tired to even get up and she slumped on the bed thinking of the words he confessed in her dream.

    "Finally he has turned up. I can''t believe the man from the shadows was him all along." Leena was certain that none could capture her heart other than him. Even though they have spent very little time, her heart raced like crazy just in his mere presence which has never transpired with Ethan.

    But in just a little time, Devin broke down her walls without her notice and rebuilt them adding the windows to let the sun rays in. He walked into her heart like he always belonged there and lit her soul on fire.

    "I can''t wait anymore. I have to confess my feelings tomorrow." Leena confided. She swore to never let him slip from her clutches. She didn''t mind even if she was the first one to confess as long as he doesn''t reject her, her heart couldn''t take his denial not after her feelings started blossoming. She has seen women ogling at him at the wedding like he was their possession. How she wanted to rip their skin alive even if they are just starting at him, only she knows.

    The pain Leena felt when she saw Ethan again was gradually reced by the sweet memories she shared with Devin and slowly she entered into a deep slumber.

    ..

    After he got the assurance from the doctor that Leena is doing fine, Devin walked out of the house and hastily called a number and within a single ring, it was lifted.

    "I must say, I double checked if it was your number." A voice spoke up from the other end. "How long was it?"

    "I don''t put a tab on them." Devin specified shifting to the business. "Did you host any private events in your hotel today?"

    "We hold many in a day."

    "Then I need the list of people names in an hour including the staff, organizers, or whoever concerned parties attended the events. I am keeping a track of the time. I will be waiting for your mail."

    "It''s personal data which I can''t_"

    "Thirty minutes, all you have." Devin cut off the call before he could hear the nonsense again.

    Within thirty minutes, his mobile beeped with a mail notification. Devin instantly opened the report and scanned the list of people who have attended the events and he found Leena''s name in a special guest list event organized by Lucy At.

    "Lucy At! Isn''t she that vile woman''s sister? How does Leena know her?" Devin patiently examined the people who attended the ballroom and found a familiar name on the list.

    "Ethan Davies!!" It was no surprise that he attended the event since Lucy is his aunt. But his heart was noting to terms when he is involved. Even though Devin was a little away from Leena when she was speaking with Flynn, he still heard a mention of Ethan''s name. But he ignored the fact that there would be many people with the same name but right now, he felt it''s not a coincidence.

    "Is he the one Leena is scared of?" Devin already had a hunch but he wanted to confirm before concluding.

    Without wasting a second, he called Jasper since he has a connection with Leena from their university days.

    "Are you missing me already, Vincy?" He spoke with a mischievous tone when he lifted the call.

    "I don''t have space and time for you, Mr. Allen. I need some information." Devin inquired. Speaking with Wilbur would be best but he doesn''t have a clue about the rtionship he has with Leena now.

    "What is it?" Jasper asked curiously.

    "How is Ethan connected to Leena?" Devin asked, his voice had an urgency to know the response.

    "Why did you ask suddenly?"

    "It''s time I should know about her past."

    "They you must ask her instead," Jasper added, he knew, Leena wouldn''t share her secret with anyone.

    "She would confess even if I ask now. But I don''t want to bring the topic and you know the reason." Devin meant. Her past seems to be very traumatic and hurrying her would make it worse for her.

    "Ethan is her Ex." With a heavy tone, Jasper spoke up. He wanted to talk about Ethan and Leena''s history when he got to know that Devin carried feelings for her but the mere name of Ethan would push the barriers. There is a chance that Devin would go and drag Ethan into the dungeon to torture him if he knows the truth.

    Devin didn''t want to admit, the truth was like a scalpel twisting his heart knowing that she has already loved someone else in the past. But the pain, he felt that he has encountered the familiar feeling before but he couldn''t pinpoint where it was.

    "Did she suffer any trauma before?" He asked with a heavy heart.

    "She has but I don''t know the exact truth. Reese would deviate the course of the topic if I ask. Those three girls are maintaining a secret. But Leena suffered a lot during her final university and it has something to do with Ethan and before she could recover from it, she met with an ident which broke herpletely." Jasper exined.

    "Wilbur knows it, but I would suggest you, wait for her to open up," Jasper added.

    Devin ended the call nodding his head.

    "What have you done to her, bastard?" Devin had an urge to kill him with his own hands even before he knew the entire truth. He got back to his room and watched her sleeping peacefully on her bed.

    "How much you have suffered in the past, I still don''t know. But forget it. From now on your pain is my pain. I will not leave anybody who has harmed you." He whispered, kissed her tender eyes.

    ...

    Dawn tinted the darkness like water ink. Leena got up from her bed and scurried into Devin''s room to see him once but she found the bed empty as usual.

    "He must have gone for a run." With a smile, Leena got fresh and wore her favorite dress. People call her funny but when even she wanted something important to happen in her life, she would wear something that could bring her luck.

    "You can do it, Leena! Practice a little now."

    "You are the crayons to my coloring book and we go together like biscuits and gravy. So like how a fat kid loves cakes, I like you. Do you also feel the same?"

    "That''s the best confession he would have ever listened in his entire life if I tell those words. He would jump and ept my confession right away."

    With a smile, Leena packed everything and waited for Devin but the man in question has not appeared yet. Just when she was about to leave the room to check with Daisy, Andrew appeared.

    "You got ready? Let''s go home then." He said, dragging the bags. Both stepped into Seattle with a single bag and now it has exceeded four with the stuff they both purchased.

    "We have booked our flight for the evening right?" Leena asked in confusion.

    "We are not going by flight." He winked and dragged her out of the room.

    "Wait, Andrew! Where is he?" Leena pushed him away.

    "Naughty girl! You can''t part with him at all right? But he left for New York in the morning."

    "W_hat?" Leena asked in incredulity.

    "Why did he leave without telling me?" Leena whispered with a lump on her throat. It was throbbing her with intense pain.. Am I not important to him? Why is my luck not in favor? When I wanted to confess my feelings, the person has disappeared without any clue.

 Chapter 126 - I Am Planning To Take His Last Name

    There is only pain Leena felt which no one understands except her. His absence was ying her heart. She tried to soothe the anguish, but it is hurting from deep inside.

    "Why did he leave for New York without telling?" Leena asked in a whisper. If he has an important meeting, he could have notified me. It looks like I am not significant to him anymore.

    "His grandfather got a sudden stroke in the morning and he left in a hurry. He did not intend to disturb you when you were sleeping steadfastly." Drew exined to make her understand that Devin didn''t leave on purpose. "Don''t worry! He said he would soon contact you."

    "Stroke? Is he ok now?" Leena asked in urgency perceiving that Devin must be miserable now.

    "I am not sure. It''s the second time his grandfather experienced. But I hope he would be fine." Drew exined while stepping down the stairs along with Leena. Everybody was waiting for Leena and Drew except the newly wedded couple. Austin and Leah already left for their honeymoon.

    "You shoulde here often, child" Mark patted her head with a smile.

    "The house would turn into a dormouse without you, Leena!" Daisy stepped forward and hugged her. "I hope we will soon meet at your wedding."

    Leena''s face turned crimson red and with a timid smile, she bid goodbye to everybody before stepping into the car.

    "Are we going to New York by car? It would take fifty hours, Andrew." Leena eximed facing him.

    "Wait and watch." Drew simply put up a one-word answer since he didn''t want to reveal the surprise yet.

    Since it was the peak time, the ride in the car was longer than they expected to reach the airport. Getting down from the car, Drew took her to a private terminal. From the time they footed into the car, Drew was bragging about some kind of surprise, and Leena also did not probe further, patiently awaiting all though she was curious to know, why he would take her in a private terminal unless they are boarding a private aircraft.

    The moment they reached the airfield, a private jet was waiting for them on a runway.

    "We are going in a private jet?" Leena asked studying the aircraft.

    "This is Vincy''s private aircraft and none of our friends have stepped into it until now. We are the first one to enter." Drew was sounding all excited when Devin sent his private aircraft especially for them. Even though it was for Leena, he was on cloud nine for getting a chance to travel in it. He quickly pulled out his mobile and posed for a selfie to post on his Instagram to annoy his mortal enemy.

    If Drew was in his world of shooting photos on the mobile, Leena was staring intently at the name written on the aircraft.

    "Raven. What a coincidence!" The name carried her back to six years where she suggested a name to someone for a person when he told her he wanted a name for a ne. It''s the sacred bird of God Apollo which was cursed to flew in the sky.

    "Why did he name it Raven?" Leena asked wanting to know if he has also listened to the story of Raven and named after it.

    "I was also curious about the name but when our friends asked, Vincy said, he doesn''t have any clue on why he named it Raven."

    ''Who forgets such important things? It''s worth billions unless he is rolling in money.''

    "Is he made of money?" She asked. Leena understood he must be a silk stocking rich kid but she was still unsure what he does exactly.

    "He is. Soon, you will get to know. Right now my lips are sealed since you both are ying hide and seek." Drew rambled. He got to know from Devin that Leena has no idea of his identity and until today, he assumed she was calling Devin with a nickname to tease him. The urge to vomit everything about Devin was at the tip of his mouth but when he recalled the Devil''s face, he locked it.

    After getting on the ne, they felt as if they entered a luxurious hotel. For a while, they explored the area, and finally Drew got settled on the couch turning on the television and Leena opened her tab to watch her favorite TV show Just Add Magic.

    "You know sister, Vincy was the one to sponsor for Leah and Austin''s honeymoon," Drewined out of blue. When ites to money, every woman would be a miser and he was sure Leena would not leave the matter aside. He has lit the fire to get back on his revenge which is still pending.

    "What? For a whole month, he funded?" Leena eximed.

    With a devilish smile, Drew nodded his head.

    "Thanks for informing, brother," Leena acknowledged. Does he have a money-printing machine or what? Leena made a note to lecture him for wasting the money on unnecessary things and those two idiots are enjoying one month of his free service?

    As Devin instructed, Drew dropped Leena at her house after theynded in New York and Leena has to decline Francis with another cook up story when Andrew was not listening to her. Only when she entered her apartment safe and secure, Drew left the house.

    ...

    "Is it a house or aundry bag? Both have turned my house into a dustbin." Leena nced at the clock and it was still eleven in the morning. While she couldn''t resist the urge, she began cleaning the house.

    After a whole lot of cleaning, she dragged her tired body and slumped onto the bed.

    ...

    She opened her eyes when she felt ticklish on her face, more likely someone was damping it.

    "It''s the nth time I told you not to lick my face, Carrot," Leena yelled and immediately Carrot rushed out of the room when her purpose was attained.

    "Leena, I missed you a lot." Reese entered hugging her friend.

    "Now, admit the truth." Leena pushed her away from Reese''s fleshy hug to breathe a little.

    "I enjoyed my ten days without your presence," Reese confessed when Leena saw through her lies. "So, how was the wedding?"

    "Amazzzzzinggg and I bought something for you. You will love it."

    "Is it?" Reese jumped from the bed and opened all the bags turning the room into a mess in the process. Finally, she found a gift which was neatly wrapped and her name was also etched on it.

    Excited to see her gift, Reese hurriedly unwrapped the package. But rage churned her when she discovered the squeamish gift Leena brought.

    "Poop ice cubes tray? Are you serious, Leena?" Reese yelled. The shape itself was disgusting to see and to her annoyance, it was something rted to food.

    "Well, thepany imed that the ice cubes would turn out to be delicious when you put them into your mouth." Leena giggled imagining it already.

    "Dirty girl." Reese was about to charge on her to make sense into her brain, but Leena interrupted.

    "I want to tell you something important."

    "I am all ears." Reese copsed on the bed to hear the story.

    "I_I like someone." She hesitantly confessed gazing at the floor.

    "Is it a woman?" Reesezily asked knowing the answer already.

    "I am serious, Reese."

    "Don''t tell me you took a liking to a man now." Reese jumped from her position when she witnessed Leena''s shy smile.

    "Woah! Who is he? You fell for him in ten days?"

    Reese was shocked to hear the sudden news. Who is that person who has tamed this man-hater in ten days when she took literally four years to ept Ethan?

    "Don''tpare with him, Reese. Please." Leena whispered. It was still a surprise that Ethan is his cousin. Both are pr opposite.

    "Oh my, Leena! you have turned into a cowed wife already." Reese felt happy that Leena finally found someone.

    "Cowed wife? Sounds good and since he stole my heart, I am nning to take revenge on him." Leena dered.

    "Revenge? What kind of revenge?" Reese asked in confusion.

    "I am going to take hisst name." Leena proimed with a sheepish smile.

    Reese parted her lips in shock hearing her shameless answer.

 Chapter 127 - Brand Is His Name, Gentleman Is His Careof Address

    Reese was shocked by Leena''s bashful reactions and even more, she was surprised by the realization. It was evident on Leena''s face that she is telling the truth but she has a hard time processing it into her brain. At least, she expected her brother to give a heads up if such an important thing concerned to Leena happened at the wedding, but he hasn''t.

    "And what''s his name? I forgot to ask before." Reese asked if she could recall the person from her memory if she listens to the name at least.

    "I don''t know his name! In fact, I don''t know anything about him." Leena conceded.

    "What? Without knowing his identity, you liked him?" Reese shouted at Leena for being careless.

    "And that''s not the only thing! We even shared a kiss. Not once, twice." Leena''s hand unconsciously traced her lips recalling their first and second kiss. Even now, her heart thumped when she recalled how he stole the second kiss cloaking everyone with his absurd theory.

    "He is such a naughty fellow." With a shy demeanor, she hugged her pillow and even started rolling on the bed thinking it was Devin.

    "OMG! What have you turned into, Leena? Now I want to know his name and see his face." Reese regretted going to the wedding. Leena was not even letting Ethan hold her hand in the past and right now she shared a kiss with an anonymous person and it seems she doesn''t regret it and even shying away from thinking of him. Just who is he? Reese was very curious to know about this magical man.

    "You don''t need to know his name or see his face, Reese. Just his presence from far can set the world on fire. Brand is his name, gentleman is his care-of address. My man! Sadly I don''t know his name." Proudly, Leena brandished him, if only Devin was here, he would have got a heart attack listening to her praises.

    Reese " "

    ''She should have done certification in the crazy course and howe the great self-centered girl is praising someone other than her? No doubt! She has fallen for himpletely.'' Reese thought. But the way, Leena was praising, even Reese got goosebumps all over her neck wanting to see that manly creature.

    "I never knew you would one day turn out to be crazy for a man. So, has he proposed yet?" Reese asked, pulling out her mobile to text Jane. Such an important matter, she can''t let her best friend miss it.

    "He hasn''t. But for a change, I am nning to confess first." Leena exined the incidents that happened between them excluding Trent''s matter thinking that Reese would freak out again.

    "Wait, Wait! You have a premonition that he likes another woman already, but still, you both kissed each other? Seriously, Leena! I suggest you to stop brooding on your delusion before it gets worse. He is no good. There are plenty of fishes in the sea." Reese tried to exin to Leena. If she is not condoning, she made a note to take it to Francis and only he can reprimand this brat.

    "I am sure there are plenty of fishes, Reese. But for the first time, this mermaid got her eyes fixed on that one specific salmon and I will not let anyone touch it." She shed a brilliant wicked smile.

    "So you are going to be a viin in his story and separate even if he has a girlfriend?" Reese asked, she knew about this crazy girl. If she wants anything, by hook or crook she would get it and until then she doesn''t stop.

    ''I have to take this matter to Francis when I meet him. Otherwise, this crazy girl would not even think twice to create chaos in some other person''s life.'' Reese thought to herself.

    "Viin? Sounds good. But all in honest, no one can match my impable beauty except him. So only he can stand next to me, proudly." Leena replied.

    There she started again! Reese bid goodbye and dashed into her condo not aiming to listen to her self-love drama again.

    ...

    Soon after, Reese left, Carrot and Leena jumped onto the bed but her sleep was nowhere in reach. It''s not even a day, she was missing him already. Leena got ustomed to sleeping in the same room just that it was separated by a door in Seattle. His presence mattered a lot when she was with him and now his absence is affecting her.

    "When did he be such an important figure in my life?" Leena wondered.

    In frustration, she pulled out her mobile and opened the contacts. She giggled seeing the name she saved his name on to her contacts.

    [My Deep-V-Diver]

    She stole the number from Leah''s mobile when she was not in her room. Leena thought at least she would get to know his name but to her annoyance, it was saved with his nickname again.

    "He seems to have forgotten about me. Dirty fellow! Should I message him?" Leena nced at the contact name for a long time and threw her mobile onto the bed recalling Drew''s words.

    "His grandfather is not well. He might be busy taking care of him." With a pout, she closed her eyes and slowly drifted into her sleep with a positive mind that he would contact her just like Drew said.

    ...

    The light of dawn seeped into her room. Leena woke up and rubbed her bleary eyes. Getting fresh, she got ready to leave for the office. It''s been ten days since she stepped into the office and suddenly going there she was feeling like a foreign world.

    Reluctantly, she dragged her body to the office and the entire building was in a pin drop silence the moment she entered along with Reese and Carrot.

    d in a ck leaf printed vestido, the dress stopped at her mid calves giving an alluring look on Leena while Carrot was donned in a ck polka-dotted tulle dress which Leena bought for her, she paired with a ck hairband that was tied to her crown of the head. As for Reese, they didn''t care to describe th dress. Carrot quietly entered her yroom right after entering the office not to disturb Leena with her work.

    "My sweet employees! Did you all miss me?" Leena greeted cheerfully to get the spotlight and all the employees started greeting the witch except one girl and Leena wants the attention of that particr person and she went in her direction to annoy her. Until the woman got up from her seat, Leena rooted her spot batting her eyshes innocently.

    ''She wouldn''t bother even if other employees greet her or not but when ites to me, she bes an attention seeker. Why does she always target me?'' Mandy thought internally. With no choice, she has to wee the witch.

    "Hello, Leena! How are you?" With gritted teeth, Mandy greeted her.

    "I was fine until you greeted, Mandy." Leena shed a wink unable to resist the urge to mess with her enemy.

    ''Then why did youe and stood in front of me until I greeted, crazy witch. You deserve that name with all rights reserved.'' Mandy wanted to shout out her thoughts but didn''t dare to. She silently stood there shing a smile but internally she was burning.

    "You look cute with those chubby cheeks. Maybe you should seriously consider dating. Try the Wooplus app, I heard they have super hot guys for chubby girls." Pinching her cheeks, Leena walked away with a triumphant smile.

    Mandy " "

    "Did she hit her brain after going to a wedding or her soul got switched with someone?" Mandy couldn''t believe that the man-hater she has been seeing for a long time is talking about dating now.

    ....

    Right before Leena entered her office cabin, she spotted Renyaing out of the studio.

    "What''s up Renya?"

    "Hey, Leena. How are you? Did you enjoy the wedding?"

    "Well, Definitely yes and you should stop wearing grandma costumes." Leena strolled towards her and whispered in her ear. "Wear a sexy dress and go home early today. Seduce your husband by giving a full body massage. You understand what I am implying right? You should grasp him tightly in your clutches. There are many white lotus bitches lurking around. You shouldn''t give a chance to them."

    Renya " "

    Reese shook her head witnessing Leena''s drama. She wished Leena was better at being a man-hater.

    "Reese, is she our Leena or a doppelganger?" Renya asked, her eyes bulged upon witnessing the scene. Renya couldn''t believe the woman who asked to file a divorce on the first day of her marriage is talking about seducing a man.

    "You know about her right? We never know how her crazy brain works. We don''t have a choice except to follow her."

    ...

    Three dayster...

    It''s been three days, Leena neither received a call nor a message from him. All though she was acting calm and smiling to the outside world, she knew the burning pain she is enduring. Shecked the concentration to work and every time she tried to focus, his teasing smile or calling her sweetheart would torment her brain continuously.

    "Did you forget about me? You must have met that woman already and that''s why you are ignoring me, right? Bad fellow, teller of lies. You told me that you will always be there for me in my dream." Leena tried to hold into it, but her eyes cried out.

    Wiping the tears away with her sleeves, she took a deep breath and opened her mobile to message him.

    "Did you forget about me?"

    Leena erased the message.

    "I borrowed your jacket and I want to give it back to you..."

    She erased the message again.

    She felt like killing him once for all for ying with her feelings. Not able to concentrate on anything, Leena closed her eyes leaning on the chair to catch a nap but that was also disturbed by Reese.

    "I am in no mood to listen to anything, Reese. Can you leave me alone?"

    "Will you kill me if I tell you it''s very important?" Reese asked feeling bad for Leena''s state. For the past three days, she is acting worse than when she is on her period. Just who is this man torturing her endlessly?

    "Even if you don''t tell, I am nning to kill someone today. You better tell it now." In a weak voice, Leena replied.

    "I got an email from WD and the CEO has personally dropped this time. He got information from his friend that you have been spreading rumors of him, having an affair with Emily Harper. If you fail to appear at his office tomorrow, he will have to sue you for trespassing his privacy." Reese gulped when Leena started burning with anger. She was wondering when Leena used Devin''s affair with that vile woman, Emily Harper.

    "What!!" Leena jumped from her chair, her hands balled into fits not to strangle him.

    "I shouldn''t have believed that shameless idiot. He dared to deceive me and vomit out everything just because he is his friend? No wonder he has be the friend of that WD CEO. Both are chickenshits."

    "ept it, Reese. He wants me to be the model right? I will give him a big rejection in front of his employees tomorrow."

    If Leena was fuming in anger, Reese was internally rejoicing thinking that she could meet her prince after a long time.

    ��

    When the twilight kicked in, Reese and Leena walked out of the office to the hospital to meet Leena''s mom.

    Leena doesn''t know what''s anticipating tomorrow, but she was bound to get the biggest surprise.

 Chapter 128 - You Should Have Also Eaten The Makeup So That You Can Look Pretty From The Inside Too

    Hours before in WD...

    Starting at the vast window with no expression, except his vibrant voice that hummed asionally, the room was dead silent that even a clock ticking sound could be heard.

    A woman standing a little far away from him held her breath as she watched him talk with the specialists on the phone. After a few moments, the call got ended and he finally turned around to face her.

    "This is the second time, Harley. There will be no third if we are not careful." Devin strolled to his chair as he spoke. "I have warned, not to allow that woman into the house."

    "We couldn''t stop her, Devin. We didn''t realize, she woulde back again to speak such harsh words until grandfather copsed. Don''t worry. He is very strong and he will be fine." Harley quickly exined.

    "There is no next time for her and It''s my order. Don''t let her enter the house premises from now." Devin dered getting back to his work. He couldn''t imagine the happy-go, healthy person, is in the hospital bed because of her and it has happened twice and both times, she was credible for it.

    "Alright. I will warn everyone in the house." With a nod, Harley left the room.

    ..

    Devin propped his head up on an elbow and gazed at the document, his other hand swiftly working on theptop. He was already getting frustrated with the things turning out today. Even after he dropped a personal mail ''politely'' requesting for her presence, there was no response from that heartless woman. Finally, his threats seem to work on her, there was an iing mail he just from the Bliss which he received on the outlook.

    Reading the content of the mail, he kicked the table underneath with his foot with a vanquishing smile.

    "Finally I am going to see her after three long days," Devin confided. Without seeing and talking to her was a torture he has been facing since the day he left Seattle. He was running back from the office to the hospital to the point where he was not even having time to catch a nap and all in all, he wanted to give space to sort out her feelings. If his absence doesn''t affect her, his presence should have never mattered to her.

    Getting out of his thoughts, Devin called the extension of Daniel but he instantly ended the call when he remembered he is still on break. Unwillingly, he has to phone the monkey.

    "What is so important that you can''t wait until I finish my crucial work?" Harley questioned strolling into the office room again.

    "I have finalized the model for the Korean project. She will be arriving tomorrow. Prepare to receive her." Devin notified, sending a copy of the mail to Harley which he got from Bliss. If Daniel was working, Devin wouldn''t have thought to inform the monkey standing in front of him. Lately, she has been into some kind of pervert blogger woman and he was scared, she would swoop Leena into her trap. Then again, Devin did not have any choice except to go with Harley now.

    "You have finalized already? Why wasn''t I informed?" Harley asked in a stupor. She has to intervene even if a small discussion is administered in the office not to miss such a big project. It was a surprise to her that Devin did not care to notify the handy project which they were fretting about for a long time.

    "You were on break at the time of the discussion and I forgot the matter eventually." Devin did not want to probe the topic further. "Anyway, you are going to receive her tomorrow. Period."

    "Alright. What''s her name?" Harley asked.

    "Leena. Leena Hayes."

    Hearing the familiar name, Harley was utterly stunned by the abrupt news.

    "You are talking about the prime model Leena Hayes right?" Her voice had flooding excitement when she asked the question.

    "Yes! She is the one you have to receive tomorrow. Do you want me to repeat it ag_"

    Even before he couldplete it, Harley whisked out of the room leaving Devin in confusion. It seems, she missed or forgot something to ask, she appeared in front of him again.

    "I_I am leaving for the day. Consider it as a half-day emergency. I will assign my priority tasks to somebody else and I will receive my Godes_ "

    She wanted to p herself for almost moring the truth.

    "Sorry!! I will receive Leena Hayes tomorrow prim and proper. " Having said that, Harley rushed out of the room not allowing Devin to speak further.

    "She is behaving a little odd today. Unbelievable girl." Shaking his head, he got back to work without knowing the actual reason for her enthusiasm.

    ...

    Taking a long breath, Harley recalled the words Devin told her.

    "Leena is arriving at the office tomorrow." With a smile, she walked out of the office. Stepping into the car, she sped the elerator and reached the desired destination.

    [The Aria''s Saloon]

    She strolled into the salon to get ready for her big day.

    ..

    After spending time with her mom, Leena left the room along with Reese when it was gettingte in the night.

    "Why do you think someone is after aunty. I don''t find anything suspicious person here." Reese asked unable to understand Leena''s suspicious acts in the hospital. She awakened the sleeping Sherlock holmes analyzing every personing and going out of the room for the entire time they were in the hospital.

    "Lately, I eavesdropped to Francy''s conversation with uncle Caleb and the way, they were conversing, it seems mom''s ident was more of a nned one. There is a high chance that the person might be keeping a track of mom and now that she is showing signs of improvement. I cannot let anything happen to her, Reese." Leena''s tone and expression wereced with pain as she spoke. She hasn''t experienced a mother''s love and care and the worst pain was seeing her bedridden for two decades.

    "Don''t worry, Leena! She will be fine and it''s gettingte. Let''s go home now." Reese reassured and with that, both left the hospital hallway. Out of blue, Leena''s eyes flickered on to a kid running near the hospital premises. All though, she was a little distance away from him, Leena could sense the panic evident on his face.

    "He must have lost the way, Reese. Let''s help him find his parents." Leena edged her eyes for Reese to look in the kid''s direction.

    "Irony is that nobody is helping even after he is begging for help." Reese voiced out ncing at the people burying themselves into mobiles.

    "Let''s help him." Leena and Reese searched the area and finally found him on the hospitalwn. But the scene they witnessed was heart-wrenching.

    A woman harshly shoved him away for bumping into her and she was not even listening to his sorry confession all thought he was telling that he did not bump into her deliberately.

    "What an arrogant cow," Reese muttered in disbelief.

    Hell broke loose for Leena when the woman was about to beat the kid. She surged from her ce to prevent the p before it would create damage to the little kid.

    Gripping the hand that was almost ready to p him, Leena browbeat the woman in front of her."He has identally bumped into you. Do you have to act rashly towards a small kid?"

    "Don''t worry, I will help you in finding your parents," Leena whispered pushing the woman''s hand away and hugged the little kid when his body began trembling out of fear.

    "identally? Do you know the worth of the dress I am wearing and this annoying boy has even ruined my makeup. Lowly women like you would never understand." Her voice has a mocking edge to it when she spoke.

    "How dare you insult my_" Before Reese could speak further, Leena silenced sping her hand, and turned towards the woman.

    "Looks like all your money is painted on your face. Maybe you should have eaten the thick makeup which you have used to dye your face so that you can be pretty from inside also, Miss nail-biter baggage." With a sarcastic smile, Leena stared at the woman''s face which was turning ruddy out of anger. Leena can sense the negative vibrations around a person just by the way they present themselves even before she converses with them and she has got the exact negative oscitions from the woman standing in front of her. Now that she has the chance to look at her hand, she got the confirmation. She felt disgusted with the way the woman has chewed the flesh of her thumb until it turned brown.

    "You dared to insult me, bitch!!" She was about to raise her hand but it was grabbed and twisted by Leena shoving onto the ground.

    "Sometimes karma takes too long to take effect. I would rather beat the shit out of you right now than wait for it to happen so that you will think of me. I like to make imprint my beautiful face on bitches like you."

    "BRAVO!! SAVAGE!!!" All of a sudden, they heard an aged yet very deep voice from a distance, and instantly all the three women including the little boy gazed in the direction where a man in a hospital gown was sitting on a wheelchair. Despite, he was aged, his face looked vibrant showing an authoritative aura

 Chapter 129 - When Leena Meets Devin

    "You are as badass as I was in my twenties,ss. Only you are eligible to be my granddaughter inw." He pped his thigh and turned to the woman behind him.

    "Hey, frog faced ugly nurse. Do I have to remind you again? Take me to my granddaughter inw." He verbalized with a mocking tone.

    With gritted teeth, the nurse wheeled him in the direction of the women.

    "Let me take revenge on behalf of you." He winked at Leena and turned to the woman lying on the ground. "Wipe your mouth, bummer! There is still a tiny bit of bullshit around your lips."

    "You dare to insult me, old hat!!!!" The woman screamed like a madwoman.

    "I still haven''t insulted yet. It''s just that I am trying to describe your ghastly face." He threw back his head and roared inughter.

    All the time, Leena was looking at him stupefied with the way he was talking on behalf of her.

    "How can he call me granddaughter inw without my permission." She whispered in a low voice.

    With no intention to look at the ugly woman, he turned to Leena and straightaway moved to the point. "I have a grandson and he is very handsome."

    "Sorry, aged fossil. I am already taken and no handsome man can beat my man." With a wink, Leena carried the kid and dragged Reese along with her.

    "Aged fossil? I am still as strong as an Ox." He quickly pulled out his mobile and clicked a picture of Leena and when he got the clear portrait of her, with a victorious smile, he turned back facing the nurse. "Hey, fugly nurse, take me to my room. I don''t want to see that disgusting woman''s face."

    "Grandpa, if you call me ugly again, I am going to leave you here." With gritted teeth, she pushed the wheelchair.

    "You dare!" He threatened her.

    ...

    With all themotion happenings, the woman on the ground did not get up biting her stiletto painted nails. Her blood was boiling when the insults of two people were booming in her brain.

    "How dare that bitch and old rag to humiliate me?"

    "What happened to you, Regina!!" A man''s voice came out loudly, a little away from her. His voice had a concern when he saw her pitiful state.

    "Brother, ke." Regina cried changing her entire facade and put on a pitiful act. "A woman pushed me onto the ground when I was trying to save a kid."

    But internally, Regina was seething in outrage.

    ''That bitch dared to insult my face. I will make her life living hell.''

    "I will check on her. For now, let''s go home. You have to get this cleaned up." ke grabbed his handkerchief and began dusting the grass out of her dress.

    "But we are here to meet Sir''s grandfather, right?" Regina asked in confusion. She took the time to select a traditional dress to impress Devin''s grandfather and she was fretting in irritation that some stupid kid has spoiled it.

    "We have to call it for a day, Regina. He is not willing to see anyone other than his family." Having said that, ke took her out of the hospital.

    "Oh!! All right. He must be resting. We will visit him next time." She stered a sweet smile but internally her rage heightened when she heard the old man doesn''t want to meet anyone.

    ''He wants to see only his family!! Fine! Soon I am going to be one in the family.''

    ...

    The day has finallye and Devin was somewhat excited, at the same time scared if Leena would ept the sudden verity. He was sure, she would throw tantrums but he has an intuition that she would not get upset by it for a long time.

    His thoughts broke when the office door was pushed open and entered a woman in full changeover. If Devin has not been with her from the days they were being children, he would have a hard time recognizing the woman in front of him.

    "A_re you Harley?" He felt a sense of incredulity watching her turned into into a different person which he had never witnessed before. Her hair was painted in lc color, the wavy curls at the edges foamed luxuriously. She was looking like a senorita in a ck short sleeve wrap slim dress which she paired with the ck pointed-toe heeled pumps.

    "Yes, it''s Harley for you, brother." With a wink, she asked him. "Do I look gorgeous?"

    Devin simply nodded his head in a trance.

    Taking a deep breath, she nced at her wristwatch and added. "It''s time. I have to receive our guest. Wish me luck."

    Even after Harley left the ce, Devin was still in confusion about her sudden shift.

    "Now she started targeting my sweetheart leaving that pervert blogger? I will kill her if shees near her premise." He tightly gripped his fists to control his outrage.

    ...

    "It''s time to go, Reese." With a frown, Leena looked away from the woman who was busy retouching her make up. Reese bargained for a dress from Leena paying half the price of the original dress since she is meeting her prince and wanted to wear it for the big day. dly, Leena offered it as she stopped wearing the dress for a long time. When she is getting half the fortune, she gave it to her right away.

    "I am done." Reese nced at Leena and scowled when she saw Leena was wearing an ordinary dress. "Why didn''t you doll up, Leena? We are meeting the mighty CEO today."

    "This dress is more than enough for that chickenshit." With azy tone, Leena put on her goggles and stepped out of the car.

    It was the first time, Leena stepped into WD and she was impressed by the sleek sexy parabolic ss structure. Just when she entered the building along with Reese, a woman appeared to receive them.

    "Hello, Leena! I am Harley. Executive Assistant of the CEO." With a nervous smile, Harley lent a handshake. When she nced at her goddess, she wished she didn''t. A breathtakingly beautiful,pared to the pictures she has seen. Harley was on cloud nine when the ck dress she was wearing matched with Leena''s way oddly.

    "Pleased to meet you, Harley." Leena returned the handshake and introduced Reese to her. After the pleasantries, Leena was escorted to the topmost floor of the conference room.

    ...

    Conference room...

    The clock was ticking and time was passing. Leena was getting impatient when she has to wait for a longer time than she anticipated. She knew she was early by an hour but still, Leena was getting irritated to wait for that chickenshit. She wondered if he is making it deliberate for spreading rumors on him but she was least bothered. When she nced at the count of employees sitting in the conference room, she sneered.

    "Very well. The more the people, the more he will feel humiliated when I reject him." Leena whispered with a smile and her eyes scooted to the door when a woman strode into the room.

    Dressed in a high waist pencil body con dress that stopped above her knees, the employees in the room gaped when she walked into the room, her amazing figure captivated the employees again and again. With a shy demeanor, she greeted the employees politely and strolled towards her seat while her eyes darted to the new woman when she heard that she has to be the designer for the new model.

    A shock was stered on her face when she saw the same woman from the hospital. All through her blood was boiling, she kept a smile throughout to maintain professionalism.

    Leena stared at her with apathy thinking of the act she is putting up. It was no wonder that she has been masking the employees with her impable dramas.

    "It''s the nail-biting girl, Leena!" Reese whispered in ambush.

    "What do you expect from that chickenshit CEO. He would have dozed off while interviewing that bummer." She whispered back to Reese while ncing at Regina in disdain. Leena wished to get out of this room as early as possible unable to tolerate her perfume odor.

    "Where is your CEO? If I am not wrong, the meeting should have started by now." Leena spoke up, her eyes dropping on Harley demanding an answer.

    Everybody was stunned when Leena voiced out her thoughts. The employees spected that Leena should be happy about getting a pact with the mighty WD but she was arrogantly demanding. Little did they knew, it was the reverse case and only a few of them were aware of it.

    Even before Harley could reply to Leena''s question, the faint rugged footsteps sharply echoed the entire building like the booming heartbeat of a condemned prisoner. Themanding presence and confidence were speaking of his aura even from a distance.

    "It can''t be him. It must be my hallucination again." Leena deceived herself squeezing her heart when she heard the familiar footsteps.

    The ss door was eventually pushed open and the man strolled into the enormous conference room, his custom suit embraced the sturdy build bestowing a kingly aura upon him.

    "Good morningdies and gentlemen. I hope, you are not bothered by the little dy. With that being said, we willmence the meeting in five minutes, and before that, I want to introduce someone to you." His voice had a rough edge when he spoke and the entire conference room turned to a deafening silence in his presence. When he saw the shocking look on Leena''s face, with a satisfying smile, he strolled to the chair.

    From the time, he entered the conference room, Leena''s brain was clogged, and only when the realization hit her, she came out of her trance and her heartbeat started drumming repeatedly

 Chapter 130 - The Devil Is Back

    Eyes froze like the ciers in Antarctica, mouth dried like the Sahara desert upon seeing the person strolling into the conference room. Her thunderbolt expressions were apparent on the face. The revtion has hit her like a bolt from the blue. All thought, her eyes were wandering, Leena couldn''tprehend anything.

    Her brain got ceased for a moment as if every part of it went on pause with the tangled emotions. It was as if the impact has knocked every wisp of air from her lungs, Leena sat there motionless contemting to inhale and exhale.

    That''s how she felt right now. Trying to remember how to breathe, powerless to speak, bewildered, as the name was bouncing on her brain repeatedly.

    Wang Devin? Mr. Adonis is the CEO of WD?

    She got many hints in her hand but too muddle-headed to crack the name. D, Vincy!! It''s indeed Devin. While he has already revealed the first letter of his name, if she has blended the nickname to the prime letter, Leena would have got an idea of his name since Reese has already talked about him once.

    Leenabeled herself a dumbbell for not thinking out of the box. Instead of guessing those crazy words like deep-V-diver, if she has put a little effort, the name would have hit her genius brain. But she did not forget the backstabbing.

    "Con artist! Teller of untruths!! Spinner of yarns!! He confessed that he doesn''t even know my name. I will roast him alive today if I catch him." Leena scolded with all the foul words in her mind that she coulde up with. "Can I go and pull his hair and beat the shit out of him to release my anger?"

    With one death stare, Devin battened down the hatches. His blood ran cold thinking of the after-effects he has to face. But then again, seeing her after three long days, he was lost again. Be it with her or without her, he would lose himself in her always. He doesn''t know if it has started after he first met her or even before that but he has a strong intuition that they were bounded even before he remembered.

    He knew she would be shocked at the revtion and the time hase to get ready for the wrath also.

    "She cannote and beat in front of all the employees right? I will prolong the conference for a little longer to escape from her whippings." He thought in his mind and signaled Harley to start the meeting.

    Soon the lights bedimmed and Harley edged to the billboard wall nervously. She has delivered umpteen presentations in front of higher officials standing in the same ce without any anxiety but right now, her hands were trembling worried that she would make a mistake in front of her goddess. If only she would have thought, Leena was not even paying attention to anything, for her brain was clouded and her eyes were focused on him alone.

    Even after Harley introduced Leena as the prime model to the gathering and even when she concluded the presentation, Leena neither nced at her nor responded, and that forged a mistrust of her potential to the people sitting in the room. Some of the employees began assuming that she evolved to be the popr model through other means.

    Regina scoffed and gave a sarcastic smile as she watched Leena stop dead in the tracks.

    ''What a lowly bitch!! Can''t she at least utter a word and maintain a little professionalism even if she doesn''t know how to?''

    Watching everyone questioning her potential, Devin wanted to stand up for her but he knew Leena would not like that. He knew everyone would shut their mouths once she opens up and he was anticipating the show. He signaled Reese to wake her up who was watching him like he was candy from the time he arrived.

    All though Reese was in seventh heaven that her prince has spoken to her, she quicklyposed when it was concerned to Leena.

    "Leena! Why aren''t you responding?" Reese whispered kicking her feet underneath. Leena would rise to the bait and browbeat everyone with her sharp words every time but right now she seemed to be in another world. Reese thought that it''s because Leena couldn''t resist the hotness of her prince charming that she is not able to take her eyes away from him. Who wouldn''t? She was sure, Leena would take back the words she said and ept that Wang Devin cannot bepared to the Brand or gentleman whatever man name she was bbering.

    As if she underwent a hypnic jerk, Leena jolted awake from her stupor with Reese''s strong kick. Only then she understood, her stature was put in question when the employees stared at her as if she is a dumb creature. Since Leena knew the outline of the project already, even if she didn''t listen, it wouldn''t have mattered to her.

    She rebuked herself for being an unprofessional canny andmitted the biggest blunder. Taking a deep breath, Leenaposed herself and looked at him for onest time. Their eyes met. His smile would give her all assurance if it was some other time but right now, Leena is not on speaking terms with him now. Maybe if he let her twist the ear, she is thinking to forgive him.

    Finally, her eyesnded on the employees and took time to memorize their facial expressions. If the showmences, she was afraid, those expressions would fade away.

    ''It''s time to show who I am!! These pea-sized dumbos dare to look down on the great Leena just because I put my guards for some time?''

    Leena crossed her one leg over the another like a queen and went into the business to address the gathering.

    "Ladies and gentleman!!" Leena proimed. "Firstly, I wouldn''t apologize for not acknowledging the gathering at the start because the best things take time and that''s why they are always a littlete and I am one among them." Turning towards Harley, she asserted. "Second, I want to see the blueprints which yourpany has designed along with the designer names."

    Everybody gasped in surprise at her sudden retrieval. Even Devin did not guess Leena woulde back stronger than the setback.

    The devil is back and the silence has to prevail now.

 Chapter 131 - I Surround By My Own Rules

    Right after Harley delivered the catalog, Leena studied the designs as she flipped the pages and without even lifting her head, she inquired. "Who is going to be my designer. If you have already decided one, please ask the person toe front and present the designs if they have in handy?"

    "Regina Herrera. She is going to be your designer." Harley professed and signaled Regina to demonstrate the designs. All though, Harley did not want that vile woman to be Leena''s designer, she did not have a choice when Regina was endowed with the maximum number of polls for the uing Korean tract.

    With a smile, Regina proceeded to present the designs which she had in her drive. Hearing the name, Leena slightly nced up, and when she watched the woman walking gracefully as if the floor would get hurt, Leena did not even bother to acknowledge her, and she has already double-crossed the woman''s name from her dictionary.

    Regina seethed in anger when Leena neither spare a nce at her nor recognized her efforts. The employees of WD consider her a diva but she was being ignored by that lowly woman. Not once, she was being insulted twice and the hospital incident was still fresh in her memory, and to her annoyance, from the time Devin has arrived at the meeting, Regina has observed that his focus was only on that bitch and like a lovesick puppy he has been looking only at her.

    ''That ce is mine. Only I can get his attention.''

    Is that the woman, Victor talked about the other day? Regina wanted to strangle her and suffocate her to death. But she kept her thoughts to herself since she is in thepany. She made a note to do a background check on this woman after rhe meeting. Composite her thoughts, Regina looked at her and spoke out. "What do you think of_"

    Her words were cut short when Leena straight away looked at Devin and articted.

    "Look Mr.A__ Mr. Wang," Leena spoke up. Old habits die hard and when she wanted to address him, the name which she has been calling him from the beginning has suddenly slipped out her mouth, While Devin pressed his lips to control his chuckle which was threatening toe up. Ignoring hisid look, Leena recited. "I have constraints if I have to sign a deal with yourpany."

    "Only if they are usible, I will consider them." Devin enunciated getting into the business. He was d that Leena did not reject the offer right away and she is still giving him a chance.

    "I surround by my own rules, Mr.Wang and you have to oblige them." Leena sneered. Be it business or personal, Leena made a vow to shut his mouth from now. A girl should wear pants in the home and that much she is guaranteed to seize from him.

    "Stubborn little one." He muttered under his breath and nodded his head to continue.

    "I choose my designer and it is not going to be Miss Herrera." Leena openly dered. She quite liked Regina''s designs, but Leena works with people who have morals and values ethics which she did not find any in that woman.

    The employees who were in the conference gasped when they heard Leena''s impossible condition. Everybody was believing that she should be happy to get Regina as the designer. She has been serving as the chief designer and there is also a rumor that she is dating the CEO and they are soon going to get engaged. They thought that Devin would reject the condition and stand up for Regina until his deep voice spoke up.

    "I agree." The two words that crumbled their judgment into scrambles. Devin didn''t find any restriction in getting her own designer. If he was being honest, he doesn''t want Leena to work with Regina and when the opportunity came knocking, he dly obliged. He never preferred that nail-biting woman and he is eagerly waiting for her to make a mistake so that he could throw her out of thepany. He already has a hunch that she is the one stalking him but she has cloaked the evidence way smartly.

    Harley silently pped her thigh, watching Regina''s expressions fuming in red. If she was not wrong, she would be digging her nails into the palms since she cannot eat them now. As expected from my goddess, she gave a tight p to that bitch.

    "Alright! If you are fine with the first, let''s go for the second!! If you have caught a glimpse of my working strategy, I don''t work with male models and I choose the clothes to wear for any photoshoots." Leena proimed. Back when she was doing a photoshoot for a skincare brand, the CEO suddenly bought a male model into the shoot and asked her to act along with him when she has clearly stated in the contract that she would not work with men. When he tried topel her, she shredded the contract into pieces leaving from the arena. Losing morals is thest thing she wishes and she would never strip her dignity for fame.

    "Your rules are over the top, Miss Hayes. We cannot agree with the second one. A model should adapt to all the environments." ke voiced out his opinion. He was getting irritated with the conditions she was putting up when theirpany never oblige to any such policies. He did not even like the way Leena rejected the most promising designer in front of everyone and ke''s anger rose when he heard that Leena doesn''t want to work with male models. Why did Devin invite this ipetent woman?

    "I have already brought to yourpany''s notice that I would show up only if my decrees are imposed and the CEO has obliged to it already and isn''t it unprofessional of you to interrupt when I am conversing with the CEO, Mr. ke Harvey?" Leena turned her to face Devin and inquired. "What do you say, Mr.Wang. Deal or no deal!!"

    "I ept the condition. But in exchange, the contract wouldst for five years." Devin dered. He was getting entertained by the little tigress savage talks and she even dared to shut every mouth in his territory.

    Even if Leena doesn''t have an objection, Devin was not nning to allow any male model to work with and regarding the outfit, he doesn''t want her to attract anyone. So he did not have restraint in saying no to her condition. As per the brute who dared to interrupt their conversation, he will have to encounter the ire today.

    "One year. That''s the maximum I can give." Leena meant.

    And their sallies started again.

    "Three. I believe you have a record of signing a deal with thepany for three long years." Devin brought a topic out of blue.

    "Is it? But I don''t keep a track of such trivial things. Does Mr. Wang has a habit of stalking my profile?" Leena snickered seeing him going frenzy. He still has to face a lot today and she promised herself to torture him.

    "Isn''t it safe to check for a criminal record? After all, I am massive over the world, Miss Hayes." He was missing their sallies and he was amused by the idea of bickering in the office.

    "Quite a logic you havee up with to mask your stories. But, I can only ept if it is a year."

    All the employees held their breath hearing their bickering. While they could see the tension transpiring between the two, they couldn''t pinpoint what sort of rtionship they were in. If she could restrain the CEO, they wondered if she already knew him.

    "Two," Devin did not give up.

    "Then let''s drop the_"

    "Fine. One year it is." Devin finally gave up. He knew she is doing it deliberately to get revenge on him. Stubborn girl. Wait for the time to punish you.

    "Fine!! Send the drafted contract and my executive assistant will check on the finances and if all goes well, I will uphold your proposal." Leena dered and nudged Reese to speak but that stupid idiot has been only looking at him without heeding.

    With a slight nod, Devin got up from her chair and nced at Leena hoping that she would turn towards his direction but he did not get any reaction. He was sure, she would throw tantrums now. Finally, he sighed and walked to the Harley who was busy stealing nces at Leena.

    "Bring her to my office room," Devin whispered and walked out but Harley did not even listen to him.. The moment he walked out, she whisked towards Leena to converse with her, for she has been waiting for the opportunity since morning.

 Chapter 132 - Lets Test It And See How Deep It Goes

    The goddess has never been lost and it is just that people have forgotten to find her and that''s how Harley felt after seeing Leena with her own eyes. She has never got the chance to meet Leena and when Devin notified that Leena would be arriving at the office, she flew to the best salon to present herself well in front of her. With the employees moving out of the conference room, Harley whisked to the ce to apany Leena and Reese since it''s her obligation and as a secretary, she must be with the guest. But watching her face, she could sense that Leena is fuming in anger.

    ''Is it because of that annoying Devin? It must be him. He was giving a hard time to her throughout the meeting.''

    "Are you ok, Leena? You are a little lost." Harley asked nervously.

    "I am fine," Leena replied with a smile. All though, it was their first meeting, Leena felt veryfortable with Harley. She was not at all like the executive assistants who were behind the CEOs and the moment they see another woman, they turn on to the bitch mode making secretive ns for the downfall.

    "I am d to hear that. By the way, you were incredible for the entire time in the meeting. All the employees were awestruck by your bold personality. No one dared to argue with that Devil until now and you were the only exception." Harley eximed with a feeling of excitement when Leena was giving left and right to Regina. She even tamed the devil making him oblige to her wishes.

    ''Good that I am an exception.'' Leena inwardly thought to herself. She contrarily thought of bringing him to his knees to wipe the floor otherwise.

    "I can see he is a little aggressive sometimes. He needs his screws to be tightened a little." Leena stretched her hands and cracked her knuckles as if ready to fix him. Out of blue, her eyes flickered onto Regina who has tossed daggers at Leena before she left the room.

    "Does she have a mental problem?" Leena asked in a whisper pointing her eyes towards Regina.

    "I hate her," Reese added not liking the way she was examining Leena from top to bottom.

    "Ah!! That bummer! She is a phsyco, pretends to be the beach but in actuality, she is a quicksand." Harley retorted with disdain and suddenly remembering the day she saw her fingers which Regina has nipped until it turned brown. "You know what! Once I went to the washroom and she was also_"

    RING RING

    Harley has to stop her thoughts when her mobile began echoing in the room. Noticing the caller ID, she declined the call and went back to chit chat but even before she could speak further with Leena, she was interrupted by the call again.

    "What''s his problem now." Harley cursed him with all the foul words she coulde up with when he is not giving a break to talk. Reluctantly, she has to pick it up.

    "What!!!" Harley stressed, lifting the call.

    "Didn''t I tell you to bring her to my office?" A pressing voice came from him. His deep and powerful voice even reverberated into Leena''s ears crisp and clear.

    "Tell him that I am not showing up." Leena''s voice sounded serious and it straight away reached Devin.

    "Tell her that she owns me a favor, Harley," Devin stated, knowing that Leena is listening to him.

    Leena pulled the mobile from Harley''s hands when she heard him talk about the bet which they made in Seattle.

    "You are shamelessly talking about that after tricking me into ying that stupid game," Leena yelled when she remembered the name game which she yed along with him. He knew her name already but still conned her to y it.

    "How is that my problem if you believe on_"

    Leena cut the call instantly not nning to hear his stupid logic. With a frustrated sigh, she turned to face Reese and Harley. A shock was stered on both the woman''s faces hearing Leena and Devin''s at each other''s throats. Leena knew the roots of their confusion but she has no mood to clear them now. She has a more pressing matter to deal with and that is Devin.

    "Do you know him already, Leena?" Reese asked. She has never heard Leena speaking to any man but she was going all bandy words with Devin.

    "We will talk about itter, Reese." She said and nced at Harley."Can you take me to his office,"

    With a slight nod, Harley led the way to Devin''s room and when Leena informed them that she wanted to talk to him alone, Reese and Harley walked out. Though Reese was confused by Leena''s behavior, she didn''t probe further when Leena has already informed that she would speak about it at home. She already has a hunch of her reply but she wanted the confirmation from her.

    Right after Harley and Reese left, Leena stood there watching the massive yet stylish office neat and organized. As expected from him. But the man in question has not made an appearance after demanding her presence. Leena was about to turn around to scan the area, she heard his footsteps followed by the door being pushed open.

    "You got to be bold enough to challenge me, sweetheart." Devin strolled towards her not before locking the door when two doorkeepers are waiting outside trying to listen to the conversation.

    "Aren''t you aware of my fierce attitude? The doors will be opened to those who are bold enough to knock and that''s me." Leena turned around to face him solely. It was the first time Leena was seeing him all professional. The three-button solid navy blue suit was tailored to precisely match the contour of his body, giving him a lithesome appearance and it was standing on par with his suave attitude. He radiates an air of confidence wherever he stands but she must say, the arrogance in his demeanor always sits on his crown which Leena always likes that in him.

    "Well, I can''t deny that!" He chuckled and marched forward towards Leena. "So, am I qualified to get your number now?"

    "No," Leena stepped back and in her anxious state, she opened her mobile to call Reese but with a flick of his finger, Devin knocked the phone out of Leena''s hand and grasped it in his hand.

    "We still have things to settle, darling." Having said that, on a spur of moment, he lifted Leena with one hand by her waist and pulled to his embrace. With the sudden movement, she gasped for air holding his shoulders.

    "Did you figure out why I have given the charming bracelet?" He whispered and yanked the swivel chair vigorously with his foot which was resting behind her. cing her on the chair gingerly, he locked his hands on the armrest without giving her a chance to move.

    Leena: " "

    ''Is he trying to give me heartache! What is that stunt he pulled just now!!''

    "I couldn''t figure out. Why don''t you tell it?" Leena countered. She could sense that he carries feelings but she wants confirmation from him. Leena doesn''t want to confess her feelings right after knowing that he fooled her because right now she is not in a clear state of mind. Maybe after her anger subdues, she nned to talk to him if he is still acting stubborn enough.

    "Before I tell you about it, let me get your number. Since we are business partners, it''s a fair reason to get your number." Devin slid the mobile and to his surprise, it neither asked for a fingerprint nor a PIN. A reckless brat, he scolded her. She can''t even put on a password and she is a renowned cyberpunk.

    Right when Devin opened the keypad to save his number, the realization hit her suddenly. Leena has saved his number already and it happens to be with a name which she would get teased if he sees it. The damage has already transpired when she watched his astonished face.

    "How can you grab my mobile without my permission, idiot?"Leena instantly pulled out her mobile from his sps.

    "You stole my number, dacoit!!" Devin asked in surprise. When he began keying the number, he could see the number was already on the search list. The question was when and how did she get the number. There was a possibility that she might have hacked his ount. If that was the case, she would have known his name already.

    "I_I didn''t steal it. In fact, I don''t know that it''s your number. It might be Leah. She might have saved it on my mobile. Do you think the great Leena needs your number? In your dreams." Leena yelled and she was no more scared to use her name in front of him.

    "I really doubt it''s Leah. She doesn''t have a pervert mind to save it with a kinky name ''My Deep-V-Diver'' unlike you. With that being said, I can conclude that it''s you. But the question is, why did you name that?" Devin asked in amusement. He has not expected his number to be on her mobile and on top of that, the name she has saved surprised him even more.

    ''Perhaps she started to like me to get my number?'' He questioned himself.

    "I_I...." Caught red-handed, Leena did not know what kind of story, she could add to make him believe now.

    "How can you know the depth of it when we haven''t even gone that far? Shall we test it to see how deep it goes?" He leaned forward studying her face which has veered her cheeks to red.

    "I_I didn''t mean that when I saved it," Leena rified. Truth to be told, Leena did not save his contact name in that verse which Devin was implying. If Leena dwells on just theories, Devin was making it practical.

    "I_I have to go." She pushed him away with all her might and dashed away before he could catch her. Her rationality was being thrown out of the window when he started speaking all dirty.

    "I have to sew my mouth for calling him an innocent creature," Leena cried scolding herself.

 Chapter 133 - Blogger Holy Banana Pants

    Any ce is good for eavesdropping if you know how to eavesdrop. Both Reese and Harley fall into the exact category. From the time, Leena went into Devin''s room, both fixed their ears to the door. Despite Devin''s warning, which they least bothered, they blended themselves into that soundproofing door in hopes to catch a word of their conversation.

    "I am scared that he would do something to my goddess." Harley almost cried. As far as she remembered, she doesn''t have an idea when and how Devin met Leena but with the way, they were locking horns with each other over the phone, she understood that they are close.

    "But why I am scared that Leena would be the one to do something to my prince charming." Reese cried with frustration. From the day, Leena appeared right after the wedding, Reese has removed the man-hater tag with the way Leena was boasting about her so-called ''brand'' and ''gentleman''. Is Devin, the brand and gentleman she was talking about?

    While they were arguing with each other, a pair of click-ck heels sound infiltrated into their ears and instantly they flipped back to see Regina standing behind them with a file in her hands.

    "Why are you here?" Harley asked in irritation. From the day, Devin resumed the work, Regines up with some kind of excuse to get into his office room. Twice, Harley endured but this bummer doesn''t show a shame at all even if she has reprimanded twice. But Devin would re upon Harley if she brought her to his office room. She was already getting a hunch that she is after Devin.

    "I have finished thetest designs for the next season. I wanted to show it to sir before I proceed further." Regina replied politely. She did not n toe here, not after she was chastised by the bitch standing in front of her but her blood was boiling when Devin is alone with that shrewd woman in his office. She wanted to interrupt them by going into his office at least or listen to the conversation.

    "Listen here, Regina. This is an office, not a fish market. You can''te and go to the CEO''s room whenever you wish. I have already warned you twice and next time if I see you here, expect a warning letter from HR." Harley snapped with disgust which was all evident on her face. She began to criticize Devin for selecting the application of this downer in the first ce. Although Regina is very good at her work, morals and ethics are the first and foremost for an employee in WD which shecks.

    "I am sorry, Harley! I will keep that in mind." She turned to walk away with a smile but Harley and Reese could see the woman shoveling her nails into the palm.

    "She should have been in a mental asylum," Reese added. "Leena already gave her left and right yesterday."

    "You guys have met her already?" Harley asked in surprise.

    Reese nodded her head and elucidated everything that ensued with Regina when they were in a hospital.

    "She deserves it. Only Leena can suppress that bitch." Harley seethed. She began to understand the reason Regina stopped by the hospital. While she knew her grandfather doesn''t fall into that bitch traps, she was nning to confirm with him after she goes home.

    Both were gossiping on Regina in all seriousness until the door was unfastened from the other end and Leena arrived with a red face and flushed cheeks followed by Devin with a mirth dancing on his lips.

    The moment Leena arrived, Harley smiled brightly gazing at her like a Korean fangirl while Reese was eyeing Devin with a shy demeanor and as usual, Devin''s eyes were only on his sweetheart.

    Only Leena was the bystander here observing the three pairs of eyes. She did not mind Harley and Devin watching her but Reese''s eyeing on her property was a big no and she already made a note to warn the snoring tractor to keep her eyes in check especially away from Devin.

    "Shall we leave, Reese? It''s time." Leena cleared her throat breaking their stares.

    "Umm... It''s already lunchtime. If you don''t mind, can we go for lunch together?" Harley asked expecting a positive reply from Leena.

    "I am a little busy and_"

    "Why do you ask her. She listens to my words. It''s only lunch right. Don''t worry. I will bring her." If Leenaes for lunch, Devin would tag along and that is what Reese wished, for she can get the time to see the hotty for a little long time. She was internally giggling until she sensed a sharp re from Leena and with that Reese immediately looked down with a pout.

    Leena did not want to go, but seeing the expectation in Harley''s eyes, Leena reluctantly epted the invitation with a condition that Devin should not tag along with them.

    Harley assured her instantly thinking of throwing a bundle of files onto him to keep him engaged.

    ...

    Leena was swearing like a trooper inwardly when she was dragged into his car at thest minute. From where he appeared, they did not understand.

    She felt Devin has be even more shameless after he revealed the identity. Her thoughts broke and Leena nearly jumped from her seat when he appeared in front of her face suddenly.

    ''Is he nning to give a heart attack!! Did he watch those Korean dramas where the male lead teases the female lead and leans forward to fasten the seatbelts for them?''

    "W_hat. If it is a seat belt, I have already put on my_"

    Her words stopped at the throat when his hand brushed her cheek lightly sending ripples in her gutter.

    "An eysh glued on to your cheek." He blew on her cheek and got back to his seat, elerated the car as if nothing has happened.

    "Seducer," Leena muttered loud enough for Devin to hear and gazed out of the window to find a distraction while Devin was fighting back the smile that wants to break out from his lips. Until they reached the destination, the silence prevailed in the car.

    Right after getting down from the car, he strolled to the other end to open the door for her, but even before that, Leena got down and walked into the hotel leaving him alone. Her silent treatment was worse than her anger and it was starting to bother him, thinking that if he had gone overboard in keeping his identity as a secret from her.

    Walking into the familiar ce, her memories went back to their second encounter where she hase to ruin the date and met this shameless idiot and Andrew. Speaking of Andrew, she made a note to talk with him since it''s been three days and he did not even give a call. She solely wanted to ask if he has sorted out his feelings for Jaspee.

    After they got settled in a private dining room, Leena was conversing with Harley and Reese. Devin just sat there showing his puppy eyes thinking that she would talk to him, but Leena did not give in. She was not mad at him, in fact, she liked the surprise but Leena wanted to make him repent for his mistake so that he will have a second thought when lying to her in the future. If she will let it loose every time, he would not understand the importance of it. Only she knew the pain she endured for three days without seeing him and right when she saw him in the office room alone, she wanted to hug him tightly but she suppressed. Until she tortures him a little, she didn''t want to get together with him.

    Finally, a waiter boy appeared and handed the menu of Azure and its specials. When Leena looked at the familiar face, she screamed.

    "Handsome boy!! it''s you. Do you remember me? What a coincidence to meet you again." Leena asked in excitement.

    "L_ikewise madam." He politely greeted. But only he knew his inner thoughts. After seeing the mad girl, he was terrified again. Thest time she appeared here, she roasted him live with her banana smoothie andva ghost story and now he was scared of what kind of story she would cook up.

    "Can I have your order, please?" He asked nervously turning to the other two women when he sensed a deathly stare from someone.

    "Why did this woman call me handsome?" The boy cried internally.

    Harley ordered the food for everyone and finally, she went to Leena''s favorite part.

    "Along with it, please get three banana smoothies and blend it with almond milk."

    The waiter boy nodded and left the area to escape from the banana girls. He was not understanding if all those three friends have a banana fetish. Little did he knew, all the three smoothies were ordered for Leena alone.

    Even Devin was confused when he knew Harley rarely drinks juice and ordering three banana smoothies was out of the question but her next words were bombshell on his head.

    "I ordered banana smoothie especially for you, Leena," Harley said, initiated the conversation.

    "How do you know that I like banana smoothies?" Leena asked in surprise.

    "I_I am a big fan of you and I love the blog ''holy banana pants'' which you have created. I just love the posts you write and I always wait for new updates. You are an amazing blogger. Even the hair color which I have dyed today is the one you suggested in one of the posts." She shyly replied.

    Harley''s words pummeled in Devin''s head continuously. Blogger! the kinky stuff that pervert blogger writes which Harley follows. That is what Harley is talking about? Is this the reason she took an emergency and got transformed into a new avatar? So the hair coloring and make-over is for Leena!!

    So, the pervert blogger which I always scold is my sweetheart, Leena all along??

 Chapter 134 - Handsome Boy Again

    Devin has be the third wheel among the three girls again when they started speaking about the blogging post tossing him aside.

    "Thanks a lot for liking my blogs. But how did you know that I am the blogger of holy banana pants? If I remember correctly, I have never posted my picture." Leena asked out of curiosity.

    "Ah! I remember it was two years back, you have written a post and added a picture along with it. I was happening to be scrolling your blog and when I refreshed, there was a new update with your picture. But sadly, it was taken down in the next minute." Harley stated remembering the day she has seen Leena''s picture, it was a surprise to her that the blogger was the prim model Leena, and Harley was a big fan of her personality back then. She wondered what kind of work out she would do to get such an amazing body and after she knew about Leena being the blogger, she understood the secrets.

    While all the three were talking and giggling about the posts, Devin was seething in anger. If eyes could kill, Reese and Harley would be killed by now.

    ''You have been following my sweetheart like a stalker!! Just wait for a while. I will not even let you near her premises.''

    "Honestly, I prefer to remain low key. So, I have deleted the photo instantly. " Leena bloated. She tries to keep away from the media and the public, so unless it is a demand, she doesn''t show up her beautiful face. She likes preserving it for herself.

    "By the way, your hair looks pretty on you, Harley," Leena said, thinking of getting her hair colored to show her new avatar to Devin.

    "Thank you, Leena." She shyly replied.

    "Your blogs are amazing but someone calls you a pervert blogger." Harley nced at Devin with a mockery-filled face. Caught red-handed, he just stared at the floor unable to watch Leena''s deathly stares.

    ''Just how did she get to know that it was me?'' Devin wondered.

    "Don''t worry. I will take care of that someone in the future." Leena stretched her hands and cracked her knuckles and stared at Devin who was looking everywhere except her. Except for him, no one dares to call her pervert and Leena instantly knew, it must be him.

    ''Why I am getting all negative points today.'' Devin sighed

    The waiter boy entered the room with the dishes breaking their thoughts and right after he served, Devin started adding the vegetables from his te into Leena''s.

    After serving them, the waiter boy was about to depart, but Leena stopped him. "Handsome boy."

    He sighed loudly and turned to face her. He knew she would not leave a person just like that until the person enters into a mad state because of her. But he must serve the customers well and every time he is getting trapped in that mad woman''s web. With a small smile, he controlled his anger and asked. "How may I help you, madam?"

    "Ask him not to add vegetables on my te," Leena informed pointing her face to Devin.

    Waiter boy " "

    ''I have to babysit her now?''

    "Mr. Ugly boy, tell her that, she fainted thrice and she needs proper nutrition," Devin notified, not backing off when ites to her food.

    "It''s only twice. Tell him not to fabricate just like the way he lied about his identity." Leena added.

    "I did not n to hide my identity. Circumstances forced. Tell her that, even she has also lied and spread rumors that I have an affair with a woman and when in fact, I did not have any." Devin bleated.

    "Who knows, he might be dating that stic beauty secretly," Leena grumbled looking at Waiter boy.

    Those harsh words were jabs to Devin''s heart. He did not know Leena would bring the topic of some random woman whom he doesn''t even remember. ''Didn''t she see my loyalty and devotion towards her?''

    Devin''s anger red up at once, he grabbed her chin and turned her face so that he can see if she really meant it. "Listen carefully, Leena!! I have never dated her and you knew about it already. Why are you making it hard for me? If you want proof, you can even ask, Harley."

    Devin signaled Harley to talk about the fact.

    "I am not sure if he has dated her or not. But rumors seem to be strong that he checked in and checked out of the same hotel." Harley was using it as a chance to resent the past grudges she has with him.

    ''I can''t handle them anymore. Everyone is turning against me.'' With a loud sigh, he stopped talking and began eating silently while the waiter boy whisked away from the weirdos seizing the chance.

    With all the things happening around, Reese parted her lips in shock listening to Leena and Devin''s conversation. So, the gentleman and the brand Leena was talking about was Devin?

    ''With the way, Leena is bragging and acting possessive, she would kill me if I see my prince charming and I can''t even have a crush on him from now onwards. Why do I feel like crying!!''

    ..

    Right after lunch, all the four walked out of the hotel.

    "I have some urgent work, I will have to leave," Leena confided and was about to walk ahead, but Harley pulled her into a hug. All though Leena was present, but her eyes and heart were on the person standing a little distance away from her.

    "I didn''t know that you guys knew each other already. You met him at Austin and Leah''s wedding right?" Harley asked.

    "Even before that!!" Leena smiled nuzzling the charming bracelet. She has been wearing it from the day he has put on her hand just like Devin was wearing the watch Leena has gifted and it has be her favorite now.

    "Oh, My Leena!! My prince charming and your brand, gentleman are the same right?" Reese cried wheezing like a child.

    "And you better stop ogling at my man from now." Leena reprimanded earning a pout from Reese.

    "Don''t misunderstand him, Leena. He has never dated that stic beauty. I am cent confident. You know what, he has been drinking a banana smoothie every day and it must be because of you. I think, he likes you a lot." Harley said remembering the time he has taken a break of ten days for the wedding and it must be for Leena. She was happy that he got someone to lose his virginity now.

    "Is he really drinking my favorite banana smoothie? My babylicious is so sweet. All in honest, I knew that he has not dated that stic beauty. He did not make a single call for three days and it''s just small revenge I am taking on him. Take care of him in the office. I am very possessive when ites to him and don''t allow that nail-biting bitch in his premises." Leena whispered releasing from the hug. When she was in his office today, she observed that Regina''s eyes were only on Devin and she got a hunch that she is obsessed with the way she was looking at him.

    "Don''t worry! He is not an easy catch." Harley winked.

    "Thank you, Harley." Leena bid goodbye and finally nced at him. Their eyes met but without speaking, Leena fled away.

    Devin " "

    "She is even ignoring me now?" With a dejected mood, he silently walked out of the ce.

    ...

    His body was present in the office, but his mind was elsewhere. Devin tried to concentrate on his work, but her angry face was popping into his mind all the time. Without the interest in anything, he opened his mobile to check the blog she has written at least.

    "Holy banana pants."

    "Banana again? She doesn''t start anything if bananas are not involved?" Devinmuned the blog and started reading about skincare, health, beauty, which she has written and it almost has hundreds of posts and it seemed to be very famous around Facebook, Instagram.

    He just read the titles excluding the content since it was all girly stuff and he moved to the other posts. When Devin clicked on the personal and grooming, he spat the water he was drinking after seeing the post she added.

    [Boobs: Proof that men can pay attention to two things at once. Read and find out how to erge them]

    "Did she really mean it?" Devin shouted at imaginary Leena''s face.

    After reading the whole content she has written, it was no wonder, Harley reads them in hiding mode.

    "She doesn''t have a shame at all. Why does she need them to be big? I will like them how they are. I should talk to her on this matter." Devin made a note to bring this topic in the future and moved to the other post.

    [Dating men: Don''t date men because they can make you look ugly]

    ''What does ugly have to do with dating men? Then what about me? Is she nning to turn me into a monk forever?''

    [Instead of getting split ends in your hair as you rush to work just because you had ate-night date with your boyfriend, sleepless nights because he snores until you end up waking with panda eyes, enter into singlehood and enjoy it]

    "Shees up with all stupid theories which never existed and these dumb women are praising her for writing that kinky stuff," Devin seethed and opened the next post where he was surprised as the article was clearly matching his current status.

    [Number of ways to torture your husband or boyfriend if he lies to you or cheats on you]

 Chapter 135 - Chiku

    If a boyfriend fights, it''s always his fault, even if it''s not really, he has to pay the price. Since Leena did not have a boyfriend in the past after the breakup and neither she wanted to have one, she started influencing the heartbroken girls to go single and the response she got was pretty much as she predicted.

    As it may concern him in the future, Devin wanted to look over it so that he can be get prepared for her wrath.

    Physical tortures

    [Heat a spat until it turns red and spank your boyfriend''s ass with it when he is sleeping. Stare at him without blinking, while slowly licking the knife. Put a strong motion pill in the juice and make sure he drinks it so that he would end up in the hospital for the next three days]

    "Isn''t it considered abusing?" Devin shuddered at the thought of receiving all the punishments. He is fully confident that he would never cheat on her but judging by her craziness, he was sure, Leena would torture him just for fun.

    Mental tortures.

    "She even included mental tortures? She sure is a man-hater."

    He moved ahead to read them knowing that it would be no better.

    [Change the WIFI password of your home. Put him on intimacy probation with no sex, wear a sexy dress, and torture him showing off your assets. The more remorse, the faster you feel happy. When he goes for a shower, stop the water supply, and torment him without turning on the water supply because water won''t wash away the sins hemitted. All in all, lie to him that you missed your period. He would go crazy thinking that you got pregnant and then you can sleep peacefully]

    After reading the content, his head started hurting badly. Now, Devin is starting to see his future already. He was sure, Leena would show him all those kind of tortures in the future just for fun.

    "She is a riot. Where does she learn all these things? It''s better to be silent rather than making her angry." Closing the mobile, he got back to the work thinking that it would fresh his mind at least after reading the violent blog.

    ....

    Reese and Leena straight away went to the office as both have lots of pending work which has to bepleted since Leena has to go for dinner to meet a client friend. Right after, she went to the office, Leena strolled into Carrot''s room where she was sleeping and got back to her office room not intended to disturb her sleep. The three days pent up anger and frustration she had has washed away after seeing him.

    With a smile, Leena got back to her work and in between, she began writing a letter for Devin. She was nning to give a surprise visit to his office tomorrow and take him somewhere and she even got expert advice from her niece Cutie that it would be good to follow the old method when one wanted to confess feelings. Hence the letter came into existence. Cutie even bestowed lines from the letters she has written for her neighboring crushes. Leena instantly liked those cute lines and she modified it a little ording to her taste.

    By evening, she ended her work and stretched her tired body, and prepared to go to meet her friend.

    ...

    The night started to befall, wrapping the day in its dark nket, filling the inky sky with specks of stars.

    Leena strolled into the hotel where she has to have dinner with her friend Amber. She is an actress friend and came to New York for a film shooting. Amber asked Leena for a catch-up in the free time and since Leena didn''t have anything to do in the evening, she agreed to meet her.

    Both were engaged in a deep conversation gossiping about the recent happenings in the entertainment industry. Suddenly, Amber received a call and she excused herself as it was an important one. Without having any work, Leena started ying a game and halted her hands when she felt the shadow of a person. Shezily looked up and saw a man standing in front of her. As usual, she ignored him but he was examining her intently without shifting from the ce. He looked momentous, yet powerful andposed. The age did not diminish the handsome looks, instead, it added confidence and maturity to him.

    "Even uncles are attracted to my beauty now? What can I do? I am born beautiful! Sadly, I am already taken." Grabbing the food menu, Leena hid her face not intended to show her beautiful face. After a little while, she slightly peeked from the menu card and when she didn''t find him on the premises, she tossed the menu onto the table with a sigh of relief. But to her surprise, he suddenly appeared and sat in front of her.

    "Ah! You scared me." Her first words came out of her mouth as she clutched her chest.

    Leena nced at the man and judging by the way he has dressed up in a three-piece suit, he seems to be here for a business and with an assistant trailing behind him, she confirmed he is an elite.

    "Oopsie!! sorry. I did not mean to scare you." He added with a smile.

    "It''s time to leave sir. We have an urgent meeting." His assistant informed him, shocked that his boss was eyeing a young girl. He would get a nice whipping from madam if shees to know about it. Where did he throw his brain to go behind a young girl?

    "Meeting can wait and as for you, go and wait outside." He sternly dered and when his assistant whisked away, he turned around and faced Leena with a sweet smile.

    "Are you single, daughter-inw?" He asked.

    "I am sorry?" Leena was stupefied that he directly started calling her a daughter-inw. What''s wrong with people nowadays? One was shamelessly calling her a granddaughter-inw and now an anonymous man is calling her daughter-inw.

    "Of course, you would be single. Even my Chiku is single. No one can match his status, except you." He added with a triumphant smile.

    "Chiku?" Leena questioned.

    "Ah! It''s my elder son''s nickname. I call him Chiku to annoy him sometimes. But you know, he is the most handsome and eye candy for every woman."

    "Oh!" Leena whispered and opened her mobile pretending to be busy. Internally, she was giggling. Chiku?? What a funky name for a boy.

    I would have died jumping from a mountain if someone would have called me or named me Chiku.

    Even when Leena tried to pretend to be busy, he was continuously bbering about his so-called Chiku. She tried to call Amber, but her line was continuously busy and she didn''t want to leave the ce without telling her.

    "You know what, child! He loves me a lot and you see the wristwatch I am wearing?" He raised his hand showing off his watch. "It was gifted by him for my birthday. How is it?"

    "Nice!" Leena replied with a one-word and went back to ying a game.

    ''What should I do if he gifts you a wristwatch, weird uncle? Can you stop praising that funky boy?''

    While he was boasting about his son endlessly, a familiar voice echoed into Leena''s ears and she nced in the direction where a king-like man was in sitting in an enormous room with media surrounding him with cameras.

    "Was he serious when I talked about that stic beauty? He is even holding a press meet to clearer the rumors?" Leena whispered.

    "He is handsome right?" He uttered with a proud smile when he saw Leena looking intently at Devin. "I heard he entered the modeling industry at the age of fourteen. He is savage! I am proud of his father."

    "But isn''t itme? It must be hard for him to manage both modeling and studies at such a young age. What kind of parents make his son work? They must be sitting in the home and enjoying life with his money while he is working his ass off." Leena felt bad for Devin suddenly.

    ''My poor babylicious has worked a lot from such a tender age.''

    "I_I have urgent work. We will meet some other time, daughter-inw." Quietly, he left the ce bidding goodbye to Leena.

    "There won''t be next time, Uncle weirdo," Leena screamed at the retiring figure.

    "We will see to it, child." He shouted before leaving.

    ...

    Devin strolled into his house in urgency and there he saw his dad in the wine cer, drinking, and he seemed to sense Devin''s presence, he nced in his direction and shouted.

    "Chiku!! I am here."

    "Dad!! This is going to be thest time, I won''t tolerate next time if you are calling by that weird name and why did you meet her? I told you that I would bring her home right?" Devin was seething in anger. It was an ident that his dad noticed Leena''s picture on his mobile which he has saved as a screensaver and he did not know he would go and meet her already without telling him.

    "I was bored to death in office and decided to show my handsome face to her. Do I need your permission to see my daughter-inw?" He asked taking azy sip of his drink.

    "Did you like her?" He asked knowing the answer already watching his happy face.

    "ssy!!! But your mom is adamant about patching you up with some other girl," He informed. Lately, his wife has beenining about his lovely son endlessly that he is not listening to her.

    ''Good that I was in Africa. She wouldn''t even think back to hit me in her anger.''

    "That can change," Devin was confident that Leena has the charm to make her like anyone and his mom was no exception.

    "Let''s hope that she would. Your mom is going to make mincemeat of me if I arrivete." He nced at his wristwatch, thinking about the devil. He got up, ready to leave not before throwing a bomb on Devin. "She knows your nickname already."

    Annoying his son brings more happiness than securing a business deal and so and he went for it and watching his son''s seething in anger, he was sure that he can sleep peacefully.

    "Why did you tell her. She would surely make fun of me" Devin massaged his temples imagining her mocking face.

    ''If shees to know about it, she would tease me for eternity.''

    "You have to deal with it, son." Mirth danced in his eyes.

    "Both are bound to be together. Even fates couldn''t separate and brought them together again." He walked away talking to himself but still, Devin heard his dad''s words.

    For a moment, Devin looked back at the retiring back hearing his words.

    ''Did I hear him correctly? Fates have brought us together again? He is sounding as if I have met Leena before.''

    "He must be drunk to bber nonsense.." Devin reasoned with that possibly as he had never seen Leena until he encountered her in DewGarden park.

 Chapter 136 - Vinny

    It''s been two days, Leena has visited Devin''s office, and thest time they saw each other was at Azure hotel. Devin tried to reach her phone, but she ignored him as usual. While she was checking a report of the new client sitting in her office, Reese barged into the office room hurriedly.

    "Nail-biting girl appeared in our office and she wants to meet you," Reese informed, not understanding the reason for her visit. One thing was clear for Reese, she is here to create a problem.

    "Looks like the dose was not enough for her," Leena retorted. In fact, she expected Regina''s visit on the day she visited Devin''s office. Her obsession for him seems too deep and Leena has a hunch that even Devin is aware of it.

    "What a pathetic white lotus bitch. Even before we confessed our feelings, trouble has raised in the form of her."

    "She doesn''t have an appointment. Shall I send her back?" Reese asked expecting a positive response from Leena. She doesn''t want to ruin her day watching that woman eating her fleshy thumb

    "Bring her in. Aren''t you bored with the work, Reese? Let''s rx and hear thatedy piece''s story." Leena leaned back, as smug as a raffled winner.

    "I will ask Renya to escort her. I can''t even stand the smell of her cologne." Reese did not attempt to hide the disgust in her eyes when it came to Regina.

    "And what are you going to do, if Renya escorts her," Leena asked.

    "I will hide in the screening room and listen to your conversation." Having said that, Reese whisked into the room right after she made a call to Renya and urged her to receive the guest.

    Regina walked into the office in a poised manner. All the employees were busy with their work while Mandy alone was looking at the beauty with a dumbstruck expression. After working in Bliss, she made many model and actress friends and that''s how she gathers all the gossips that are transpiring in the entertainment industry. She knew Regina very well, she was a model before she retired and started her designing career. Knowing that she is garnering the attention of Mandy, Regina shed a sweet smile, and instantly, Mandy was knocked down by it.

    Renya escorted her into Leena''s room and walked out so that they can have a private chat alone.

    "Hello, Leena." Regina walked into the room with a confection smile observing the surroundings. She was surprised when Victor informed that Leena has started her ownpany. Up until now, she did not sense a threat from other women and she has eliminated them easily even if they were dangerous but right now, Leena has be a strong hazard to her.

    "Who are you miss? You are talking as if I am your friend." Leena''s arrogant behavior psyched Reginapletely.

    "I_I we have met already and_"

    "Come to the point if you are here for a business." Leena interrupted her words sharply.

    "I heard you are a model and I am here to get trained under yourpany," Regina exined

    "We don''t train people whock morals and ethics. Please, get out of the office when I am being nice" Leenazily replied without even looking at the woman. Her headache ignited with Regina''s strong cologne smell. She wondered how her colleagues are enduring it.

    "I thought you have morals but you proved me wrong. Before I leave the ce, let me warn you. Don''t run behind him." She warned about the danger she has to confront if she is still stubborn enough and goes behind her man.

    "I like thepetition. The more you warn, the more I want him for myself." Leena chuckled amused by her warnings.

    "He already loves someone and you are just an imposter of her. Once shees back, he would toss you aside." Regina heard that Devin liked a girl at his friend''s wedding while the thought alone was making her burn with jealousy, she still used it to make Leena furious.

    Although Leena was hurt by the words, she quicklyposed herself. She knew that Devin likes someone already, but it''s all in the past.

    ''Be positive Leena! Harley already talked about his feelings. He likes you now.'' Leena convinced herself with the thought. But she still wanted to get her retaliation on this shrewd woman otherwise, Reese or some other innocent person has to suffer in her hands.

    "Do you think he would ept all my ridiculous conditions if has some other woman he likes? Even if he doesn''t like me, there is no chance for you. Don''t soar your heights, Miss nail biter. I have a strong trust in his taste and he will never like someone as shrewd as you. Get out of this ce before I throw you out of mypany. The stench of your perfume is bringing tears in my eyes so much that even onions would be jealous of it."

    "You dared to insult me again?" Regina seethed pointing a finger at Leena.

    "I hate someone pointing a finger at me."

    "Reese!!!" Leena shouted and immediately Reese appeared in front of her from the screening room.

    "Call the security and throw this garbage out of the office" Leenamanded and walked out of the office letting Reese handle the matter.

    Although Regina left the ce in anger, the urge to take revenge on Leena intensified.

    ...

    "I threw her out and asked the servant to clean the room. Don''t dwell on her words, Leena! She is just bluffing nonsense. I think, my pri___ Devin likes you a lot." The words ''my prince charming'' were at the tip of her tongue but, Reese controlled, not after watching Leena''s outrage.

    "Shall we go shopping?" Reese asked again when she did not get any response. She knew, only shopping can bring Leena to herself again.

    "No! I am going to his office." Leena got up from the seat. Right now, no shopping can bring her peace except seeing his face.

    ...

    Leena did not call him thinking of surprising Devin unexpectedly with her appearance and right after she went into the office, Harley rushed to receive her. She brought Leena to her office room in a private elevator.

    "What brings you here, Leena? Did youe to see me?" Harley asked with a wide smile.

    "No. Why would Ie to see you? It''s obviously my babylicious. Where is he?" Leena was thrilled to see his shocked face when she suddenly makes an appearance in front of him.

    "But he didn''te to the office today. Didn''t you guys exchange the numbers? I thought he would have informed you." Harley questioned.

    "I_I ignored his calls." With a dejected mood, Leena looked down at the floor. It was her mistake, to begin with for not answering his calls when he has called her for umpteen times.

    "Do you want to go to his home? I can give the address." Watching Leena on the verge of breaking, Harley couldn''t handle it. Although Devin doesn''t like visitors, he sure would love the surprise if it is his sweetheart.

    "I would love that." Her face beamed, her eyes twinkled in delight.

    After receiving the address, Leena was about to walk away but suddenly she remembered an important element and approached Harley.

    "I_I can I ask you a question?" Hesitantly, Leena posed.

    "Of course, yes."

    "Does he live with his parents?" Leena was a little hesitant to visit him if he is at home. She was not yet prepared to meet his family since she doesn''t know anything about them. Back then, she attended a dinner with Ethan when he forced her to have, but to their surprise, her mom happens to be there partying with her friends and the meeting did not end well. Leena was least bothered at that time. But, it is different now. She doesn''t want any mistake to happen and before visiting them, she wished to know about his parents.

    "I understand your concern. He lives alone. But trust me, everyone is loving in the family and they will surely like you." Harley assured her.

    "Thank you." Leena hugged her for being so supportive in their rtionship.

    ...

    After a whole morning of trying to make a kale sd, Devin finally seeded in making it but almost burnt his kitchen in the process. Leena used to eat a lot of Kale sd when they stayed in Seattle and he started learning her favorite dishes so that he can make it for her in the future. Speaking of that girl, his face darkened. He has called her umpteen times but still ignored them.

    Letting the thoughts aside, Devin was about to put a spoon full of sd into his mouth, his phone buzzed. He neither has a mood to walk towards it nor to talk with anyone. His focus was only on the food which he made for four long hours of watching youtube but still burnt the kitchen.

    He ignored the calls and was close to putting the food into his mouth again, but heard a loud bang on the door followed by the servant''s voice.

    "Sir is not at home. He went to the office. Please visit him in the office." A voice spoke up.

    "Sir doesn''t like visitors. Please talk with him in the office."

    "I aming from the office. Let me in, dumbos!! He is lying to me again?" He heard a familiar voice now..

    "Leena? Why would shee here unless it''s my hallucination? She doesn''t even know where I live." Still, to check who barged into his territory, Devin put aside his dish and stood up.

    "Who is that!! I told not to disturb my privacy when I am_"

    His words died off when he saw a striking goddess attempting to kick his servants away. When Leena heard the door opening, she looked up and her eyes twinkled seeing him.

    "Vinny!!!"

    "Your servants are bullying me. They are not allowing me to see you." Almost on the verge of breaking, Leena dashed towards him and hugged him tightly. She hase here with a mission now and until it is aplished, she is not leaving the ce. Even if he has liked or loved someone in the past, she doesn''t want to dwell on the past.. She will make sure that she would be his present and make him forget whoever that woman it is.

 Chapter 137 - Knocked The Wind Against Her Lungs

    She squeezed him with her tight hug to the point of his fast thud of heartbeat could be felt in her soul and for a moment, Leena felt rxed in his warm embrace. It reminded her of their first hug and his sweet whisperings to console her as if nothing could hurt her with him around and he proved it right and from then on she didn''t want to get out of his arms when they felt like heaven to her.

    Devin''s mood dropped an octave at her spoiled behavior. He has called her umpteen times and sent multiple messages, he even googled emotional sorry quotes and sent her thinking that she would ept his apology but she neither attended the calls nor replied to the messages, and now she has the vigor to trespass his security and had the gall to hug him without any remorse and torturing him again. To add fuel to the fire, she is now calling him Vinny.

    "It seems I have spoiled you rotten." Devin pulled back willingly from the hug. He didn''t want to give in to any of her wishes now. It was just a small lie from his end and did she have to punish him severely to the point of not talking? He couldn''t concentrate on work and it was of no use running to the office. Instead, he tried to distract himself from her thoughts and focused on cooking which is a thousand times harder than securing a business deal. Well, at least for Devin, it is. Her refusal to talk with him has cut through his heart inflicting a stabbing pain in his chest but the moment he saw her face, all the sufferings he underwent for the past two days have faded into thin air.

    "I am not spoiled. Just well taken care of by you." She shamelessly conveyed her feelings as if it was a matter of fact.

    "And now you have be spoiled rotten. Why did youe here? Who gave you the address?" He crossed his arms and lectured her in a cold tone. Although he was mad to the core, it started to loosen up a little when she stepped into his territory by herself.

    "It''s Harley." She pouted when she could sense his anger and she knew her pout is the strongest weapon to win him over.

    "Look at her pout! She is looking at me with her screaming eyes and making me listen to every decibel she never whispers."

    "What whispers?" She innocently asked batting hershes. Although his voice was low, Leena still heard it but pretended to be naive.

    "Nothing and you, stop with that pouting." He scolded when it was getting hard to control.

    "Being pouty is trendy and added with my impable beauty, I know it''s hard for your eyes to keep my beautiful face away." Leena countered, twirling her hair strands proudly.

    Devin was wondering why she did not start trumpeting herself and there it started now.

    With a sigh, he nced at the servants who were enjoying the show as if was a kind of entertainment program. He sternly ordered right away. "Leave for the day. I will take care of the cooking."

    ''Leave for the day? For making a simple sd, he burnt the entire kitchen, and if they leave him alone in the house for the whole day, he would burn it into ashes.'' These were the inner thoughts, the servants had in their mind. But seeing a woman, they believed she could be a help to Devin when he can''t even make a toast without burning the kitchen. Little did they knew, even Leena belongs to the same category but at least burning the kitchen can be excluded from her list.

    Reluctantly, the servants left the ce when Devin''s brooding stares were tormenting them.

    Right after the servants left, Leena looked at him with a broad smile trying to abate his anger. But Devin didn''t give in this time, not after when she ignored himpletely for two days. Without a word, he strolled into the home but left the door open so that she could take a hint.

    "Why didn''t you go to the office?" Leena asked stepping into the house, examining the enormous vi and she must say, everything well fitted with his personality.

    "I was making Kale sd," Devin replied curtly.

    "Kale sd? It''s my favorite. But why didn''t you go to the office?" Leena asked again. Looks like, my Mr.Adonis is good at everything and Leena already started thinking of lending the kitchen responsibility to him alone in the future.

    "Learning the recipe from youtube and implementing it has taken four long hours. So, I missed my office timings. Happy? If you havee here to ask about it, then you got your answer now. So, you can go back home." Ignoring her, Devin went back to his bedroom to get changed, for he was nning to leave for the office.

    "Idiot," Leena whispered. His words were a sharp stab to her chest twisting it endlessly and she realized she has gone too far in pushing him away. She doesn''t know how rtionships worked. It was hardly two months she has gone together with Ethan and she never made an effort to understand the rtionship when she was always being upied. Everything happened on a whim at that time with him.

    But with Devin, it is entirely different. If his sweet talks can lift her to the mountains, his refusal to acknowledge her could push her to the bottom pits. She then realized themand he has over her heart. She hase here to straighten up her feelings for him and until then she is not going anywhere. With that, Leena followed him to the bedroom.

    With the approaching footsteps, Devin didn''t expect that she would follow him blindly and with her rapt stares, he couldn''t change his outfit. Finally, he gave up and approached her. "I will drop you home. Let''s go." He grabbed her wrist and tried to drag her along with him, but even before he could reach the door, Leena jerked his hand away.

    "I am not leaving." She sternly dered looking straight into his eyes.

    "Are you ying with my feelings again?" He mmed the door shut with his foot and pushed her to the door barrier. Locking the door shut, without giving a chance for her to escape which she always does tricking him, he pressed his hands on either side of her head and moved closer until their faces were inches apart. Her heart sped like there is no finishing line, her stomach gave in the butterflies at his surprising nearness, she went weak in the knees while her mind was in the abyss. Everything happened one after the other, finally shutting her brainpletely.

    "Did youe here to mock at me how stupidly I have been going crazy for you?" He grabbed her chin and inclined to his face to see the emotions in her eyes that she would always try to hide within.

    His every word was crammed with apathy towards her. Leena winced in pain with his harsh words. Did he think of me in that way?

    "I have been calling you like crazy for the past two days and you couldn''t even spare a little time to reply? If you have thought of turning me into a stupid, then congrattions, you have sessfully achieved your purpose, infact you have been doing it for a long time. You rip my heart always but you are the one feigning to be bleeding, just like now." Although Devin was the one who has directed the harsh words, he was the one in pain.

    "Did you think of me in that way?" She was hurt. The only person''s kindness she wanted in this world has turned harsh on her. Before she loses her sanity and goes weak, Leena wanted to tell him how she feels about him.

    "Then what about you? Why didn''t you call me after I came back to New York? Without a word, you left me on that day. I know your grandfather is hurt but don''t you think you need to exin at least after? You always run away putting me in puzzles. But you never tell the words I wanted to hear." Her heart was in the mes of pain burning her inside as if the sun of pain is living inside of her heart. She was on the verge of breaking but she is begging her inner self to stay strong. She didn''t want to show her vulnerable side in front of him.

    "Leena.....It''s because I didn''t want to disturb your peaceful sleep when you had a sudden break, and as for contacting you..." There was a pause in his voice powerless to speak, a lump formed in his throat seeing her holding back her tears, and this time he was solemnly credible for them. "I wanted to give you space to sort out your feelings. Didn''t you see my devotion towards you from the day I met you? Why can''t you realize my_"

    "I want to hear it from your mouth!" She cut him in mid-sentence. "You show all the kindness in the world, you protect me with all your heart but you don''t tell how exactly you feel about me."

    "Please. Stop it_"

    "Don''t stop me today. Do you think you are the only one going crazy? Do you know how much I suffered for three days without seeing you? I want to close my eyes because I might get a chance to see you in my dreams. I want to close my ears because I might get a chance to hear your only voice in my head. But I can''t understand your feelings. Not after knowing that I am being an imposter for someone you loved in the past." All the pent-up anger that has been built up in her heart hase to the veneer and she started punching his sturdy abdomen and when it didn''t relieve, she started kicking his legs like she always does.

    Devin was literally shocked by her words. Here he was thinking of imprinting his absence in her mind but he did not think she has been missing him crazy. He didn''t mind when she kicked him or when she was hitting him, the words she confessed were reying in his mind but suddenly something stuck in his brain.

    Imposter of someone I loved in the past? Who dared to put such a false thought in her mind.

    "Imposter for someone? You still don''t know the ce you hold in my heart, sweetheart. You want to know how I feel right? Let me show the things I wanted to do with you alone." There was not a moment of hesitation. He mmed his lips onto hers silencing her protests.

    The next thing she knew when she processed her brain, he had mmed his lips and nearly knocked the wind against her lungs with the sudden invasion. The words she wanted to voice were entangled in her throat when he shut her mouth in an intense kiss.

    He doesn''t want to talk, he wants to prove it to her with actions.. If his actions don''t prove the truth of his words, then his words don''t have a meaning to them.

 Chapter 138 - You Are My Drug, Antidote, Cure

    Her eyes thrived opened when her thoughts were silenced by the sweet taste as if she was taking in an adrenaline shot with him. Her senses quelled with the immense rush of Adrenaline and she nearly forgot to breathe when his hand yanked her hips pulling her close towards him. While they have already kissed twice, it was more like an ident and out of the blue. But right now, he was being rough and wild yet she felt warmth and softness in it.

    He inclined her head and devoured her lips in a perfect fit as if they were made for it. Her wide eyes and dazed brain werepletely surprised to mentally process what''s happening around her.

    He pulled back and slightly took a guilty peek at her when he sensed her eyes being wide awake. "Close your eyes, dumbo." His rasp tone and the warmth of his breath were although weakening her senses, yet it tempted her. This time around, she closed her eyes and soon surrendered under the witchery of his lips and that was all he needed. Her eptance that she also wants him. He pushed himself to the door barrier, sealing the tiny space between them, and mashed against her body as if he wanted to be one with her.

    His one hand went to the back of her neck and the other hand swung around her waist pulling her lithe body closer and closer.

    Heat rose from every inch of his body when hervender scent filled in him to the point of his demise. He gulped hard and squashed her tiny waist with his one hand. She gasped and let out a low moan and he sessfully parted her lips like an artist''s brush against the canvas and slid his tongue conquering the deepest part of her mouth, tasting every fraction of it. The surge of this foreign sensation was driving her crazy and scaring her in every inch of the body.

    Both were naive and immature when it came to intimacy, for they were never involved romantically before, but for a first-timer, his skills were phenomenal as if it was a part of his reproductive behavior, he allowed his instincts to take over.

    She pulled back a little for air when his kisses were intoxicating every part of her body and sending her into euphoria. "D_evin..."

    Her breath danced over his lips and the first time she called out his name, it added fuel to his desire provoking his body which has been longing for her, and he couldn''t wait any longer and went in for another passionate kiss but before he came upon her lips, she pushed him away. "Wait D_evin...First, tell me, do you snore?" She found herself gasping for a breath trying to regain her senses. For the first time, her voice sounded odd to herself.

    "W_hat?" He asked lifting his head and he suddenly recalled snoring was one of the reasons which she has written, in order, not to date men but he never thought she would bring the topic when they were drowning themselves in each other passion. Crazy. She is hell crazy, he thought and he was half-mad at her for breaking their intimate moment but then again is there a limit to her craziness. There were none and except that he has to follow her.

    "I don''t snore and if it bothers you, I will quit breathing. Now don''t stop me."

    "How do you know_"

    He cut off her thoughts in the middle and inclined her head and pressed his lips again and it was roughpared to the gentle one they had before. This time, he pried open her lips and entered her territory hitting her like a ripple of waves, silencing her thoughts as the taste of him invaded her senses. She was too muddle-headed to recall anything except his dominating lips and his fragrance. He was kissing her as if his life depended on it.

    He was biting her lips asionally and then sucking them reaping a low moan from the back of her throat. He was nibbling, rolling all over her mouth, tasting every inch of her lips that are willingly allowing him to savor. It was not only the lips that he was kissing but her soul even.

    That''s it. He could no longer control when the sounds of her moans were pulling him in, awakening something within from the deepest part of his body. But he couldn''t resist her when her body was reacting to him instinctively.

    She was appalled at the enticing vor of his lips doing magic to her when he prated her mouth like a surge of waves in the ocean and her body responded voluntarily. Strangely, she wanted more of him which was unusual of her.

    A gasp escaped from her mouth when he squeezed her waist and his lips monopolized her wlessly as if devouring her to the bottom and she surrendered herself to the force that was pulling her underneath. He slid his tongue and gently sucked for a moment before pulling away to gauge her reaction. Her eyes quivered when he suddenly pulled out and this time, he looked into her eyes, gently stroking her lower lip with his thumb. He found a new way to tease her in a short time and before she couldpose her thoughts, he pressed his lips again and this time around, Leena opened her mouth willingly and he ventured into her territory, twirling his tongue over her, sucking every part of it.

    Her nerves throbbed and she never thought that a kiss could dissolve every inch of the body. Unconsciously, she lifted her foot a little and her hand went to the back of his head while her fingers gripped over his hair pulling him closer against her. He squirmed under the soft touch of her fingers and for a moment his breathing stopped and shuddered, a half growl, a half moan escaped from the back of his throat.

    The low seductive noises sent shivers of panic yet pleasure down her spine as he further deepened the kiss. Their lips remained closed devouring and drowning in each other except their moans in the silent house, it was quiet and serene.

    He has been waiting for this moment for a long time and it was all worth the wait and now he wanted more of her. He was kissing her as if his life depended on the air between her lips. He was kissing her as if he is speaking to her soul directly. He was kissing her taking her breath away making her skin crawl for him more.

    Her breath haggard when she couldn''t take anymore and desperate to breathe, she kicked his legs when the jabs on his chest were neither entering into his ears nor hurting him. Finally, he pulled back a little pressing his forehead against her to let her breathe for a while. Both were puffing and gasping, his breath mingled with her as he took her flushed face.

    Their eyes met. His hazel eyes were flooded with lust and beastly hunger and her''s, a little passion and longing. She couldn''t fathom if this was an oue of her ingenuity or real, for the world was thoughtlessness to her.

    She thought it was over finally. But he wanted more.

    Unable to restrain, he grabbed her hips and tilted her head, and pulled her in, iming her mouth again into another passionate kiss. There was hunger, intense, desire, everything surged for the first time in the twenty-eight years of his life. If he was not supporting her body, Leena would have copsed long before while her knees gave in.

    She wanted to pull away but her senses were shut down by his kiss and she could no longer think straight.

    "Leena.." Devin pulled back and whispered her name slowly prolonging each letter as if he was savoring her name. Her heart fluttered at his hoarse voice. Never before she felt her name so beautiful and wonderful.

    She closed her eyes and this time, she pressed her lips onto his pulling him until there was no space between them taking him by surprise.

    He soon took control when she started struggling to embark into his territory. It was not that he was an expert in kissing but after having a series of passionate kisses with her, he got habituated to the moment. The kiss started gentle but it was demanding, filled with want for both. He was making every part of her body melted into his. He was pouring all his emotions into that kiss admitting his feelings to her.

    Her tears tingled in her eyes and she pulled away for air to breathe, but he didn''t give her much time. A moment of breath, and he pulled her back for another round of passionate kiss. His kiss was now intense and fierce but he knew she would like the little aggressiveness of if. He was kissing her as if he has been starving for a long time. His movements were frantic and desperate as if he has gonepletely insane for her.

    Finally, after a long stretch, he slowed down a little when he was on the verge of breaking his sanity and he didn''t want to scare her with his needs. He has time for eternity to eat her in the future.

    He slowly pulled back resting against her forehead teasing her with shorter pecks asionally on her lips as if he was making her understand their intimate level. His body ached for more than a kiss and touching, he wanted more of her, but it''s not the right time.

    Devin finally lifted his head and stared at her flustered face. With a slow smile, he watched her face still in a daze. The look of the unnerved face made his stomach excited again. He encircled his arms around her waist and pulled her in blowing small gentle kisses over her face and the sensation was enough to make every nerve in her bodye to life. His kiss was a signature pulling her into his until all the gravity is lost under his touch.

    "Do you still dare to think of you as an imposter?" He asked, his voiceced with a warning.

    "I_" She shook her head and hugged him powerless to meet the hunger in this shameless idiot again. She doesn''t want to be devoured by him right now. His eyes have spoken all the words that his mouth couldn''t.

    "You are the dangerous drug of my uncontroble heartbeat but your presence is my antidote and only you are the cure,...Leena....." He lifted her head and cupped her face gently. The world ceased for a moment when their eyes met.

    It was pure love.

 Chapter 139 - His Sweetheart: Her Corazon

    Their first and second kiss might be typical but today it has be so intense that he didnot kiss those petal-shaped lips. He has breathed life into her soul and falling in more love with her eventually.

    "What kind of drug are you?" Devin whispered cing a hand on her lower back yanking her closer. Every single inch of her body is pressed against him, but, he still wants to pull her closer.

    "Huh?" Leena was still in a state of trance, unable to catch the drift of it.

    "You went from being my drug to the reason I live now." She was the drug he was addicted to and he craved for her every day. From when it started, he doesn''t know. Was it the first time he saw her in the Dew Garden? or when they came across in the washroom? Or perhaps in the hotel? But his heart always screams that it''s long before he remembered but his brain has camouged his heart.

    The room went into a deafening silence except for their steady breaths. They stared at each other as if their eyes were deeply conversing without a word. His stares were making her ufortable but in a strange way, sending butterflies and jitters in her stomach every time he sees into her eyes. Fuck butterflies. Leena feels the whole zoo inside her whe she is with him. Damn, his eyes. Finally, Leena dropped her gaze, a gentle flush of pink rose in her cheeks that made her look vulnerable.

    "Look into my eyes, Leena" He raised her chin with his index finger. Every time he looks into her eyes, he feels that her soul is too heavy for her that it filled her to the brim till there was no more space and it is now flowing through her eyes.

    Leena looked up but instantly she shifted her gaze elsewhere. The kiss they shared started to rey in her mind endlessly and every time she gazes at him, her eyes get docked on his lips. Goosebumps formed on her arms as she recalled how he dominated her lips and sucked her every breath each time he came inside.

    "I_I release me. We have ended our kiss right?" She wanted to spank her mouth for speaking about their kiss again. Not intended to look at him, she awkwardly gazed at the carpet lying on the floor, and immediately her brain drifted to the stumble on his chin. Can I get a break from him at least for a moment?

    "Now, you are feeling shy?" Devin never missed to tease her and when she was looking everywhere except him, he took the obligation to lift her chin, and immediately he was pleased to see the flushed look on her face. "So, you understand my feelings now at least?"

    "How special I am for you?" Leena gazed into his eyes asking for confirmation. She got the answer to her question already but her wretched heart still wanted to hear the words from his mouth.

    "If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes, only then you will understand how special you are to me." He rested his face against her, fluttering his eyelids all over her face as if the wings of a butterfly docked on her face gently pping its wings.

    Her heart thumped in and out like a moth, his skin was too close to the point of his throbbing pulse could be felt when he was pressing butterfly kisses on her. The light stubble was caressing her skin when he rubbed his face against her but she didn''t care at all. It felt wonderful.

    "Do you still want to know how I feel about you?" He asked with a mischievous glint as he watched her shy demeanor. "We can go for another round then. I will be gentle_"

    Leena hushed him cing a finger on his lips and before she could retreat her hand, he pulled back gently pressing soft kisses on her knuckles. He wanted to hold her hands for a long time and now he wants to be the only one hand, she ever wanted to hold.

    She tried to pull back but as if he has turned a deaf ear, he continued with his mission not listening to her. Finally, when she thought it was over, he released her hands and pushed her body upwards, and lifted her as if she was made of thin air. She gasped at his rapid actions. Why does he always scare me with his feats? But she was finding him sexy when he does those kinds of things unexpectedly. Mad! I have definitely gone insane for him!

    "Put me down, idiot." When she felt gravity was pulling her down, although he was wielding her securely but her legs wrapped around his torso, unconsciously.

    "Sorry sweetheart. I am deaf to your words now." Devin was as stubborn as a mule now. He has been holding for a long time. Now that he realized their feelings are mutual, did she think he would listen to her requests? No way.

    "You have be more shamelesspared to before." She encircled her arms around his neck as he carried her towards the bed.

    "Is it? Then I am honored. There is a virtue in being shameless." cing her on his bed, he leaned on to her putting his hands on either side of her head without shifting his weight. Although Leena was still not used to the sudden intimacy, she couldn''t bring herself to reject it. She knew he wouldn''t do something which would insult her or vite her respect just like someone did in the past.

    "Besides, you cannot make a shameless man feel ashamed." When ites to her, he is not only shameless, even aimless. Finally, he felt home. She was in his home, lying on his bed. He wished the world to pause for an eternity.

    "Just like we can''t make cockroach a cockroach. Because it''s already cockroach." Leena teased encircling her arms around his neck and pulled him a little closer.

    "You dared to call me cockroach. You ought to be_"

    "I never called you cockroach. Someone has let the cat out of the bag." She giggled as she watched his zing hot eyes and she slightly pushed him away rising from the bed. The scent of his bed was putting indecent thoughts on her head and she wants to wake up before she loses her sanity.

    "I watched the press meet." Leena hugged him when she was missing the warmth of him. She was wondering when did she be a clingy shit to shovel. "Honestly, it was not necessary. The rumor has already diluted. Why did you bring it to the surface?"

    "I don''t want any discrepancies between us, Leena."

    "Alright." Leena suddenly released for her hug and squeezed his cheeks when she found him adorable. "And when I was watching your press meet, one weird uncle disturbed me and I have to put a stop to the show." Leena wanted to make him a little jealous blowing a gaff about the incident that happened yesterday with one weird uncle.

    "Weird uncle?" Devin asked, he had a hunch that it''s his dad. He was the one who went to visit her yesterday.

    "A very weird uncle. He started calling me his daughter-inw, bragging about his son endlessly and he wants me to marry his son. Actually, his son''s Nickname is bizarre. Chiku, it seems. Who keeps such a ridiculous name." Leena giggled, if not Devin was hugging her, she would have rolled on the bed unable to control herughter.

    Hearing the confession, Devin cringed. He was fine with his dad''s bragging, but the trademark would be too hard to carry from now, after all, it was revealed to the craziest person.

    "You shouldn''t degrade names, sweetheart. Who knows, his son might be forced to carry that name." Rage churned over him when he recalled his dad''s face.

    "But still, I couldn''t control myughter right at that minute. That was one hell out of the name. I would have jumped from a mountain if someone would have called me with such a funky name." Leena felt unhappy this time since she did not expect the jealousy she wanted from Devin. If only she saw his clenched fists, he was raging with anger on his dad.

    Devin knew she would make fun of the name. But he was also terrified how she would mock him when shees to know the truth. But right now, he could only divert the topic. He will worry about itter.

    "It''s not good to dwell on other''s topics. So, tell me what are we now?" Devin asked bing serious when ites to their rtionship status.

    "Why don''t you answer that to me?" Leena countered. So, how am I going to be his girlfriend?

    "Isn''t it obvious? My sweetheart." He doesn''t want to address her as his girlfriend. He wants more than that. But if he asks her for a hand in marriage, she would freak out and kick him right away. He slowly and steadily wins the race and he can eventuallye to marriage.

    "Huh? Not a girlfriend?" Leena asked in confusion.

    "No. You are my sweetheart." He whispered leaning against her forehead stealing a peck on her lips.

    Leena hit him on his shoulders for sneaking like a cat and stealing the kiss.

    ''If I am his sweetheart, then I should think of a unique name, right? Even I don''t want him to be my boyfriend.''

    She searched her brain for a length and tossed all the irrelevant words that popped up in her head and finally, she hase up with a tag for him. ''My Corazon''. Finally, she picked it from the song, Duel El Corazon.

    "Don''t ever talk that you are an imposter of someone? All right?" Devin dered leaving no room for discussions. He wondered who dared to put such a false thought into her brain but there is also a possibility that she would assume the things going into her cuckoond again.

    Leena nodded her head but something was not settling in her heart. She still wanted to know the mysterious woman he loved in the past. Although she was his present, she wanted to know about the lucky woman because Leena always thinks that girl must be lucky to have Devin. Although she feels that for herself, her narcissistic self doesn''t want to admit it.

    "What''s wrong?'''' Devin asked studying her face. He could sense she is still bothered by something. Is she still doubting my feelings?

    "I_I want to know the girl you loved in the past?" Leena finally voiced out her inner thoughts.

    There she goes again.. She is still not sure about my feelings? Where did she got go know that that I loved someone in the past? Since she was so adamant about knowing, even Devin wanted to y with her for some time.

 Chapter 140 - Her Soul Touching Portrait

    Every cell in his body screams her name and she is the only thought he gets in his mind throughout the day yet he couldn''t efface her insecurities. Her simple assumption could crumble and make their rtionship fall if he is not careful and it''s not healthy when they are still in the starting stage of the rtionship. He wants to be transparent with her. It''s now or never.

    "What made you think that I have liked someone in the past?" Devin grew serious momentarily. He neither talked inappropriately nor behaved intimately with any other woman he felt that Leena knows it already, but still, she has barked up the wrong tree. There is no smoke without fire. Either she has put a wrong interpretation on him or someone must have poisoned her mind. He couldn''t fathom who has the gall to put such a false idea on her brain. At the moment, there was none he could suspect.

    "I just feel that you did. Who is she? Did you meet her during your university days? How long did you date her?" She interrogated him again. Even if he had liked or loved someone in the past, Leena did not mind, but her wretched heart monopolized her. The mere thought of some other woman in his arms was enough for her blood to boil but she hides the pain with sce, after all, she is in no position to feel green-eyed when she was in a rtionship in the past. Ethan was a ck dot in her simple life, crashing into her life to ruin her entirely. It took her years to lift herself up and now that she has found her happiness, he has appeared in her life again as his cousin. She doesn''t know how Devin would react if he knows that she has dated his cousin in the past.

    "Forget about dating, did you see me with any other woman before?" He asked again in all seriousness. His dating history included only one woman in the past and it was not even a day, he broke up with her since his heart was longing for his soulmate alone. He doesn''t even remember on what circumstances he has agreed to a date that woman. There are times, he thinks, he forgets the most important things effortlessly.

    "I did not see it. But I heard you talking with her over the phone." Guilt passed when she remembered the day she peeped into his mobile. "I_I unintentionally peeked into your phone on the day you got a call from Lovely Eve." To keep a name intimately, he must have to hold it dear to his heart, at least in the past, and now that he likes me, he forgot to change the contact name. This was the only logic Leena coulde up with at the moment.

    ''Was it one-sided or did he break up with her? If so, why?'' Her brain started thinking endlessly again of the possible oues while Devin was in another hex.

    Lovely Eve! It''s my mom! Devin recalled the day he got a call when they were strolling in the park. Until he gets Leena''s consent, he didn''t want to reveal her, so he did not attempt to talk with his mom in front of Leena. But never he thought, this crazy girl has peeked into his mobile. If she has dered Jasper and Drew in a rtionship just by her assumptions, it was no wonder that she has concluded that Devin liked someone in the past.

    "Now that you knew the truth, I will be honest with you. Yes, I liked someone dearly. But, it doesn''t matter now. All I have is you." Devin suppressed the smile that was threatening toe out as he watched her mood turned sour. My sweetheart has be a jealous cat.

    "Oh! H_ow does she look." Before she could close her mouth, the words escaped out of her lips. Leena wanted to p herself for bringing his past and turning green with envy. However, her heart would be in turmoil if she doesn''t know about her. She wanted to see her once, after all, it is concerned to Devin. She always lets herself over the top, but when ites to him, she throws all the logic out of the window putting her insecurities at the top.

    "I have no words to describe her ethereal beauty. Want to meet her?" He always finds a way to annoy her and seeing her ring in red, he was internallyughing.

    "I don''t want to meet." Her ugly angel instantly declined although her Lovely Devil was screaming at the top of her lungs to ept the invitation.

    "Her beauty is a treasure beyond the price" Devin slowly leaned in and whispered into her ears. "She is more beautiful than you."

    If Devin''s intuition was right, in jiffies, Leena would ept the invitation. After all, he has hit her bottom line calling some other woman beautiful in her presence.

    "Take me to her!" She demanded. That''s it. Devin has sessfully provoked Leena until she roared.

    Dunce idiot. Wanker Idiot. Just know he confessed to me that I am not someone''s imposter. Now he is praising some other woman and he dared to call that pig-ignorant woman beautiful in front of me? She must be as thick as two short nks.

    Out of blue, Leena jumped from the bed to see that woman personally. While Devin lent her a hand, she jerked it away. But still, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into a room with arched bookshelves. The interior was beautifully crafted with gorgeous decor but it holds a trump card. Behind one of the arched bookshelves, there was a secret door that leads to a hidden room and guided her in. She thought he would take her to the ce where that woman was residing. But it confused her, even more, when he took her to a secret room.

    Did he kill and hide her skeletons in a secret room?

    But the instant she walked into the room, the lights turned on automatically in a flicker, and the sight which came into view would be forever etched into her memory.

    "Am I dreaming?" She whispered at the beautiful sight.

    Arge portrait was welded to the wall where a girl was smiling dazzlingly. It was a picture of hers when she wasughing happily. She never knew her smile would be such captivating that she wants to see it over and above. It has affluently captured her soul along with her picture. The picture portrayed all her emotions in a soul touching way. When did he capture this photo? She was amazed to see the room was entirely filled with her pictures alone which were framed and stocked to the walls.

    Wrapping his hands around her waist, he gently ced his chin on her shoulders without putting much weight on her body and pointed his eyes towards his treasured photo. "That''s my idiot. My only crazy Idiot. Isn''t she an ethereal beauty?"

    All her shots were captured by Devin alone. Other than his love of basketball, he has many other hobbies and one of them is photography which only a few people knew. He has secretly captured her pictures from the day they she was in Seattle. The portrait which was welded to the wall is his precious treasure which was the best shot he has ever captured until now. He has specially designed the secret room to keep her portraits alone. From the day, she was in Seattle and up until the wedding, everything that was captured in his camera was hanging on the wall.

    She has no words to speak. He never stops showing how much she meant to him. Tears tingled in her eyes as she turned around. She couldn''t keep her emotions in check now. Although she knew that he liked her, it never hit her brain that he was Topsy turvy for her. The one name which she has seen on his phone has made her jealous to the core and immediately misunderstood him.

    But the one he liked was me? I have been envious of myself?

    "Why me?"

    "Because it''s you." With a smile, he pressed a kiss on her eyes.

    "I am not a yboy who goes after every woman, Leena. I am a one-woman man and call me a pervert or shameless, it''s only for you alone. From the day, I have seen you, you never left my mind. You would appear even if I close my eyes. My heart has no ce for anyone except you."

    A pearl dropped from her eyes hearing his confession.

    "Why are you so cute, Devin. Lift me." She raised her arms surprising him again. Joy dripped from her tearyshes in the form of happiness. Her heart couldn''t express the happy tears brimming within her.

    Right, when he lifted her to his height, Leena wrapped her legs around his torso steadfastly, and even before he could fathom what''s happening around, his face was showered with kisses. She encircled her arms around his neck pressing her lips on every inch of his face. "You are the beautiful cupcake in a world full of muffins."

    "Don''t you have any other words topare?" He was surprised when she suddenly started pressing butterfly kisses on his face. So, finally, I have tamed this man-hater?

    "I like topare you uniquely."

    "I am d that you are considering that. To be irreceable in your heart, I have to be unique."

    "Now tell me, who is Lovely Eve?" Leena asked, curious of the person who has made her jealous to the core.

    "Do you believe if I tell you that it''s my mom?" He chuckled at her jealous self. Evelyn. You made my sweetheart jealous. I will take care of you once Ie back home.

    "Mom?" She screamed in fright.

    "Yes, sweetheart and you misunderstood me again. Do not make assumptions from now. If you are in doubt, ask me immediately."

    "Alright, and stop lecturing me." She pouted.

    Leena was internally doing a happy dance.. Did I feel jealous of his mom? Oh my God! You are such a brat, Leena.

 Chapter 141 - Her Crazy Confession Letter

    Her one line of misunderstanding would have erased the happy moments they shared if Devin was not cautious enough ande transparent with her. Although they were not officially a couple in the past, they almost behaved like one, that''s what he felt. The three words were at the tip of his mouth and he wanted to tell those three magical words when he confessed his feelings but it''s not the time and he knew Leena would not ept it if he made it simple, after all, she is an attention seeker. She would shamelessly ask for a huge one or more she would nag him for not giving a proper proposal. If everyone is born crazy, only she remained that way.

    When Leena has taken the initiative to kiss him, Devin was like a dog with two tails. She hates being touched by a man and now she has turned over a new leaf. He was proud that only he was the one to bring her out of that state. His thoughts were broken when a sweet mellifluous voice seeped into his ears.

    "Devin...." Her voice babbled happily like a mountain river.

    "Hm?" When the name escaped from her lips again, it threw him to the edges causing him to have a buck fever like novice hunters experience a nervous excitement at the sight of a game. From the day, they knew each other, she called out his name for the first time when they were drowning in each other''s passion and he was in tenterhooks expecting to hear his name to boot. With the vigor she was calling his name, his heart is racing at a zillion horsepower speed.

    "Devin....." Leena called him all over again. They were still in the secret room and like a ko, Leena was cuddling him, except that her face is now resting on his shoulders. Even when he wanted to carry her out of the room, she didn''t let him. She wanted to be in the secret room for a while which he has taken an effort in designing for herself.

    "Hm...Tell me, sweetheart."

    "I like your name." All in honest, Leena liked his name when Reese talked about Devin for the first time, and instantly she liked the name and even felt jealous that her mom has not thought of such a unique name for her. "Ask me what''s in your name that I liked? I will tell you the answer."

    Crazy idiot, Devin thought. Then she should have answered it straight away. Why asking me again? It''s like posting a picture on Facebook or Instagram and asking friends to post ament on it and then shamelessly replying a thank you to the post. He was sure that she would be doing these kinds of things. His brother has a habit of doing this kinky stuff.

    "What''s the thing you liked in my name? Is the question okay for you, madam?"

    "I guess it''s fine. Since you are begging for my answer, I will take that opportunity. Your name has everything you do. Did you find my answer cute?"

    "Damn cute." But phsyco, he kept the thought to himself.

    "Thank you." She added with a sheepish smile. "When did you capture the photos? I never knew you are so good at photography." She was amazed by his photography skills. Although she has seen it already when he taught her the basics, it was still a surprise that he is talented in everything. She felt the photos a little simr to her beloved photographer, except that he is more into capturing animals, gxies, andndscapes.

    "From the day you came to Seattle. I secretly captured them. I kept it as secret thinking that you would bark at me if you ever find them." He exined.

    "I am not a dog." She hit his shoulders with her fists.

    "And they said, the barking dog never bites but didn''t you bite Andrew?" Recalling the memory of that night, he chuckled remembering her funny feasts after inhaling nitrous oxide.

    "He deserves it for not allowing me to see you," Leena added. "Put me down. I can walk."

    "No." He instantly decided.

    "Fine." She sighed at his clinginess. "Then at least take me out of the room. I got something for you."

    "What is it?" He asked with an excitement-filled voice. Did she bring another gift just like the watch she gifted? Speaking of the gift, he is yet to give her and he made a note to give something which she would never forget.

    "You will know it soon until then it''s a secret." She took onest nce at her portrait before Devin carried her out of the room. Leena asked Devin to wait in the bedroom and rushed outside where she has thrown her purse. Grabbing the neatly wrapped decorated wrap, from it, she rushed to the bedroom where he was waiting.

    "Where did you go?" He asked when Leena was acting all secret putting her hands at her back. "You don''t even know the way properly."

    "I am intelligent unlike you." She proudly brandished herself and handed him the decorative gift." This is for you."

    "What is it?" It was neatly decorated with fine paper and when he opened it, a letter was sitting on it which surprised him. Did she write a letter for me?

    "Read it by yourself." Sheepishly, she rushed out of the room when she couldn''t watch into his eyes when he is reading the letter.

    With a shaky hand, he opened the letter still in a daze that she has taken time to write a letter to him.

    "My dear babylicious...."

    "What a crazy name she has decided.." He sighed and went to read a further part of the letter.

    [My dear babylicious,

    I know this letter might not be a regr one which you get every day from your fangirls but as you know, I am a unique girl, so naturally, it should be extraordinary and unique.

    You make my cardiac muscle pump blood through my vascr system very quickly and I always feel that you are DNA helicase because you always unwind my problems whenever I am in hazard. Positively, I have never seen someone as handsome as you and you are hotter than the bunsen burner which can set to high mes.

    I may sound silly, but you have been making my dopamine levels go silly. I have realized it long before about my feelings but I couldn''t express it because of some ''DIVIDER'' called your past love. I thought I could forget you but it''s hard since you have be the most important element in my periodic table. If I could rearrange the chemistry periodic table, I would put Uranium and Iodine together because U and I will be together always from now. You are mine, no refunds. Sorry about that because you have decoded my heart until I couldn''t encode it back.

    The human body might have only 206 bones but if you are around, I feel that I have 207 bones. If I had to choose between DNA and RNA I choose RNA because it has U in it. I have be crazy right?

    Roses are red, but sometimes they are thorny, and that''s how I feel when you are not with me. You have seized my heartpletely. I feel that you are the mitochondria in my body because you have be the powerhouse of my heart.

    Chemical reactions are not the only one that goes faster when there is an increase in heart pressure in my body now. Just the mere mention of your name and footsteps could trigger electric waves pulse in my body. Although our heights don''t match, I will make sure that the permutations andbinations between us work. I hope you like me, the same way I do because if you like water then you have already liked 72% of me. After all, I am made of 72% water. I hope you understand the circumference area and volume of my affection towards you. All in all, every cell in my body screams your name and I have be crazy for you.

    For(I=0; I<infinity; I++){I have be crazy for you and no one could rece you in my heart}

    I know, you don''t know about programming, so I am exining the logic of the above program in yournguage. I have be infinitely crazy for you, Devin, and no one could rece you from my heart.

    Sincerely,

    Your sweetheart

    P.S Buy me a cute dress for epting you into my life.

    ..

    After reading the entire letter, all the emotions started swirling making his brain go numb for a second. He never thought Leena share the same feelings for him until today but he has never expected such a beautiful confession. To confess their feelings itself people struggle from within, but she has written a confession letter. Although she did not tell the three magical words, he could find the depth of her feelings.

    He rushed out of the room in search of Leena and there she was sitting on the couch nervously fiddling with her fingers.

    When she heard his footsteps, she nervously nced at him. Slowly, he moved towards her.

    "Did you read the_"

    Before she couldplete her words, she was embraced in a tight hug. He squeezed her with his tight hug that his rapid heartbeat was drumming into her ears. He doesn''t want to share her with anyone. Call him selfish, that is what he felt.. She might have loved Ethan in the past and got hurt but she has taken a step ahead and epted him into her life and he made a vow to cherish her forever.

 Chapter 142 - Educational Rock Star

    Honest to goodness, he has never encountered such a lovely confession in his entire existence. Though he gets many in a day from his followers, he hardly had time to read it and he knew none of them would be a unique one like Leena hasposed and it was solely written for him. The letter might be abination of chemistry, science, mathematics, or some other subject which he did not mind right now other than his drumming heart, but he could feel the depth of her feelings.

    "Ummm...Devin....did you read the letter?" Leena returned his hug inhaling his scent deeply. Oddly, it is provoking many thoughts and memories of him.

    "I have no words to express how beautifully the letter isposed." He released her and pressed a kiss on her forehead lovingly. "I feel a very unusual sensation now. If it''s not indigestion, then I must be grateful to you for confessing in such a beautiful and unique way."

    "You are slowly joining in on my weirdness, Devin." She smiled at his choice of words. "Do you mind if I am crazy? Many people don''t like_

    "I am lucky enough to find a crazy girl like you, I am never letting you go, Leena." He nuzzled his nose onto her cheek feeling a strong sense of affection. "What kind of dress you want?" He remembered she wants him to buy a dress since she epted him into her life. Devin didn''t want to admit to her but he couldn''t stopughing when he reached thest part of the letter where she asked to buy a dress. The pickup line was more of a children''s bargaining.

    "Anything. I trust your taste. If you have picked me out of the seven billion poption, then you should have very good taste. After all my beauty is ethereal." She proudly brandished her beauty again which Devin was used to now.

    "And If I have asked you one dress, it doesn''t mean that you have to get only one. Don''t be a miser unlike before." She berated him referring to the dresses she received from his brand on the first day. She confirmed that it is indeed Devin who brought her the dresses.

    "Alright sweetheart." He made a note to buy in a bigger volume this time. "Now do you believe that I don''t have any past love?"

    "Yes! A million times." Leena nodded her head fervently. In fact, she was internally doing a happy dance.

    "Did you havee here to confess your feelings?" Guilt passed when he acted rashly on her without knowing the truth.

    "And you have criticized me that I came here to mock at you." She yelled at him seizing the chance to make him look like a criminal.

    "I am sorry for shouting at you." He tried to coax bringing his puppy face on to the surface. "Are you still mad at me?"

    "Maybe if you say ''Sorry, I was little ass before'', I will excuse and take you back into my life." Leena suppressed herugh watching his face turning cranky. But until she got the desired sorry from him, Leena didn''t leave him and finally, he has to give in to her wishes and utter those foul words from his mouth.

    "Any other demands you have?" He asked with a sigh.

    "Yes. Although I have written the confession letter, you did not read it first. So, logically, you are the first to confess." Leena informed him strictly. Finally, she could maintain her man-hater image and peacock to her friends shamelessly that he was the one running behind her.

    "Yes madam. I don''t mind at all. Happy now?" Devin was d that he has taken the initiative to confess his feelings. He wants to be top in it at least. "But does it make any difference? I am not going to tell it to any_"

    "It will make a hell lot of difference." She interrupted in the middle. "What if you tell that I was the first to propose in front of our children in the future? What do they think of me?"

    For a second both stared at each other without a word. Leena instantly covered her mouth with her hands for slipping her tongue again.

    "I_I have to go to the bathroom." Before Devin could catch her, Leena whisked away but suddenly remembered she is still in his house. Can I escape from him now? Slowly she turned around and peeked at him, her embarrassment deepened as she took a peek at his face.

    ''Your mouth doesn''t have control, Leena. Now he will think that I am the desperate one here. You started the rtionship today and already thinking about children.''

    When Devin finallynded into his world, he looked at her embarrassed face and strolled towards her swiftly.

    "You seem to be desperate, darling. Let''s go and make one." He wanted to push and tease her about how far she would let her. The idea of bringing a new life into their life was turning him into mush.

    "I_I didn''t mean that." She stammered with her words. "It slipped out of my mouth without conscience."

    "Thoughts doesn''t slip unless you are thinking about it in your mind. We can make one_"

    "I am hungry. Make something to eat.''" Leena cut him off in the middle to shift his attention.

    "Is that your another trick to divert me?" He asked crossing his hands.

    "I came here without eating anything because even if I see the food, your face would pop up." She wiped her imaginary tears. "Do you want me to starve to death even now?"

    "Drama Queen. You always hit my bottom line." He pinched her cheeks when she looked even cuter with her crocodile tears. "What do you want to eat? I will make it for you."

    "Anything from your hand." She pulled his hand and brushed his palm while maintaining eye contact with him. Her thoughts rushed back to the day she spoke something nonsense about palm and feet. Her face reddened when her eyes docked down. Instantly, she gazed up putting a stop to her lewd thoughts.

    "If you keep teasing me, we will end up somewhere else." His warm breath amused her, she was again drowning in those eyes.

    "Where will we end up?" She innocently batted her eyshes, a mirth was dancing in her eyes.

    "Stay here. I will go and make something." He cleared his throat retreating his hand. Temptress was the only word that prated his mind for this feisty angel. She is unraveling the beast in him to feast on her again.

    A sly smile crept over her lips after he walked out of the room. Leena went towards his bed, jumped on it, and made herselffortable. A sigh of relief escaped from her lips when she felt that the heavyweight has been lifted from her shoulders.

    "I was the one he liked me from the beginning?"'' She giggled rolling on the bed in all happiness. She was in her pool of thoughts until she got a sniff of burning smell after a long stretch.

    "What is this nasty smell?" Unable to withstand, Leena jumped from the bed and marched forward until she got a strong whiff of a certain food smell in a certain direction and walked towards it. Just when she entered the kitchen and looked at the scene, she wanted to roll on the floorughing.

    She thought rocket science might be moreplicated than cooking for Devin when she saw him seriously concentrating on the dish while using a cherry-pick to see if the tofu is perfectly boiled or not, although it has already turned into a dark brown. The kitchen was in no state to recognize. Everything is scattered here and there. All this happened within minutes?

    "Is this a kitchen or forgotten burger on the grill?" Devin snapped and turned to her from his serious state.

    "My cooking is fabulous. It burnt a little, that''s all." He argued. He thought he could manage it using YouTube without letting Leena know about his cooking skills but he was caught by her.

    "A little?" She shouted. "Even the smoke rm is cheering you." Here she was thinking of throwing kitchen responsibilities in the future when she heard that he made the kale sd by himself but watching his extraordinary cooking skills, she withdrew the petition. Leena was sure that the kale sd would be no good to taste.

    "You can''t make me do all the kitchen stuff, Devin. You need to learn all these things for the future." She started lecturing him and carefully walked crossing all the monkey wrench in the work stunts he made in the kitchen.

    "Why would I ask you to do this kind of stuff. We have a cook, sweetheart."

    "But still you have to learn it. Let''s start with the basics. I am going to be your educational rock star today." Leena took the responsibility of teaching when even she was mediocre in it but she would never admit it.

    "What kind of things will you teach?" He cleared the distance and grabbed her by the waist pulling her towards him. "Instead of learning cooking, let''s do something productive."

    "You are distracting the teacher." She pushed him away when his scent was intoxicating her again. "We are going to make fresh juice and that is going to be your first lesson."

    He did not have any other choice except to oblige her wishes and started executing the steps which Leena was instructing. Leena felt that making him learn cooking was worse than sending Cutie to her school.

    She finally stood there observing him cutting the watermelon carefully. Her heart was thumping seeing his captivating face from the side. Even when he is cooking, she felt him alluring. His eyes were shining brighter than stars as if the universe was dancing in those pools.

    Her legs gave in, camouging her brain, and went behind him. Without warning, she encircled her arms around his waistying her head on the back.

    "Is this one of your teaching skills?" He shuddered at the sudden attack. She would definitely give me a heart attack one day.

    "Hmm.. It''s a test to check if you are concentrating while cooking." She whispered.

    His breath haggard, still Devin tried to concentrate but Leena was making it difficult for him when she started stroking his arms deliberately. Thest self-defense he was maintaining crushed and he threw the knife whichnded somewhere else which he didn''t care as long as it was would not hurt his sweetheart.

    "Then you are a terrible teacher." He turned around swiftly, lifted her by the waist, and positioned her onto the kitchen counter.. Without waiting for a reply, he swooped in for another passionate kiss.

 Chapter 143 - Dont Bite

    The moment When his lips reached hers, she felt the earth under her melt away again and the time stopped for a beat. In a short period, she was finding his kisses were bing his signatures, autographing on her lips with his own style.

    He dragged her towards him by the hips from the kitchen countertop and wrapped her legs around his sturdy abdomen. She could feel the taut abs that are screaming to rip out of his skin with the heat surging through his body.

    His hand slid to the back of her neck and inclined them to a T to win perfect ess on her lips. Their warm breaths were the only ones that divaricated the rifts between their open mouths. He slightly nced into her eyes and then she submitted herself to himpletely under his scorching gaze. His tongue was ying all the game, licking, sucking, and tugging her lips skillfully. Ever since their first kiss, the only sweetness that he craved was the taste that came from her lips. The kale sd he made for hours was not even at the edge of his brain now. His passionate demanding soul searching kiss has nearly knocked the earth off its axis. His kiss could make angels go hazy and demons weep within.

    She encircled her hands around his back and traced his spine with her fingers all the way reaching to his hair when a strong desire surged in her. Her fingers were soft feather-like touch doing magic on his hair like the mystic winds in the winter breeze, teasing him yfully. Uninvited, a low growl escaped from his mouth as his lips stroked her tongue. She gasped when he suddenly squeezed her arms and his tongue drove into her territory parting her lips in search of the juicy flesh hidden inside the forbidden area. He yed with her tongue, twirling and sucking it skillfully as if he has be an expert after a handful of passionate kisses they shared today.

    She inhaled for a short puff pulling back from the kiss desperate for breath. When she looked into his eyes, she was met with hunger and desire. Her face heated up instantly and bit her lips which have turned into mush already with his sensual kisses. Something awakened in his body with the way she nipped her lower lip.

    "Don''t bite your lip, Leena. You don''t know how much it is affecting me." He whispered breathlessly into her ear. She gaspedpletely unaware that she was biting her lips unconsciously. Hepletely lost to her and without waiting for a second, he pulled her closer whispering into her ear. "I am the only one who is allowed to bite them." Without waiting for her reply, he bit her lower lip and plunged his tongue into her mouth parting them away.

    The sharp bite of pain that came from the cut of her lips made her flinch until his tongue came out of her mouth to soothe the pain of her bruised lips. His seductive movements were so intimate that her body trembled. The feeling of his lips on her skin and his hands below her breasts sent shivers through her body and the smell of his intoxicating body made her crave for him more. Her hand slid to the back of his necks and grabbed his hair to pull him closer to her body and she suddenly flinched when he squeezed her waist.

    He leaned down until his lips brushed her ear. "Stop flinching." He whispered and bit her lips like a slow painless nibble and shoved his hot slick tongue devouring her mouth. His lips knew the art of tuning her lips perfectly and make them dance to his tunes wlessly.

    Her lips were supposed to taste like forbidden fruit, sweet to savor. Yet every breath they exchanged between their urgent mouths tasted limitless making it unspeakably desiring for both. A deafening silence prevailed in the entire house except for her moans and his growls battling with their tongues in the kitchen.

    His mouth swallowed greedily to smell every exhale of her delicious mouth to drink every sap. Until he realized he was being selfish, he pulled back to let her breathe.

    He kissed her opulently, deeply, and nefariously squeezed her hips while his tongue danced with hers. The longer he tasted her lips, the more he is getting drunk by them. Her hands roaming in his hair are enough to te him to suck the growl out of him. The most eloquent sound in the room was their two mouths battling in a hungry kiss.

    The taste of her divine lips, the warmth of her breath, the smells of her intoxicating body, the feel of her smooth skin, the sounds of her low seductive moan, and the sight of her ecstasy was making him lose his mind. He was addicted to this dope.

    Devin finally broke the kiss apart before he loses his sanity, Both were breathless, gasping for a puff. He pressed his forehead against hers and brushed his lips across the cheek and suddenly sucked her ear.

    "Devin...." Leena whispered throwing her head back when he took the soft lobe in between his teeth biting it gently sending waves of pleasure caressing through her body as heved her sensitive skin. He was driving her insanely crazy for him to the point that a seductive moan escaped from her mouth and his lips curved into a smile watching her flushed face, hearing her moans.

    "Hmm? Tell me, sweetheart." His arc breathing was making his words more like a soft caress than a sound. He left her ear and returned his lips to her mouth again rubbing all of her thoughts with another passionate kiss.

    He did not let her speak and cut off with a kiss. Instantly Leena felt something hard poking behind her.

    Oh, God!

    Her eyes wide opened at a sudden realization.

    ''If I don''t stop him today, this pervert don''t even think to devour me now.'' Leena tried to move from his embrace so that he could take a hint and release her but every time she moved, he grew harder. ''Is it made of rock or what? It''s poking hard even more. I thought it would be soft.''

    "Just stay where you are, Leena." His voice turned hoarse unable to keep up with his desires when it appears to her. Until now, he did not have any desire for a woman but when she crashed into his life and after tasting her scrumptious lips, he understood what it feels to be kissed, and now he wants more. But he knew, Leena is still not ready for it. Removing the tag of man-hater from her and making her fall for him was the biggest notch in his life.

    He didn''t let her move and stayed in the same position for a long time to cool himself down there. Until a loud ring echoed into their ears, they snapped back. Both nced at each other and she silently threatened him to put her down but he did not let her go.

    "It''s my mobile. Someone is calling. Put me down." Leena urged attempting to get down. But he didn''t release her. Instead, he carried her along with him and picked the mobile that was thrown somewhere in his bedroom.

    "Snoring tractor?" Devin asked in wonder catching a glimpse of the contact name. He never knew snoring is a crisis to date men for Leena to the point that she brought the topic when they were drowning in each other''s passion.

    "It''s Reese. Her snores are worse than a tractor sound when she sleeps." Leena giggled and lifted the call. Even when she was talking with her, Devin did not put her down. He was carrying her like a child, her legs were dangling on either side of his waist when he moved around the house, quietly listening to her talks.

    "I have to go home." She ended the call and finally gazed at him.

    "It''s still early, darling." Devin was not ready to part from her. The thought of sending her home didn''t sit well with him.

    "My brothernded in New York. It seems that he wants my presence in his home today itself," She could already hear his old school lectures that he would throw at her for ruining the date but she least bothered about that monkey. He was too egoistic to call her now and he passed the information through Reese.

    "Do you know my brother?" Leena asked. If Jasper and Austin are close to Wilbur, they must be knowing each other.

    "We have been friends from school days," Devin exined their friendship briefly to her. Wilbur has no idea about their rtionships and he could already assume his nagging once he knows the truth of their rtionship.

    "But I have never seen you on any asion." Although her Francy made her join a girls school, she still wondered why she never saw Wilbur''s close friends.

    "I am d that I found you now, at least." He smiled stealing a quick peck on her lips. He already has a hunch that it was that person who has been hiding her from all the men including him. Although Devin has seen her in Dew Garden park for the first time, his heart screams that he knew her long before.. Her voice always sounded nostalgic to his ears as if he was used to it making him believe that he knew her already but he threw the logic out of the window believing that it must be his hallucination.

 Chapter 144 - Good Kisser

    Without knowing, Leena taught him how to feel emptiness. She doesn''t have to be a thousand miles away for Devin to miss her, his heart always skips a beat.

    "Do you have to go now?" He carried her to the futon and positioned her on hisp cing hands on her lower back to keep her securely in ce.

    "Do you want me to stay?" Leena threw a question at him, her face melted at his bleak face.

    "I wish you stay here permanently?" Devin was already thinking of ways to make her stay in his house solid. "You can teach me cooking if you stay here."

    "Didn''t you tell me that I am a terrible teacher?" Leena cast a sly nce at him.

    "I will take that back." He whispered leaning forward to pull the little baby hair to cover her forehead. Her face was even cuter now, more like a baby.

    "Even if you take that back, I am not staying," Leena refused promptly. Francy would break her legs if he knows that she was staying in a guy''s house. She was scared that he would re up in anger as he did in the past when he got to know about Ethan. Since she was in a hospital bed when the time he came to know about her rtionship with Ethan, she was at least spared.

    "Okay." Devin agreed instantly.

    ''If she is not ready to stay here, I will go and stay at her house. Correction, it''s our house now.''

    Leena blinked her eyes repeatedly. Then did he ask her to stay in his house for formality? Can''t he ask me one more time?

    Even if Leena knows that she would reject it, she still wants Devin to ask the question to grab his attention. While she was thinking, her conceptions broke, when her mobile buzzed again. She awkwardly nced at him with puppy eyes.

    "Fine." He sighed. "I will drop you home."

    "No. I will go on my own." She declined.

    "I am dropping you home and that''s final," He dered leaving no room for discussions. "Stay here. I will go and get ready."

    Leena nodded to wait for him when he went to get changed. Meanwhile, she began observing the elements in the house and she must say everything was clean and neat and the color of the house matched his attitude and mannerism. Within no time, she listened to the footsteps and nced in the direction and her jaw dropped to the floor when she watched him walking down the stairs with a kingly aura. Even if he dresses shabbily one day, Leena felt that he would still stand out. His face value and confidence would never perish.

    ''It''s ok Leena. We will give him a second position in charming looks because no one is still born to beat the first position.''

    "Let''s go." Devin cleared the distance putting a hand on her waist attempting to walk along with her but Leena shot his hand away.

    "You are acting too clingy today." She walked out of the house with a blushed face. Although they have kissed multiple times, she is yet to get adjusted to the intimacy.

    With a dejected mood, he followed behind her missing the chance to hold her for onest time. Even though Leena argued that she wanted to travel in her car, Devin did not let her step. It was a small hope that he can bring her back here in the name of the car at least.

    "Do you know the addr_"

    "Greenwyn vige." Devin cut her off in the middle but panic marred on his face seeing her questioning look. "I didn''t spy on you or ask someone to interrogate you. I checked your address only after we became business partners which happened yesterday."

    "I didn''t ask about it, idiot." Leena could discern his tensed face. Only then she understood, the torture she bestowed on him. She gently grabbed his hand and assured with a smile that she did not misunderstand him.

    "Thank you." Having said that, he sped the elerator.

    After they reached the destination, Leena did not let him step down from the car. Since it was already evening, people were returning to their homes after work, and greenwyn vige being a resident for many celebrities, there is a high chance that she would be spotted by someone when she walks along with Devin. After all, both are celebrities and it bes juicy gossip to the media and there would be no privacy for both.

    Right when Leena was about to get down, Devin pulled back by the wrist and asked. "Did you forgot something?"

    "No." She looked at her sides and except for her purse, she did not bring anything.

    "You forgot our goodbye kiss, sweetheart." He leaned forward and pressed his lips onto hers. Leena pulled back immediately thinking that he would start his marathon again.

    "I will text you." She whispered and stepped out of the car swiftly earning a small chuckle from Devin.

    ...

    Right when she was about to key in her passcode, Leena heard footsteps behind her and turned back to see a familiar face. "Uncle pumpkin!!"

    She screamed seeing him for a long time. d in a three-piece slim fit half sleeve knee-length shorts, he paired with a baby pink jacket. She knew this style. It''s a Korean style which got popr recently among the youth. Did he go to the office showing off his legs?

    "Leena dear, how are you," Uncle Pumpkin asked in excitement.

    "I am good and where did you go? I heard you were on a trip."

    "Yes, sweetie. I went on a solo trip to Jeju Ind." He exaggerated showing off the pink outfit.

    Solo trip my foot. Jeju Ind is a romantic spot. Did he think that I would believe him?

    He must have masked uncle William and took his new manager so that he can bang him there. When she was in Seattle, William called up Leena to ask his whereabouts, and then she got to to know that he went on a trip without telling him and even the new manager is missing.

    ''I should tell uncle William that he is ditching him.He must be feeling sad.''

    After having a conversation with him, she bid goodbye and entered her condo. Just when she got settled on a couch, her phone beeped. She pulled out her mobile and nced at the notification. She blushed reading the message.

    [My Deep-V-Diver: Did you reach home safely?]

    [Yes, babylicious]

    [My Deep-V-Diver: Can''t youe up with some other name? It''s so girly]

    [Nah!! I love that name. Reese arrived. I will text youter.]

    [My Deep-V-Diver: She is always here to disturb our sweet moments. I will call you tonight. Don''t sleep early]

    Her face turned crimson red thinking of talking with him again.

    [Then I will wait for you. Bye]

    ....

    Leenay on her bed to rest for a while but it was interrupted when Reese rushed into her bedroom. "You have gone for one whole afternoon, Leena. Did you confess your feelings?"

    "Yes. Frankly speaking, he proposed to me. No, I made him do it." With a slight twirl of her hair, she ranted about her achievement again.

    "Finally the incredible man-hater is a rtionship now." Reese jumped on Leena''s bed, happy that Leena is back to her former self. For the past three days, she couldn''t see her wretched state. Out of the blue Reese noticed something unusual on Leena''s face and moved close towards her to examine it.

    "W_hat?" Leena grabbed a pillow to shield her body. "I am not into girls_"

    "Your lips are slightly bruised and swollen," Reese asked, the bruise evident for the whole world to see.

    "Is it? it must be a mosquito bite." Leena smoothly lied. But the blush was evident on her face when she recalled how he bit her lip and came back to soothe the pain.

    "Do you think I am a child to believe your stupid stories? You both kissed on the first day of your rtionship?" Reese was shocked that Leena allowed him to kiss her on the first day which was very unusual of her when she knew about Leena''s rtionship with Ethan.

    "I_I_ we_ you shouldn''t ask all those kinds of things."

    Leena threw a pillow onto her head.

    "Woah!! I didn''t think Devin is so passionate. He must have a lot of experience." Reese pped her hands and thought of asking how he kissed for future reference.

    "Experience?" Leena jumped with a start. "He did not love anyone in the past. You know that he is not involved in any scandal right except that Emily Harper which he cleared already."

    "Well, he might not have loved anyone, but he has to tend to his pleasures right?" Reese added. "Your bruised lips are a sign of passionate kissing which is a sign that he is a good kisser. So, he must have experience with women."

    Watching Leena''s dazed look, Reese reassured her. "Don''t worry, Leena. It''smon to have physical affairs and it''s all in the past. By the way, it''s good to have a little sexual experience."

    "Have a good rest. I convinced Will that we will be arriving tomorrow since it''s a weekend." Having said that, Reese walked out of the room leaving Leena in frustration.

    Carrot was sleeping in the bed next to Leena. Although her body was present, her mind was drifting to Reese''s words.

    "He has cited that he didn''t like anyone in the past. But he did not talk about his affairs. Did he had that kind of affairs?" When ites to Devin, Leena throws every logic out of the window. She wanted him for himself. She could ask him about his affairs, but he would get hurt again.

    "I don''t want to talk about another woman. It''s already happened in the past.." She convinced her heavy heart and drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 145 - Cutie: Tootie

    Darkness was gone and the day started to spill with birds chirping and the spring breeze. Painted in a hue of orange and allied with golden rays of the rising sun, the sky stood high inviting to fly high.

    Leena was supposed to be in her brother''s home by now, but due to herte-night sleeping, she was still bound to the bed. Although Devin didnot speak for a long time worried that she would get tired due tock of sleep, Leena couldn''t sleep with immense happiness. Only with Reese''s continuous nagging, she woke up now.

    "Can we skip going?" Leena yawned and grabbed her mobile to check for a message from him and as expected there was one.

    "We can skip. But do you want to be killed by Will?" Reese tried to peep into Leena''s mobile but Leena stashed away the mobile.

    "Go and get a boyfriend for yourself instead of peeping," Leena rebuked and sent a cute gif to Devin and waited for a while. When she did not get a response, Leena got up from her bed assuming that he would be working out. One thing she understood is, he loves to push his body to the rims and mold it ording to his taste and preferences. His taut muscles she felt when they were kissing was an illustration.

    "It''s because of you, I still don''t have a boyfriend," Reese shouted but Leena was already gone to the bathroom.

    After a long stretch of her shower, Leena got ready and fed Carrot with her breakfast. She went into the bedroom again and pulled a gift wrap from the cupboard.

    "What is that?" Reese asked.

    "It''s a gift for Cutie," She added. Her niece bargained with gifts and choctes to lend some confession pickup lines. "Let''s go, Reese. It''s alreadyte."

    Leena stepped into the car happily along with Reese and Carrot to see her niece after a long time without knowing there was a bigmotion going on in her home.

    ...

    A man strolled into the house in his jogging outfit carrying a piece of paper in his hands. Burning rage hissed through his body like a deathly poison. The moment he entered the hall, he shouted in a high pitched voice. "Savny Hayes,e out of your room! Do you dare to insult your father again?"

    His loud voice echoed into the kitchen where a woman was busy readying the breakfast for her daughter. She sighed and walked out to find out the reason for his husband''s fury this time. "What''s wrong, Will. Let her sleep for some time. She is tired of the long flight journey."

    "I will not let her sleep today." He screamed and focused the attention on his bratty daughter again. "Are you going toe down or you want me toe up?"

    In the middle of their fervent discussion, a small dainty figure was sleeping peacefully with a slightly parted mouth. A baby anime cartoon quilt was wrapped around her shoulders securely. The loud voice made her slightly stir from the sleep.

    Ignoring the voice, she was close to drifting into hernd again, the familiar noise reverberated again into her ears.

    "What''s with that moning lam?" She mumbled in her baby voice, her eyes shined, like the pebbles in the ocean when she opened her eyes. Morning rm is his dad''s nickname that she calls in his absence. All the neighboring childrenin about Cutie''s bratty behavior to her dad and she always gets scoldings from him. Not that she minded his scoldings, but he would always wake her up when she is in the middle of her sleep and that''s the reason she calls him ''morning rm''.

    Unable to withstand the mouthpiece, she got up from her bed and slowly walked out of the room. She began stepping down the stairs, her face looked fresh and clean, except that her hair was disheveled due to multiple times rolling on the bed.

    "Savny_" Wilbur''s thoughts cut off when he heard her small footsteps and gazed up to see his daughter slowly stepping down from the stairs.

    "Dad! How many times I have to tell you. My name is Tootie." Cutie screamed at her father when he did not call her with a proper name.

    "Tootie? You can''t even pronounce your name properly and dared to argue back? When are you going to learn words properly? You are about to reach five and still struggle to get your tongue around the words." Watching her daughter''s annoying face, Will''s mood brightened up to some extent. Cutie would never ept if someone calls her Savny. Her favorite name is Cutie but sadly she can''t roll her tongue on that name. There are some letters she can''t pronounce properly and due to that people find it hard to understand hernguage.

    Cutie mped her small baby fists and red at her father. Incapable of rolling her tongue around the words is the only catastrophe in her life and her annoying father would always brings in front of her to irritate furthermore.

    "Don''t mind your dad''s words, Cutie dear. Go and brush your teeth. Your Leena is arriving soon." Hearing her mom''s words, Cutie was on cloud nine thinking that Leena would be bringing choctes and gifts. Immediately, she forgot his dad''s reprimands and started to leave to brush her teeth but she was stopped by his dad again.

    "Wilbur, don''t torture her with_"

    "Don''t torture? Do you know what she has done?" Wilbur lingered for a while when the incident in the park surged back in his brain. He ground his teeth as he exined it to his wife "She has written a love letter to Kevin''s son."

    Immediately Cutie went on high alert mode. Annoying biscuit. Did he dare to give it to my dad despite the warning I have mentioned in the letter?

    "See it for yourself." Wilbur handed the letter to his wife when she was not believing in him. Even Wilbur couldn''t reckon that his daughter is capable of writing a love letter until he read it. Little did the father and mother knew, Cutie has been doing this for a long time but it has only appeared on the surface today.

    [Warning: donnot show to my dad.

    Dear Dave,

    you fart loud, I no care.

    when Elsie smaced your butt on my birthday, it is bigger. She told. I no tell.[1]

    Even your butt is big, no problem.

    your face is monkey, no one loves you.

    But I will love you more than a donkey.

    cercle yes if love me[2]

    cercle no if you no love me

    sincerely,

    best lover Cutie

    age of 4.7

    y home, Chalkboard school,

    p.s gift me choctes and a remote car.

    p.s.s buy me one squirt also for epting your love][3]

    Wilbur''s thoughts suddenly flew back to the incident he encountered with his neighbor, Kevin''s son when he started listening to the love letter.

    ...

    Early in the morning, when Wilbur was jogging in the park, he heard someone calling him from behind. When he turned around, he was surprised to see Kevin''s son in the park. With a smile, he greeted him. "What''s up Dave? You are here to jog?"

    "No. I am looking for you, uncle Wilbur. Where were you for the past month?" Dave twitched his eyes and pushed the eyesses from his nose bridge.

    "I was in Europe. What do you want to talk about?" Will asked, surprised that he is waiting for one whole month.

    Handing a piece of letter, Dave exined. "One month back, your daughter has written a love letter. Please tell her that I am not interested in her. She has made ample spelling mistakes and I have corrected them. Ask her to learn spellings first before proposing to someone."

    Dave tried to chill his rage as he talked with Wilbur. He has been named as a genius in the school and every day he receives many proposals from girls, be it in school or his neighborhood. But Cutie''s letter has hurt his ego to the core. Although she has written a letter of confession, he felt that she has castigated his looks. He couldn''t tolerate when she called his butt big and to his annoyance, shepared his face to a monkey.

    Without waiting for Wilbur''s reply, Dave walked away happily thinking that bratty Cutie gets nice whipping from his dad today. Right aftering from his stupor, Wilbur rushed out of the park to deal with her shameless daughter.

    ...

    "You don''t even know to write alphabets properly, how did you frame big sentences?" Wilbur asked his daughtering back from his reverie of thoughts. Day by day, her behavior is reminding him of Leena.

    Cutie kept mum without replying to her dad''s question. She bribed her neighbor Elsie with choctes to write a letter for that annoying cookie, Dave. Although his face doesn''t match up with her beauty, she thought of considering him since he is defined as a genius by many people. So, Elsie helped her with the spellings but Cutie never thought that the annoying girl is very poor in spellings even when she has entered into third grade.

    "Writing love letters, giving excuses for the school, climbing trees in the park, fighting with kids, where are you learning all these things?" Wilbur started reprimanding until his wife cut him off.

    "Did you really write a letter to that annoying cookie, Cuite?" Her mom''s voice reverberated into her ears.

    "I was bored, mom." With a pout, her gaze lifted to her mom. "But you know that I have cush on dad''s fend alledy"

    "He is not your age, sweetie." Her mom tried to exin but Cutie has fixed his eyes on that someone for a long time. Her mom told her that she would bring a handsome husband in the future and Cutie has never seen someone as handsome as his dad''s friend. From then on, she fixed her eyes on him.

    "Bing him to my baday, dad." With a shy smile, Cutie looked at his dad and spoke in a voice which was hard toprehend

    "I am not bringing him and don''t even think about it," It''s been tough on him from the day, his sister arrived into thisnd, and now that another brat joined with her, it has be arduous and he doesn''t want his friend to be entangled between these two.

    "Will, it''s our daughter''s birthday. You are bringing him to_

    Before she could end her words, a ring buzzed. Cutie scrambled from the ce thinking that it must be Leena and waited for his mom to appear since she cannot open the door by herself.

    "Jane...." Leena and Reese screamed in unison the moment the door was opened. "We missed you."

    "I missed you guys a lot." All three hugged meeting after a long time.. From the university days, all three have been together in thick and thin and Leena never thought that her best friend would be her sister-inw in the end.

 Chapter 146 - Devin Happened

    Since their university days, Leena Reese Jane shared millions of memories, thousands of jokes, and hundreds of secrets. Though they quarrel often their quibbles would be sorted out in one hour. They treasured the tears, treasured theughter, and most importantly treasured the memories.

    "I have missed you a lot. It''s been a month I have not seen you both." A strange feeling of excitement filled in Jane as she watched her friends. "Didn''t you miss me?"

    "I missed you a lot, Jane." Reese dramatically wiped her imaginary tears.

    Releasing the hug, Leena looked at her for a while toe up with a witty reply. "Even I missed you like how I miss my phone whenever I forget to take it with me to the bathroom."

    "Yucky shameless girl." Jane spanked her back for alwaysing up with weird exnations.

    Ignoring her, Leena looked at the little figure who was ying with Carrot already.

    "Tootie!" Leena winked revealing the gift she bought with her to grab the attention. "I bought the gift which you asked for."

    Noticing the gift, Cutie''s eyes twinkled in delight. She left ying with Carrot and tried to snatch the gift, but Leena raised it beyond Cutie could reach her hands. "You know what to do right?"

    Cutie nodded her head and jumped on Leena to kiss her cheek. Only then Leena allowed her to take the gift.

    Grabbing the gift box, Cutie rushed inside the house and threw the gift on to her father''s hand to unbox it.

    "She is just like you, Leena" Jane shook her head and walked into the house along with her friends, and right when she reached the hallway, Cutie was screaming and running around the house.

    "Eena bought Dabbid toy, mommy!" She shouted in excitement and escaped into the bedroom to y with the newfound toy. Left with no choice, Carrot followed behind since she likes to y with Cutie a lot.

    "Hey Crazy Leena, aren''t you greeting your brother?" Wilbur asked when he was not getting the attention from his sister.

    "I would love to greet you, but the Crazy Leena told me to say no."

    "You bratty_"

    "It''s been a long time we chatted, Will. We are going to our room." Jane cut him off in the middle before the Dakota and Das start their quarrels. "Make something and bring it to the bedroom."

    "I am not making anything. Go and do it by yourself." He yelled at the top of his lungs. Every time these three are together, he has to work his fingers to the bone tending to their orders.

    "Jane." Leena turned to face her friend. "Do you know what happened when my brother was in_"

    "Aish you brat. Why do you always bring that topic in front of my wife?" Wilbur threw hisptop and got up. He has been holding a secret which he did not want his wife to know and Leena has been cashing it and threatening him.

    "How long will you threaten him with that? If hees to know that I am aware of his secret, he would kill you along with me." Jane chuckled recalling the secret that Leena has told her already. It was not even a big issue in the eyes of her but she doesn''t know why Wilbur is embarrassed to talk about it.

    "Let''s worry about thatter, Jane" Leena dragged Reese and Jane to the bedroom. She has more pressing matters to discuss with them.

    ....

    "What? Are you in a rtionship with Devin?" Jane widened her eyes in shock when Leen started exining the incidents that happened in Seattle. Out of blue, Jane''s eyes scooted on her daughter''s face who was ying happily with the rabbit toy.

    "Didn''t I text you yesterday?" Reese butted in.

    "You didn''t tell it was Devin." Jane started arguing with Reese.

    "Are you sure about him?" Jane''s greatest concern was the fact that Leena would be miserable if something happens like in the past. She never liked it when Leena was in a rtionship with Ethan. But she couldn''t object to her either at that time.

    "He is a very good person, Jane and I like him a lot." Leena doesn''t know why she couldn''t wholeheartedly ept Ethan in the past. Even after he was behind her for four long years, he couldn''t imprint his footsteps into her heart as Devin did effortlessly.

    "Fine. I trust in you because you made the right choice picking that diamond. So, did you tell your brother and Francis?"

    "Not yet. I will bring him directly and surprise them." The three were gossiping on Devin when Wilbur entered the room. Smelling the delicious aroma, their faces brightened up instantly.

    "He,y Crazy Leena." Putting the snacks in front of them, Wilbur added. "Come to my study room quitting your sallies."

    "I think he would lecture you for ruining that date," Reese mumbled right after Wilbur walked out.

    "As if I would give a monkey to him." Leena was too busy to mind him. After all, Devin is in front of her. But with Jane''s continuous nagging, Leena reluctantly got up to meet him.

    Not even bothering to knock the study room, she straight away went into his room. Hearing the footsteps, Wilbur put down his file and looked up.

    "What did you do to Tom?" Wilbur asked referring to the date he has set up.

    "I scared him away," Leena said as if it was a matter of fact.

    "Your craziness has reached peaks that even media is talking about it. At this rate, I am not sure if I can find someone even if I will sell all my wealth." Wilbur yelled, getting intense with the topic. He has been searching for equally nonpos mentis to match with her craziness but all the searches are bing futile. After knowing her insanity, people stopped meeting him when he brings Leena''s marriage topic and the ones who daringly went on a date with her ended up not talking with him. Francis is not even bothered by her insanity and he always says that he has found someone already for Leena but he would never bring that person.

    "I am only twenty-five, Will. Not everyone will get married at a young age unlike you." She argued back. "Leave my matter. Why did you go to Europe for one whole month?"

    "Work-rted." He shrugged.

    "Don''t fib. I know you went there to investigate aunty and uncle''s death." Leena has been keeping an eye on his movements from the day hended in Europe. She knew he is up to no good when he told her that he is going to Europe for a month.

    "I_I..." Wilbur sighed and slumped on the chair. "I have a hunch that it was not an ident." Right after a year of Leena mom''s ident, Wilbur''s mom and dad died when they went on a Europe trip. Both Leena and Wilbur were supposed to go along with them, lucky or unlucky, they stayed in New York with Francis and the tragedy happened.

    "You know what? Even I don''t feel any good, Will. Mom''s ident followed by uncle and Aunt''s death and recently there was an assassin attack on you. It seems someone is targeting us. Did something happen in the past? Should we ask Francy?" Leena would have assumed that even her ident was connected to the tragedies happening in the family if she didn''t know Ethan was the one connected to her ident.

    "Do you think he would tell? In fact, Francy will try to keep us away. But we have to find it before something happens to us again." Wilbur was scared that they would target his family again. He has built a happy family of three and he was terrified that it would get shattered into pieces if he is not careful. The recent assassin attempt was a reminder that it was no done yet. Lucky that he escaped.

    "We should be forever grateful to Francy and grandmother, Will," Francis was an easy-going and cool person until his brother and sister-inw died. Their tragic death devastated himpletely. He has to shoulder the responsibility of the giantpany along with two kids all alone.

    "Don''t tell you that you are grateful to him. He doesn''t mind if ites out of my mouth but he would re up in anger if it is you."

    "Of course, I wouldn''t anger him. After all, I am the apple of my Francy''s eye." She wished he would have be her father instead of that scum. Leena doesn''t know what her mom has seen in that scum father. She felt that she has hit her brain to love that womanizer.

    "Narcissist brat. Always bragging about yourself." He flicked her forehead. " It''s been a long time we have been here. Let''s go. Jane would get worried."

    Right when he got up to leave, Leena hugged Wilbur surprising him. For a moment, he stopped thinking. How long it was? Was it five years? She would get mad even if someone identally touches her. But now...

    "What happened suddenly?"

    ''Devin happened'' Leena kept the thought to herself. She wanted to surprise his brother by bringing Devin directly here.

    "I am trying toe out of that zone." She quietly said.

    "Good that you are progressing." He returned the hug and patted her head.

    "Leena, Ethan contacted me again. He wants to speak_"

    "I don''t want to talk to him, Will." Leena sternly dered. Not after he made her life living hell twice.

    "Listen first, Leena. Even if you want to, I will not let that happen." Every day Wilbur has been receiving a message from Ethan asking for a meet-up with Leena but he has turned a deaf ear to him. Although he was a good friend of him in the past, his actions were negated.. He has cut all the ties with him from that day.

 Chapter 147 - Booked Thourougly

    Wilbur and Leena talked for a while before returning to the hall where Jane and Reese were chatting with each other while Cutie was ying a catch the rabbit toy game with Carrot.

    Since Francis threw all the work right after Wilbur was back from Europe, he went back to work. Leena quietly settled next to Cutie to poke her. She always tries to entertain her brain reasoning that her bored brain is very dangerous.

    "Eena! I am paying with Taddot. Don''t distub me." Cutie clicked her tongue in annoyance. As usual, Leena has to think twice to understand the meaning of Cutie''s words.

    "It''s Carrot, not Taddot. When are you going to roll your tongue over the words?" Leena added with a sly smile. "Your mom told me that you have a strong crush on someone."

    "Yes." Cutie shyly closed her eyes covering them with the eensy-weensy hands when she remembered her crush. "Dad will bing him to my baday. I will intoduce him to you. He is very aaansome, Eena."

    "Then I will wait for him, Cutie brat." Leena was caught on the hop seeing the timid expressions on Cutie''s face. Her jackanapes behavior is better than her shy demeanor. Shaking her head, she got up and quietly shifted her attention towards Jane and Reese.

    ....

    Leena thought of going to Heacis mansion to meet her Francy but Wilbur asked her to stay for the night since it''s been a long time they have met again.

    "Leena, take care of Cutie. She will sleep in your room today." Clearing his throat, Wilbur stated nudging Jane to take it forward from here. But she stood there like a pole.

    "Why?" Leena gave him a razor edge look. "Raunchy idiot. You justnded yesterday and ready for it again? Wasn''t it enough in Europe? No wonder you made Jane pregnant even before she graduated." Leena started her lectures. On the first day of her University, Wilbur came along to drop Leena off and that''s when she met Reese and Jane. From then on he would visit them every weekend and took special care of Reese. Both Leena and Jane thought he was behind Reese with the way he conducted around her but finally, he gave a surprise twist.

    "Leeenaaaaa!" Jane innocently called her when she didn''t stop scolding her husband. It was her fault, to begin with. She didn''t let him use the protection on that day thinking that she was safe but the seed has already sprouted.

    "Eennnnnnaaaa." Even Cutie voiced out for formality but internally she was celebrating when Leena was ripping her dad''s new arsehole.

    "Fine. Get lost. Horny idiots." Leena got up and carried Cutie into her room. Reese was on the phone and Leena assumed it must be Jasper.

    "What will mommy and daddy do now ?" Cutie asked innocently. Every time Leenaes home, she has to sleep with Leena. She always wondered what they would do without her.

    Leena thought for a while and came up with an exnation that Cutie could understand. "Your dad bought an exclusive yummy banana for her and she is eating it."

    "I also want to eat a banana." Cutie stomped her feet, pouted, and began to cry. "Dad and mom are eating bananas without me."

    Hearing Cutie''s answer, Reese rolled on the bed throwing her mobile. "I will die, Leena."

    "I already died." There was only a nk expression on her face.

    "Let''s y cake making game, Tootie." Leena diverted her mood to a game and both yed it until she dozed off. Leena quietly went out of the room and to talk with Devin at least now. He has been messaging her since the morning but Leena was preupied here. He would have been in Wilbur''s house if she has not called him by now.

    ...

    Morning dawned with low hanging clouds and Leena woke up early to meet her Francis today.

    She walked into the kitchen where Jane was preparing breakfast.

    "You are quite early even after having a marathon for the whole night." Leena pointed to her neck where it was filled with strawberry tattoos.

    Jane turned red with hearing Leena''sments. Indeed her husband was quite rough yesterday. From the day they were in Europe, not even once they did it. Right, when they get into the mood, Cutie would wake up. All the pent-up desire they had, fulfilled yesterday.

    "Hello, madam, pink cheeks. Get out from that blushing mode and prepare breakfast. I have to go now."

    "Alright, Leena. I will prepare a special one since you took care of Cutie." With a smile, Jane went back to cooking.

    Cutie was crying when Leena was departing but she convinced her that she would arrive the next weekend.

    ...

    Parking her car, Leena rushed into the house. It''s been almost fifteen days since she has been here and missed him a lot.

    "Francy, I am back. Where are you?" Leena screamed at the top of her lungs dying to see him.

    "You seem to put on a little weight. Looks like you enjoyed your stay in Seattle?" Leena was greeted with a positive voice and immediately she turned around in all happiness.

    "I enjoyed it a lot, Francy." Leena beamed when the person popped into her mind suddenly.

    "Good. Stay here for tomorrow. You will be meeting someone." Francis informed. It''s time that he has to put the n into action. He thought of introducing her to their family first.

    "Who?" Leena asked skeptically. His tone was not settling well with her.

    "You will know it tomorrow."

    "I am noting." Leena refused instantly. She is slowly trying to understand that he is trying to set her up on a date. What happened suddenly? This was the first time he brought the topic. Leena thought of surprising him by bringing Devin directly, but now it''s not going to work out and she has to spill the beans. "If it is a date, I_I I like someone already."

    "Is it your another stunt to escape? I am tired of your excuses and tantrums." Francis''s voice raised an octave. "Tomorrow, you will be meeting_

    "I really like him, Francy. I don''t want to get married to anyone except him."

    "What!!" Her voice sounded serious to the point that even Francis started to believe it. Why is it that whenever I want to introduce him, she would give a shock? One is behind a good poop head uncle and niece and now this idiot ims that she likes someone else.

    "I am not allowing." He sternly dered.

    "He is a very good person and you will like him. I will bring him to introduce you soon."

    "Forget about him, Leena. You have to listen to my words this time. It''s an order."

    "I am not forgetting him. For your information, he is going to be your son-inw." Leena shamelessly dered before going to her room.

    Francis " "

    "Son-inw? She has fixed it already? Was it in Seattle? Did I make a mistake sending her to Seattle?" Francis immediately called Ashton andmanded. "Do a thorough dig on Leena from the day she went into Seattle. Contact Mark and I want every person she has met in Seattle including the servants. Get the report on my table by tomorrow."

    "Yes sir. I am on it."

    He doesn''t want history to repeat. Even if he has to threaten or endanger the person she liked, he was prepared for it.

    ...

    With an urgent business meeting, Francis has to meet the clients and as usual, he dragged Leena along with him. Leena epted the proposal with a condition that he should buy her a dress and he dly obliged her.

    Right after the meeting ended, they were about to go when Leena saw a friend and she happily went for a talk asking Francy to wait without knowing a storm would be hitting her today.

    ...

    When Francis was waiting for Leena inside the hotel, he unexpectedly saw a familiar back going out of the hotel.

    "Devin!" He called up doubtingly to confirm it was him and it proved to him that it was indeed Devin.

    "France." Devin was surprised to see him after a long time.

    "Are you here to meet someone?" He was d that he met him today. He was nning to introduce Leena for a long time and it''s time. Even if she liked someone, he is notplying with her wishes this time. "Are you free now?"

    "I just ended the meeting. I guess I am free."

    "Very well then. Let''s have dinner. I brought someone along with me. I hope you don''t mind it right?"

    "Who is it?" Did shee? His eyes scanned the entire area but she was nowhere to be found.

    "Didn''t I tell you that I would introduce someone when youst called?"

    Devin nodded his head fervently. Of course, it''s my sweetheart.

    "She is here." Francis started. "The most beautiful and most intelligent. Very traditional girl. She doesn''t even say no to my answer. When I talked about marriage, she said it''s your choice. That''s how she is brought up." He was bragging about Leena without knowing Devin was internallyughing. What if Leenaes to know about it?

    Right after Leena finished talking with her friend, she arrived back to look for Francy, and when her footsteps were bing close, her heart started pounding when a familiar back entered into her eyes. "What is he doing here?"

    Francis seemed to sense Leena and immediately he pointed a finger at her for Devin to see."That''s my baby darling. Isn''t she beautiful than that dog''s poop uncle''s daughter which you liked?"

    Seeing Devin with Francy, the face which looked fresh as a daisy, bushwhacked.

    ''Uncle, niece, dog''s poop? How did he know the story?'' One thing Leena was sure, Devin has booked her thoroughly.

 Chapter 148 - Orthodox Saint

    Like electricity, Leena felt a shock seeing Devin and Francis conversing each other as if they are very close. Although she had a hunch that Devin might be knowing Francy, she didn''t expect their closeness to the point that Francy even got to know about the dog poop uncle and niece story. Out of boredom, she cooked up a story on that day and she made a fault sharing with this devil. Never in her dreams, she expected this would reach Francy''s ears. Is there a way to run off today? Leena was racking her brain toe up with another story to escape from this paradoxical situation but Francis called up.

    "Come in here, Leena,"

    "Did you see her demeanor?" Francis turned towards Devin and boasted again. "She is not even moving an inch from her ce until I said so. That''s the respect she has for me. She even prays to God every day that I should stay healthy and happy."

    "Well, I did not believe when you portrayed her as a true blue but now I must say, she is truly a bien-pensant." Although Leena was threatening him silently not to spill any beans, Devin shut his eyespletely to her warnings. He has been anticipating this moment for a long time and did she think he would leave this matter just like that? Watching her cute annoyed expression has be his favorite and he went for it. As for the punishment, it can be worriedter.

    "Aren''t you introducing this orthodox saint, France?" His tongue hung somewhere between sarcasm and humor.

    "Ipletely forgot that part. She is Leena. I treat her as my daughter." Francis gently held Leena''s hand and exined to her. "Didn''t I tell you that I wanted to introduce someone to you? It''s him."

    Leena was fiddling with her dress, scared out of wits. ''What kind of rubbish Francy is speaking? Orthodox saint? I don''t even remember thest time I went to a ce of worship.''

    "Hello, Leena." Devin offered a handshake but Leena was like a rabbit caught in the headlights without moving. Suppressing the urge tough wasn''t easy seeing her but Devin managed it.

    "Looks like she needs your permission for handshake also, France," Devin remarked with a sardonic smile. Leena gave him a stern re warning him to shut his mouth at least now.

    "Of course, I have raised her to be perfect. Do you think she is like the Jurassic girl who ran away from home?" Francis was finally on the point which Devin has been expecting. Francis did not know what''s wrong with Leena''s bbermouth which cannot stay at a ce, but he was d she is behaving politely today.

    "Who is Jurassic, Francy?" Leena asked in terror. Did this idiot vomit everything I told, including the names? I mean when? Leena wanted to run away but her hand was tightly held with no escape.

    "It''s one weird story, Leena. He met a girl recently and he seems to like her. Her phsyco uncle named her Jurassic Park and they have a dog pooping servicepany. She ran away from home unable to withstand the torture her uncle is imposing on her. Devin called up to ask my suggestion if he could proceed further with the rtionship. Her uncle''s name is even weirder. What is that Devin? I forgot?" Francis asked.

    "King Kong Park!" Devin innocently added and looked at Leena who was throwingser atomic daggers at him.

    "King Kong Park, it is. Looks like both have used all animal names. Her uncle is one phsyco fellow. Torturing her niece every day making her do the dog scooping_"

    "It''s time to leave Francy. Why are you caring about those two people when we don''t even know about them." Leena tried to drag him away but Francis pulled her back because he was not done yet.

    "Wait, Leena! He is going behind a nut case leaving a beautiful and intelligent girl like you. At least I have to_"

    Before Leena could lose her sanity, she pulled him to the side. "Zip up your mouth. He knows me already."

    "What?" Francis looked shocked, a little crestfallen watching her downcast eyes. He is getting a rough idea about the situation now. "Jurassic Park is you?"

    Her hesitant nod indeed confirmed that it''s their story. "Go and sit in the car." He gravely dered.

    Without a word, Leena turned towards Devin and raised a middle finger provoking him. Before he took a step forward, she ran away.

    Watching her leave the ce, finally, Francis gazed at Devin. He has be as sick as a parrot when he learned that he has been bragging about his own story. Then again, he is in no ce to get mad at Devin when the fault is at his end also.

    "Is she the one you like?" Francis asked to confirm.

    "She is." Devin nodded wearing a hint of a smile.

    "I am leaving. I need some time to process this story first." Before Francis could leave, Devin called him again.

    "Is it a yes from your end?" Devin asked. Although they are in a rtionship, he wanted Francis''s permission to take their rtionship to the next level, as in marriage.

    "Why asking when you already know it?" With a sigh, he left the ce to take care of the wackadoo.

    When Francis was out of Devin''s sight, augh escaped his throat which he has been holding for a long time. But it was short-lived when a sharp familiar kicknded on his right leg. Devin gasped for breath with the sudden pain and before he could organize his thoughts, the figure disappeared out of his sight.

    "Buffalo kick is better than hers." Devin winced in pain. "How did she appear here? Didn''t she leave already? Good that she did not aim her leg for some other ce."

    ...

    All the time from the hotel until they reached home, Francis neither nced at her nor talked to her. When they reached home, he straight away went into his bedroom. Leena quietly followed him to curb his anger to some extent.

    "Did you seriously use my name again? When did I ever torture you?"

    "It was just a story. I did not mean that, Francy. That idiot has believed whatever I told." Leena exined with a sad little pout which would easily work on him.

    "Next time if you are cooking up a story, I should be the king. I don''t want that dog pooping business again." He sternly ordered. For a long time, he stopped reprimanding her for the crazy behavior and started following along with her. It would be a wonder if Leena doesn''t set a trademark wherever she goes.

    "Alright, Francy." Leena jumped and hugged him which Francis did not foresee."Next time, I will make you a Hitler in my story. Thanks for not getting mad at me."

    "Silly child. Have I ever got mad at you?" He patted her head closing his eyes. For five long years, she has been hating men to the point that even she avoids the slight touch of Wilbur and Francis. Although she did not mean it, her instincts always make her hold back.

    "Looks like you changed a little. Is it because of him?" Francis asked.

    "Maybe yes." She pulled back from the hug and sighed as if a huge burden is lifted from her body. But thinking of that idiot, Leena wanted to knock his head once. "Is he close to you?"

    "You can say that." Francis watched Devin from the day he was born and he long decided he is the one for Leena. In order not to distract Leena from her studies, he has kept him away along with all other men. But everything crashed when she went to university and met Ethan.

    "When are you bringing him home?" He added. "Don''t bring him until your grandma is back from the trip. She would kill me."

    "How long she would go on a solo trip? I will call her and talk about Devin, she would fly back immediately."

    "Alright. Go and sleep. It''s alreadyte."

    Leena nodded her head and she was about to leave, but out of blue, she remembered something and appeared back again. "Did you get any clue on the person that saved me five years back?"

    "No, Leena. The CCTV''s could not capture his traces and the nurse who has first received you informed that she doesn''t remember since she was urgently tending to your wounds." He exined. Even Francis wanted to see the person and thank him wholeheartedly for saving Leena. If it was a littlete on that day, he couldn''t imagine his life without her. "I will try to find him using all my power soon, I promise you."

    Leena nodded her head and went back to her room and before she drifted to sleep, her phone buzzed. She doesn''t need to see who it is. She grabbed the mobile to look at the message he has sent. It was again a sarcasticment along with a winking stuck-out tongue smiley.

    [What is my optimistic saint doing]

    "Shameless idiot.." Leena sent a middle finger image and drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 149 - Anonymous Package

    The early morning sun rose and spring grass shone like it had its own gentle glow within and the atmosphere was enlivening for a morning walk. Leena was jogging in the Dew Garden park alone since Carrot stayed in Wilbur''s house upon Cutie''s request. Reese is a sloth when ites to exercise, so she was all alone in the park. Right, when she was back from the morning work out, the first thing she did was to check her mobile. Messages flooded in her bin and in every statement, pout emoji was added. She couldn''t stopughing imagining his pouty face.

    "You dare to book me? Let''s see how you are going to work seeing my gifts today." With a sly smile, Leena went to get fresh happy that someone would get irritated today.

    ...

    Seattle...

    A vast office room was in a mess, files across the floor, papers flying everywhere, and the neatly organized desk was tossed, the coffee mug littered on the floor. It was not just a mess, but a disaster zone.

    A woman stood in the room, her hands trembled, shoulders drooped witnessing her boss destroying the office room. Her gaze was docked to the floor alone like a scared bunny. She breathed in deeply and gathered the immense courage she had within to voice out. As an assistant, it''s her responsibility to inform him about the schedule. "Sir, we have a meeting in_"

    "Get out of the room!" The piercing sound drummed into her ears like the creaking of gallows.

    The executive assistant sighed in relief. She was d that she was spared from his wrath today. Although she was long used to her boss''s anger, he was like a raising storm today which she has never witnessed from the day she has been serving as his assistant. She wondered if it was because of his innocent fiance. She has more pressing matters to attend to than thinking about this couple. On her way back, she met with a familiar person, a savior she must say.

    "Is he in the office?" A low voice spoke up.

    "He is very angry, Shawn." She hastily exined to him.

    "Get back to work. I will talk with him" He excused himself and pushed the door open to see a neatly organized office room into the trash again.

    "Ethan! What''s wrong with you? You are bing a monster every day scaring your_"

    "Why didn''t you tell me that she was in Seattle?" Ethan cut him off in the middle, his expression was a mixture of rage and weariness.

    "How did you know about it?" It was not a surprise to Shawn that Ethan got to know about the news already.

    "Just tell me, bastard," Ethan shouted as soon as he confirmed that even his friend knew about it. For a long time, his cousin, Mia has been talking about a woman but he was least bothered when he has more pressing matters to handle. Lucky or unlucky, he got to know that it was Leena, his cousin has been trying to set him up with and it devastated him more when Leena arrived for a party which her cousin organized but couldn''t get a chance to get a glimpse of her.

    "Will you go and meet her even if she is in Seattle? You go to all the shooting events she attends and watch her secretly but would never talk to her. What is the use of telling her whereabouts?" Shawn yelled, a mixture of empathy and guilt on his face watching his friend''s state but he couldn''t help.

    Ethan''s eyes dulled and he slumped on the chair, exhausted. "I can''t face her, Shawn. Not after the things I have done to her. I havemitted a terrible sin which I couldn''t wash from my hands." Guilt, remorse passed over him like a gush of wind when he thought of the horrendous crime he hasmitted on that night which has been haunting him with sleepless nights every day. He wished to go back in time and put everything in ce but it was all his wish. She would nevere back.

    "Did you investigate what happened to her five years back?"His gaze shifted to Shawn. After that night, Leena has avoided his calls, avoided seeing him but one fine day she responded and agreed to meet him at a cafe. He waited for the whole night outside the cafe even when it was raining cats and dogs but she didn''t arrive. He couldn''t find a trace of Leena from then on. He called Wilbur and reached out to Jane and Reese, but they cut off all the ties and left him broken.

    " I_I_no," Shawn added. "It''s tightly sealed by Wilbur and Francis. I couldn''t get any information."

    "Why did she took up modeling suddenly when she loved coding." His voice turned to a whisper. There were many missing puzzles he is yet to get answers but there is no one to reveal the truth. He has been trying to reach Wilbur but he turned a deaf ear. Finally, after two long years, he saw her in an Ad.

    "Ethan!" Shawn sighed. "I am in no position to say this, but it''s better not to dwell on the past and you are neglecting your fiance in the process," Shawn advised. "You should worry about Casey. She is feeling depressed that you are not talking with her. It''s not good to think about Leena when you are getting married soon."

    "Looks like you are more worried about it." Ethan looked at him, skeptically.

    "I_I did not mean_"

    "I know what to do." He dered. He is getting suspicious of his friend each passing day. "Please go out before I throw you out."

    "Alright. Before that, I would like to tell you something. " Shawn went into the business. "I brought news to you. The tender which you have submitted for Pl went into another hand."

    "Is it Wilbur again?" Ethan casually asked as if he is used to it by now. He pulled out a file from the rack which was the only thing that spared in the messy office room.

    "No. It''s from the Wang family but doesn''t know who was ountable for it."

    Ethan frowned hearing the familiar name. Why did they butt in suddenly? Although they are rivals, they kept professional and personal issues aside. Ethan doesn''t have any animosity towards their family except for one person. His blood boiled when he remembered him.

    "Thanks, Shawn. I will look into it." Ethan pretended to work on it until he left.

    ..

    Straight after Shawn walked out of the room, Ethan called up a number. It was shortly picked up and a voice came in.

    "Hello, Ethan. I was actually nning to call you regarding the case."

    "Thanks, detective, Martin! So, did you interrogate who has delivered the anonymous package to my office five years back?" Ethan asked, his tone was urgent and desperate. It was because of that package, he lost his sanity and pped Leena.

    "The electricity was cut off for a period when the package was delivered. Even the power source did not work. So, the CCTV couldn''t capture them. It''s hard to decipher who it is but I must say, the person is close to you. I will talk to you about it in person rather than by phone."

    "Alright. Please text the address. I will meet you personally." Ethan ended the call aftermunicating it for a while with the detective. He got a hunch that it was a deliberate n long back. He has so many rivals around him and it''s even hard to find the culprit when all are lying low.

    To calm his nerves, he took a drag of the cigarette and immediately threw it when he remembered her face. She has consumed him andpletely and there is no substitute for her.. Thoughts drifted to the past when he first went on a date with her.

 Chapter 150 - Crazy Girl

    As busy as always, a young girl was writing on a string of codes on her PC even after knowing that she was on a date. She was so upied to notice a gloomy man throwing daggers at her. He couldn''t take it when he was being neglected and finally spoke up.

    "Leena, You are my girlfriend now and it''s our first date. But you don''t even behave like one." Ethan tried to close theptop but Leena pulled back.

    "Oopsie. I am sorry Ethan. I am developing an app for apany and the deadline is approaching. I have to deliver them soon or else I will miss all my pocket money and I can''t buy my dresses." Having said that, Leena went back to her business again.

    "If that is what you are worried about, I will buy you as many you want."

    "No. I don''t want to owe you."

    "Fine. I don''t understand why you don''t ept anything I give. I am d that you have epted for a date at least." He begged for a day out with her and finally when he was happy that she epted, here she was, writing a series of ck lines which he couldn''t fathom. Left with no choice, he continuously nagged until Leena has put a stop to her business and conceded to his wishes.

    Ethan closed their distance when she was walking a little away from him and when he went for her hand, Leena evaded and straight away and stepped into the car.

    "You are not even allowing me to hold your hand even after we are in a rtionship." The despairing, dejected expression was noticeable on his face.

    "I am still notfortable, Ethan," Leena whispered in a low murmur.

    "Don''t make me wait too long, Leena. I am an impatient person."

    "Then let''s break up," Leena uttered in a casual tone. "I don''t like it if someonemands over me."

    "How could you threaten... Nevermind. I am not allowing for the breakup. I have freed my schedule to spend time with you alone. We are going to a movie." cing a cigarette in the corner of his mouth, he took a slow drag of it.

    "Can you please take that cigarette out? I get nauseous. Every time, I see you, you have one in handy. Don''t you care about your health?" The arcid smell of Cigar ashes burned her nose and brought tears to her eyes.

    "It''s sexy when a man smokes a cigarette. Leena Don''t you find me hot." He chuckled. "Casey used to love it."

    "It''s sexy only in the movies, Mr. Davies and let me warn you again, do not bring your EX in front of me. I am not possessive but I hate when I am beingpared to."

    "I am sorry. It''s out of habit. I will try to keep a check on my thoughts." Ethan rified and sped the car. When they reached the destination spot, Leena sighed when she was standing in front of a romantic movie.

    "Don''t you like romantic movies? It was the biggest hit in recent days." Ethan asked. He was thinking girls would like to watch them since Casey would always drag him to a romantic movie when they were in a rtionship but watching Leena''s downcast face, it was obvious that she did not like it.

    "I am not fond of them. But it doesnt matter since you already booked it." She gave him a reassuring smile.

    It was the first time he went on a date with Leena. Although he has dated Casey in the past, he was still nervous around Leena. Ethan spected that the movie would lighten up the mood and she would at least open up for romance but Even when the couple was kissing in the scene, Leena just watched the scene like a robot. Although she informed him that she is still notfortable, he couldn''t withstand it when she was sitting next to him. With a lot of courage, he was close to taking a step forward when his self-control was breaking, his phone suddenly ringed. Cursing the person for spoiling the mood, he pulled out his mobile and his face went pale reading the message.

    "Leena!" Ethan called up hurriedly.

    "Hm?" Leena shifted her gaze from the movie.

    "Casey met with an ident. I have to go. She doesn''t have anyone except me. Can you please go alone?" Even before Leena could respond, Ethan left her hastily.

    ..

    Ethan jolted putting an end to his thoughts. He left her alone on that day and now that he remembered, he behaved like a jerk not caring about her feelings.

    With a loud sigh, he took a peek at the time. He got up from his seat to attend a meeting when an uninvited woman entered his office.

    "Ethan!" Like melting honey, a voice entered.

    "You should knock on the door before youe, Casey," Ethan chided her.

    "I am sorry." With a pout, she closed their distance and encircled her arms around his neck intimately and before she pressed her lips onto his, Ethan evaded it.

    "Why do you always avoid it?"

    "I am not in a mood."

    "You give the same excuse every time. I am shamelessly clinging on to you, but you don''t even recognizing my feelings and efforts. We are childhood friends and loved each other, Ethan. You were so active and would not let me leave the bed in the past but now...

    "Are you still mad at me for breaking up with you or you still love her?" Casey''s mood turned worse when she recalled how protective Ethan was in the past but everything changed when Leena entered into the picture.

    "Can youe back again when I am free? I have an urgent meeting." Ethan tried to avoid the topic. He knew, her tantrums would not end when Leena''s topic is brought up.

    "It seems like, my feelings have be one-sided now." With a heavy heart, she went out and shut the door with a loud bang.

    Ethan let out a sigh of relief when she was out of his sight. Once he loved her presence but he doesn''t feel anything towards her. He was devastated when Casey broke up with him. He tried to convince her but she left him to pursue her career. For three years, he grieved in pain until Leena arrived. When he was in the final academic year, her name was the talk of the university. Although it started with a bet to make her fall in love with him, Ethan genuinely liked her to the point that he even forgot Casey''s existencepletely until she came back. All was happening well, one mistake leads to another and hepletely lost Leena.

    ....

    Devin would sign a file and then his eyes would shift back to the phone to check for a message. The work which has to get finished in one hour has extended to four hours and still, it was continuing.

    "You started a strike on me? Wait for tonight, one kiss, you will give in." He was nning to visit her tonight. It''s been two days since he did not see her and he was missing her badly.

    Just then, Harley entered his office room with a package. "You got a package, Devin."

    "From?"

    "Jurassic Park," When Harley first received the parcel, she wanted to roll on the floorughing She couldn''t believe someone has used a movie for a name.

    "Bring it in." There was a sparkle in his eyes for a second. She has sent a gift again? What could it be? But with the current circumstance, Devin has a bad premonition that she has something on her sleeve.

    Even after handing over the package, Harley was intently looking at it.

    "You have lots of work, Harley. Please go out." Devin didn''t open the package. He was scared to open it in front of others. His imagination was also limited when ites to her crazy brain.

    "Hmph. As if I wanted to stay." Harley left.

    Right after she left, Devin hurriedly opened the package and when the present entered into his view, no words left his mouth. He balled his fists in rage.

    "Crazy girl."

 Chapter 151 - Wacko Leena Vs Freekish Devin

    He felt his mood dampen when he opened the bizarre gift. Never Devin would have expected that she would go for such a gaga item. What can he expect from a crazy girl like Leena? It would be foolish of him to think of a normal gift from her. Her brain would always think in unpredictable ways. He wondered if she would think of her head to look like a skull one day.

    Sitting on the decorative box were a pair of shot sses. He wouldn''t have minded if they were normal sses. But the shape of the shot sses was the real deal. A couple of urinal shaped shot sses were sitting on the box and the main course was the material. They were made of ceramic and they looked exactly the realvatory ones. If by chance anyone would have witnessed this scene, they would have thought Devin went crazy. They were the exact mini version of the urinal bowl and Leena even stocked a note to it.

    [My my babylicious, I wish to see you drinking with those shot sses]

    "Leena!" Devin shrieked as if she was in front of him."Just wait! I am going to make you drink something with those shot sses one day."

    While Devin was ranting in anger, he heard a knock on the door again. He knew it must be Harley. If she gets to know about the gift item he received, it would be circted to the whole family or worse his friends, and if it falls into Drew''s ears... Devin stopped imagining. He quickly hid the ridiculous gift in a drawer before letting her in.

    "You got another parcel from Jurassic Park, Devin." Harley entered with another package. She has beenughing like a madwoman from the time she received a package from the person called Jurassic Park and it was even funnier when she realized Devin knew the person. The first name andst name matched so perfectly that it evolved into her favorite movie name. Their parents must be a fan of Jurassic movie. She must say, it would be super embarrassing to carry that name.

    "What now? Is it another weird gift? She must be taking revenge." Devin whispered in a low murmur. He pulled the parcel rapidly when Harley was close to the point of opening it. Devin immediately threw her out of the room and opened the gift item. Earlier if he was shocked seeing the urinal shot sses, but right now he wanted to bang his head on the wall.

    "Is she for real? A ''ball wash'' as a gift? She doesn''t have any shame at all." Devin never knew there would be a separate wash for them alone. At this rate, he wondered if Francis and Wilbur have gone insane. To provoke him further, she even added a name tag along with the item.

    [Activated Charcoal ''ball wash'': Lather your nuts and butt with this amazing product. I heard it leaves them smelling fantastic]

    "I will make sure you smell them one day." Good that Devin has finished the only meeting in the morning, otherwise he would have lost the temper in front of the employees. Even before he coulde out of the shock, the door was knocked again. As usual, he threw the package into the drawer before letting Harley in.

    "Umm...Devin_"

    "You don''t need to. It''s another package from Jurassic Park, right?" His energy was all depleted in the morning seeing her gifts. He knew Leena wouldn''t stop today until she is satisfied with her revenge. After all, he has put a tight leash on her bbermouth

    Harley nodded her head hesitantly. She was wondering if was a kind of prank, his fans are ying on Devin. She made a note to inform Leena about it. All in all, Harley was finding a chance to talk with Leena again.

    "Bring it in." With a tired sigh, he whispered. He thought she would stop it with two gifts, but Leena has just started the show. She gifted them a dinosaur lunch box and he hates that creature. Throwing the box, he closed his eyes to rest for a while but Harley interrupted him again with another package. "Devin, another parcel for you," Harley screamed.

    From the morning until evening, there were around twenty gifts that he received and Leena didn''t disappoint him with her craziness. All the gift items would fight for first ce in weirdness if they were ced in the auction.

    [Snail secretion facial mask for smooth skin]

    [activated charcoal ball wash]

    [Urinal shots, disco beard rings]

    [Dick belt: One size masterpiece to keep your trousers at bay. If you like it, for more you can order from ''dicks by mail'']

    The list went on...

    Devin rubbed his temples and took a deep breath. Anger seized him and his fingers refused to move. Blood throbbed into his temples when he realized Leena would beughing at him sitting in her office. He never knew such kind of weird items is even sold in the market. Finally, he stopped receiving.

    "If she ended her revenge, then it''s good to start mine." A sly smile crept over his lips and he started executing the n.

    ....

    Leena was ying a cake maker game on her mobile which she installed for Cutie and now she got addicted to it. Although she was engrossed in the game, asionally a silly smile would escape from her lips when his angry face would pop up.

    "Why didn''t I receive a call from my babylicious?" Leena pouted and wiped her imaginary tears. Just then Reese knocked on the door and entered the office room. "You got a package, Leena,"

    "Who is it?" Leena asked pausing the game.

    "Lord Voldemort," Reese profused. She wanted to check if it is from that creepy fan of Leena but it was delivered by an authorized agent and so she did not open it. "Who is this creepy man who named that jinx name?"

    "Did that copy cat use my beautiful idea again?" Leena threw her mobile and rushed to grab the parcel. Even when Leena tried to throw Reese out of the room, she did not budge.

    Taking a deep breath, Leena unboxed the gift, and just like Devin, she parted her lips in shock seeing the gifts. It was not one. He has sent double the gifts which Leena has sent in the morning.

    [nt based cogen butt mask: I heard it will hydrate and tone your tired tushies leaving your sweet cheeks soft and plump without wrinkles. Keep it soft otherwise, it''s hard to squeeze them]

    [Vibrator shaped Lipstic: Throw it into your purse and apply it whenever you wanted some pleasure]

    "Devinnnnnnnnn." Leena screamed at the top of her lungs.

    Reese clutched her stomach unable to curb herugh seeing all the funny items on the desk. She was sure it must be Devin ying a prank on Leena. Finally, God has listened to my pleas.. To tame this sadist, woman, he has sent an equally statistic man.

 Chapter 152 - Period

    Left with no other choice, Leena tiredly walked out of the office along with Reese. She threw all the gifts into the car trunk and elerated the car, while all the way, she was cursing Devin for copying her ideas again.

    She tiredly slumped on the bed when she reached home. She felt utterly exhausted, her period seems to approach soon and for some reason, she felt angry at everyone. Her mood swings started to bring the worst out of her.

    Since Carrot was not at home, Leena didn''t have to prepare food for her. All in honest, she did not have the energy to cook. She swatted the idea to ask the snoring tractor to boil because she would have hit her bed by now.

    For a little while, Leena slept and got up when her mobile started buzzing. Seeing the contact name, she immediately picked up.

    "What?" Her voice was gripping yet soft for him to infer.

    "Did you like the gifts?" Devin parked the car outside of Greenwyn vige.

    His deep voice tickled her ears raising goosebumps on her skin and Leena badly wanted his kisses now. Damn! my period. It''s all because of it. Leena med her periods effortlessly. "You have be a copy cat again and shamelessly used my theories."

    "Is it? But you know what copy cat says?" He asked.

    "What?"

    "When you copy, you stop creating and when you stop creating, you stop imagining and when you stop imagining you_"

    "You be ordinary and when you be ordinary, you need to copy," Leena added for him.

    "Exactly sweetheart. You are always on point. Call the security and ask them to approve my identity." Devin halted his footsteps when he was blocked by the security. He was satisfied that the security is tightly packed here.

    "Are you in Greenwyn vige?" A rush of excitement sent colors to cheeks when she thought of seeing him."Aren''t you big? You can''t even bypass the security?"

    "Do you want me to trespass the security? I don''t mind but the consequences will be_"

    "Fine. I will call them." She knew he would not even think twice to destroy. She has seen his way of dealing through Trent.

    Leena contacted the security and confirmed to send the person in. She was too tired to walk and asked Devin to key in the password by himself.

    It was the first time Devin was in Leena''s t and everything was neat and kept well. He walked into the bedroom with Leena''s guidance since it''s the first time he was here.

    "Are you not well?" Devin opened the door and strode towards the bed where Leena was resting on the bed.

    "I am fine. Just a little uneasy." A smile of joy and satisfaction lit up her eager face seeing him.

    "Did you eat?" He bent down and kissed her forehead as he sat on the bed.

    "I did not make anything." She pursed her lips thinking that he would get mad at her for not eating.

    "You are neglecting health again. Let me make something for_"

    "No." Leena instantly declined scared then he would burn the kitchen.

    "Don''t worry. I will be careful. I have learned a trick not to burn." Devin gave a throaty chuckle and went tounch himself into the kitchen battle.

    "Careful with my kitchen," Leena screamed but Devin was already gone.

    ...

    Devin came back with hot mushroom soup which he duplicated exactly as the woman illustrated on youtube. He only wished she would like it. But the girl in question was not in the bed. Unconsciously, his eyes scooted on to the red stain. "Is she on period? That exins her uneasiness."

    He removed the nket to put it in a washing machine. Just then, Leena emerged out of the bathroom.

    "What happened to it?" Leena asked noticing the nket on his hand.

    "It''s stained a little."

    Leena awkwardly scratched her head in embarrassment. Why must my period arrive when he is here? Now I am running out of pads also. How should I go out?

    "I_" She hesitated. "I am_"

    "You don''t need to get awkward around me. We are in a modern world and we all studied science. I do understand it." He stepped forward to ease her nervousness.

    "What do you want?" He asked, gently grabbing her hand.

    "I am running out of sanitary pads."

    "Shall I go and ask Reese?" Recently he got to know that both are staying in the same apartments.

    "I use a different brand." She said. When ites to the things she uses, Leena is very reluctant.

    "Tell me the brand then. I will bring it."

    Leena pulled him by ear to whisper the brand name she uses.

    "There is no one here, sweetheart. Why are you being so secretive?" But Leena was too shy to utter the name facing him, so she opted for his ear.

    Immediately Devin went to get the so-called brand for her. He thought it was an easy job. When Harley got her first period, no one was in the home except Devin. She did not know what exactly has happened to her and when she saw the bloodstain she started crying. Even Devin had no idea how to take care of her. Although his teacher talked about the reproductive system in the biology ss, it was limited. So, he googled a little about it and brought her all the things she needed.

    Although he was a novice when it came to such things, he still managed it in the case of Harley. But right now he couldn''t. Even after searching in seven to eight supermarkets, he couldn''t find the brand Leena was using. Everybody was throwing weird stares for asking something which they are not aware of. If he was not wearing a mask, Devin would be in the headlines tomorrow.

    Finally, he has to Google for a store and has to drive a long distance to get that brand.

    Devin returned home and he brought it in a bigger volume so that she doesn''t need to go behind it every month.

    "What took you so long?" Leena asked seeing him return.

    "What kind of brand you are using? Do you know how hard it is to find?"

    "It''s rarely avable in the stores." She grabbed the packet from his hand and she appreciated him for bringing it in a bigger volume.

    To appreciate his efforts, she tiptoed and kissed his cheek. Before Devin could catch her, she was in the bathroom with the door closed.

    Although they have kissed a lot of times by now, her simple gesture made him turn flutter.

 Chapter 153 - Pigtails

    Getting out of the kiss trance, Devin went into Leena''s walk-in-closet to pick a fresh nket. He was moving around the house as if he was not a stranger and gottenfortable in the house handily. When he opened the closet, his mind blew seeing all the dresses she stuffed there. He knew she worships dresses but he didn''t expect that her admiration is to this extent. It looked like a mini shopping mall and she can easily start a shopping business if she wanted.

    Somewhere in one of the cabs, he found the nket since the rest of them are stuffed with her dresses alone. Grabbing the nket, he made his way to the bed when Leena also emerged out of the bathroom.

    Immense happiness surged in her seeing him so considerate of little things. Leena was wondering why Ethan couldn''t make it into her heart. But now she understood. He never cared about her feelings. All the while they knew each other, he was busy courting her and when she epted him, he was always tending to his EX. But even before they be a pair, Devin was looking after her. Leena thought that she was the happiest girl in the universe to find this rare gem. Her legs give away and she walked towards him. Instantly Devin was embraced in a hug. "Thank you, Devin."

    With a smile, Devin grazed her encircled arms and sensed a bracelet that he put on her hand at Austin''s wedding. "You are still wearing it?"

    "I like it, no I love it," Leena released herself from the hug and shortly Devin turned to face her when he missed her warmth.

    "Do you want to take a hot water bath? If not you can use a hot pad also if you are feeling muscle cramps." He asked lifting her by the waist carrying her to the bed.

    "I am just a step away from the bed. Do you need to be tacky always?" She shouted at him, her face writhed in anger.

    For a second, Devin was taken back at the sudden change in her behavior. Did I do something wrong? She would never yell at me usually. But then again, she is on period. Her mood swings could bring the worst in her. He has experienced with Harley a lot of times.

    "I am sorry, Leena. I will be careful next time." Heid her on the bed and sat next to her a little distance away.

    "Why aren''t you calling me sweetheart? Don''t you like me anymore?" Leena''s shout to Devin was lost in another burst of thunder.

    Devin was speechless again. He stood there like a turkey hearkening. He didn''t know what to reply. Even if the answer is positive or negative, she would be at his neck again and before he could retort, Leena spoke up. "Hug me, Devin." With a pout, she red her arms.

    Devin hesitantly nodded his head andplied with her wishes.

    "Sorry, I get irritated on the first day of my period. I will be okay for tomorrow." Leena felt bad for chiding him but she couldn''t control her tongue moments before.

    "I don''t mind it, sweetheart. Don''t you want to eat? I made the soup." Devin was scared that she would re up in anger again but then, when he handed over the soup, she silently drank without anyints.

    He went to the vanity and fetched the coconut oil to rub her body to ease the tension in her muscles but Leena did not let him massage when he was aiming for her abdomen. So he went for feet and hands. Slowly she drifted into sleep while his hands were doing work.

    Watching her sleep, he wrapped a quilt and securely tugged her inside before leaving. "Good night, sweetheart." He kissed her forehead and picked the nket which was lying on the floor and threw it into the washing machine. Right, when he was done with everything, he strolled to the nearby couch and watching her peaceful face, he soon dozed off.

    ...

    Morning arrived, Leena was first to wake up and scanned the room when she did not find Devin on her bed. She sighed in relief when she saw him sleeping on the couch.

    She walked towards the couch and wrapped him in a nket like a cocoon. Even then, he didn''t stir in the sleep. Audaciously she yed with his hair for a while. She bought a couple of stic bands and started braiding his hair. Although it was hard to tie a knot, she still managed it a clumsy way. Satisfied with the look, she clicked a series of photos to taunt him in the future. "You are sleeping like a blockhead even when I am pulling stunts on your hair." A slight chuckle escaped from her lips when she thought of his angry face once he gets to know about it.

    Getting fresh, she made her way to the kitchen to cook breakfast for both. Right when she was making a smoothie and sandwich, a roaring voice prated her ears, soon followed by an angry face. "Leena! Did you make pigtails on my hair?"

    "Ah, my babylicious woke up. You looked cute with the braided hair." Leena continued. "If I sell the picture, how many dresses I would get?"

    "You are talking about the dresses again when there is no space left in the wardrobes?" He asked closing their distance. Unlike yesterday, Devin did not make any intimate contact in fear. Hepletely forgot about the pigtails she put on him seeing her face.

    "The joy of dressing is an art." Handing the ss of juice and the sandwich, Leena confided.

    "d that you know cooking, sweetheart. We can manage with one." It tasted good although Leena mixed up all the ingredients.

    "It''s not only cooking, Mr.Wang. I know photography, I know music, I know architecture, I know singing...." Leena flicked her fingers when Devin was not focussing on her. Finally, when she grabbed his attention, she winked. "I even know poetry."

    "But doesn''t even know how to differentiate women and men''s bathroom." All the while she was boasting about herself, Devin crushed Leena bringing their past. A softugh escaped his throat when he saw her red face.

    "Devin!!" Leena shouted. "Can''t you stop bringing that topic every time?"

    Putting the juice ss down, he pulled her towards him. "Just tell me one thing. Did you see or not on that day?"

    Feeling embarrassed, Leena sunk her face on his chest."I didn''t see it."

    "Now now...Let''s be genuine, little cat."

    "A little. You have zipped it up before I could see it fully."

    "You seem disappointed. Do you want to see it fully now?" He recalled the day when she mored about it after getting drunk. That was one hrious day to remember in his memory.

    "No!" Leena immediately interjected. Maybe in the future, Leena kept the thought to herself. "Let''s go. You have to go home to get ready for the office."

    Soon after the breakfast, both started to the office and the moment, Leena stepped out of the room, she was immediately greeted by a familiar person. Terror filled her when the person was not gazing at her but her babylicious.. Instantly, Leena shielded Devin.

 Chapter 154 - Condom Flavors

    Leena was not bothered when the person in front of her was banging his new manager or uncle William. But when she thought that he would snatch Devin away from her, she immediately went to protective mode. Although Devin was confused by the sudden shift, he did not ask her.

    "Hello, Uncle Pumpkin." Leena greeted him with a smile. Although she was standing in front of Devin, she couldn''t cover him entirely. Damn, his height.

    "Morning, Leena dear." Uncle Pumpkin nced at the person standing behind Leena and he instantly recognized him. Who doesn''t know him? But he was stunned to see him along with Leena. Although he considers himself as a celebrity for being famous with the balloon condoms, he would feel giddy whenever he sees a celebrity just like now. "Is it Wang Devin? What is your rtionship with him?

    "He is_"

    "Aren''t you introducing him to me?" Uncle pumpkin interrupted urgently.

    Left with no choice, she cursed and nced at Devin. "Umm...Devin, he is my neighbor, uncle_"

    "Jack Condom." Uncle Pumpkin cut her words in the middle and offered a handshake while he added. "Closed ones call me Uncle Pumpkin and my employees call me, Mr. Condom. Since you appear to be close to Leena, you can call me Uncle Pumpkin."

    Devin parted his lips in shock hearing his name but soon heposed himself and lent a handshake. "Pleased to meet you, Mr.C__ Uncle Pumpkin." He has never heard someone is willingly asking to call with that bizarre name. Jurassic Park and Lord Voldemort are betterpared to his names.

    "Do you want to visit my home?" He asked in anticipation.

    "Maybe some other time, Uncle Pumpkin," Leena spoke up. "He has to leave for office for an urgent meeting. I will bring him some other day."

    "Alright." He winked at Devin taking him by surprise.

    Leena wanted to strangle Uncle Pumpkin for eyeing her property but she controlled the rage since he makes delicious food for her. Bidding a goodbye, Leena tried to drag Devin away but Uncle Pumpkin cut her off and pulled Devin while he whispered into his ears. "Ginger, garlic, blueberry st, banana burst, grapey gush, pineapple, I have all the vors that you need."

    "What are they?" Devin asked. Confusion crossed his features. He did not understand the reason he started talking about fruits and spices out of blue.

    "Those are the condom vors which I sell in ourpany. You need them to spice up your life. We have other types of_"

    "Thanks. But no thanks." Devin suspended his thoughts. What kind of absurd thing he is gloating about? He would never use that kind of sick things even in the future.

    "I have to leave for the office." Having said that, Devin left along with wine Leena.

    Watching the retiring figure, Uncle pumpkin scoffed. "What is so good about him that he has been named as the most handsome man? He doesn''t even have a belly that would shake, unlike my new manager. I don''t like him at all." Thinking of that person, Uncle Pumpkin did not want to go to the office today and messaged his manager toe to his home for a cup of coffee. Within seconds he got a positive reply. With a triumphant smile, he went inside.

    ...

    "Uncle Pumpkin is a very nice person. Don''t judge him by his looks." Leena started stepping into the car.

    "No sweetheart. I don''t judge a person by his looks. I was just wondering why on the earth he has such bizarre surname."

    Leena exined about the Condompany he started along with his habits and finally, Devin had a rough idea about his traits. One thing he understood, he is crazy just like Leena. No wonder they are neighbors.

    "Francy asked me to bring you home," Leena told.

    "Is it? Can go now." Devin was scheming a n to ask for marriage directly with Francis. "I will ask Harley to_"

    "You seem to be very desperate but you have to wait." Leena suddenly recalled Devin''s closeness with Francis at the hotel. She wanted to ask him about their rtionship from that day but forgot about it. "How long you have been knowing him? Are you very close?"

    "He has been close to me since my childhood. He is even closer than my friends."

    Leena admired their rtionship. I don''t need to face any threats now that both are close.

    Devin dropped her at the office and he wanted to go into the office but Leena did not allow him. Until their rtionship is made public, she wants to keep him for herself. If Mandy sees him along with her, it would be on the headlines tomorrow. Reluctantly, Devin agreed and went home to get ready for the office.

    ...

    Ethan walked into a hotel where he has to meet his friend and he was already waiting for him. "I am sorry for the wait Martin."

    "Hello, Ethan. That''s not an issue." Martin added. "I will get to the point straight away."

    "When the package was delivered to your office, there was a power outage for a couple of minutes. Although it was a trusted site that delivered it to you, the person is missing to find it. It looks deliberate. Someone in the office close to you must have gone to the electric source room. You must be aware of the people close to you."

    "It''s my mom, dad, my fiance, and sometimes my friend. I could only think of these people." He should have thought a little before acting on that day before acting rashly on Leena. Who was ountable for it. It was evident that it is to break them apart. His dad doesn''t know about Leena. His mom and Casey don''t like her. But he was wondering they would go to such an extent of tormenting another girl image.

    "Make sure that you are not alerting them until we catch the culprit," Martin exined.

    "Thanks for your efforts. I will keep that in my mind.." Having said that, Ethan left.

 Chapter 155 - One Euro

    After Devin dropped her at the office, she went into the office to cool Reese. Every day, both would go to the office together and since Devin was here, she wanted to spend time with him. So, she left Reese, and now she is fretting.

    "Reese, why don''t get a boyfriend now that I am in a rtionship," Leena spoke up entering Reese''s room.

    "No one is ready to date me after hearing the rumors between us," Reese exined pulling out a file from her.

    "I will find you one." Leena pondered for a while to search for a man and instantly a face popped up but she snubbed it thinking that he is already in a peculiar rtionship.

    "I don''t want to date any_"

    Her thoughts cut off when Leena''s mobile ringed ending their deep conversation about finding a boyfriend for Reese. Despite Leena didn''t save the contact number, she knew who it was. Instantly she cut the call and went in to speak with her but she was interrupted by the caller ID again.

    "Is it your dad?" Reese asked. Leena would never ignore calls from anyone except that person.

    "He is not my dad, Reese." She sternly dered.

    "I am sorry. It just rolled out of my tongue." Reese exined. She knew Leena doesn''t like her father but sometimes he would persistently call her if he needs anything from her. "Lift the call and ask what he wants now."

    "I hate talking to him." She ignored the call but the person was persistently calling her despite her ignorance and she lifted the call. "He doesn''t have any shame."

    "Why are you ignoring my calls?" The first thing Leena heard when she picked up. "I know you hate me for being bad_"

    "What is the purpose of your call, Mr.Hayes?" Leena cut him off. "I have no time to listen to your sentimental dialogues."

    "As arrogant as always." He sighed. "Your sister''s eighteenth birthday. is approaching. I expect your presence on that day."

    "She is not my sister. FYI, I have no rtionship with your family. Please don''t call me again. Have some shame when I am not picking up."

    "Leena!" He reprimanded. "Watch what you speak. Don''t behave like your mother. You will only end up like her eventually. Have little respect to_"

    "Don''t talk about my mom with your filthy mouth. I don''t even think twice to beat you. Do you want me to call my Francy and tell him to cut off your pea-sized share in thepany?"

    "You insolent_"

    Reese snatched the mobile and ended the call in the middle. Leena giggled at Reese''s protectiveness. "Even you can''t tolerate his noise?"

    "I hate when someone bullies you, Leena," Reese admitted.

    "Do you think he has the gall to bully me?" Leenaughed throwing her head back. "He is just a paper tiger, Reese. He would pee on his pants if I just re at him."

    "Are you going to the party, then?" She asked. She doesn''t want Leena to go to that ce alone.

    "Of course yes. I need him to teach a small lesson to him." Leena has already agreed to go to the party. Looks like I will have to face a drama with that poop head family.

    Closing her eyes, Leena recalled the past when she was little. She has only taken a glimpse of her father when he arrived at Heacis mansion after a year of her ident but that was also to tell about his newborn daughter''s news. Francis has never made Leena forget her father eventually to the point that he has be a stranger.

    It''s no point in thinking about him. With a loud sigh, Leena got back to work.

    ...

    Devin was working sitting in his office when a message popped up. Recently, like an idiot, he has been checking his mobile now and then to see if his Leena has messaged or not.

    [My crazy idiot: My dear babylicious....my sweety Devinnnnn...Can you teach me photography this weekend]

    A slow smile escaped from his lips showcasing his dimple. In seconds he replied.

    [What will I get in return. I am a businessman after all.]

    [My crazy idiot: One Euro]

    "She has concluded my photography skills worth one Euro?" Devin replied that he agreed to her proposal provided that he decides the ce. He wanted to take her to a private ce to let her learn freely.

    When he was deeply chatting with Leen, Harley knocked on the door and entered in.

    "We have to go to a meeting." She said.

    Devin nodded his head and texted a goodbye and added a kiss emoji. He knew she would be flushing after seeing the message. He got up and went along with her. Right when the elevator was about to close, Regina and ke entered stopping it.

    "Good morning, sir" She shyly greeted Devin. Watching Regina and Devin, ke felt that she was the only one who could match Devin''s status. With her calm demeanor, her considerate attitude towards others, she was a perfect example of beauty along with the brain. But when he saw Devin''s puppy love actions with that arrogant woman on that day, he did not like it. But he was not in a position to talk about it.

    After they got down from the elevator, Devin didn''t spare any nce despite Regina tried to talk with him and walked along with Harley.

    "I don''t like her, Devin." Harley voiced out. "I feel she is physiologically ill."

    "Good that we both fell the same." Devin gets nauseous when she bites her nails as if she doesn''t have anything to eat other than that.

    "What if she tries to harm Leena. I think she has feelings for you."

    "She will rot in hell if she does something to Leena. Besides, Leena is not an easy catch, dear sister." He knew that woman is mentally sick. But he doesn''t have any proof to throw her out of thepany.. If she dares any act on Leena, he would not spare her life.

 Chapter 156 - Terrified

    Just like that time flew and Leena has been anticipating the weekend for five long days. Thinking of learning photography from Devin was making her feel giddy and more than that, she is getting time to spend with him. Reese was chastising her for not spending time with her unlike before but Leena did not even take it into her ears. Sensing the familiar footsteps stepping into the house, her beat elerated. She dashed to the mirror and checked herself for onest time.

    "You always looks best, Leena." Satisfied with her overall look, she threw a flying kiss and slowly strolled out not to make it deliberate but her heart was saying oppositely.

    Seeing her in that deep v neck top, his mind went gutter, and he felt a strong urge to kiss her. He has been doing nothing except hugging from the day she was on the period in order not to make her ufortable. Devin wished he would get some action today. Breaking his thought, he spoke up. "Are you ready?"

    Leena nodded her head and when he offered his hand, she readily epted it. He pulled her towards him by the waist and stole a quick peck before releasing.

    "You are bing naughty each passing day." She knocked his shoulders.

    "Can''t help, sweetheart. You are making me go crazy."

    Throughout the journey, Leena was continuously bbering some weird stuff and her achievements and Devin patiently listened until they reached the destination. When they got down from the car, she was amazed to see a beautiful ce where Devin, and when she walked inside the resort, she gasped seeing the beauty. It was a kind of vintage vige which she is fond of them and the scenery was breathtaking. Why does our taste match in everything?

    "Did you like the ce?"

    "It''s beautiful. But why don''t I see any people here? Don''t tell me it''s your private_"

    "It''s ours now." He added. "I used toe here and rx after the heavy shoots. You are the first one to enter this ce."

    "You give surprises all the time. But I have not given any." Leena pouted.

    "Didn''t you send the crazy gifts?" His tone had sarcasm when he recited. Those gifts are hanging in a lockbox somewhere safely. He was scared that someone would see and think that he has gone crazy to buy those kinky items. Leena made him look like some kind of sex pervert.

    "Did you like them? Which one you liked the most?" She teased him.

    "Where are you getting all these ideas? Are you seeing some kind of pervert stuff?" He asked, settling his hand on her back.

    "I am born intelligent and I don''t need to see anything," Leena argued back. "Let''s go. You have to teach me photography basic. Otherwise, I am not giving one Euro."

    "As if I wanted." He said and bought her to an open space to start with the basics. When she opened a camera that looked like a professional one that experienced people use, Devin wanted tough. She doesn''t even know basic photography skills but still went for a high professional camera. He was sure the investor would be Francis or Wilbur. All crazy skills she will use and make everyone pay for it.

    He exined the basic elements of photography like aperture exposure and shutter speed which Leena tossed it away telling that she knew about them. Left with no choice, he started the practical and taught her to capture things like trees.

    He stood there watching her take the photos. When she did not point the camera to the right angle, Devin went behind her to help.

    "You are pointing it in the wrong direction." He whispered putting his chin on her shoulder encircling his arms around the waist.

    "You shouldn''t distract the student," Leena whispered, his hot breath was sending shivers down her body.

    "Didn''t you do the same while teaching me?" He twirled her around to face him. Grabbing the camera from her hand, his eyes flickered to her lips. He pushed her hair to the other side and his fingers stroking the tender nape of her neck.

    "Don''t. People might see." She mumbled. She knew he wouldn''t stop and despite it''s his private space many workers are loitering here.

    "Is it." He murmured almost absentmindedly, his mind clearly on other proactive things his body is craving. He has been missing those lips for a week.

    The glimmer of amusement in his voice irritated her and she felt a tease in his. voice. Leena pushed the solid chest to put a few inches between them but the frame didn''t budge and he securely locked in his arms. When he bent his head to lick her neck, his blood surged and pounded as if little jackhammers began to beat his skull.

    He released her arms and threaded one arm through her hair and the other gripped her hips and pulled her towards him and he assaulted her lips. He sucked on to her bottom lip and sped her waist seeking entry into her tongue earning a low moan from her.

    Although they were in an open space, he couldn''t control when her moans were tempting him. His fingers skimmed under her top, to feel her smooth skin. But Leena pushed him away breaking from the kiss and that was a sign, he immediately retreated his hand back.

    She was terrified for a moment. She has never been intimate with anyone before and she never allowed anyone to touch her. She thought she has forgotten that memory but it was still haunting her. She lost the longing she was feeling before. "I am sorry...I don''t know why I_

    "Shh...It''s all right, Leena" He silenced her huddling her head to his shoulders, and gently patted her head. He was having a hunch that something bad happened in the past when he could see the fear in Leena. To be a man-hater something must have triggered.

    I should talk to her about this soon.

 Chapter 157 - Siphoned Memories Into Basin

    Often Leena gets furious when she remembered the old pain although she moved past it. Because she still doesn''t understand why she deserved that suffering.

    She buried her face in his chest wrapping her arms around his waist inhaling his scent. It calmed her always.

    "Devin...can you wait a little more time... I promise I will tell you everything." She whispered. She had seen a hint of suspicion when she pushed him away. If she was right, he might have an inkling of the sudden change of her demeanor. She wanted to tell him about the past, but those were only painful memories and words couldn''t form when she wanted to tell.

    "Take your time, sweetheart. Clear what is on your mind. For you, I will wait for no matter." He patted her back to soothe the shivering body. He could feel that she wanted to talk about something desperately, but at the same time, her tongue seems to be tied when she opened her mouth.

    "I am afraid." Leena voiced out suddenly releasing herself from the hug.

    "Afraid of what?" He asked in unrest Did she not believe my words when I told her that I will wait for her?

    "I am afraid you will rece me with someone else in the future and find someone better. I am afraid someone will make you happier better than me. What if you lose interest in me and us?" Her words were barely a whisper. She has never liked someone and never wanted to feel loved until she crossed paths with this man and when ites to him, ''what if''s'' always linger on her mind although a part of her tells nothing to be afraid of. She never realized that she would fall for someone this desperately. Never in her dreams did she think that she would find someone who would touch her life profoundly and give a whole new reason to breathe and the reason she is afraid to lose him.

    "Leena!" Devin rested his forehead against her. "You are the only one who can make me smile without trying and you are the only one who can affect my emotions with every action of yours. I can''t exin how much you meant to me in words but you are the only one I am afraid of losing you. You are my world and I am willing to spend every day for the rest of my life proving this to you. Never have such thought. I am yours, Only you can have all of my heart wholeheartedly."

    "Aye Aye, babylicious. You are mine with no refunds." She sulked, her heart skipped a beat when he was looking at her with a love-filled gaze. She wanted to confess those three magical words. Even if she is a girl, she was fine to confess to him first as long as it is Devin but at the same time, she wanted him to remember the confession forever just like the letter. It took her a whole lot of time to prepare a confession letter and she doesn''t know how long it would take to prepare for it.

    "I am d that you feel in that way, sweetheart. Let''s go, you have to have lunch. Aren''t you hungry?" He asked. Although it''s weird to be called babylicious, he was getting used to it by now.

    "Very hungry." She grabbed the camera to put it in the bag and recalled something she was yearning to ask. "When did you start liking photography? You must be practicing a lot to know every minute detail."

    Her question made Devin halt his footsteps. When did I start liking photography? Now that Leena asked, he doesn''t even know why likes it. He felt like the photography hobby suddenly popped out into his life. "I_I don''t remember exactly."

    "What??" Leena''s mouth opened in a frozen scream. He doesn''t remember why he named his private jet as Raven and now he doesn''t even know when he likes photography. Did he have amnesia?

    "Perhaps, did you hit your head somewhere?" Leena asked with a loud gasp. Although it''s out of the question, she couldn''te up with any other theory other than amnesia with brain ident.

    "No. I did not. You watch a lot of dramas." He chuckled at her assumptions. Sometimes even he felt that some missing puzzles are not pieced properly in his life and his heart and brain always a battle. His heart always speaks some bizarre things which his brain doesn''t understand. He never had any ident to have amnesia. But still, he went in to confirm if forgetting things has anything to do with his health. When he asked his mom, she told him that it can be due to weariness. "It might be due to exhaustion that I forget things easily."

    "Okay," Leena nodded in a daze while her brain was adding the permutations andbination of the possible oues. Who forgets such important things? She still remembers all the important events in her life and she could tell every detail even if she was awakened in the middle of her sleep. Why can''t he remember? Unexpectedly, she remembered Dumbledore from the Harry Potter movie. When he had too many thoughts crowded into his head, he siphoned excess thoughts into the basin using the wand to forget unwanted memories. Did he do the same thing to keep memories organized? Is he a wizard?

    Leena snapped out her thoughts when Devin flicked her forehead.

    "Ouch....that hurts, idiot." She snapped.

    "Your brain is going beyond bananas again." He retorted rubbing her forehead to unwind the pain.

    Leena awkwardly scuffed her forehead for assuming Dumbledore''s theory in real life. He wouldugh for calling him a witch.

    "Let''s go. I am hungry." She grabbed his hand pulling him away.

    Right after reaching home, Leena got fresh and took the lunch responsibility aftering to an agreement that he should cook dinner for the night. He epted it readily when he has YouTube to save his skin.

    While Leena was happily chatting with Devin preparing the ingredients, her mobile echoed around them disturbing their sweet moments. When she gazed at the contact name, she frowned and nced in Devin''s direction.

    "It''s Will. He is doubting that I am in a rtionship." She exined. Her phone got engaged multiple times when Wilbur called and he has been throwing questions after questions asking if she is talking with a man. Although Leena informed him that it''s her friend, he pretended to believe her but One night he called around three in the morning to check if Leena was speaking with someone. Lucky that she was not talking to Devin at such an odd hour. She never knew he would be a doubting Thomas and searching for evidence to catch her red-handed. Can''t he be patient for a little more time until I introduce each other?

    "Is it? Talk with him. He will have to know it one day." Devin jumped down from the kitchen countertop when he got an idea to make it more suspicious to Wilbur. Devin was certain that Wilbur would be hitting bathroom doors powerless toprehend what''s going on with her sister after this call.

    "What took you so long to pick my call?" Leena heard hismanding tone the moment she picked up the call. Taking a deep breath, she went for another story.

    "I was taking shower...Ahh...." She gasped a mouth full of air when her waist was squeezed like a shot.

    "What''s wrong? Are you alright?" Wilbur asked, panic-filled him to the core when he heard Leena''s uneven breathing.

    "I_I" Her breath knocked against her lungs when Devin appeared behind her and wrapped his arms around the waist. Not a word, her brain. could process. "I_ I_ a cockroach....."

    Leena made another loud gasp when Devin took her soft ear lobe in between his teeth biting and sucking it gently. It was a slow painless nip sending jitters of pleasure. He whispered a threat into her ear. "Tell him that you are with his brother-inw."

    "Leena, are you all right? Did I hear a man''s voice?" Wilbur asked in a dreaded voice.

    For a moment Leena forgot to speak. Devin was driving her crazy to the point that she forgot everything and let out a whimper. She wanted to end the call but the deviant pervert behind her was holding her phone without allowing it to end while his other hand was poking her waist now and then. She was under his spellpletely.

    "Are you there? I aming home."

    "I_I...No one...I will call youter...." With all the amount of energy, Leena picked her voice and spoke up. She kicked Devin''s leg surprising him suddenly. For a second, he put his guards down when he was in his own pleasure of teasing her. Grabbing the chance, Leena pulled the mobile and ended the call before her brother could hear her lewd sounds.

    She threw her mobile in the kitchen and turned around to reprimand him. "Are you teasing me, idiot? It sounds so gross making out when my brother is in the call."

    "You are making me crazy for a week, sweetheart. Lucky that I am only teasing you.." He pulled her and instantly she was in his arms.

 Chapter 158 - XOXO Karma

    While the couple was in bliss forgetting the world around them with the intense kiss, a bigmotion was happening on the other side.

    The atmosphere turned grave by the sounds of a woman''s vehement outcries. She was resembling a frenzied beast. The clothes were scattered, a ss painting of her portrait was smashed, blood was oozing out when a shred of ss piece sliced her finger but she didn''t care. She was relieving her pent up anger and frustration on the things. She has broken, kicked, and crashed everything in the home.

    "Calm down Regi, violence is not the answer. Your dad doesn''t like you being in this state." Victor mused watching the woman with great interest. Despite she was snarling in anger, instead of coaxing, he was immersed in studying her sexy body through that adumbrate tight dress.

    "I hate that bitch." Reginashed out, picking up a ss vase that was standing close to her, and tossed it onto the wall. It hit the wall and the vase broke down, the ss pieces shattered with a heavy concussion across the floor. The house was in a detritus state. No one dared to humiliate her except that bitch. She was already fuming in anger with the insults Leena has imposed on her and to add fuel to the fire, Victor brought the news that Devin has taken that shrewd woman on a date. She didn''t believe it until Victor showed the picture of Devin and Leena getting into the car that he snapped from a distance.

    "Why doesn''t he see me as his woman, Victor? Why doesn''t he love me?" Regina broke down dropping to the floor. For ten years, she has been loving him and tried every possible way to be a perfect partner but he wouldn''t acknowledge her even once.

    "It''s not the time to cry, my dear Regi." He dragged a long puff of his cigarette and when the smoke filled his chest, the taste aggravated his desire for the raging woman. He was staring at her with intense eyes. From the day he has been serving as Regina''s dad''s assistant, he has got close to her despite their ten years age gap and he has been waiting for the day to taste her and fill her insides with his cream but he has no ns to marry this dumb woman despite she is rich and that''s the reason he has no objections when she asked for his help in eliminating the women that are trying to get close to Devin. He flicked the ashes of smoke and spoke up.

    "If he can''t love you, make him yours forcefully. You have been close to that woman for ten years and she will be your trump card if you use her properly. Your prince charming owns something big to her and the family can''t say no to her if she wants you to be Devin''s wife."

    Regina slowly nodded her head with deep thought. The status of being his wife is not enough, she wants his love also but right now he has already slipped out of her hands and love can be followedter. She was certain that he will fall for her in the future and Regina was determined to make it happen.

    ...

    The sky was raven with the stars glittering high above. It gave the reward for the people to rest and let the heart go in a steady rhythm but someone was struggling with the dinner responsibility. Leena was happily chatting with Reese throwing the cooking responsibility to Devin alone. Earlier, he helped her in picking the ingredients at least but right now she is acting as if she doesn''t even care for him.

    "She is always here to disrupt our sweet moments." Devin sliced the zhini visualizing it like Reese''s throat and he was gratified with the shape.

    With the help of YouTube, he eventually made all the dishes that Leena ordered. For a second he thought, what would be his state without YouTube Goddess.

    Even after they finished the dinner, Reese was still in the house gossiping about their office affairs with Leena. Devin tried to stop her in the middle but she did not even catch a hint. Can''t she understand that we are in a rtionship now? He made a note to introduce someone to her otherwise she would be a hindrance in the future. That''s it. Devin couldn''t take it anymore. He gave one death stare to Reese when she gazed in Devin''s direction unconsciously. She gulped when she saw him silently threatening with his eyes and she caught the hint this time. "It''s time, Leena. I will go and sleep. You guys carry on."

    "Thanks, Reese. I was thinking of asking you because you have been here from the evening and I couldn''t spend time with my babylicious." Leena was thinking Reese would understand and leave after dinner to give space for them but she is just like Drew clutching on to her. I should pair up with someone for this idiot soon.

    "You meanie. You have be biased now. He hase into your lifetely and now you are taking his side leaving your long-time friend. I am going toin to my brother." Reese wiped her imaginary tears and got up from the bed. Before leaving she gazed in Devin''s direction and stuck her tongue out. "What you do to others has a funny way ofing back to you."

    "And who told that," Devin asked crossing his arms.

    "XOXO Karma." Her voice an octave when she thought he is stealing Leena away.

    "If I tell your brother that you are having prohibited rtionships outside, will you put up with the same voice?"

    Reese balled her fists in anger. She knew he is a sly devil. With no choice, she exhibited her resentment on Leena."Take care of your boyfriend. He is off the limits."

    "Get lost idiot. Don''t talk ill about my babylicious. Your tongue always sits ufortably in your mouth." Leena grabbed a pillow to hurl but Reese was gone before that.

    Right after Reese left, Devin Jumped into the bed startling Leena. "I miss you, Leena."

    "You have been here all the time and you still miss me?"

    "Even if I spend the whole day with you but I will miss you if you are a little away from me." Devin pulled her closer to his chest.

    "So cheesy." Her smile broadened which reached her eyes. "Are you sleeping in my bed? I am not_"

    "Don''t worry, I am not going to do anything." He reassured. She was partly lying on his chest wrapping her arms around his torso and it felt like heaven with the love of his life in his arms finally.

    "Leena.." Devin called up her name sweetly.

    "Hm?"

    "Do you want to meet my family?" He asked, slightly took a peek at her face to study her reaction.

    "Okay." Leena was kind of nervous but still, she has to meet them one day. Do I get a torturous mother-inw? Stop it, Leena! You are already a step ahead of the marriage. "Do I need to bring gifts to impress your family?" She heard that while going to meet elders, she has to carry a lot of gifts.

    "No, sweetheart." Hisugh was sudden and short engaging a simple which Leena did not miss to see. "We are living in the modern world. They don''t matter in our family. Just your presence is enough. Trust me, Everybody will like you the way you are." Devin was certain that everybody in his family will like her. His mom is a little stubborn at times but she would eventually get attracted to Leena''s ma. If she has made him fall without knowing for herself, then his mom was not a big deal.

    "Okay. But still, I will bring bananas as gifts."

    She started again. Does her day ever start without bananas? Either she would be eating or talking about them.

    "Alright, bring as many you want." Devin gave up knowing her banana fetish. He thought of taking her by next week but he has to leave for a business trip to Korea and he suspended the idea for now. Little did he knew, the trip was going to create chaos in their life.

    "I am sleepy." With a yawn, she snuggled closer.

    "Go to sleep." He whispered pulling a nket and went under it. He stood true to his words when she said he is not going to make a move.

    ...

    The orange rays kissed the ground weing the sun. With the constant buzzing of the inte, he groaned in frustration and woke up from the deep slumber. He peeked at Leena and she was still sleeping and he was afraid that it would disturb her sleep.

    Just who dares to disturb their sleep?

    He gingerly ced her head on the pillow and wrapped the nket up to her chin and got up to see the annoying person for himself.

    Without checking the person in the inte, Devin strolled to the living room and opened the door.. Although he seems rxed seeing the person in front of him, there was a shock on the other end person as if it was a dream.

 Chapter 159 - What Is Vincy Doing Here

    Standing in front of Leena''s unit, Wilbur''s blood was simmering with irritation. Narcissistic brat. She must be having her beauty sleep.

    He has keyed the password twice but each time it says incorrect. He quit going for a third attempt to not alert the security and they woulde running behind him even if he is her rtive.

    What''s wrong with this annoying sister? She is being secretive now changing the password? Little did Wilbur know, it was Devin who has changed it seeing Reese constantly barging into the house now and then from yesterday.

    Even when Wilbur called her, the mobile ringed, but it was not picked up by Leena. His panic grew when he sensed something might have happened to her again. There was no one with her on the day she was tormented by Ethan and when he was back, the damage was already done and he lost the happy and funny going Leena. She became a broken doll. For days, she did not speak with anyone silently crying in that room.

    He promised Francy that he would take care of her but he failed. Not once, twice and for a whole year, Francis did not speak with him and he epted the punishment. Only when Cutie was born, Wilbur earned little brownie points and Francis slowly started to talk with him.

    He brushed that terrible memory which only left pain. It''s not time to dwell on that matter. Right now, he has to catch his sister red-handed if she is pulling out any naughty activity.

    His patience was thinning and finally, after pressing the inte multiple times, the door was opened. He was nearly ready to reprimand his sister for being careless but not a word came out of his mouth when he saw a tall person standing in front of him. His jaw dropped to the ground and his eyes bulged out of the socket.

    Vincy!

    What is he doing here!

    Did I enter the wrong house?

    Wilbur''s face went pale as if he was visualizing things. He thought he was taking a walk on the wild side when he saw his friend here.

    There is no way, Devin would be here, right?

    Since yesterday night he was restless whenever he remembered Leena''s voice. He couldn''t ept the theory when she told him that she screamed because of a cockroach. He could sense there is something odd about her voice.

    Although Leena sent a message right after the call ended and reassured him that nothing has happened but his mind was in unrest and due to the tension, he has been hitting the bathroom continuously. He wanted to visit right after he talked with Leena but his annoying daughter hasmitted another mischievous activity again and he was tending to her. Right when he woke up in the morning, he rushed to see Leena but never in his dreams he expected he would see his friend the moment the door was opened.

    It must be a hallucination. I must havee to the wrong ce.

    "Sorry, Vincy. I was intending to go to my sister''s house but I must havee to your house by_"

    "Devin...Where are you? I am hungry. Breakfast is on you today." A sluggish voice followed by a figure entered Wilbur''s eyes. For a second, words muffled and he froze seeing the picture before him.

    It can''t happen. My sister...Devin...together? What are they doing in the house? One nightstand? But both are not such kind of persons. Am I dreaming then? It must be a dream.

    Even Leena was shocked to see Wilbur here. She instantly woke up when she missed her warmforter and when she nced at her sides, Devin was not in the bed. She quickly got up to check for him in the living room but what Leena did not expect is her brother has appeared.

    "Will..." She sucked a breath of air anxiously after getting caught red-handed by her brother. She was ought to give surprise but every time she was getting the surprise when she wants to introduce her family to Devin, just like Francy.

    "Leena...you and Vincy..am I imagining?" Wilbur looked at their outfit and started imagining things.

    "It''s not your imagination. Indeed, we are together." Devin pulled Leena closer and hugged her protectively.

    "Why did youe without wearing flip-flops. The floor is a little cold here." Devin scolded, lifted her a little by the waist, andid her on his feet so that she would feel the warmth. Although she is thin, she has a bone weight. But for Devin, it was a cakewalk to carry or lift Leena.

    "I thought you left me." She sulked and wrapped her arms around his torso for supportpletely forgetting about her brother when she was with Devin.

    "Where would I go leaving you alone?" Devin''s voice dropped to whisper which only she could hear.

    Wilbur: " "

    His jaw dropped to the ground again watching them being intimate. His sister let her touch a man willingly? Damn it! It''s not only touching but she is beingfortable around a man and that is his best friend Vincy? What on earth happened? Did it rain in the wastnd? When did they meet? Was it at Austin''s wedding or before that?

    He always feels that his sister deserves the best man in the world and when he got to know that Leena was in a rtionship with Ethan after a scandal broke in the university, he fumed with rage. Until then she tightly secured the information about her rtionship. Even Jane and Reese didn''t tell him.

    Although Ethan was a good friend, he did not want to give Leena to the Davies family which is fucked up with the politics. A sadistic mother-inw and alcoholic father-inw was thest thing he wanted for her.

    But after that ident and break up with Ethan, he didn''t see her with any man until today. Considering the wealth and the power, Devin would be a perfect match for Leena in everything. But then again he thought, his friend would not like her crazy behavior and Wilbur did not want to sever their friendship in case some mishaps ur because of Leena. So, it never reached his brain to match these two together. Had he knew Devin wanted this kind of girl, he would have introduced her sister long before.

    For a second, he wanted to close his eyes and pray for Devin. How is he going to handle this narcissist in the future?

    "Vincy." Wilbur started to gain their vignce. "When did_"

    "Let''s talk at home Wilbur," Devin confided and opened the door for Wilbur. He grabbed the flip flops from the rack and put them in front of Leena.

    "Go inside and brush your teeth. I will take care of breakfast and your brother."

    Leena nodded and left the ce before gazing at her brother sheepishly.

    Wilbur " "

    She is feeling shy? I have to have something to clear my mind.

    Right, when Wilbur entered the house, Devin implored. " Feel free in our house. What do you want to drink? Since you are going to be my brother-inw, I have to offer you something because this is our first official meeting."

    "I_"

    "Coffee?" Devin cut off in the middle. "But my sweetheart is vegan. So, you can''t get coffee with milk in our house. Maybe a juice?" Devin shamelessly bragged as if he is a household husband.

    For another time, Wilbur was shocked. Isn''t Vincy gloating too much? She is my sister and he is advising me as if I don''t know about her habits. What is it again? Brother-inw? I haven''t even approved the rtionship. When did Wang Devin turn into a shameless vulture?

    "Leave all the formalities, I want to talk with you alone." Wilbur dered leaving no room for discussions. He wanted to ask if he is serious about Leena first because he knew Devin liked a girl in the past.

    Once when all their friends were together, Devin has drunk like mad zany and identally spilled that he loves a girl but he can''t be with her. He was literally on the verge of crying on that day. When he asked about her details, he passed out. He tried to check in his mobile for any photos but that damn phone was locked. But the next day he appeared to be alright as if he did not speak about her and when he was confronted, he said, it''s just a prank to make him worried. But he knew Devin was lying.

    Wilbur brushed off that thought at that time but right now, he can''t, not after his sister is involved.

    No one heard Devin''s confession on that except Wilbur because his alcohol tending capacity is very minimal. So, he didnot drink.

    Right now he wanted to ask if Devin still loves her.. If it is, he is not going to give Leena to him.

 Chapter 160 - Whistle Sound Followed By A Big Banana

    Despite Wilbur demanded to talk in person, as if he didn''t heed to, Devin was strolling into the room.

    "Where are you going, Vincy? I want to talk with you." Wilbur insisted. Didn''t he hear what I said? Did he turn into benumb after falling in love with Leena?

    "I am going to a shower in. our. bedroom." Devin enunciated thest three words palpably thinking that Wilbur would catch the whiff.

    "A_re you both living together?" Wilbur could only stammer out with the sudden cognizance. Although living together and dating ismon in the modern world, but when ites to his sister, he is a little strict considering her past events. He was scared that Francis would chop him into pieces if word goes out and before that he made a note of it to talk about Devin and Leena. He has already informed Wilbur that he has set eyes on some other person for Leena but now Devin hase into the picture and with the way Leena was acting, she is definitely in love with Devin. Wilbur knew Francis would not agree easily, but he would eventually give in. After all, Leena is the apple of his eye.

    "Of course, we are living together," Devin said as a matter of fact although it''s not true. He was finding it tougher every day without seeing Leena. Since she was not ready to stay with him, he took a bigger decision of staying with her. But that brat didn''t agree and she has only allowed staying for one day. But that did not mean he would leave the opportunity to brag when she was not here. "Give me some time. I will be back." Having said that Devin walked into the bedroom blowing Wilbur''s mind again.

    "Both are acting like husband and wife. Even when I was in a rtionship with Jane, I have never exhibited such shameless behavior." He mumbled and strode to the sofa and wait for him.

    Wilbur was counting the time waiting for his friend. He stretched his body and even took a small nap but Devin hasn''t arrived.

    "Are they going for a quickie? Did they already go far in their rtionship?" Wilbur was contemting whether to go and knock on their bedroom. When Devin was not appearing for a long time, he decided to go and check on them. When he was almost to the point of knocking on the door, it was opened from the other end and appeared his friend.

    "What took you so long?" He asked taking notice of his attire. "You didn''t get fresh still?"

    "You know about my sweetheart right? She takes an eternity to get fresh. Until shees, I can''t go."

    "Then what were you doing sitting in the room for two hours?" Wilbur chided despite knowing it was useless. "We could have talked by then. I was sitting uninhabited all alone in the house."

    "Sorry Will. I forgot about you." He said and walked into the other room before he recited. "Wait for a while. I will be back."

    "He forgot two decades of friendship now." Wilbur scowled.

    Finally, after a while, Devin came back and straight away went into the kitchen. "What do you want to talk about? Can you be a little quick? I have to cook breakfast for my sweetheart. She can''t resist hunger.

    Wilbur has been seeing Devin since childhood and he knew Devin''s cooking skills. Even if he has to boil water, the kitchen would get into chaos. But right now, he doesn''t have any words to speak seeing him taking extra care in preparing everything his sister likes. Even if Francy bes angst with their rtionship, Wilbur wanted to fight for these two. He was certain that he couldn''t bring a man like Devin for Leena even if he goes to the other world.

    "Since Leena is not here, I am going to ask you one quick question," Wilbur said. He tried to subdue the thought but still, the thought was lingering in his mind.

    "What is it?" Devin peeled the bananas and added them to the blender along with the dry fruits which he soaked yesterday.

    "Do you still like that girl?" Wilbur asked.

    "Which girl?" Devin frowned pausing for a moment.

    "You remember the day when we got together with our friends in my t after a long time?" Wilbur continued when he sensed that Devin was listening to his words despite he was working on the food. "You told me that you liked a girl when you were dead drunk. Do you still like her? Don''t pretend that you are not aware of it. I want an answer today because I don''t want my sister to get hurt in the future." Wilbur cursed himself for not asking more about that girl on that day.

    "I don''t know what you are talking about, Will," Devin remembered he got dead drunk on that day which he rarely does but talking about another girl and iming that he loves her, he can''t ept it. He has never loved anyone in the past until Leena came. "If you are bothered by it, let me tell you. You might have mistaken. I have never loved anyone in the past. My love is only Leena."

    "But_"

    "Will!" Devinmanded. "Please don''t bring this topic in front of Leena and create discrepancies between us." Devin interrupted. She is already feeling insecurities although he tried to assure her and now if this topic is brought up, she would run away from him.

    "Alright. " Wilbur added. "Do you know about her ident?"

    "I only know a part of it." Devin curtly replied. He now understood why he couldn''t see her at Wilbur''s wedding. She must have been recovering from the ident when Wilbur got married suddenly.

    "Do you want to know about it fully?" Wilbur asked. As a brother, he has to tell him about her past and it''s up to Devin to take it further.

    "Don''t. I am positive that she would confess it one day." Leena already told him that she would talk about it. He wanted her to trust in himpletely and open up freely when she isfortable.

    "Take care of her. She has suffered a lot in the past. By now you would have known her craziness and narcissism. I hope you don''t mind."

    "I love that part of her. No. I love everything about her. Don''t worry. She is in my protection and nothing can harm her as long as I am here. " He reassured.

    "I trust in you, Devin."

    While they were talking, Leena entered the kitchen freshly showered. As soon as she came, Devin handed her a banana smoothie. He has blended it mixing all the dry fruits. Since she is a vegan, he was making sure that she gets the proper nutrients in every food she eats.

    "How long you gonna take a shower?" Wilbur scolded his sister.

    "One and a half-hour of soaking my body, one hour of washing my hair, half n hour in deep thoughts about the origin of life and universe, and half n hour for making tough decisions in life." Leena took a long breath after moring everything in one go. "So the calction is apt right?"

    "You never leave that crazy tag. I am d that you found someone who can tolerate you." Wilbur chuckled and turned to Devin. "I forgot to ask. When and how you met her?"

    "Well, our first meeting was in the bathro_"

    Leena whisked towards Devin and held the hem of his shirt, silently threatening him not to talk about that matter. It was such an embarrassing meeting for both and she can''t even tell this to anyone if asked in the future and Devin is shamelessly talking about it. She wished she would have met him somewhere but it can''t be rewritten.

    Even their meeting has transpired crazily just like Leena and Leena med her brother. Had he not called, she wouldn''t have entered the bathroom.

    It''s not to settle on that matter. She has to take charge of it otherwise, Devin would embarrass in front of his brotherpletely. "Let me take the opportunity to tell you about our first meeting, brother. Just like my crazy brain, even our meeting went crazy."

    "Is it? Interesting. Then I should listen." Wilbur was excited to know about it. Even Devin was looking forward to the fabricated story she would add up now.

    "Reese and uncle Pumpkin dragged me to a trek and I was very tired at some point in time. I was feeling hungry and I wanted to eat a banana. The bananas which I packed were stolen by monkeys and I couldn''t find any shop in that forest."

    Seeing that they are listening to her intently, Leena continued. "I was sitting there all alone feeling very sad, grieving for the lost bananas. Unexpectedly, I heard a sound as clear as a whistle. No, it''s music that even the orchestra couldn''t y it. I wondered what was that melodious voice which I have never heard before. So I went in search of it."

    Devin was at a loss for words. He wanted to knock her brain when he listened to theparison. He knew where the story is turning into. Crazy girl. Men''s doesn''t sound like a whistle. Where did she learn this?

    "As soon as I walked there, I saw a big stream of liquid flowing in a parabolic path."

    "Waterfalls?" Wilbur asked in excitement.

    "You are genius brother. Always on the point." Leena giggled and felt proud of herself for fooling her brother again.

    "I know it, sister. Continue. It''s very interesting and dramatic at the same time."

    "Thank you." Leena sheepishly smiled and continued. "I followed the waterfalls and listening to the sounds, I looked up when something caught my attention. There I saw, a big banana hanging onto a tall bod_ a tall tree. I looked further up and finally, next to the tree, I saw_"

    "Devin...." Wilbur screamed. He wondered how a banana tree was sitting there but subdued the thought when the story was fascinating.

    "Yes," Leena shouted. Both brother and sister high fived each other.

    More and more Devin was finding himself at a loss for words. He preferred to take care of cooking instead of listening to her stories.. Even Wilbur seems not to catch her untrue tales just like others.

 Chapter 161 - Reproductive System

    Her storytelling has enabled Wilbur to see through Leena''s eyes only but in the process, he shut his brain to think ahead of her lies. It looked like Leena was exining the story to a child who is not aware of the adult things and the funniest thing was Wilbur listening to her with excitement. It''s been two hours and she has been telling all their encounters but everything seems to be contradictory to what happened in actuality.

    "That''s so melodramatic." Augh bubbled up from Wilbur''s throat. "What happened after you came back to New York? How did you both meet again?"

    "You have heard it enough, Will." Devin interrupted when his presence was not being significant to Leena now."It''s time for you to leave."

    "Oh yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Vincy. My daughter would be making chaos by now." Wilbur got up and remembered her daughter asked him to convey a message to Leena. "Cutie wants a makeup toy set. She asked me to inform you once."

    "Another one again?" Leena fought the urge to scream. "I lost the count of gifts I have given to her, Will."

    "I don''t know what kind of dealing you both have but she told me that you owe her something big this time and she wants the make-up gift box by next week," Wilbur exined. Leena used to ckmail him with his secret if she wanted essories but right now, the scene got reversed. It''s his daughter''s turn now to swindle his sister. As expected from the bloodline.

    "Annoying Cutie," Leena mumbled. It was only one pickup line Leena have used and she has gifted a rabbit toy already ording to their deal.

    ''My bank bnce would be squeezed out for her toys and choctes alone. I have to hack into Wilbur''s ount and transfer the funds today at any cost.''

    "Alright. Tell her that I will bring all the toys and choctes she has listed." Leena emphasized.

    "That''s my sister." Wilbur grinned. "When are youing home again? I hope you will bring your beloved Devin this time."

    "I have to check my calendar because I am busy with my babylicious now." Leena blushed and hugged Devin''s forearm while she uttered his name. It felt so good to roll his name with her tongue. All in honest, Leena wanted to show Devin to that Cutie brat. She has not even reached five but she has written love letters to almost all her neighbors but couldn''t get one boyfriend And here she is, Leena has written one letter and Devin has be hers already.

    "I will wait for you then." Wilbur got up and patted Leena''s head. "If he bullies you, let me know. I will start a war with him."

    "I will be d if your sister doesn''t bully me," Devin butted in.

    "When did I bully you?" Leena red and punched his arm despite knowing it would not even hurt a hairsbreadth.

    "Didn''t you send all those bizarre gifts?" Devin argued.

    "Even you sent the crazy gifts to my office." Leena contended back.

    When both werebatting with words, Wilbur silently slipped out of the room not to disturb the love birds with his presence. When Leena sensed that she was missing a person in the room, she ended her argument with Devin and asked."When did my brother leave?"

    "Maybe a decade ago. Leave about him and Let''s talk about us, sweetheart." Devin pulled her into his embrace and his hand went over her nape. Slowly, very slowly in a teasing way, he leaned in and captured her lips. He gently tugged on her lower lip, nibbling with his teeth carefully. Her lips were like the strings of a Violin and the moment they brushed against his, it went musical. It sent shivers down her spine and Leena has to hold his shoulders firmly under her fingers. Before he pries open her mouth, she pulled back a little and tugged his lip, slowly, she moved her lips to his ears and sucked his earlobe to tease him just like he did yesterday. But what she didn''t expect was that he groaned so deeply that she couldn''t keep her moans quietly and that made him go crazy. He wanted more of her but he pulled back before he could lose his senses. He said he would wait for her and he will wait no matter how long it is. He rested his forehead against hers as he whispered. "What kind of story you mashed up again?"

    "Was it good? After all, I am a genius right?" Leena asked, her eyes docked to the floor. It''s not the first kiss, but every time she feels like it''s their first time. They were again in the kitchen drowning in passion. It seems that every time they are involved, it would be in the kitchen making out.

    "Who said that it sounds like a whistle?" He lifted her by the waist and carried her out of the kitchen and straight away went to the bedroom.

    "My biology educator exined to us during a human reproductive system ss. When girls micturate, it sounds like a whistle. I thought it would be the same for girls and boys" Leena exined. It was so embarrassing to listen when her teacher exined in detail about it and after the ss, many of the girls went into the washroom to double-check if it was true and some even started screaming, ''my pee sounds like a whistle'' when they came back from the washroom. Leena was d that it was an all-girls school. She would never talk about such kinds of things with anyone and even with Reese and Jane, she feels shy but here she is,fortably discussing with Devin.

    "Quite a descriptive teacher you have. But It''s not the same," Devin rified. "Women''s urethra is significantly shorter than men and that''s why you hear that whistle sound when a woman micturate. "Watching Leena''s frown, he got a hint that she didn''t catch the concept of it. "To put it simply, if you take a garden hose andpare the sound of freely flowing water with the force you apply at the prime of the pipe through your hand, what sound you would get when you press a pipe through your hand?"

    "It''s kind of gust of air... sound?" Leena now realized the concept Devin was trying to exin.

    "Precisely. That''s what happens in the case of women. If the pelvic floor muscle applies external pressure, the force will cause the dder to empty at a much greater rate than by gravity alone. So, it''s a forced sound."

    "How do you know all these?" Leena asked hesitantly. Reese said that he might be experienced with women. Did he see that in other women then? Leena wanted to ask him but she was certain that Devin would scold her for doubting him again. She kept that thought aside with positive thinking, that a little experience is best in such matters.

    "I studied science, darling." Devin teased. "I am a genius unlike you."

    "Is it? Then tell me what sound you make?"

    "Let''s go." Devin lifted her in a spark and carried her towards the bathroom.

    "Where?" Leena asked in confusion.

    "To the bathroom. I will let you check by yourself." Devin''s face looked so serious that Leena thought he wanted to show it for real.

    "No." She instantly declined. "I_I was just teasing you, idiot."

    "But, I am being serious here, sweetheart. How about I listen to yours and then you can listen to_"

    "Let''s go, Devin. It''s afternoon already and I am hungry." Leena diverted the topic. Did he seriously think that I would listen to it? Shameless idiot. Everything he takes it seriously.

    "Not until you give me a kiss."

    Leena quickly pecked on him but Devin was not budging from the ce but she dragged him away.

    Lunch after, Devin has to leave for his home when his grandfather called him for urgent work. He was not reluctant to leave but Leena kicked him away telling him that it might be urgent. Bored alone, she called Reese, and together they went into uncle Pumpkin''s unit to know more about the new manager he is banging currently. Although he doesn''t talk about it, Leena was nning to threaten him with the name uncle William. Her night was spent without Devin on that day.

    .....

    Early in the morning, Devin has to leave for the office but he has been sitting in the car close to the airport waiting for someone. He has to go inside to pick her but his fans would roast him alive asking for autographs. When his grandfather called him for urgent work, he thought it would be something important rted to the office but it was to pick someone from the airport. Since he doesn''t want to spoil his beauty sleep in the morning, he sent Devin to pick.

    His thoughts broke when the car''s reflective ss door was knocked and when he lifted, he was stunned to see apletely transformed person in front of him.

    "What is this avatar?" Devin asked in shock.

    "A new style. I adapted after I traveled to Korea.." She winked shing a smile.

 Chapter 162 - Meemaw

    d in a mid-length red red skirt, it was paired with a white shirt and matching redce-up boots. Despite in the sixties, in the modern and stylish outfit, she broke out the style rut.

    "I am impressed, Marigold." Devin stepped out of the car, still in barrier reflecting as if the person in front of him was the same Margaret Rivera he has been seeing from his childhood.

    "I am not a marigold, cheeky brat. Call me grandmother or Meemaw." She threw the duffel bag on to Devin and stepped into the car. "Load all my bags into the trunk."

    "Did she buy the whole of Korea?" Devin stacked everything into the trunk and stepped into the car.

    "I heard that you are in a rtionship with my granddaughter?" Margaret marveled.

    "Indeed." Devin winked. "Words travel faster."

    "Of course, my son would never hide anything from me," When Francis called Margaret and informed her that Devin and Leena are together, she booked the fastest flight and rallied here.

    "Don''t tell Leena that we knew each other until our official meet up," Margaret grinned when she thought of ying with her granddaughter.

    "Roger that, Marigold," Devin added. "Where do you want me to drop?"

    "Drop me at Leena''s office. It''s been a long time I have seen that brat."

    "Fine. By the way, my grandfather is expecting you at home."

    "How dare that old monkeymands over me? When I asked him to pick me at the airport, he gloated about his beauty sleep as if someone would fall for that long in the tooth ." Margaretined. As she wanted to surprise Leena and Francis, she didn''t inform them about her visit and she called her friend, Devin''s grandfather to pick her up, but as usual, his response has blown her top again. "Does that old monkey knows about Leena, Devin"

    "I haven''t yet introduced her to him."

    "Don''t tell him. Tomorrow I will piss him off." By the time Margaret protested about her friend, they reached Leena''s office.

    "I am not taking my luggage. Send it to Heacis mansion without alerting my son." Margaret ordered, stepped down the car, and immediately put on the aviator sunsses to protect her eyes from the sunlight.

    Devin was also inclined to visit the office to see Leena but Margarette sent him away since she wanted the full attention of her granddaughter for herself.

    Reluctantly, after Devin parted away, Margaret called Reese for the security to bypass and stepped into the office. The employees working silently screamed at once when they saw their favorite grandmother and scrambled together to a spot to speak with her.

    "Granny, we missed you," Naomi shouted.

    "Grandma...I am so happy to see you after six long months." Renya and Megan cried put.

    "Woah...my lovely children, the six months trip was worth your cries." Margaret squealed in happiness seeing the employees crying happy tears for her. She lent the duffle bag to Reese and asked to distribute the gifts she brought for them.

    "Get back to your work, my sweet disciples. It''s time to see my granddaughter.." Having said that, she was about to leave Leena''s room but her legs halted at a particr desk where a woman was working with her head clipped down. "You have be as fat as a beached whale in six months, Mandy."

    Hearing the words, Mandy balled her fists and looked up. She heard the turmoil in the office and she knew that the old woman has arrived. Both grandmother and granddaughter phrases are sharper than the de and Mandy did not want to have egg on her face again. So, she didn''t go to greet her. But who would have thought, she would poke her deliberately. With pursed lips, she spoke up. "Hello, grandmother. I am not getting time to work out nowadays and hence I have put on a little weight."

    "If you quit gossiping on my granddaughter, you will have ample time to work out." Margaret gave a knowing smirk.

    "I am not gossiping on_"

    Before Mandy couldplete her words, a scream echoed around them followed by a loud voice. "Meemaw!!!"

    Margaret instantly became prudent hearing her granddaughter''s voice followed by a tight hug.

    "I missed you," Leena eximed. She heard a cacophony voice when she was working and immediately sauntered here to yell at the person for causing a disturbance but she was surprised to see her Meemaw here.

    "I missed you a lot, my granddaughter." Margaret''s eyes were filling with tears catching a glimpse of Leena after six months.

    "How are you?" Leena released herself from the hug and gazed into her grandmother''s eyes. "Why didn''t you tell me that you were arriving today? I would havee to the airport to pick you up."

    "Well, I wanted to surprise my granddaughter," Margaret pinched Leena''s pointed nose. "Are you free now?"

    "Of course, I am free for you always," Leena called Reese to take care of the urgent matters and went along with her grandmother.

    "What is this new avatar? You havepletely adopted a new style." Leena asked guiding her grandmother to a hotel holding her arm. Despite her age, she has taken care of her body well, but still, Leena would love to hold her hand.

    "How is it? Do I look cool?" Margaret posed.

    "Damn cool, Meemaw. You look like a model."

    "Ah! My lovely granddaughter, stop with you praising." She blushed and took a sip of grape juice."I heard that you got a boy_"

    When Margaret was about to speak about the most important matter, her phone buzzed. With a long frustrated sigh, she grabbed her phone and when she saw the content of the message, her eyes bulged out.

    "What happened, Meemaw?" Leena asked taking notice of her panic.

    "Francis knows that I have arrived in New York. I have to leave." Margaret grabbed her phone quickly and got up. Francis didn''t want to allow her into New York without the bodyguards due to the recent assassin attack on Wilbur but and she has arrived without informing him. "Go back to your office, Leena. I will take a cab."

    "It must that old monkey. He would haveined to my son." She whispered and rushed out of the restaurant.

    "Meemaw, wait. I will drop you....."

    Margaret was gone.

    ...

    Since she doesn''t have any work in the afternoon, Leena thought of stopping by Devin''s office to have lunch with him. If she asks him directly, he would fly back here and she did not want to disturb him in case he was in an urgent meeting. So she texted Harley.

    [Harley: Does he have any meetings in the afternoon]

    Her phone tinged with an immediate response.

    [He doesn''t have. Even if he has, he would postpone everything for you.]

    [Harley: But I don''t want him to skip the meetings. I will being to your office. Don''t inform him]

    [Sob Sob...You are arriving when I am not in the office. Don''t worry. I will ask someone to escort you, Leena]

    [Thank you and no worries. I will invite you to my home and we can spend time together]

    [Harley: Love you, darling. Bye-bye. Have a nice ''chat'' with my brother]

    With a smile, Leena walked out of the restaurant, and right when she reached Devin''s office, as it was afternoon and many of the employees were loitering here and there, all the eyes were on Leena watching her intently. "Oh, my beauty. How I wish God would have bestowed a little beauty to others."

    With a sigh, she looked for the person in the reception and she found ke waiting for her. He did not want to escort Leena but he doesn''t have any choice except to oblige Harley''s wishes. He escorted him to the guest-chamber on the topmost floor and insisted politely. "Please wait here. Devin is busy with an urgent meeting. I will inform him once it is ended."

    "Harley told that he doesn''t have any," Leena asked. She could see that ke was not insinuated by her from the time he escorted her to the room.

    "Harley doesn''t know because she is not here today. We never know when Devin would be free or when he would be busy. He is not the usual man. At present, he is at a conference. If you are busy, you cane on a different day." He exined.

    "You can leave. I will wait for him." Leena affirmed. The change in ke''s demeanor and Leena understood that he doesn''t like her. Does he has a feel for my Devin? or is it some other reason? As if I care about this foul-mouthed man.

    Leena copsed on the couch and waited for two long hours but Devin did note."What kind of meeting he is in that''s taking so long? I am hungry." She pouted and there was an urge to message him but controlled sensing that he is in the meeting.

    Right when she was about to take a short nap, ke entered the room again. "It''s better you go home. The meeting is extended."

    "You don''t like me, right?" Leena asked frankly. His facial expression of dislike was evident on the face.

    "I hate arrogant women," ke said. After Leena left the WD office on that day, Regina informed him that she was the one who has pushed her to the ground when she was trying to save a kid, and from then on, he disliked Leena to the core. He was blinded by his arrogance towards Leena to see the actual truth.

    "Correction. I am an intellectually arrogant woman and I don''t have time for your rubbish talks. When is the meeting going to end?" Leena demanded. If it''s going to take time, she was nning to go home instead of wasting time with the person in front of her.

    "The meeting will be extended and it may take another three hours. You should go hom_"

    "Who told you that I am in a meeting?" A rough voice echoed around them followed by footsteps and the atmosphere in the room instantly changed running chills down on one''s spine.

 Chapter 163 - Keep Your Yap Shut

    "Who told you that I am in a meeting?" The door was pushed open and entered the strikingly charismatic man. It was frightening to see his dangerous tranquil expression but at the same time intimidating. With the temerity of the voice, ke trembled, his body shook like a me ready to be blown away by the wind. He sucked his uneven breath to calm down from the brooding of the fierce man but nothing was helping him for the moment. He didn''t expect Devin would know about it. He has nned it way perfectly. How did he know it?

    "D_evin..." He turned pale and began to stammered I_I was_

    "It''s Mr. Wang for you." His ominous voice with an air of aristocratic insouciance was bone-chilling. While Devin treated every employee in thepany equally and not establish seniority by age, he has made his employees address everyone with their names even if it is the CEO. But ke has crossed the limits by cornering his treasure today. Devin hastily approached Leena and held her hand. The airy atmosphere around him cooled down a little when he held her in his arms. With a soft gaze that was only allowed for hers, he added. "How long you have been here?"

    "Two hours." Leena was still in shock at the turn of events. So was it a lie that this stupid man told? But why? Even if he doesn''t like her, what gall he has to separate me from Devin?

    "Two hours?" He chuckled, a sound that was threatening the person in front of him. "Do you know who she is?" His question was calm, but it delivered the warning to ke.

    "I was just trying to keep you busy during office hours." ke gathered the courage and voiced out his opinion but the moment he gazed into Devin''s eyes that have dispersed the color with angriness, he flinched. When Regina went into his room to talk about the final designs, he thought of creating an opportunity. She got to know that she has been liking Devin for a long time and even he felt that she is a suitable partner. So, he wanted to create an opportunity. But he never knew Devin was so protective of this woman to the point that he started criticizing him.

    "To the point of fabricating the truth? Or are you in cahoots with someone else?" Devin gnashed his head at ke, trivializing his eyes at him. When he was working, Regina was in his office showing off the final designs since Harley was in another ce. So he didn''t have any choice except to bear her perfume smell. At a point in time, he got a call from Harley to check for a file in the office, and in between, she asked if he is busy with Leena. He got confused and when Devin asked further, he got to know that Leena hase to the office to have lunch with him. He instantly left the room and when he came to the guest-chamber room, he heard ke''s voice criticizing Leena. He was enraged and the urge to slice his neck was at the tip of his fingers.

    "I_I am sorry. I did not want to lie. I was concerned for_"

    "Keep your yap shut!" He snapped.

    His gravelly voice not only throbbed ke, even Leena gulped down a mouthful of saliva. It was the first time she has seen Devin''s anger. All the time, she has been seeing his funny and jovial side, and for the first time, she saw it with her own eyes.

    "Just because I am lenient, it doesn''t mean I have given the decision to involve in my personal affairs. Should I sign a death warrant for your misconduct?" Pulling his mobile, Devin called a number, and he just uttered the word, the person immediately entered the room.

    "Devin, you called me for?" Daniel asked entering the room and he could feel the atmosphere in the room was as cold as Antarctica watching Devin''s eyes. He nced at the woman in his arms and he immediately recognized it was Leena. Although he was not there on the day of her arrival, Harley vomited everything. Finally, he was happy that Devin found his soulmate.

    "Handle a one-week suspension letter in the name of Mr. ke Harvey and put the announcement in the bulletin board for all the employees to see. Give them the reason that he has degraded our respected business partner. Each employee should know the consequences of his hical behavior." His words knocked the stuffing out of ke. He epted the one-week punishment but the rtions and pacts he built-in WD would be crumbled into pieces if the notice is hanged on the bulletin board. If word goes out to his parents, his dad would kick him out of the house, after all his is a strict military officer.

    "I will apologize to Leena, Mr. Wang. Please don''t put it on the bulletin board." He looked at Leena with but there was only displeasure on her face. He couldn''t believe Devin is criticizing him for such a simple thing.

    "The damage is already done." Devin dered and was about to leave, but Leena pulled him and nced at Daniel. "Uncle Daniel, I heard that you studied Law before joining the business industry."

    "Umm...Yes...But how did you know?" Daniel asked. Very few people know about it and how did Leena get a hand on his profile. Even if she has made a knowledge check on him, she shouldn''t know.

    "I have my ways." She smiled and added. "As I have signed the contract as your model, I am being considered as your patron to thispany right?"

    "Yes."

    "Then I am offended by yourpany''s hospitality today. None have treated me like your pathetic director has behaved today." Leena released herself from Devin and looked at both the men intently. "I have wasted my two hours here waiting, I would have done productive work if I was at the office. I want justice." Leena showed her damsel and distress look. While Devin knew her acting, Daniel was scared that she got seriously hurt with the feelings.

    "I deeply apologize for the misconduct and understood what you meant, Leena. I will take immediate action." Daniel enunciated. When Leena asked about thew, he understood, she was informing him that she wanted ke to be punished ording tow.

    "I will look forward to it," Leena proimed. She wouldn''t sit and act pitiful like others if she was offended. If it was a mistake, she would have subdued but ke has crossed the limits.

    Leena turned to face Devin to see any kind of animosity, after all, Balke seems to be close and the employee for a long time.

    "You did the right thing." Devin was anticipating she would voice out her opinions. He knew Leena always tries to be the upper hand and she did exactly what he expected.

    ke protested and fought but Daniel dragged him away out of the room to knock some sense on him.

    Devin outstretched his hand and took Leena to his office. The moment they entered, he locked the door and asked. "Why didn''t you call me?"

    "I wanted to surprise you, but who would have known, I would get the surprise?" She teased him.

    "I am sorry, sweetheart. There would be no next time. I promise." Devin dered. It was mortifying him when he got to know that she was castigated in his premises.

    He wrapped his arms around her lower back while his eyes were docked onto her lips as if ready to devour her. Leena knew this would turn into no good when they were in the office. Before he could capture her lips, she whispered. "No office romance."

    "Then can I have outside?" He muttered. Devin was only teasing her and even he was against the office romance. He has prohibited sexual rtionships to avoid the negative impact on the work environment. This would show a lot of favoritism when making business deals and as a CEO, he has to stand in that position when he has to decree it.

    "Depends on my mood." She added. "I am hungry, Devin. Let''s go. Are you making me starve for the whole day?"

    "Let''s go. I will take you to the best hotel where you can fill your stomach to the fullest." Devin grabbed Leena''s hand and pulled her along with him. Right when they reached the elevator, Leena noticed someone waiting, a little distance away from her.

    Leena instantly remembered the scene she created in her office. If she had not taken a step and went to meet Devin on that day, she would be forever misunderstanding that Devin has past love. Such a chance, she doesn''t want to waste today.

    While Leena was in her ns, Regina was seething in anger seeing Leena holding Devin''s arms. She wanted to slice her neck and kill her but controlled. She doesn''t want to look bad in front of Devin.

    She has been nning it for a long time and it''s only a little time to im him.

    But to provoke her further, Leena encircled her arms around his waist.

 Chapter 164 - Howling

    Leena was enchanted watching Regina simmering in anger to the point that her inner self was doing a happy dance. A satisfied smile was docked on her face when Regina tried to greet Devin but he ignored her and strolled into the private lift along with her.

    "I don''t like her, Devin. You should be a little careful around that woman. She gives me all creepy vibes." Leena started. She feels that Regina is something up her sleeves. Leena doesn''t want to concede but Regina''s designs are the real deal. If her behavior was doing well, she would have epted her.

    "Are you jealous?" Devin chuckled igniting the engine. He doesn''t want Leena to get jealous but right now he was finding her cute and he did not want to miss the opportunity to tease her. A little jealousy is healthy in a rtionship because it shows that she cares for him.

    "I am not jealous but I will punch every girl in the face if they give you a second look."

    "That''s my girl. You never cease to amaze me." With one hand controlling the steering, his other hand grabbed her arm and kissed the knuckles. "But don''t worry about her. She is not even worthy of your jealousy, Leena. Have trust in me."

    "That I do." She swore with a smile and by the time their talks ended, they were in a high-end restaurant. When Leena saw the name of the restaurant, her face was filled with wonder all of a sudden.

    "Le Notre dame! How did you manage to get a table? I mean, you just told me that you would take me to a restaurant right?" She asked in a stupor. To dine in Le Notre dame, one has to reserve at least a month before.

    "By now you should know that I am good at everything." He winked.

    "Now tell me the truth." Leena did not buy his answer.

    "Can''t you praise me at least once, Monster?" Devin pinched her cheeks scolding her under his breath. "My uncle owns it. As a family member, I have privileges."

    "What? Callison Moreau is your uncle?" The sudden revtion has knocked the socks out of Leena. He is the most loved chef and none can forget the signature unique dishes he makes. "I want to meet him once."

    "When I take you home, I will introduce you to him." Seeing her bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the smile on his face became ardent.

    "Thank you babylicious. But is it alright if we get down together?" Remembering their deal, she suddenly asked. "What if the media_"

    "It''s highly secured and not even a word will travel from here." Devin wanted to announce their rtionship to the world as soon as possible but Leena wanted to inform their families first before taking it to the media. He did not have any problem with it, so went along with her.

    He took her to a private room and ordered all her favorite foods. While Leena was gobbling her food, Devin propped his arm on the table, watching her smiling face. He was d that their rtionship is sailing without any ups and downs. Even if he encounters anything in the future, as long as Leena is by his side, he can fight them.

    "I will miss you." He started wiping her lips with a tissue.

    "You are talking as if you are leaving me."

    "I am going on a business trip to Korea," Devin stated. It was an ongoing project which he has nned to spread the roots of his brand in Asia. So, he has to examine the ce and talk with the investors before finalizing it. Their rtionship has just started but they are getting temporarily separated for a while. If not the deal was an important one, he would have cancelled but it has to be finalized to kick start.

    "Oh! How many days?" Leena asked, her happiness left her face in a shot. She knew as a powerful businessman, he is imposed to travel often for business, but she did not expect it would be too early. I miss him already.

    "Perhaps a week. But I will call you every day."

    "Okay." She pouted. "You better not forget."

    "Ahh...my sweet girl is being so cute now." He cupped her face and slowly pushed his body towards her. Leena involuntarily squeezed her eyes shut. But the anticipating moment did not arrive and when she opened her eyes, augh was dancing on Devin''s lips. Did he tease me just now and I even puckered my lips that he would kiss me?

    "I was trying to remove an eysh on your check. Were you expecting a kiss?" He was taking the piss out of Leena to further annoy her.

    "I_I didn''t." She looked away in embarrassment. She thanked all the gods that it was a private dining room and no one has witnessed the scene.

    "But you were lips were puckered up as if you were expecting_"

    "Stop it, Devin." Leena was about to get up to the storm out of the room but he pulled back and canoodled her. "Don''t get mad at me, Leena. I will be away from you for a week."

    "Only if you bring the souvenirs when youe back, I will not get mad at you," Leena grumbled settling in hisp. Cheesy idiot. He always has his ways to soften my heart.

    "What do you want?" He asked putting his head on her shoulders while his hands nuzzled across her waist. He would not bring the dresses even if she pleads. Her walk-in-closet is filled with all types of clothes to the point that searching a needle in the haystack was better than rummaging for the nket on that night.

    "I will write down the list of things for tonight."

    "Alright, Madam."

    ...

    Right after the office, Devin picked Leena. Since he was going on a business trip fo a week, she allowed him to stay with her for tonight. "I will take you to my family once I am back. Is that fine?"

    Leena nodded her head and even she wants to take Devin to her mom when he is back. She has already talked about Devin and even showed his picture when shest visited the hospital and she instantly got a green signal from her mom although she has not met him.

    Leena asked a little about his family to know more about them before the meeting and in the middle, she drifted to sleep in his embrace peacefully.

    ....

    Arge mansion stood as if the surrounding nature has embraced it. The outlines of the house were serving to be clear and the leaves of the trees were looking greener weing the dawn. It was quiet and peaceful where the people in the house were tucked into sleeping beds and sleep was pooling on their eyelids but they knew it would a short while. Like a shot, a continuous long sad crying sound echoed around them.

    Owooooo....Owooooooo.... Owoooooo...

    The buzzer in the home jolted them out of deep sleep. With the deep howling sound, everybody in the house jerked with a start.

    "Eve, get up. Dad will kick us if we are not present for the ss." A man strikingly handsome for his age groaned in frustration with the continuous woofing sound. He tried to wake her wife up but she rolled to the other side incoherently mumbling in her sleep. "Make that howling sound stop, Rick. I am going to kill that old man today."

    "Get up,zy bum before dad increases the volume." He smacked her ass, lifted and threw her into the bathroom to get fresh. When she entered the bathroom, he slumped on the bed to catch a wink for a minute but the whining sound was sending vermins down his spine.

    "Can''t hee up with something pleasant? Why does it have to be a wolf growl?" Rick cried. He felt like the sound was making him think someone was dead. At first, it was pleasant music and nobody gave a damn about waking up and they even slept peacefully. So, his dad hase with this trick.

    While the couple wasbatting, another woman in the same house was covering her ears with a pillow to prevent that howling voice from prating her ears. "Dad!!! I am going to kill you by myself one day."

    "Where did that troublesome husband run off?" She threw her pillow and gazed at her sides but there was no sign of her husband.

    "He will face dad''s wrath today." Involuntarily she got up and rushed to the bathroom before her dades with a wand. In a jiffy, she came back and scrambled to another room to wake up her niece.

    In no time, around Fifteen to twenty members were present for a ss including the maids and servants of the house waiting for the person to arrive.

    Just then a man confidently strolled into the room in his track suits and nced at the people.. He nodded his head in satisfaction.

 Chapter 165 - Lucifer

    The room was quiet except that there were short murmurs. Some were still in the sleeping mode to the point that they are dozing while standing. All of a sudden everybody stood erect when the rough footsteps pierced into their ears followed by a man strolled into the room with amanding aura. His face was lively despite his age. Seeing the people attending his ss, he was satisfied with the headcount. "My dear disciples. I am honored with your willingness to learn yoga and meditation."

    "Willingness? You forced dragged us, Arthur Wang." Evelyn muttered which only her husband could hear. She has to operate a critical surgery and by the time she was home from the hospital, it was midnight. She thought she could sleep till her fatigue wears off but it was her mere belief. Her father-inw dragged her here. Can''t he spare me for sessfully bypassing his heart surgery?

    "Everybody has shown tremendous growth with your flexibility and now we move on to the toughest poses from today." He started and called his assistant which he has solely appointed to serve them.

    "Dad! Let''s continue with the previous ones, pretty please." A woman cried when she thought of the pains she has to endure in the night. From the day her dad took voluntary retirement from thepany, he has been tormenting them with crazy activities.

    "Sharon Wang!" He reprimanded. "You are bing deted balloon eating your husband''s food every day. Do you want to look aged at your nephew''s wedding?"

    "No! I will work hard, dad." Her voice softened. They haven''t even chosen a bride for her nephew but he has been torturing with work out every day.

    "Good that you know it." He nced at everyone and shortly sensed someone was missing. "Am I missing someone here?"

    "My son, Adney, father-inw." Eve brought up with an excited tone. She was happy that his notorious son would get whippings today.

    "And my husband, Callison," Sharon implied with an equally anxious voice.

    "Assistant Fernando," Arthur called up sharply.

    "Yes sir!"

    "Get cold water. I am going to drag those morons out." Arthur voiced out and nced at the people standing. "Warm up your bodies before Ie back."

    "Yes!" Sharon and Evelyn high fight each other with a giggle.

    Right, when he walked out all the people slumped on the floor to take a little rest.

    Arthur strolled into the house and knocked on the door of his grandson''s room once but there was no answer. He knew they must be putting earplugs in order not to hear the buzzing rm.

    He opened the room with a spare key and went inside to see a mess up the floor with the food particles. Finally, two people entered his view who were sleeping like logs.

    He nced at his assistant and immediately a mug of cold water was thrown onto them. With a jolt, both woke up.

    "Grandpa! I don''t want to exercise today. Can you please spare your favorite grandson today?" Adney pleaded. He heard a ghost was lurking in the outskirts of the city and his friends have visited and talked about their experiences yesterday and he couldn''t sleep from then. Uncle John was out of the city to get holy water. So, he asked his uncle Callison to sleep in his room and by the time they slept gossiping about the ghosts and their stories, it was dawn.

    "50pses around the house. If you don''t get up now, I will increase the count with each passing minute."

    With a cry, Adney got up to get ready thinking to escape from the sses and rest for the whole day. Finally, Arthur eyed his son-inw.

    "Father inw, please spare me. Even I can''t do those exercises in the morning." Calisson pleaded. He cursed his wife for making him agree to start the restaurant in New York when they were in the most heated second. Had he knew his father-inw would go crazy, they would have lived in France with his parents.

    "Then how are you going to lose the 200 pounds weight which you promised to reduce."

    "Technically, I weigh only 76 pounds."

    "Is it?" He asked. "Care to exin how?"

    "200 pounds on earth is equal to 76 pounds on Mars. So, I am not overweight. Just that I am on the wrong."

    "You seem to argue with me a lot, Mr. Callison Moreau?" Arthur red crossing his arms.

    "I apologize for that father-inw," Callison confessed. But deep inside, he was churning in rage. Who wouldn''t scold you, old man? I am waiting for the day to arrive where I can torture you like the way you are doing now.

    "Get into the studio." Hemanded and Callison scrambled out of the room scared that Lucifer would unleash the beast inside him.

    When the people present in the room heard the footsteps from a little distance, everybody got up and pretended to do the warm-up not to anger Lucifer.

    "Assistant Fernando. Show the postures that they have to work out today." He ordered and started observing everyone.

    "Fredrick! You have be as old as Methush. Bend your body and do them properly." Arthur ordered.

    With gritted teeth, he corrected the pose otherwise his back would be whipped today. What kind of torture is this?

    "Evelyn and Harley! I am not hearing your breathing." Arthurmander.

    "Can he kill us at once, mom?" Harley cried looking at Evelyn.

    "Wait for a little Harley darling." Evelyn painted with heavy breath already. "Every donkey has a day."

    "Are you telling me that we are donkeys?"

    Evelyn: " "

    ...

    By the time they finished yoga and meditation, everybody got tired. They dragged their exhausted bodies into the home.

    When Harley was about to walk out, Arthur called up. "When is sheing home?" He has shown the photo which he clicked in the hospital to Harley and she informed him that she knew her already and he was on cloud nine hearing that his grandson likes her.

    "You have been asking this every day, gramps. Go and ask your grandson." She walked away revealing her tongue out.

    ...

    Leena instantly got up from her sleep when she heard the slight footsteps in her room and when she looked at the other side of the bed, there was no trace of Devin.

    "Did I wake you up?" Leena jumped with a start hearing his voice.

    "Why didn''t you wake me up?" She got down from the bed and hugged him tightly. She was telling him how much she is going to miss him once he goes.

    "I did not want to disturb you." He whispered kissing the top of her head.

    "Come back soon. If you finish your work early, don''t wait for a week." She loosened her arms and gazed up.

    He lowered his head and cupped her face. Pressing his forehead against her, he muttered. "I will text you whenever I get free time." Devin has thought of taking her along with him but even her work is important and she would get bored while he will be working.

    "I will miss you, Leena."

    "Even I miss you like squirrel misses her nuts."

    Devin spanked her butt. "Don''t you have any other thing topare?"

    "I am trying to cheer myself. " She pouted and encircled her arms to console him. "Do you want to know how much I will miss you?"

    "How much?" He asked patting her head.

    "Without you, days are like tears days, waste days, thirst days, fright days."

    Her words were all he needed that she deeply cares for him and missing him. He lifted her chin gently and looked at her eyes. Slowly he inclined towards her and his one hand slid to the back of her neck. Their warm breaths were the only ones that divaricated the rifts between their open mouths. He slightly nced into her eyes and Leena took the initiative to kiss him. Just like how he did in the past, she sucked and yed with his lips before pulling back for a breath.

    Devin left her lips and found his way up to the side of her neck, biting it just a little and then moving back and forth like he is searching for a special spot and he found it when she made a small sound that was a hymn to hear. He traced his tongue in slow circles around the spot. She tried to lift her arms and reach for his face but he caught his arm and held it tightly while his tongue was doing wonders. He pulled back a little when Leena was struggling to breathe.

    "Again!" She whispered when she felt his warmth was missing. She wanted to cherish their moments the whole week she would be missing him.

    The corner of his mouth lifted. That was all he wanted. She wants him to kiss her as much as he wanted to do it. His lips left her nape and traveled all the way and captured the rosy petals. It was not gentle this time but rough and demanding. Both were dominating for the entry, finally, Leena gave in when she couldn''tbat with him. His hand dropped from her face to the waist and pulled her towards his chest. A moan escaped from the back of her throat and her nose made him go crazy. He lost it.. Leena could feel his heart thundering like him, his breath faster and his arms tightening around her.

 Chapter 166 - Hugged From Behind

    From beautiful beaches to mountains and waterfalls, Korea is a visual treat with untouched beauty. Everywhere people go, Seoul was a hustle-bustle with the wide avenues, tall buildings, ubiquitous sky scrappers, pristine beaches, and not to mention the prosperity of food. It''s a county with an outstanding culture.

    It was fourteen hours long flight journey. Devin has justnded in Seoul and he was already missing Leena. Even if he spends the whole day with her and he missed her the moment she left.

    "It''s just a week brother. Stop sulking." Shaking her head, Harley dragged her luggage into the vi which was under Wang''s. Despite there were seven to eight people who havee along with Devin, all were staying in the hotel except Harley and Devin.

    "If I remember correctly, you were worse than me in the past." Devin brought her past when he knew it would instantly put her mouth shut.

    "Can you stop bringing his topic every time?" Harley hissed at the sudden mention and the past and it pained to recollect the memories. It''s been four years but still, she neither could forget him nor the memories they have shared.

    "Why don''t you talk and resolve the misunderstandings? He is still waiting for you." Devin voiced out his opinion before strolling into the room.

    "Still waiting? He is a big fat liar..." With a bitter smile, she stormed in anger.

    ...

    Lying on the bed, Regina nced at the city into the wide-open window, a smirk was ardent on her face. Since she was the chief designer of WD and for the publicity of the designs, she was allowed to travel along with Devin. Although Leena did not ept Regina to be her designer, her significance in thepany was impable. The name ''Leena'' itself would make Regina''s blood boil. She doesn''t want to slip this rare opportunity of being alone with Devin and she decided it''s now or never.

    "It''s time to set my n." She mumbled with an eerie smile. "You will be mine before you go back to New York. You can''t escape like how you did in Seattle, my prince charming."

    Regina pulled out a phone from her bag and texted a message to Victor [Victor: Is everything ready]

    She received a response instantly.

    [Yes. Don''t put him in doubt and act normally for the whole week. We will get sess this time]

    With a triumphant smile, she closed her eyes thinking of her future with Devin.

    ...

    The first day was hectic. It was a long day for the team right from talking to the investors, sightseeing, and promoting, everybody was exhausted but Devin was still working. Leena''s face would pop up in his mind continuously and he wanted to talk with her but the time difference between New York and Seoul was considerably huge. It was still half-past six in the evening in Seoul and it would be dawning in New York. He did not want to disturb her sleep. So, he resumed his work with a sigh.

    When he was almost finalized and ready to go for a shower, his mobile buzzed with a notification.

    [Hyun Joon: Annyeo Annyeo...I heard you are in Korea )-]

    "It''s not even a day I have been here and who informed him?" Devin stared at the message for a while before replying. Hyun Joon was his fellow model and they both worked together for an Ad shoot. Later, he started his acting career and became the most famous actor in Korea. Despite their meet rarely due to their busy schedule, both maintained a good friendship over the years.

    [How did you know that I am in Korea?]

    [Hyun Joon: I have my ways, buddy. Let''s catch up. It''s been a decade we have met.]

    Devin has almost wrapped up his work and it would take time for Leena to wake up. It''s better to meet him up otherwise he would pester him every day until he goes back to New York. [Text me the address and don''t bring a woman along with you]

    [Hyun Joon: Geez...I am not a pervert, Devin.]

    ...

    Devin walked into a hotel which his friend has texted the address and just when he arrived in the reception area of the hotel, he could see a group of women whispering.

    [geuneun neomu Jal saeng-gyeoss-eo]

    [a! geuneun neomu deobda]

    Although he could barely hear their voice, with the looks they were bestowing, he believed they are talking about him. He has been garnering attention from women for years but he never cared about them but onepliment from Leena would elevate him to the peaks.

    Just then a woman appeared in front of Devin and bowed her head. Wearing a professional smile, she asked. "Hello! Wee to the Hotel Imperial. How may I help you"

    "No thanks. I am here to meet a friend." He smiled and moved to the topmost floor. He scanned for Hyun Joon and at a corner of the room, he saw him waving fervently. Devin was d that the casanova stood rooted to his words and did not bring a woman along with him unlike before.

    "Daebak! Look at you. Your looks are the same as they were ten years back. " Hyun Joon greeted Devin with a fist-bump.

    "I wish I would feel the same about you." He chuckled. Hyun Joon offered a drink but Devin politely refused. He would never drink except when he is with family or close friends. It''s not that he doubts, but he doesn''t want to take any risk.

    "Hey!! I have beenbeled as a baby-faced actor." Hyun Joon put on a pout face hearing Devin''sments.

    Both talked for a while and Devin was about to get up to leave but Hyun Joon pulled him back.

    "Can''t you stay a little longer? It''s not that you have a girlfriend to spend your time with."

    "I have someone I love already," Devin pressed.

    "What? Who is it?" He couldn''t help but exim at the shocking news? But he hasn''t seen Devin with anyone from the time they knew each other.

    "You will know in the future. But right now, it is a secret." Having said that Devin left the hotel.

    Unbeknownst to him, his every movement was followed by someone from the time he started at home and until he left for home.

    ...

    By the time he came back home, he was fully exhausted and due to the jetg, he had no proper sleep, and instantly he hit the bed without knowing there was someone eagerly waiting for his call. When Devin woke up in the morning, Leena''s messages flooded into his mobile.

    "Damn it! She would kill me today." Devin instantly called her mobile but it was not picked up.

    "Why must there be a difference in time zone?" He cursed and sent her voice messages and got up to get fresh ready for another day.

    Days passed and from the time he left New York, both didn''t have a proper talk. Hardly they spoke for five minutes in five days they stayed apart. Either Devin would get busy or Leena gets engaged with her work.

    "Inform the team that we will be heading back to New York tonight," Devin remarked. From the day he arrived in New York, he extended his usual hours and finished the task a little early so that he could go back to Leena soon. Every piece of him was aching for her. Only he knew how much he is dying to see her.

    "Yay! Thanks, brother. I am missing mom and dad a lot." Harley half sobbed and halfughed with the thought of returning home. "Then let''s go shopping. Didn''t Leena tell you to bring things?"

    With a nod, he opened his mobile and checked the notes in which Leena has listed all the things she wanted.

    ...

    It was good that Harley helped him with shopping. With the things Leena jotted, it would have taken days searching for them. Despite his unwillingness to and buy her dresses, his legs gave away. He cannot see her using face when she sees that he did not bring her favorites. She looks as if Devin has betrayed her.

    Finally, they brought the red ginseng which was on thest list and Harley asked him to wait for a while and went into an antique shop. When he was about to open the car door, a woman appeared in front of him. He frowned seeing her here.

    "Sir, can I talk with you for a while?" With a shy smile, Regina asked.

    "You can contact Harley if it is work-rted." He informed with scorn. Why did shee here all of a sudden?

    "I_I it''s not office rted. I want to talk personally." She fidgeted with her dress, fingers mmed with tension.

    "I don''t have time.." With disgust, he added and when he was about to step into the car, his hand was tightly held by Regina and even before he could release it forcefully, he was hugged from behind.

 Chapter 167 - Secretly Married

    On the instant, Devin shoved her off and dusted his shirt as if she was a kind of dirt. He quickly backed off from her when she tried to reach for him again. His fingers clenched into fists and the urge to wring her neck was at the tip of his fingers. While he knew she is a mental case, he did not expect she would daringly hug him in the public. He wanted to go and jump into a river to holy his body right at the moment when the smell of her was making him nauseated. The only women he is close to were Harley and Leah from his childhood but it was all brotherly sign and the one woman he willingly clinged to her was Leena and only she could make himfortable. Being hugged by this woman, anger welled up in his chest.

    "Do you have a death wish?" Heshed out with uncontroble emotion. "Get out of my sight. You are the most sickly woman I have ever encountered."

    His words hit her face harshly. Regina was terrified to the core. She never expected she would hear those words from him even after she hugged him. She thought he would melt away by her touch.

    She has abandoned her modeling career for him and became a designer and worked in hispany to be treated like this? But still, she mustered up her courage to confess her feelings today. It was getting hard to talk with him in the office and when she saw Leena clinging onto Devin on that day, she couldn''t keep her emotions in check. She has never seen him with a woman in the past and when he allowed Leena to hold his hand, something triggered in her.

    Ignoring the lousy woman, Devin was about to step into the car, but her words stopped him in his tracks.

    "I_I have been admiring you for ten years. I am in love with you, sir."

    Devin turned to face her and gazed at the woman as if he was not affected by her words. How pathetic this woman could get? Even after he was chastising, she was in her world. A delusional woman. While he got many proposals from women, he never got aggravated like how he got today.

    "Look_"

    Even before Devin couldplete his words, he was interrupted by a familiar voice.

    "You dare to hug my brother, raggabrash?" Harley scurried to the ce carrying a paper bag. When she spotted Devin''s car after she came back from a shop, she was stunned to see that Devin was hugging a woman. Instantly she rushed to the ce but as she got closer, the woman''s face became apparent. She went cold with fury as she spoke. "I would have pped your face now but that will be considered as animal abuse."

    "You dare to call me an animal."A vortex of anger swirled inside with the intrusion." I am talking to sir. Please stay put or you can walk out of the ce."

    "When I see your face, even I change the direction of my walk, let alone my brother." Harleyughed throwing her head in amusement. How she wished, Leena was here. She would have grated Regina until she dies out of embarrassment. "If you are still thinking of a way to get my brother, then you are the most delusional absurd woman living in a fool''s paradise. Didn''t our Leena pot-roast you on that day? You might have known about her already. She is no good. Better back off before she shows her other side."

    Devin wondered when Leena met Regina when he heard Harley.

    How did Harley know about our encounter? Regina wondered. But it''s not the time to dwell on it. She ignored Harley and turned to face Devin.

    "I suggest you do a thorough background check on Leena before you consider a rtionship with her." Regina tried to put dirt on Leena despite she knew Devin wouldn''t believe her. Although it doesn''t happen, putting a thought in his mind would create suspicion in the future. "She is a gold digger and she has affairs with many men in the pas_"

    "Quiet!"

    Regina shuddered with the sudden brashness of his voice. When she gazed up, she was met with hid icy stares that were venomous.

    "Not a word about her from your mouth, you will regret living for the rest of your life." A thread of warning was fierce in his voice.

    "I_"

    "What do I call you for lying to ruin her reputation and worse!" He bellowed ferociously.

    "I_I am not lying to_"

    "You are the PATHETIC and MISERABLE excuse for being a human, I would say. Your obsession with me makes you more despicable."

    Without heeding her exnation, Devin stepped into the car. Throwing a disgusting nce at Regina, Harley went in.

    "Prepare a resignation letter for her immediately." Devin sped the car.

    "On what basis? She did not show any discriminatory behavior in the workce and we don''t have any proof for her behavior today." Harley enunciated. If they expel her, Regina could file an unfair termination with the equal employment opportunitymission. Her attitude was obnoxious today but it would get a bad reputation for thepany if word goes out that they have expelled an employee without any cause. She has sessfully maintained no falsification throughout her career and it''s hard to pull out the threads.

    "There is one. Sexual Harassment."

    "What?" Harley widened her eyes in shock. "But weck evid_"

    "Just do it. I will take care of the rest." Devin decreed. As soon he reached home, Devin threw the shirt and asked Harley to burn it and he then went into the shower. The touch of her was sending vermins throughout his body. It left him disgusted.

    ...

    While Devin was in his n, Regina was standing there acting like grieving in pain. But as soon as the car drove off, she cut off with her acting, and a wicked smile was stered over her face. She nced at the person who was hiding a little far away from her and he gestured with an okay sign before he scurried off. Although it pained to hear those words from Devin''s mouth, she was fine as long as he could be with her.

    "There is no escape for you, Devin." Regina dered. She knew there would be a resignation letter at her table tomorrow but at the same time, she was confident that Devin would be the one to take them back. "Check-mate, my prince. I have sessfully caught you this time."

    ....

    The moment the flightnded in New York, it was nine in the morning. Since it was a weekend, Devin knew Leena would either be sleeping or chit-chatting with that weird uncle along with Reese.

    Without even going home, he drove to Greenwyn vige all the while thinking of ways that she would react after seeing him. He has already informed Leena that he would bending tomorrow but that was to surprise her and see the reaction on her face. It''s been a week, they couldn''t spend time with each other properly due to their time difference. Their distance increased for a while but his love has grown even harder for her. When he was about to step down from the car, his phone buzzed. Furious at the sudden intrusion, he checked to see the call was from Harley.

    "She is disturbing me again?" He cut the call but it ringed again. With no other choice, he lifted the call.

    "What is it now?"

    "Did you meet Leena already?" Harley asked, her voice urgent.

    "Not yet and can you please not disturb me for some time."

    "Good that you didn''t meet." She sighed in relief. "Come to the office. I am waiting for you here."

    "Why did you go to the office when it is the weekend? Even if is urgent, we can discuss itter. Just let me with_"

    "Check the News Today article." Harley was exhausted trying to make his brother understandable.

    Her voice appeared very serious and Devin understood something might have gone wrong. Immediately, he cut the call and opened his mobile to check for the news.

    [The most eligible bachelor and the highly sessful businessman Wang Devin secretly in love with one of the famous designer, Regina. Both enjoyed their stay in Korea for a week beforeing back to New York. Many are specting that he got secretly married. Everybody was anticipating when the WholePackage would put goodbye to his single life and finally it happened. Media snapped pictures of them when they were hugging each other in public. It shows how depth his feelings were towards her. Isn''t the woman lucky?]

    It was not only the picture of them hugging. When he went to meet Hyun Joon, she has entered the same hotel. The worst part was, they both entered and exited with only a slight difference in time. The reporter has not missed any point while snapping the picture. The next photo was when Devin went to a restaurant with Harley, Regina appeared. But in all the pictures, only both were highlighted.

    Seeing all the ridiculous articles, he threw his mobile and it broke hitting the door. He was sure it was a deliberate n to trap him. Right now, he did not care about the media, the only thought that appeared on his mind was how would Leena take this. No woman would tolerate her man snapped in a picture with another woman even if it was falsified news. Would she believe me if I tell it was all a lie? She wouldn''t. But he did not want to have a misunderstanding between them.

    He tried to calm down but nothing was making sense to him today. Harley called him again. Devin lifted the call but did not speak a word.

    "Come back, Devin. Let''s solve this first. If Leena would have seen it, she might not talk with you. She might act on instinct and it would lead to fights." Harley was getting furious watching all the photos on her table. She didnot know Regina would act viciously even after she was castigated by them. Now, the resignation even can''t work for her. She has nned it perfectly.

    "I am noting. Let me talk with her." Devin replied with a heavy tone. Instead of getting the truth to be known by someone, he wanted to confess by himself.

    Getting down from the car, he walked inside and stood in front of her house. He rang the buzzer in restless. After a while, it was unlocked.

    He gulped down seeing her bloodshot eyes.. He was doomed today.

 Chapter 168 - Devasted To The Core

    Devin was not surprised to see a glint of pain and betrayal in her eyes. He was intending to lift her and rain her face with kisses earlier but everything wrecked up after he got a call from Harley. He was afraid that she would shut herselfpletely and goes back to her older self like how she used to be in the past. He did not want that. With all the vigor, he mustered up his courage to speak with her. "Leena...I_"

    Not even a word left his mouth, Leena started punching him with her fists.

    "Bastard! Where was your phonest night? Do you know how scared I was when I couldn''t reach you?" She screamed and marched forward to hit him. Devin tried to grab her wrists but he couldn''t stop her petnce. They were outside the house but neither of them cared. She roughly kicked him, hit his shoulders with all the pent-up frustration she built up for a week.

    "I am sorry, Leena. I was on a flight for the whole night." He quickly exined trying to calm her down. He was not bothered by her kicks and beatings as long as she believes in him. Why is my luck on the other side today? If she is ring up in anger for not lifting the call, he can''t imagine his state when sheshes out at him for the mess he created today. He has seen her message when he was in the car, but he did not call back since he wanted to surprise her. When she didn''t throw any tantrums, he gently pulled her towards him with the wrists. "I missed you a lot."

    "Get lost. I did not miss you." She screamed struggling in his arms to turn away but Devin yanked her and hugged her from behind.

    "Please don''t leave me." His voice wasced with pain as if he is throbbing. Each word he said was a painful stab to her heart. She couldn''t handle the acrid pain anymore and stopped her temperament.

    "Do you know how many times I tried to reach you?" She asked, her tears welled up when she thought something might have happened to him. "I thought something_"

    "I am here and I will never do it again." He promised. There would be no more sudden surprises in the future. He could feel how scared she was with the way her body trembled. He released himself from the hug and twirled her. "Don''t get mad at me for onest time."

    Without a word, she buried her face onto his chest.

    Running a hand through her hair, he was contemting with the right words. He could sense that Leena hasn''t watched the rumors. Had she knew, he doesn''t know if any part of his body would remain by now.

    "Leena!" He started. "I_I_"

    Every time he tried to speak, he couldn''t form the right word.

    "I watched the news about the rumor" She calmly replied recalling back to the time that devasted me to the core.

    ....

    A few hours earlier...

    Sleep was a distance long for Leena. She has been calling Devin continuously but every time it would direct it to the voice mail. Even though they were speaking very little due to the work and the stupid time difference, at least he would send a good night message but to her horror, there was no message and calls from the night. Her panic grew but she couldn''t tell anyone, for they would think of her as a fool for exaggerating. Even Harley was not responding to the calls. She silently stared at the ceiling until fatigue kicked and dozed off without knowing she would be hearing the most devastating news.

    Morning arrived. With a slight disruption in the room, Leena woke when Reese walked into the bedroom urgently.

    "What happened? How did you know the passcode?"

    "I have my ways." Reese sighed in relief when Leena has just woke up. "Shall we go shopping? You need a dress for your scum father''s party right?"

    "Okay," Leena said, shopping didn''t interest her today but she wants to distract herself from his thoughts. Unconsciously, her hand reached for the mobile to check for any messages from him but Reese snatched it.

    "You take ages to get ready. Go and take shower. Until then I will keep your mobile safe." Reese tried to buy the time in order not to let Leena read the news after all she has a habit of checking the entertainment gossips early in the morning. If she sees the news, her heart would break.

    "What''s the use of seeing if he doesn''t respond to my calls." She mumbled before entering the bathroom all the while thinking of him. Did he forget about me? A long-distance rtionship is worse than she imagined. She couldn''t even know if he was missing her orpletely forgot about her.

    Her usual shower would take two hours but Leena stepped out of the bathroom in fifteen minutes. She felt Carrot be with her but she is enjoying it with Cutie.

    With a heavy heart, she picked a random dress that was not her usual style. Strolling into the living room, she switched on the TV and while switching the channels, she stumbled upon a familiar face and the remote dropped with a loud thud. She copsed on the floor watching the news scrolling on the channel. "Wang Devin was hugged by his woman intimately in Korea and that woman is none other than the famous designer, Regina."

    Reese scurried to the living room when she heard a loud noise.

    "Why is he hugging someone else other than me, Reese?" Her word was barely a whisper. Her heart was full of pain and her head was full of stress when she saw him with another woman in his arms. For a moment she threw every logic out of the window. She could not think rationally anymore. She has seen Ethan with her ex a lot of times but never felt the pain. Seeing Devin with other women, she felt as if someone has stabbed a knife into her heart and twisting it deeply until she felt numb. He was the one to pull out all the walls she built and she doesn''t want him to be responsible for them to close the doors again.

    "Leena!" Reese squatted and hugged her. "Don''t act on impulse. You know about Devin, right?"

    Leena refused to talk. Reese could only hear her whimper.

    "I want to be alone for some time." She sniffles, getting up, and straight away went into her bedroom.

    Leena tried to close her eyes but she was scared that she would see him. Is this the reason he is not talking with me? Did he lose interest in me or was it a lie from the beginning? But her heart was not ready to believe that part. Videos can be falsified to conceal the truth and she has seen that woman''s obsession over Devin. There is a chance that she might have fabricated. She did not want to jump to a conclusion until she hears the truth from his mouth.

    Leena clicked the link and scanned the pictures. Although Regina was hugging him from the back, she could feel Devin''s stance stiff.

    "You let that woman hug you, bastard." She closed her eyes to catch a wink but then the door ringed. When she looked at the inte, she was shocked to see Devin standing there.

    "Why is he doing here today? Isn''t it tomorrow that he would be arriving?" Her anger surged when she remembered his ignorance to pick up the calls and on top of that a scandal further humiliating her. She red from her bed to knock some sense into that idiot''s brain.

    ...

    Present.

    Devin stood rooted without speaking a word. Did I hear correctly? Leena read the news but still maintaining stillness. He expected she would throw tantrums but it was the opposite he was seeing. Is it calm before the storm? If Devin thought she was actingposed even after knowing the truth, she has gone through a turmoil of emotions a few hours earlier.

    He gently lifted her chin and cupped her face. " You have every right not to trust me, Leena, not after you saw the pictures. I know that. But why is my damn heart ripping open right now....." He halted in the middle unable to process words. A lump formed in his throat when he was being questioned for his sincerity. It has to be earned through trust, not through a rationale. But here he was exining his honesty. "I have never met her in any of the hotels or restaurants. Please believe me."

    "What about that hug? You let that shrewd woman hug you?" She released herself from his arms when she felt revolted. Leena would have killed Regina in all possible ways if she was in front of her.

    "I_I did not expect that she would make such a bold move. I have thrown the shirt and took a shower until my body turned red." He hurriedly added thinking that she misunderstood him again. Although he has seen through her acts from the beginning, he did not expect that she would hug him when he was about to step into the car.

    Leena let out a smallugh hearing his answer. She did not want to torture him anymore. "I trust you, Devin, and I have let you into my heart. Never br_"

    "I would never break it, I promise with all my heart. Give me sometime. I will fix everything." He whispered pressing his forehead against her. They stayed quiet for a time in the corridor without speaking. The atmosphere grew heated and both were missing their presence for a week. Devin gently pushed her upwards and lifted her by the waist. Leena hastily wrapped her legs around his torso encircling her arms around his neck. With a tug, he nipped her lips and strolled into the room without breaking the kiss. But soon their intimate moment broke when a loud ring echoed again. Leena pushed him away with a start.. When she saw the person through the inte, her heart dropped.

 Chapter 169 - Tug Of Wrist

    Leena pushed him away abruptly breaking the kiss when she heard a loud ring echoed around them. When she looked into the inte, her jaw dropped to the floor seeing the person standing outside.

    "Leena, calm down," Devin reassured and tried to soothe her body by stroking her arms. But she was unrest. "What happened? Who is it?"

    "It''s my Francy." She nced at their clothes which are not yet disheveled. It was a relief that he was still starting up with the kiss. She couldn''t imagine her state by the time he would end the marathon of his kisses. She wondered if he has been deprived of kisses in his past life to the point that he will not even let her breathe. If Francis would have seen the scene, he would not condone it with the current situation.

    Leena tried to tten his shirt in order not to raise any suspicion. With an urgent tone, she asked. "Do my lips look swollen?"

    "A little."

    Leena hit his shoulder. "Did you recently turn into a vampire? You are always in for biting. Last time, you nipped my neck and I have to use concealer to cover them for days." She hated makeup but she has to apply it to cover them. If that annoying Mandy would have seen, she would gossip to the entire team that Leena is maintaining a boyfriend, perhaps a girlfriend.

    "I am d that I marked my territory, sweetheart. At least you will remember me while putting on makeup." He wrapped his arms around her waist and bent down to peck her lips but Leena pushed him away.

    "It''s not the time for your jokes." She dragged him to the bedroom by the shirt and shoved him into her walk-in closet. "Stay here."

    "Why?" Devin attempted toe out but Leena stopped him at the entrance.

    "Francy might have known about the stupid mess you created outside. If you meet him, you both will end up in fights. I will deal with him and don''te out until I give a signal." Having said that, Leena scrambled to the living room forgetting to lock the door in the moment of anxiety.

    Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and her heart exploded in panic upon seeing Francis''s bloodshot eyes. She knew it would yield no good if he is angered. He might act calmly at times but when triggered he is a satan no one can trifle with. But Leena knew how to appease him.

    "What a pleasant surprise, Francy." Leena greeted hugging him.

    If it was any other time, Francis would have jumped in joy. A spasm of irritation urred over his face when he thought back to the pictures he has seen in the morning. Shoving her aside, Francis threw daggers at the personing out of the room. He knew he would be clinging to his Leena. "You dared toe after creating a big mess outside?"

    Leena pressed her lips in animosity. Damn it, I forgot to lock him in the room. Didn''t I tell him to stay in the room? Why can''t this idiot listen? Now I have to reconcile two elephants.

    "France! I know you are angry with what happened today. But it''s all misunderstanding_"

    Francis threw the file in front of Devin interrupting in the middle. The pictures of Devin hugging a woman intimately scattered onto the floor. They have been deliberately forged to gain poprity.

    Francis has been watching Devin since childhood and as far as he observed, he was never the type of person to involve in any illicit affairs. But the pictures of him hugging some other woman have made him shook with rage and he acted on his instincts. Maybe if he calms down a little, he might think rationally.

    "It''s all fake Francy." Leena made an effort to speak on behalf of Devin when the atmosphere was turning serious. "I have seen_"

    "Silence!"

    Leena shivered with the edge of impatience crept into his tone. It was the first time she has heard the cruelty in his voice and she was scared.

    "Who taught you to interfere in the middle?" His voice raised an octave and his face was pallid with anger. His blood was boiling from the very morning he has seen the pictures and when he saw Leena acting all carefree even after knowing the truth, his gut clenched with the force of restraint.

    "Don''tsh out on her when it''s all my fault," Devin spoke up, his voice thick with insinuation.

    "You are teaching me, behavioral sses, now?" Francis chuckled with a mocking tone. "You let your rtionship leaked to the entire world with that woman when you im Leena as yours. What is the meaning of this?"

    "I have no idea that she would make a bold move, France. She is a nobody to me and deep down you know how much I care for_"

    "If you had cared for Leena, you would have known the rumors floating in your office and you would have never hurt her feelings. The employees have acimed that the ugly woman is going to be your wife and someone in your family has already approved it." Francis has investigated Regina and he got to know that she is close to someone in Devin''s family. She has been working with Devin for six long years and Francis wondered if Devin has hit his brain to not to take a hint of skepticism of the gossip that was running in his office.

    "Rumor in the office?" He asked in disbelief. Harley has never brought to his notice. Had he knew, he would have cleared off then and there. Who is that someone in the family who approved her? Only mom has been telling me that she likes some other girl. Is she the one?

    "You have my word, Francy. I will deal with everything. I will protect Leena and never let anyone harm her." He vowed.

    "You don''t even know that your ugly designer hase to Leena''s office to threaten her. How are you going to protect her." Francis further instigated him.

    "W_hat! Why didn''t you tell me?" Devin nced at Leena demanding an answer. He was shocked by all these unfolding events. Everything was directed to him as he spoke. Why I am thrown into the ck all of a sudden.

    "I_I" Leena stammered with her words. She thought Regina could be handled easily but didn''t think of the outrageous things she woulde up with. It was paining Leena to see Devin taking all the wrath from Francy but he was still maintaining calmness. He was not the man who would keepposed when he was being questioned but for her sake, he was enduring.

    "She doesn''t need to answer. It''s the truth." Francis spoke up.

    "Whatever you heard is all a misunderstanding. Give me a little time. I will fix everything."

    "I don''t entrust my daughter with you anymore." Tilting his head to Leena, Francis dered."You will be staying with me." He might be acting ashen but he can''t let anything happen to Leena, not after a phsyco is shadowing her. If Devin can''t take care of little things, then he will never be able to protect her from that person. He could sense cmity would soon strike.

    "She will not stay with you." Devin pulled Leena and held her wrist tightly. Francis''s wordings hinted at something more and Devin was scared that he would not be able to see her once she leaves.

    "Leena!" Francis held the other hand and pulled her towards him.

    Like a tug of rope, Francis and Devin were pulling her wrist to either sides. When it started to pain, she jerked them away at once."Are you both trying to break my wrists?"

    Guilt amassed over their faces and stepped back a little to give space to Leena while throwing daggers at each other. From childhood, Devin was behind Francy and both have be close to the point despite their age differences but right now they were acting like mortal enemies. Leena sighed at their childish behavior.

    "Francy." Leena started. "So, what I am telling is_"

    "It''s him or me. Decide." Francis looked away leaving no room for discussions.

    "Why are you making it hard for_"

    "Go along with him, Leena" Devin interrupted. He knew how important Francis is for Leena. He can''t let her make a choice when he knew the answer already. Although Francis was giving them a hard time, he was indirectly stressing Devin to correct the blunders he made.

    "Thank you." Leena was d that Devin understood and she went into the bedroom to collect the things

    ...

    "Don''t call me France from now." Francis childishly dered before leaving the house. The moment Francis was out of sight, Leena rushed into the room and whispered something into his ears. Devin instantly understood what she meant. A smile crept on his lips.

    "What a tragedy? I am left alone in her house?" He sighed and unlocked his broken mobile to message Harley.

    [Typist Harley: Summon the IT team. I aming to the office]

 Chapter 170 - Piggy Rabbit: Mighty Zeus

    Devin barged into the office in ferocity. Not many of the employees were loitering since it was the weekend. Harley dashed towards Devin as soon as she saw him.

    "How is Leena? Did you tell the truth? Did she initiate a breakup with you?" Harley demanded. His anger was affirming his actions when he barged in and Harley instantly assumed the meeting with Leena didn''t sit well.

    "Breakup?" He barked. "What kind of nonsense you are spouting?"

    "I_I am sorry. I held the wrong end of the stick." Harley went weak in the knees with Devin''s malignant stares. She spoke up in a fervor not thinking about the aftermaths.

    "If I sew your mouth shut, will you still take the words out of your mouth?" He was already under stress with all things that unfolded today and now Harley''s statement was turning him into a frenzied demon.

    "I_I am sorry, Devin." Harley awkwardly scratched her forehead. With Leena''s temper, she thought that she would not tolerate such an illicit affair and broke up with him. But she was d it did not turn otherwise.

    "Did you find any clue?" Devin ignored her pleas and strolled into his room.

    "We have contacted the hotel and restaurant you visited. But they informed that someone has hacked into their systems and erased the data yesterday."

    "Was it only a section of recordings that got erased?" He now understood Regina has prepared everything before releasing the pictures to the media. It was no use in zipping up the media when the photos have already leaked. The world would think that he has poached and falsified the statement and used it ording to him. He needs strong evidence and that could only be the CCTV footage or her pacts who were is involved with her.

    "Whatever the data that was stored has been erased," Harley exined.

    "Strange." Devin puzzled. Even if a hacker tried to barge into the security, the hotel owner should get an rm signal if they try to tamper with it. How did the data got erased so easily?

    "Call Adney. I want his presence within ten minutes. Drag his body if he refuses toe." Devin added.

    "Okay." Harley tried to reach his mobile but he was not picking up. She tried onest time before going home to yank that idiot to the office, but he picked up the call and after talking with him, she waited for him at the entrance.

    "What took you so long, Ad?" Harley asked when she saw him stepping down the car.

    "I was getting ready to flirt with your employees, Harls." He winkedying a hand on Harley''s shoulder.

    "Today is the weekend, dingleberry." Harley jerked his handoff. "Flirty fellow, there is no on working."

    "Don''t call me, dingleberry. I am fine with any other name except that." Adney spoke up. Only one person calls him by that name and he has reserved exclusively for that non-binary.

    "Scratch with your names. Devin is waiting for you. Hurry up before he kills you." Harley dragged him to the office room while exining the weight of the catastrophe they are facing.

    "So, the rumors are true then and my brother is not single anymore." He cried. The moment he woke up in the morning after Harley''s call, his inbox was flooded with messages from his ''girlfriends'' asking the rumors about Devin''s rtionship status. His dad and grandfather are ring up in anger in the home while his mother was eating a delicious breakfast as if she is not worried about his son at all.

    "Don''t bring the topic in front of him." Harley hushed him and took him to the IT room.

    "I will bring." Adney childishly added and opened the system. He hacked thework with the IP address of the hotel and restaurant in a few minutes but there was no footage in either the hard drive or a copy that was secured in the cloud. He chuckled at the person who dared to block the ways for his brother. Soon they are going to face his wrath.

    "There is no way we can find the recordings now" He closed hisptop when he knew it would yield no results.

    "What!" Harley screamed. That was the only source to prove that Devin doesn''t have any rtionship with Regina. "What do you mean you can''t find. You are a hacker, Ad."

    "Even a hacker can''t find if the data is overwritten, Harley." He dered. The person is one step ahead and even got the admin name of the owner to delete the data. If the information was erased, they could still retrieve it but it was overwritten to the point of no turning back.

    "Are you sure there is no other opinion, Ad?" Devin asked. He doesn''t want to leave the final hope even if there is a slight chance.

    "No." He added. "But I have a top-notch non-binary hacker friend."

    "Non-binary?" Harley asked in confusion.

    "I have no idea non-binary is a man or a woman. So, I call it with that name." Hackers only maintain code names and they don''t disclose their identity unless necessary.

    "Who is it?" Devin asked. Even Leena is a top-notch cyberpunk but he doesn''t want to stress her for the moment. He was sure her crazy brain woulde up with a solution when they are running out.

    "Elysian."

    "Elysian!" Devin muttered the name under his breath, his nerves throbbed, and copsed on the chair holding his head as if a thousand volts of electric current passed through him which he has never experienced. At a stance, it triggered a fleeting memory into his mind when he heard the name.

    .....

    "Hey, mighty Zeus. It''s been a long time you texted me."

    "Why did you name me, Mighty Zeus, piggy rabbit."

    "Because I got the first text from you while watching Zeus in real steel movie."

    "Quite a logic, piggy rabbit."

    "Mighty Zeus! Don''t call me a piggy rabbit when I have named you with such a beautiful name. Even, I want an impressive one."

    "Hmmm. Let me think. How about I answer it tomorrow?"

    "No. I can''t bear piggy rabbit until then."

    "How about Elysian? It means_"

    "Wow! I am in love with the name and I am least bothered about the meaning. Thank you, Zeus."

    ....

    Devin jerked with a start when Harley and Adney held his shoulders.

    "Are you ok, Devin?" She asked with worry. She was terrified to see him tumbling. How much stress he is withstanding she knew.

    "Brother, we will go to hos_"

    "I am fine. A little under the stress." He got up but internally he was searching for the memory that got abruptly vanished. Was it a deja-vu? Whose memory was that? Everything was blurry and he did not see any faces. He doesn''t remember anything that happened to him in the past like today. The name Elysian felt foreign to him yet close. He brushed past the dream when he has a more pressing matter to look for. "Whoever that Elysian is. Contact him immediately."

    "I will try but I can''t promise because Elysian is not a normal hacker." Like thin air, that non-binary evaporates when people try to find him. In instant, he changes the location. After shaking the technology world like a withered leaf, he left. Adney was d that he was able to make friends with that Numen six years back. He can make the impossible hacking to possible. Adney wouldn''t wonder if the overwritten data can be retrieved if Elysian agrees to the proposal.

    "You are talking as if he is some kind of deity, Ad." Shaking his head, Devin got into the work.

    "He is." He whispered under his breath. Adney considers Elysian as the hacking God and he was his inspiration.

    ....

    A woman was sobbing slumping on the floor while trying to control her whimpers. "Please calm down, dad."

    "Why didn''t you tell me that you loved him? After all themotion happened, he is not even acknowledging the rtionship with you?" Regina''s father screamed. When Victor informed that his daughter has been involved in a scandal, he wanted to wring her neck for engaging in an adulterous activity but he mellowed out when he saw that it was Devin. Everybody knew Devin''s name speaks to the power and he wants such kind of son-inw. "Did you talk with him?"

    "Can you give him a little time?" Regina added. "He is currently busy with_"

    "It''s your reputation in question, Regina" He tilted his head to his assistant. "Contact Wang family. I demand an exnation and I want them to get engaged as soon as possible."

    "Yes sir." Victor politely bowed.

    When Regina''s father was out of sight, with a sly smile, he nced at the woman who was wiping away her tears.

    "Now he can''t escape from your clutches." He bellowed. Even if Devin was against the proposal, his father and grandfather will pressure him to announce the rtionship officially in no time.

    Regina was on cloud nine thinking that the day has finallye. Even if it is a forced rtionship, she did not care as long as Devin belongs to hers. She wanted to win his heart but at the same time, she wanted revenge and make that bitch Leena cry.

    Devin could try every possible way but he will never be able to retrieve the security footage. Even if he tried to poach the media who has leaked the video, itcks strong evidence that she was the one who framed it. Wang''s family hold esteem in society and he would be eventuallypelled to ept her.

    Only one side of the coin was visible to her delusional eyes and she forgot that there is another side that is also waiting for its turn.

 Chapter 171 - Magnetic Hysteresis

    "Aren''t you bothered by the rumor dad? Is he in a rtionship with that woman as media proimed?" Fredrick looked at his father who was nurturing the nts. Since morning he has been trying to call Francis but he is not picking up. In years of their friendship, they never fought and everyone except him is rxing in the home. Even Evelyn was happily munching over her favorite food. He wondered if the woman with Devin was the one she has been liking all along. He did not know her taste has gone green around the gills over time.

    "Rx, Rick. I trust in my grandson. I am confident that he wouldn''t even like that bummer." Arthur was surprised to see the woman hugging his grandson was the same woman who tried to nder his granddaughter-inw in the hospital. "I should have crushed her on the hosp_"

    Arthur halted his thoughts when his assistant Fernando scurried into the garden.

    "Roberto Herrera wants to have a meeting with you, Sir," Fernando spoke up.

    "Who is Roberto?" Arthur asked in azy tone.

    "It''s that woman''s father," Fredrick turned to face Fernando. "What does he want?"

    "He wants to arrange a marriage alliance for his daughter with Devin." Fernando gulped watching Fredrick''s eyes turning cold and zing murderous.

    "It seems his brain is full of unwashed socks to demand a marriage alliance with us." Fredrick seethed in irritation. His son has not given any statement, yet he is building castles in Spain already. "Ask him to take notice of his inverted face in the mirror. He would be a ssic example of the inverse ratio between the size of his mouth and the size of his brain."

    "And his daughter must be a giraffe disguised in dark sses trying to get into a pr bears club." Arthur butted in. Both father and son high-fived each other for having a fair share of chastising foolish father and dumb daughter. While Assistant Fernando was looking at them as if they have grown three heads. This family is one crazy bunch and Arthur Wang is one step ahead of them. When he first started his career it was hard at first to understand,ter instead of understanding, he started following them.

    ...

    Harley and Adney were sitting in the office for the whole night but neither they could find solid evidence nor Elysian responded. Devin received the track record of the call and the messages she made but she has nowhere mentioned the name to use it for his purpose. Devin has been getting calls and messages from Wilbur and Drew continuously. Had he lifted, his mood would turn worse?

    "She is deadlier than a poisonous snake," Harley muttered. Never Devin has faced such kind of impasse in his entire life. As if every road has been blocked for him to prove that the photos are fake. The media is demanding a press meet. He would have announced his rtionship with Leena but the world would see her as a third person who has tried to sabotage the rtionship between Devin and Regina. That''s thest thing Devin would intend to listen to. Regina would certainly throw the dirt on Leena if something like that happens. Harley wished to torture that bitch with Abra and Cadabra twins one day.

    "We don''t have a choice, Devin. Announce your rtionship with her temporarily." Harley spoke up unwillingly. When everything stands in the way, he can tell that they have broken up due to disparities in their thoughts which is not new. It happens a lot in the entertainment industry.

    "I would rather die than announce a rtionship with anyone except Leena." Devin pressed. There might be many who belongs to that category to save their image but he would never. Even if his family pressures him, he is not going to surrender.

    "I am leaving." He nced at his watch as he spoke. A smile crept over his lips with the thought of seeing her again after a long day.

    "To where?" Harley asked.

    "To meet my sweetheart." He winked and left the office leaving Harley and Adney in confusion. It seems he is not even bothered by the scandal.

    "Is he maintaining a harem now?" Adney gaped.

    ...

    It was not only Devin in chaos, even Leena was in unrest. She was lying on the bed reading all the gossips cursing Regina all the time.

    "I will crush her one day, Meemaw." She threw her tablet but then again picked it up and refreshed the page to see the newments.

    "It''s the nth time you have been telling that. Let me watch my Oppa''s drama peacefully." Margaret chided her granddaughter again. She has been watching a Korean Drama from the evening but couldn''t evenplete one episode. Whenever an interesting scene is about to ur, Leena would disturb her.

    "It''s because of your oppa''snd my babylicious is in trouble." Leena grabbed the tablet her grandma was using and closed the video. Does she behave ording to age? She has been shying all the time while watching those dramas.

    "What have my oppa''s done? It''s your boyfriend who was not cautious." She grabbed the tablet and opened the video. She knew Devin woulde up with a solution and that''s the reason she is rxing to watch the drama unfold.

    Leena did not argue further. She has seen the way he sacks the situations but for once he has let his guards down and a big disaster happened. I will not leave that nail biter if I see her anywhere.

    "Should I hack into her ount and y a prank?" An idea popped into her brain and with a smile, she nced at the watch. She made her way into Francis''s bedroom where he was reading a book.

    "Francy!" She called up innocently.

    "What?" Without looking at Leena, he questioned.

    "Can I go for a walk with Meemaw?" Leena blinked her eyes naively.

    "Go to sleep." He said going back to reading the book. He knew she is ying tricks to meet that brute. Unless hees transparent with his rtionship, he is not giving in.

    "Okay." She scurried away. Her n A might have failed, but Leena has n B in handy.

    With the help of her Meemaw, Leena climbed down the balcony, and like a cat, she slowly got out of the house through the secret passage and ar a distance she saw someone waiting for her. She dashed towards him and hugged him tightly.

    "Why did youe out without wearing a jacket." He released himself from the hug and removed his jacket to securely wrapped her not to let the air in. Despite its spring, the Heacis mansion is full of trees and it''s a little chilly here.

    "Because I knew that you warm me up." She smiled and reached his hand and gently stroked his eyes. She felt sad that he is undergoing a lot of stress. "Are you fine?"

    "As long as you are with me, even death would be sweet." He whispered mping her hand to him and pressed his lips on her knuckles.

    "Don''t talk about death, idiot." She pouted hitting his chest with her fists. "Did you get any clue about the CCTV footage?"

    "The recordings are hacked and the call logs and messages are of no use. She most probably used offline methods formunication."

    "Not bad." Leena thought. Still, she felt Regina is a dumb-witted woman.

    "Don''t worry. We can retrieve the deleted data easily." Leena exined the process to fetch the information through hacking.

    "But it''s overwritten sweetheart." Devin sighed. He contacted many of his friends and professional hackers and every person has informed him that the data can''t be retrieved once overwritten and he knew it''s of no use asking Leena also. But still, he hoped her crazy brain would make impossible possible.

    "Overwritten?" She pondered for a while and suddenly something hit her brain "But overwritten data can be retrieved, Devin."

    Like a shot, Devin looked at her intently.

    "Are you serious?" Devin questioned in surprise. "Do you know how to do? But how can you procure the eliminated information?

    She has never tried it in the past but researched for days contacting many physicists and tried experiments in her university with fellow physics major students to check if it works. Her professor debated that her idea would never work but she wanted to prove it otherwise. After she got the desired result, Leena has given the idea to someone in the past but after implementing it, he berated her in front of the media. Worst fellow. It''s her idea and he used it for his purpose.

    "There is a concept called Maic Hysteresis in quantum physics. We can fetch seventy to eighty percent of data through that process. But I need a physicist''s help to perform it. It''s not an easy task but we can seed in it." Leena exined the process that she did in the past.

    Devin was amazed as she exined her theory. He knew this brat would find a solution to the impossible.. Adney has been trying to contact Elysian from the morning with the uncertainty that he would lend a solution or not but Leena has exined the finding like a cakewalk.

 Chapter 172 - Crack Brained Nut Cake

    The more he heard her theory, the more he was enthralled by her idea. Being clothed in charm and intelligence, Achilles heel is her beauty, and madness is her virtuosity. If he has to describe her in one word, she is absolutely amazing.

    "How is my idea?" Leena asked, eagerly waiting to receive apliment from Devin.

    "You are amazingly brilliant. Love you, Leena!" Devin gave her a quick peck on her lips.

    "Idiot! Moron! Donkey! How could you say those three words casually for the first time?" Fury boiled up in her chest and poured from her eyes. She has imagined, Devin bringing stars to the earth and propose to her under the bright gleams but he has crushed all her fantasy.

    "I am sorry, sweetheart. I will take that back for now."He voiced his inner feelings in the spur of the moment. Devin grabbed her wrists which were punching his chest continuously. He lowered her to his chest and hugged her close.

    "You better take that back and start to think of a grand one." She yielded to the warm hug, her frame molding against his.

    Devin nodded his head with a smile. She is one unique little thing that he has never confronted. For a while, both dwelled in each other''s arms to forget their problems Finally, Leena released herself from the hug.

    "I need a high-endb and a top-notch physicist to perform this experiment. But it''s hard to get a hand on the maicboratory." When she was in University, she was allowed to enter theboratories with the physics major ssmates to watch the experiments. But it was legal back then. But right now, it''s for the personal motive, and even if someone is powerful, it''s not easy to enter into ab unless he is a high ranking civil servant.

    "I have got someone better." Devin unlocked the mobile and messaged his friend instantly.

    Leena peeked into his mobile and when she saw the contact name, she swallowed down her frustration. She knew it would be that snollygoster but only he can help them now.

    "I will take you to theb tomorrow,"

    Leena nodded her head fervently. Her skin was already tingling with goosebumps thinking of the exciting night.

    "It''s getting cold here. Get into the house." If Francis would see them meeting secretly, he would confine Leena to her bedroom alone.

    "I will miss you," Devin whispered.

    "I will miss you more." She hugged him for onest time and turned back to leave scared that Francis would be a satan if he sees her with Devin.

    Until Leena went into her room and messaged Devin that she has reached, Devin did not leave the ce.

    ...

    The next day, he was waiting for Leena when they were supposed to go to ab.

    "Did I make you wait for too long?" Unlocking the door, Leena stepping into the car and threw the things into the backseat which she needed for the experiment. She was having a hard time picking up a dress and it consumed almost two hours to select it.

    "On time, sweetheart." He brashly lied revealing a smile. If she knew Devin had been waiting for her for two hours, she would feel sad and lecture him for not calling him earlier.

    "Sleep for a while. I will wake you up when we reach there." Devin retorted.

    "No. I have to apany my babylicious." Leena declined his offer and switched the music system on.

    "Alright, sweet girl." Devin chuckled.

    By the time they arrived at the maic fieldboratory, a man was waiting for Devin at the entrance. He was stunned to see a woman stepping out of the car. "Isn''t that Narcissist girl? What is she doing with Devin?" He whispered.

    "Did you talk with the physicist, Kurt?" Devin questioned bringing Leena along with him. He introduced Leena to Kurt but thetter was still in a trance. The way Devin was gazing at her, Kurt recalled Drew and Jasper''s words. He always thought that of all their friends Devin and he would die as virgins. But now it would be applying only to him.

    "I did talk with him and he is waiting in theb," Kurt added. "Umm...Are you really in a rtionship with this Narcissist?"

    "Mr. Swedish Butler, watch your words!" Leena screamed at the top of her lungs. She was just being a self loved person and people misjudge her for being a narcissist.

    "There is a little bit of devil residing in her angel eyes. Don''t mess with her." Devin warned his friend. He must have seen Leena at the wedding and he would have got scared of her.

    Kurt didn''t want to argue for he has seen the frenzied girl at the wedding. He guided them to theboratory and introduced his friend. He has already exined everything to him over the phone and agreed to help. It was not easy to enter into a maicboratory if not for hisworks being a civil servant.

    "How did you know that data can be retrieved through Maic Hysteresis?" He asked with skepticism. Six years back, when he was striving with a child exploitation case, Elysian hinted at the idea and they have sessfully retrieved eighty percent of the CCTV recordings. That was a major turn out to the case.

    "It''s my sweetheart." Devin proudly dered. "Now, let''s get into the business. We don''t have time."

    Although Kurt wanted to ask further about it, he did not probe when they are packed in a tight deadline.

    A spindle attached to the rotating disc was set up to rotate the drive motor and an electromaic assembly was included to read the data from the disc surface. The physicist operated the transducer machine using the stepper motor and the disc was getting energized which was resulting in maic memory. Each time the transducer is sought back and forth, the electric positions were converted into mechanical form. It''s been two hours but they could only retrieve a little data.

    While Leena was delineating the records in herputer, Devin got a call from his dad and he went out to talk with the disturbing noise of the machines.

    Just when Devin walked out, Kurt scooted towards Leena instantly. He has been observing Leena from the time she was working on her system and seeing the advanced programmingnguages in herputer, he felt she is very well versed in that area. "Are you a ck hat? or a white hat?"

    "What if I am and what if I am not?" She did not want anything to do with this snollygoster and she turned her gaze to theputer.

    "Then you must be knowing Elysian right?" He asked with impatience.

    "Of course, which hacker doesn''t know Elysian. The notorious Hacking Diva." Leena giggled proudly brandishing the name. "My inspiration to be a hacker."

    "Hacking Diva, my foot? He is a crack-brained nut cake. He doesn''t have any work in the home, so he is going around the world ransacking every system. That cat burr must have lost a screw in his brain when he was born." Kurt balled hs fists in outrage whenever his name was praised by another person. For six years, he has been escaping from FBI clutches. There was no track record of failure in his career, but like a ck dot of Elysian has remained. Kurt only hoped to see and talk with that bastard at least once in his life.

    Hearing hisments, Leena gritted her teeth in anger. ''You dare to castigate the great Elysian. Wait for a while. I will send you a gift which you would keep your mouth shutpletely.''

    "Can you find his location?"

    "You have the gall to ask me after you insulted our hacking God." Leena stomped on his foot and rushed out to find Devin. Kurt wailed with Leena''s strong kick that blew his senses away for a while.

    ...

    By the time the data waspletely transmitted, it was dawning already. Leena yed the recordings in her system to check for the quality. She was relieved that they were have sessfully retrieved it. Although it was a little blur, they could still see it. As expected, everything was fabricated. There was nowhere Devin was with Regina in either the hotel or restaurant. She went into the hotel after Devin but no one knew what happened in the side. But now the recordings are enough to throw her into the rags.

    "Thanks, Kurt. You were a great help today." Devin said.

    "Do you have to mention it? We are friends, Vincy." Kurt added. They have been through thick and thin from the time they were friends in any of the problems they would face.

    Kurt took a guilty peek at Leena and she immediately buried her face into Devin''s chest. What a crazy girl. Just because he has scolded Elysian, she is sulking over it.

    "I am leaving. Let''s catch upter" Devin said, taking Leena out of theb when he could feel she is feeling giddy due tock of sleep.

    "Are you sleep?" He asked speeding the elerator. "I am sorry for making you go through all these, Leena."

    "Mistakes happen by the situation and not by intention. You are a human." Leena gently held his hand."Don''t me yourself and don''t feel sorry, idiot. I feel like I am an outsider."

    "You are the most amazing girl I have encountered." To have someone understand is a different kind of intimacy and he was happy that both did not end up in grapples with the storm that has hit them in their way.

    "Don''t hold the press meet now. Let''s wait for two more days." Leena imposed.

    Devin hummed in reply. He understood what Leena has meant. The more she brags, the harder Regina would be destroyed.. Only he is waiting for the time.

 Chapter 173 - Twisted Game

    The office was vibrant with canards. Like the usual days, the employees turned WD into a whispering campaign. For the past week, be it in the cafeteria or sitting in front of their systems, there was only one conversation going on between the employees. Is the CEO in love with Regina?

    The rumors have spread throughout. Some of the reporters tried to contact the employees to get juicy gossip.

    "I was surprised to see our CEO in a rtionship with Regina." A woman spoke up. She has heard a rumor from one of her friends working in the Seattle office but did not believe in the past. But now everything is sitting in the right ce.

    "We can''t jump to conclusions. He has not yet confirmed." Her colleague argued.

    "But his silence is the acknowledgment. I am sure he is dating Regina." Another woman spoke up, her eyes twinkled in delight. "How lucky of her."

    "She is a phsyco. I pity our CEO for choosing that woman."

    Hearing all themotions ensuing in the office, Harley stormed into the office in a rage.

    "Why are you keeping silent?" She barked. For the past week, she is tired of answering the media and shooing away the reporters but Devin has not even profused a single statement.

    "The news has reached not only to the employees but all over. You are being questioned. Being a CEO, the great Wang Devin has breached the barriers encouraging the romance in the office." Harley copsed on the chair exhausted and to top it all when Regina was confronted by the media about her rtionship with Devin, she let out a shy smile without speaking a word. It was clear that something is going on between them and she has thrown the ball into Devin''s court to answer back. "You don''t have any evidence and you would be cornered by the whole world if you make a mistake. Announce your rtionship before it esctes further. Dad and Grandfather will not be pleased with your behavior."

    "Is it?" Devin threw the mobile onto the table and leaned back. With a mocking chuckle, he spoke up. "But why do I think both are enjoying the show?"

    "Enough with your ys, Devin." Harley was done with him. "Are you trying to_"

    "Rx, Harls. Arrange a press meet tomorrow and notify all the media especially, News Today." Devin dered and went back to the work mode.

    Relief flooded hearing his words. She was wondering what Devin was going to choose this time. A fake rtionship with Regina to protect Leena or a genuine rtionship with Leena which would jeopardize her status in society as a third party. He could choose anything but Harley truly wanted him toe transparent with Leena before he decided on his decision.

    ...

    Meanwhile, in Leena''s office, she was smiling like a crazy idiot chatting with Devin. At first, she was bothered by the rumors but not anymore.

    [My Deep-V-Diver: Why didn''t you send your picture yet?]

    [Orthodox Saint: What kind of picture my babylicious want?]

    [My Deep-V-Diver: If you are smiling, send me your smiles and if you are sleeping, send me your dreams.]

    "Cheesy idiot." She giggled and thought of ying with him.

    [Orthodox Saint: I am in the bathroom, what picture should I send then]

    And there was no reply. With a proud smile, Leena was satisfied for ying with him and she was about to enter the office room, a particr conversation made her footsteps halt in the midway.

    "CEO Wang Devin and Regina are in love. Only she is eligible to be with him." Mandy eximed speaking over the phone. "I knew he would choose her. He is handsome and she is beautiful and I am sure it would be a picture-perfect frame whey they have kinds."

    Despite her outrage, Leena strolled towards Mandy and quietly stood in front of her. Mandy instantly cut the call and red up from her seat watching Leena''s venomous eyes.

    "Unless your name is on Google, stop acting like you know everything. I am waiting for the day you choke on the shit you talk." Having said that, Leena walked away leaving Mandy in plight.

    "What have I done to her today. I am not even gossipping on her." Mandy shrugged and she was used to the witch''s sharp tongue but as a shot, something hit her head. She likes women right? Is she in love with Regina and her heart got shattered by the news? If Leena would have heard Mandy''s inner thoughts, she would be hanging upside down to the Eiffel tower by now.

    ..

    In a brightly lit room, the cameras flicked like there was no end. d in a high waist vintage retro long sleeve vestido dress, she was an epitome of innocence to the world. Lifting her head, she lent a shy smile to the reporters and clutched her dad''s hand who was worrying for nothing. "Everything is going to be alright, dad."

    "Are you sure you talked with Devin?" Roberto inquired with a tensed face. Somehow, the sudden press meet was not sitting well with him. He was tantly rejected by the Wang family when he offered a marriage alliance with them and after a week he got an invitation by Devin himself for the press meet. He only hoped that there wouldn''t be a twist.

    "Don''t worry, dad. Everything would be fine after today." Regina assured squeezing his hand. Nothing can stop her today. She has cross-checked with the hotel and restaurant''s CCTV recordings and everything is going ordingly with her n. She even made all the dealings offline to ensure secrecy of not being caught. All the doors are closed for Devin and he has to announce at least a fake rtionship to save his image for time being and that''s the first step of her sess. Slowly she will crawl into his bed and when they have kids, it''s the end of the game. She wanted to suppress Leena and humiliate her for trifling with her.

    The reporters who were rattling with each other halted their conversations when they heard the door opening followed by a tall person. The rough footsteps nked on the floor and like lightning, everyone''s eyes present in the room grew wide. Cameras flicked on to the tall person perpetually.

    Strolling into the room in a three-piece suit, he was poised and walked with confidence. His eyes as deep as the ocean set aze. He did not care about the reporters and he straight away entered the dais.

    "Mr. Wang, is it true that you are in a rtionship with Regina?" A reporter spoke up the moment Devin stepped onto the stage.

    "You have never been in a rtionship up until now. So can we conclude that you found the love of your life?" Another reporter butted in.

    "In all the interviews you have given, you have proimed that you have been waiting for one woman. So, Regina is the one?"

    "Did you secretly get married and went on honeymoon with Regina?" The reporter of the News Today spoke up.

    "Silence." When he spoke up, the entire room felt quiet to the point that even a pin dropping pin sound could be heard. His icy stares bored into the reporters and anger on his face became an effigy of contempt.

    Devin briefly stared at Regina and his father who was smiling at him. There was only disgust on his face for both father and daughter.

    Despite Regina''s shy face that was docked to the floor, she was internally smiling. Soon, it''s going to happen and Devin is going to be hers. She has waited for ten years and now her prince charming will officially dere their rtionship to the entire world and all the women would get envious of her especially the woman who has humiliated her. She has imagined this day for years but her happiness was beyond her expectations in reality.

    Devin looked at the reporters who were urging exnations for the past week and everybody was certain he would dere a rtionship with Regina openly.

    "Ladies and Gentleman! I know you have been seeing the pictures which leaked a week before and you have been wondering why I haven''t given a statement. Before that let me tell you, Like all you have been thinking, I found my soulmate and I am in a rtionship with her." He began.

    Many were confident that the name he is going to announce would be Regina and she would be the show stopper. Some have even prepared a statement already.

    "But she is not the one you are assuming." He revealed.

    Devin twisted the game at thest-minute when he acimed another woman as his love life. There was a huge uproar in the press conference room hearing his words. With all themotions happening, the door of the room was pushed open and a tall woman was escorted into the hall. There were hundreds of questions running on everyone''s mind.. But Regina was like an explosive bomb ready to explode, for her n was not going ording to her.

 Chapter 174 - High Dopamine Levels

    Time seemed to stop when the door opened and a tall woman was escorted by a group of people into the vast hall. Whispers boomed in the hall. Dazzling flickers snapped at her. Her each step was poised with confidence, her eyes had a touch of arrogance. There was this fine line between attitude and arrogance but she contrived it in her style. While her dress swooped everyone off their feet, her impable beauty took their breaths away.

    Caparisoned in an empire style A-line burgundy dress, a waistband of the same color thatplimented the dress was mped right below her bosom, entuating her slim waist. Like the winiest wine, her dress rivaled the man in a significant white shirt standing on the podium. His eyes never left the dazzling woman shining in glory from the moment she entered the hall.

    "Isn''t it the model Leena? But why is she here?" A reporter whispered awed by her impable beauty.

    "What is this crazy woman doing here?" A reporter shuddered and he already nned to not ask any question to the nonpos mentis. Her craziness is the talk of the city.

    The audience was anxiously looking at the stunning woman and the reporters held their breaths in anticipation. The statements were readied already for they knew Devin would announce his rtionship with Regina but in thest minute, he twisted the game iming he is in a rtionship with another woman, and out of sybus Leena has appeared in the show further confusing everyone.

    She raised her hand and the men behind her stepped back. She stood alone at the center of the hall, in a world full of people determined, and looked at the man standing on the dais. Their eyes met for all the world went into oblivion as if the two were silentlymunicating with each other. Devin knew it''s not easy to appease the queen. She wants to show her ce in his heart to the people, precisely to the world. A King would only bow down to the queen and he would dly oblige to it.

    Everybody in the room gasped when Devin stepped down from the stage and walked towards the woman. With a love-filled gaze, he stood in front of her with an outstretched palm. "You look beautiful tonight."

    Leena blushed instantly. Tons ofpliments but one praise from Devin would take her breath away and it''s not the first time she has surrendered under his witchery eyes. Without cing a hand on to his, her eyes swept over his iris orbs gazing at her with affection and tenderness that he would show only for her. "Thanks a bunch of oats, babylicious." She whispered cing her hand on to his. He chuckled at her witty reply and quickly locked her hand with his and guided her to the stage while gently holding her waist.

    "I would like to make an official announcement." He briefly gazed at her and Leena reassured him squeezing his hand.

    "The girl standing with me today is the one, I want to spend my life today, tomorrow, actually, my entire life with her alone. From the very moment, I saw her, my heart knew she is the one. There is no space in my heart for anyone except her." He continued. "We have kept our rtionship hidden until we get toe together with our families but then an intruder created chaos in our lives. But she did not leave me. Instead, she supported, she held my hand, never letting go despite the turmoil she was enduring inside."

    His announcement held an uproar not only to the people sitting inside but to the outside world who were watching the interview. Devin openly confessed his love for Leena to the entire world was a huge blow.

    Seeing the couple acting lovey-dovey, Regina was red with anger, shrieking inside. If not for the image she has to maintain in the public, she would have exploded like a time bomb. My prince charming proposing to that bitch. Did he forget that I still hold a trump card? How is he going toe clean with the photos? The world would throw dirt on Leena for being a bitch.

    Meanwhile, the reporters bombarded Leena and Devin with questions after questions. This was a huge spin which they did not expect, for they havee here to write the statement but then again Devin gave a huge twist not only admitting he is in a rtionship but also confessing his love openly. But still, the photos did not sit well with them and they have many unanswered questions.

    "But the pictures say otherwise. How do you exin that, Devin?" A reporter questioned.

    "Are you telling us that the person in the photo was not you, Devin?" Another reporter butted in eager to know.

    "The picture_"

    Devin''s breath staggered, he swallowed hard and has to halt his words when a hand encircled around his torso tracing a finger on his abdomen with slow torture. Although he was fully clothed, it was not helping either. For bystanders, it was a lovely gesture of hugging the boyfriend but only he knew what sort of stunts this crazy girl was pulling under his suit. Did she have a hit the wine bottle beforeing here? Her dopamine levels are functioning high from the time she entered.

    "Zip up your mouth. It''s my show today." Leena whispered and instantly he slightly nodded his head for he knew she would torture him until he would get blue balls if he doesn''t oblige to her wishes.

    An opportunity to crush the nail-biting girl when the whole world is watching. It''s like entering into seventh heaven. Did she think that the great Leena would sit and watch the TV mourning over her boyfriend when he is confessing to another woman to protect his loved one like in those tragedy novels?

    "My boyfriend has got a frog in his throat suddenly. So, I will take the opportunity to answer on his behalf." Leena threw a charming smile to everyone.

    The reporters looked at her with their mouths wide open. Devin was talking all well up until now but suddenly got a sore throat when she appeared? It was obvious that Leena wanted to take control of it.

    "Are you telling us that the person in the photos is not Devin?" One of the reporters broke the silence.

    "The person in the pictures is him," Leena spoke up. "But why don''t you ask the innocent woman how he appeared on the photos?" Her voice had a mocking end when she pressed the word innocent.

    "Did you forge the picture, Miss Regina?" All the attention turned towards Regina.

    "Did you try to sabotage the rtionship of a couple?"

    Regina mped her fingers around her dress, trembling in fear when all the cameras were focused on her alone while the reporters flooded her with questions. She looked around the room trying to find Victor but suddenly remembered he was not invited. She wouldn''t have feared if he was there to support her.

    Roberto was dumbfounded by the way the incidents are veering around. What''s happening here? All are focusing on his daughter and it enraged him to the core. He furiously nced at Leena who was enjoying his daughter''s misery. In his frenzy, he got up, his voice rose and his fierce eyes angrily pointed at Leena as he spoke. "If you are trying to throw dirt on my daughter, I am not going to sit back and watch your_"

    "Hello, Mr. Herrera, You don''t have a dialogue. You are a mere spectator here. Please shut your mouth and sit down." Leena suspended his words at once.

    Roberto: " "

    For a second the serious hall dissolved intoughter hearing Leena''s utterances. The reporters couldn''t help but crack up. Even Devin couldn''t hold back his smile that threatening to escape from his lips.

    There was only disdain for the man in Leena''s eyes. Isn''t it the responsibility of the father to look after his daughter? How couldn''t he see the veil of his daughter? It''s because of this kind of father''s white lotus bitches are emerging into the surface.

    As if nothing has happened, Leena nced at the reporters and spoke up. "I feel like the innocent women''s voice is tongue-tied suddenly. So, I will take the charge and exin what exactly happened."

    With a snap of her finger, a man appeared and lent a thumb drive to one of the reporters. "It contains the recording of the CCTV footage on the day Devin visited the hotel and restaurant."

    Regina''s face turned ashen when she heard about CCTV recordings. How does overwritten data would appear again? She has contacted a top-notch hacker and he ensured that data cannot be regained once it is overwritten. Is she bluffing to lure her into telling the truth?

    A person connected the thumb drive to theptop and yed the videos that were saved in it. The more they saw the image became vivid.

    There were no traces of Regina and Devin meeting at the hotel and restaurant. Although he went into the hotel and Regina also appeared right after him, but they have not met anywhere.

    Devin straight away went to a private room and came out within half n hour along with a friend and when he walked out of the hotel, Regina also stepped out and the same happened in the restaurant also.

    With all the things that happened, it was clear that it was a deliberate attempt, and the photo of hugging Devin looked like a nned one. But was it Regina who did? She seemed to be an innocent person. It was the thought of the reporters.

    "It''s ridiculous and I wouldn''t agree. The CCTV footage is falsified." Regina snorted, her eyes seething in anger the more she looked. She has made sure everything is going ording to the n.

    "How do you know that the videos are falsified?" One of the reporters asked in skepticism.

    Regina tried toe up with an answer but nothing was hitting her brain for the moment. "I_I_Because_"

    "Because she was the one who fabricated it." Leenapleted it for him.

    "You seem to have a lot of imagination, Miss Hayes," Regina spoke up as if she is mocking her. "There is no proof that I was the one behind it. I am also a victim who is subjected to the rumor."

    "Is it? Let''s see if your tone remains the same even after I show the person.." Leena opened her mobile and made a video call and hearing the voice, Regina''s face turned pale.

 Chapter 175 - Checkmate

    Regina''s face turned as pale as a vampire''s. She was on the verge of shattering everything into crumbles when the hacker she hired to destroy the evidence appeared on Leena''s mobile. It''s not easy to track the location of a ck hat, how did they find him?

    To Regina''s contempt, he openly admitted that he was the one who has worked with her. He was not even an inch scared, neither when obliterating the data nor confessing the truth since the job of hacker itself is illegal. Regina wired the money and he hacked into the system. It was as simple as that. For the emendation, he knew he would be incurred from the hotel and restaurant owner, but he was least worried. It''s a part of their murky hacker world. The only question he has in his mind was how did they trace his location.

    Leena did not leave any possibility to tarnish Regina for she has solely touched her bottom line. She reached out to the hotel and restaurant owners to seize all the reliefs for her. Cyber attacks are sophisticated, well-orchestrated, and capable of posing severe threats to personal data. Their systems were hacked and the hacker posed malware into them and they were forced to download a malignant app and that''s how the hacker entered and deleted the data. If the malware was coded with another source, it would be hard to find the person but that doesn''t mean it''s impossible for Leena.

    Watching all the events unfolding, Roberto copsed onto the chair with no vigor. He was ashamed. He shouldn''t have epted the invitation, he shouldn''t have let his daughtere to this ce. He has be aughing stock of society because of this unfilial daughter in a single day. There would be investors questioning his credibility and status tomorrow. All the reputable image he has been maintaining for the past two decades has turned into ashes. He knew a legal notice would be hanging in front of his office tomorrow for the damage his daughter has done.

    He had an urge to throttle his daughter''s neck but then the thin line of father and daughter rtionship has tied his hands.

    "Mr. Roberto! Do you know about your daughter''s true colors?" The press bombarded him with questions.

    "Are you also a part of her n?"

    "Did you purposefully n it with your daughter to have an alliance with the Wang family?"

    Regina was an omnishambles. Her father was never insulted like this in his entire life. Her head spun with countless questions the reporters were throwing at him. She refused to admit defeat in front of that bitch.

    Before they would be swarmed by the reporters to humiliate further, Roberto got up and roughly pulled his daughter''s hand to get out of this ce.

    But Leena was not done yet.

    "I want to say one thing to the special girl who won''t be named!" Leena looked at Regina with a mocking challenging expression. "Regina Herrera!"

    "Woah! Woah!!" There was a loud gasp from the crowd attending the press meet. What an attitude of her, everyone thought. Her way of addressing Regina was sassy and feisty.

    Regina stood frozen in the ce throwing daggers at Leena. She was provoked, cornered, face pped. If not her father was holding her hand, she would have torn Leena''s face apart without caring for her image, for she lost it already.

    "Check-mate! Good move but not enough to put me down. Next time if youe for my man, unlike my mouth, my hand will speak. It''s a warning." She was like a ck cloud threatening the storms that pass by. It was not only a threaten to Regina but to everyone who wants to trifle with it.

    Devin was on cloud nine. He wouldn''t say cloud nine, more like cold ten. Cloud nine would be less for the way he was feeling now. He was lost for words to exin how happy he was when Leena possessively dered that he is her man.

    That night it was not only a threat to Regina, she is boring a threat to the entire world iming Devin.

    ...

    Meanwhile, in a vast hall, a man was thundering inughter watching the interview while asionally munching carrots. A woman was glued to the TV intently watching it.

    "That''s my granddaughter-inw." He pped his thigh, full of boisterous mood all the way. "She is making Salisbury steak of both father and daughter duo."

    "Aish, you mountain gori. Can you shut your mouth for a while? I am not able to hear anything. Go and watch the interview in your home if you want to make noise." Margaret ranted. She has gathered the snacks and switched on the TV to watch the press conference peacefully but the annoying old fellow has ringed the doorbell to interrupt her. Doesn''t he have a TV at home? Why must hee to my home?

    "How did you know that she is my granddaughter?" Margaret asked. She wanted to know it from the time he barged into her home. Devin has told her that he hasn''t informed him about Leena yet.

    "I am a powerful man in the country, Cross River Gori. Nothing can overstep me." Hezily raved turning his gaze to the TV. He thought Leena might have misunderstood his grandson seeing the scandal and he let Fernando check on her address and background to meet her personally but he was surprised to know that she is Heather''s daughter and Margaret''s granddaughter. When Devin informed him of the press conference, he crashed into this house to annoy his friend, for he was bored of watching alone. "By the way, where is that brat, Francis?"

    "How would I know? I am sitting in front of you from the time the interview started." She barked at him for asking a ridiculous question. She was sure that his son would be sitting and watching the press meet despite he was sulking over Devin.

    ...

    Regina was a mess, she was screaming, throwing tantrums but his father dragged her away home. In a matter of one night, she has be a standing joke and he has be a figure of fun. A leather whip that has never been used, he was nning to take out today. He has to.

    The press meet ended and the impact no one has anticipated. It was juicy gossip.

    Devin held Leena''s hand and took her out of the hall but the reporters stormed in front of them unexpectedly for they knew Leena was a man-hater and they wanted to pull more information on how she ended up with a man. Although the guards tried to stop them, Leena interjected. Like her dopamine levels, her serotonin levels are also high today and she wanted to y with even reporters

    "Do you still have questions?" Leenazily asked.

    "In the past, you were in a rtionship with your secretary, Reese Allen. What are yourments?" A reporter asked.

    "Are your feelings mutual?"

    "Did you break up with her and started dating Wang Devin?"

    "Are you a bisex_"

    "She has never dated any woman in the past," Devin''s deadly stares bore through the reporters. It was enough for them to hear the threat and shut their mouths. It was mere gossip. Just because she attended the events with Reese, they are ndering my sweetheart''s name.

    Leena kept her eyes docked to the ground in embarrassment. Stupid reporters. I wanted to y with them for a while and now they are bringing my rtionship?

    She has spread the news of her rtionship with Reese to shoo away the wooers. She never thought of getting into a rtionship with a man but then Devin happened. Now she has to address the most pressing matter.

    She ransacked her brain and instantly came up with an idea to pull herself out of that zone.

    "Dear media, I, Leena Hayes hereby dere that I have not dated any woman in the past." Leena hugged Devin as she spoke. "Do you see, I am onlyfortable around my man. But I can''t help it if some other person has a feeling for me."

    "You mean Reese Allen likes_"

    "You have to beseech her. Trust me, she is something else." A sly smile vanished in seconds. Now she has escaped and the ball is thrown into Reese''s court. Let her answer it for always disturbing the intimate moments with Devin.

    "That''s it from my end." She added. "Are you going to put it in tomorrow''s main headlines?"

    Watching Devin''s lethal stares, they swallowed hard. They immediately shook heads fear of the devil. "Umm..no...W_e are not going to write."

    Leena sighed thinking that they are getting scared of Devin. "You are making a mistake again."

    There was a hint of dread in their eyes. Mistake? What did they do? What is she speaking?

    "I have given such a wonderful topic to write. Don''t you think it should be in the headlines?" She asked ignoring Devin squeezing her waist not to go gaga again.

    "Umm.Yes...I guess it''s a wonderful topic." The reporters retorted.

    "Of course it is. So, what''s your channel name?" She asked with a giggle.

    "The Vulpes"

    "Mirror today."

    "Ry race fourth position." She screamed at the top of her lungs leaving Reporters in plight.

    "Pardon?"

    "With four teams participated in a ry race, I won fourth ce." With a giggle, she added. "Highlight this on your channel while writing about myself. The great Leena Hayes has shown incredible performance and won fourth ce in a Ry race when she was in school."

    Devin was now obvious that she has hit the bottle before she came to the press conference. If he doesn''t shut her mouth now, her drunk story would be highlighted tomorrow. He quickly lifted and put her on his shoulder and carried her away while all the way, she was screaming.

    But the loving picture of the couple didn''t go unseen in the cameras.

 Chapter 176 - XRated

    Devin carried her away from the reporters before she could go berserk in front of them. That would be a highlight of tomorrow''s news. When she was tearing of both father and daughter''s skin alive, he realized something was going wrong with her energy levels. Initially, he dusted off the thought from his brain. But when it started to slowly kick in, he understood that she indeed hit the wine. He couldn''t believe she has drunk appeared for the press conference.

    "How much did you drink?" He demanded spanking her back, her lithe body was still on his shoulders.

    "You meanie. You are bullying me. I thought you are a gentleman." She yfully bit his shoulders. For some reason, she wants to bite him raw. Am I turning into a vampire? But I don''t want to.

    "Just because I am a gentleman, it doesn''t mean I will not spank you." Unlocking the door, Devin positioned her on the seat. "Now tell me how much did you drink?" He muttered putting on the seat belt.

    "A ss but it''s Tempranillo " Leena scraped her forehead embarrassingly when she was caught red-handed. She knew her alcohol tendencies and that''s the reason she selectively picked up a moderate tannin, Tempranillo. A little tensed to speak in front of the crowd, her Meemaw suggested to drink and she went for it to boost up her energy levels. I managed very well from the beginning, how did he find out?

    "Don''t get mad at me, Devin." Her lips pouted into a sulk.

    "I am not mad at you, silly girl." He is not mad at her for drinking, a little scared of the chaos she would create. He was d that she took Tempranillo which would not push her into a hungover easily. Gazing at her face, he brushed off a strand of hair and tucked it behind her ears. He was enticed when he saw her in the beautiful burgundy dress which was hugging her perfectly enhancing her hourss figure arousing something within him. But it''s not good to think of those things now, right?

    "I will drop you home. France will be waiting." He got into the seat elerated the car. It''s been a week they have been secretlymunicating with each other and he wanted to spend a little more time with her alone. But he knew Francis would re up in anger. His one job is executed and his next job is to appease him.

    "C_an we go to our house? Meemaw will take care of Francy." She whispered, gazing at her fingers. She was embarrassed to voice out her inner thoughts but she has been missing him for a week and wanted to spend time with him, talk with him alone. "But if you are busy_"

    "I am not at all busy." He was happy that Leena voiced out what exactly he wanted. When they reached Greenwyn vige, Leena was fast asleep. He carried her home not intended to disturb her peaceful sleep. But she woke up from her stupor the moment he put her on the bed.

    "Sleep for a while. I will make dinner." He muttered.

    "I am not feelingfy. Let me change my dress."

    "Do you what my help in changing." His hand went behind her back and before he touched the zipper of her dress, a light growl escaped from his throat when Leena stomped on his toes.

    "My body is flexible, unlike others." She retorted crossing her arms.

    "How flexible?" He ignored the wincing pain on his toes, unable to help but tease her a little. "Wanna bend over? We can break the_"

    Leena covered his mouth with her hand before he utters all nonsense. "Your mind is utterly polluted, Devin." She yelled pushing him onto the bed and scurried off.

    "If my mind is polluted, then what should I name hers? X-rated?" Shaking his head, he left the room to prepare dinner.

    ....

    Even after Devin cooked dinner, had a shower, Leena has not emerged out of the bathroom.

    "What is she doing there for three hours?" He made a note to ask what kind of things she would do sitting in the bathroom for such a long time.

    Finally, in what felt like an eternity, she appeared wearing shorts and a loose shirt which Devin bought from Korea and arranged neatly in her walk-in-closet.

    Right after eating dinner, she began putting on her skincare routine without realizing someone was craving her attention. Finally, he was done with the guilt-tripping. In one swoop, he lifted and carried her on to the bed.

    "I am not done with my skincare routine." She whispered, her voice sounded like a fine wine. She is yet to apply the moisturizer, thest step of her normal. She would have protested for disturbing her if it was any other but she was fine as long as it was her babylicious

    "You are beautiful as you are, Leena." He muttered hypnotized by her mellow voice. He finds her beautiful even if she wears grandma''s clothes.

    "Thank you, Devin." She sheepishly muttered wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him towards her. With no surprise, he swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbed in his throat. They haven''t kissed for a while and he was missing the taste of her lips. With urgency, he climbed onto the bed straddling between her legs, and rolled his lips against her. With the way she was actively responding, he understood, even she is missing his kisses just like him.

    Like a shot, he dived in sucking and nibbling her lips driving her insane while his fingers explored her bare thigh caressing her delicate area. She felt a gush in herher regions, something wet pouring. A moan escaped from her lips, her body was getting heated with desire.

    His hands traveled further up while his lips slowly trailed on her ruby petals, all the way going down her nape. Heedlessly, his hand slipped into her shirt, his fingers brushing her smooth bare skin. Both were in a moment of passion and he could have used this opportunity to devour her to get his fill. It was hard to control his throbbing member but he doesn''t want to rush her physically disrespecting her morals when he saw her reluctance while they were in a photography lesson session.

    Right when was about to pull off his hand from inside of her shirt, Leena grabbed him holding his hand firmly urging him to go further.

    "Are you sure_"

    She pressed her lips on to him muffling his voice with her kiss. She wants to open up for him and enjoy every second with him, not dwell in her past anymore. Devin saw her kiss as a signal to proceed and he inserted his hand into her shirt. Before he could proceed further, a loud gasp echoed around them. He was sure it was not Leena''s. Who is it? His instinctive kicked in and shielded Leena with his body.

    When a shadow loomed over the wall, like a scared cat, Leena hugged Devin closely thinking that it was a ghost. Only when she peeked at the girl standing at the edge of the room, relief flooded followed by frustration on her face.

    "I am sorry. You guys continue. I came at the wrong time." Reese muttered, embarrassed that she has disturbed the couple. She did not expect that they would go horny right when they reached home after the press conference.

    Devin''s scorching gaze bored into Reese, zing with a murderous aura. His mouth contorted grotesquely. How did she know the password when I changed it a week back?

    "You should have left the ce silently when you have already seen," With his expression turned brisk, he went into the bathroom angrily.

 Chapter 177 - Hunkydory

    Leena red up from the bed in frustration ring double daggers at Reese for interrupting their kiss again. Each time Leena and Devin wanted to immerse in the kiss, either Reese would barge in or Drew would call Devin to disturb their mood. These two have be the viins of my story.

    Leena felt a little remorse for informing about Reese''s sexual preference to the reporters but not anymore. By any chance, if the reporters put it in tomorrow''s headlines, aunty and uncle would confirm it. Jasper woulde to her throat but he can''t even pluck a strand of her hair. She has her Devin at the front.

    "Did I disturb you guys?" Reese asked hesitantly.

    "Is there any day you wouldn''t disturb us, Reese Allen?" Leena barked and peeked at the bathroom door. She felt sad for him. Every time he has to hit the bathroom to take a cold shower. Should I google how to massage and make him feel good? Unconsciously, she gazed at her hands, her cheeks turned red thinking of it. She brushed off that thought for now.

    "I am sorry, Leena." Reese whisked towards her to appease her friend. "I wanted to talk about today''s press meet."

    "Was I cool?" Leena shed a wink.

    "I must say, you were the show stopper today. You gave left and right to that nail-biter." Reese eximed. Leena has be the talk of the city and women are throwingpliments for the bravery she has exhibited. There are some people throwing dirt on her but haters are gonna hate. They are just jealous that they can''t be like her.

    "Even your brother has cooled down and praised you." Reese went to Wilbur''s house to solely watch the interview with her friend Jane. They called Cutie but she went to y with her friend Elsie.

    Although Wilbur was sulking over Devin when he got to know that the video footage was truly fabricated, he didn''tin.

    "As if I give a monkey to his praises." She said.

    "But how did you find the overwritten recordings?" She asked. Reese knew Leena is a pro in hacking but still she was unsure how Leena has got a hand on it. Until the press meet, Leena and Devin maintained a secret without informing anyone.

    "You know that I do magic, right?" She was too tired to exin all the concepts in physics.

    "You are the_"

    Reese halted her words when Devin emerged from the bathroom freshly showered. Her eyes dimmed when he straight away went into the walk-in-closet before throwing a murderous gaze. It was only a split second but she must say it was a drool-worthy scene. Water droplets were gushing and dribbled over his naked torso and the ripped muscles were screaming to ooze out. No wonder he was covered in the prime magazines, Reese thought. She has seen him in many photos but live watching was hunky-dory.

    "Are you done ogling at him?" Leena''s words brought Reese out of her fantasy.

    "He could have stayed for a little more time." Reese was disappointed when Devin didn''t even spare a little time in the room.

    Only when she reckoned her words, Reese understood she has blurted her inner thoughts. But what can she do? Leena has chosen a hotty. She wondered how many women she will fight in the future. Before Leena would rip her face, Reese whisked away.

    "He is catching a lot of attention. I have to do something about it." With a sigh, Leena jumped into the bed to wait for Devin while thinking of a n. Soon Devin arrived in his sweatpants

    "Where is Reese?" Sitting at the edge of the bed, he pulled the nket up until her chin and covered her body.

    "She left." Grabbing his hand, she asked. "Can I ask you a question?"

    "I am not going to answer if you bring that poop topic again." He warned her. Where does she learn all this crazy stuff? Did that Ethan taught her? He wanted to ask her how close she was with him in the past but then again he was afraid that her mood would get spoiled if I bring the topic. He has yet to tell Leena that he knows about her rtionship with Ethan. Was she close to him? closer than me? His heart would be shattered if it istter. He wanted to live in the illusion that his mind has created for some time at least.

    "I am being serious here." Leena discarded the nket and got up.

    "Then I will seriously answer your question." He added. "What is it?"

    "Have we ever met before?" She implored in all sobriety.

    "Perhaps, no. Why do you ask that?" Francis and his dad have been close friends and even Wilbur is very close to him but he hasn''t seen Leena despite he visited their house umpteen times.

    "I just asked out of curiosity." Leena felt that he was way simr to someone she met long back. After her ident, her phone has fallen over somewhere on that night, and missed her contacts. Luckily, she has synced the contacts to her mail and retrieved them. For a year, she hasn''t used the mobile. With a little hesitation, she has messaged him but there was no reply and understood that he has forgotten and moved on. But she felt bad for missing one friend.

    "I don''t know about our past, but I am happy that we are together now." He doesn''t remember if he had an encounter with her in the past but all he cared about was Leena is in his arms and no one can take her away from him, not even Ethan. The only regret was that he wished to have appeared in her life before Ethan and protected her from the ident.

    "I am happier to be with you." She leaned in snuggling closer to him.

    "Thanks for believing in me, Leena." He caressed her hair to put her to sleep. Wilbur and Francis knew him for a long time but still, they were against him. Devin did not want to me them, in fact, he was happy that they cared for Leena. But knowing Devin for a short period and still chose to believe him before the truth came out, standing next to him vetoing Francis and Wilbur''s, meant that she has put a lot of trust in him. He vowed to cherish it. Even if they ovee any hurdles in the future as long as they are together, no one can alienate them.

    "We have built our rtionship on trust and I don''t want to y a detective role." Her past rtionship with Ethan was not out of force. But her rtionship with Devin is born out of love, trust, honesty, and respect. He has confessed the truth before he tackled the situation alone. That shows how much he respects her and their rtionship.

    "I am d you feel that way.." Both stayed in each other arms happily without knowing there was amotion going on the other side.

 Chapter 178 - Leevin

    CRACK

    Regina gasped for air with the killing pain when a strong hitnded on her shoulder. She tried to escape from the room but it was locked. Every time she tried to unlock it, her father would brutally thrash her.

    "Are you going to kill her, Rob? She is our daughter." Regina''s mom, Nyle screamed. When she tried to grab her husband''s hand, he shoved her away.

    "I better kill her. I don''t want a filial daughter like her."

    Regina''s body clenched when another hitnded on her back. The whips left a tender red mark on her whole body. She was never beaten in her entire life neither by her dad nor by her mom except today. She tried to grab the whip from her dad''s grasp but Roberto yanked it.

    "Please don''t beat me, dad." She let out a loud cry of pain. Her neatly pleated hair was flying in all directions, her mascara running down from her eyes with continuous crying, her dress was worn out in ces. Overall she was a mess. If anybody would have seen Regina in her state, they would have assumed she was imported from the garbage straight away.

    "You went after a taken man to tarnish my reputation?" Roberto barked. All along, he was thinking that he has a faithful daughter but she has changed his views today. He never knew he has been raising a venomous snake in his home. His humiliation in the press meet, he could never forget in his entire life.

    "I_will listen to your w_ords from now. P_lease spare me, dad." She huped as she recited. The sharp pains in her body were causing her to wince in pain. "Mom, please tell him. I will change it."

    "Rob, please," Nyle begged, her tears flowing down seeing her daughter''s wretched state. She knew Regina has made a mistake but being a mother, her love was stronger than the hatred for her mistakes. "I will talk with her."

    "Get out of this room if you don''t want to be the next. You have failed as a mother." He screamed. No. They both have failed as parents. Being a businessman, he was always busy traveling and he has thought that filling Regina''s bank bnce was all she needed to buy anything she wants but he was wrong. Today he understood, shecked morals and ethics with the way she acted and he failed as a father.

    "Please dad, I beg you. My body is aching." Regina sped her hands and begged as if her life depended on it. Something pricked his heart watching her daughter''s wretched state. For a second, when he put his guards down, Regina seized the opportunity and snatched the whip from his grip, and bit his hand hard.

    "AHHHH"

    Shetched on to his arm with her top and bottom teeth and pulled his flesh as hard as she can until a bit of skin fell off his arm.

    "AHHHHH" Roberto howled in destion again. Blood oozed out from his hand dripping on the floor. The bite injury would require stitches and he was sure he would be left with a scar on his arm for a while.

    PAK

    A tight pnded on her. With gritted teeth, Regina held her cheek and looked up. To her surprise, it was her mother. The woman who doted on her since she was a child has pped her. "MOM. You pped me."

    "You are worst than a monster." Nyle spat out with a cry. With the way her daughter was acting, Nyle was sure her mental illness has reached its pinnacles. She has not even spared her father and bit him, she wouldn''t need to guess what kind of chaos she would create if she is left like this. When did she be like this?

    Nyle helped her husband and took him out of the room. Before Regina coulde out of her room, she locked the door.

    "Mom, Dad. Please open the door. I will go and kill that bitch..." They didn''t even bother to hear her cries.

    Right when they came out, a man was waiting for them in the living hall. Handing over a file, he bowed as gazed at his bitten arm. "The file you asked for, Sir." He swallowed hard seeing the wound. Is she a retard? Who bites her father?

    "Thank you, Jase." Roberto nodded his head in appreciation for getting the information on time.

    "Let me clean your wound, Rob." Nyle brought a medical kit to tend to her husband''s wounds.

    While his wife was wrapping a band-aid, with another hand, Roberto scanned the file. He has asked one of the trusted employees, Jase to check his daughter''s call list and the person she has been frequently meeting. Indeed his suspicion was true. He heard rumors in thepany that Regina has been seen with his secretary Victor umpteen times and he has confronted her in the past but his daughter has brushed off the thought that it''s a rumor. Now he understood, he is the one who has spoiled her.

    "He has bit the hand that fed him?" He seethed in anger. "Where is that bastard?"

    "He has escaped after the press meet. Also, he has withdrawn a huge amount of money from Regina''s bank ount."

    "Seize all her bank ounts," Roberto ordered. How foolish of her to trust an outsider to the point of sharing bank ounts and passwords. He made a big mistake in hiring that low-ss bastard. "Hire a detective and find his location. I want him alive."

    "Yes sir."

    He gazed at her wife as he spoke. "Don''t let here out of the room."

    "What will you do with her, Rob?" Nyle asked gazing at the bedroom door which was mmed and thumped continuously followed by cries.

    Roberto has been thinking from the time she has bitten his hand. It''s hard to make that decision but with his daughter''s condition, he won''t have a choice except to send her to that ce.

    Inside the room, Regina was booming inughter despite her pains thinking of a n to kill Leena once her dad releases her but little did she knew her mom and dad have other ns.

    ....

    The next day morning, Regina stirred from her sleep when two men were lifting her and carrying her into a car.

    "Who are you, bastards. Leave me alone." She screamed looking at the surroundings trying to find her mom and dad.

    "Your mom and dad are at the woman''s house who has humiliated you. So, we are taking you there." A man replied. They have already watched the news and got the bottom of her condition. Indeed, Roberto was true. She is a mentally ill patient.

    "Is it?" Sheughed eerily. "Take me to that bitch. I will kill her today."

    All the way, Regina was building castles in the air talking with those men and informing them how she would kill Leena with her own hands. Little did she know, she was about to enter the doors of a mental hospital.

    ...

    The next day morning the pictures of Leena and Devin blew up in the entire country, especially the photograph of Devin carrying Leena on his shoulder was standing out of all the images.

    For the whole week, they have been waiting to hear Devin dering his rtionship with Regina but at thest minute, another woman hase into the picture and it is none other than Leena, the prime model who has swept the modeling industry. Every media talked about Leena''s heroism and she was the show stopper. The world branded Devin and Leena as a powerful and Savvy couple.

    Their name was not only a talk in the media, even schoolgirls, have been fanning over them.

    "OMG! She was so cool yesterday. I love her craziness." A girl in uniform, Eliza, squealed in delight watching the press meet again. "I want to be like her when I grow up. Leena forever."

    "What''s so cool about her. She has a record of dating women in the past." Another girl, Monique retorted. "My Devin deserves best. She is just average in looks."

    "She has already informed the media that she has not dated a woman and she has beenbeled as a beauty queen. Your one opinion doesn''t matter. You are just jealous of her." Another schoolgirl, Amal, chimed.

    "People have been calling them with a nickname. I just loved it." Eliza yelped in happiness.

    "Is it? What''s the name?" Amal asked in excitement.

    "Leevin couple."

    "Wow...That''s one kind of a name for them.. Leevin forever."

 Chapter 179 - Jinx Born With Bad Luck

    Arge private room was dead silent that even an echo could be heeded. There was no expression in the person''s eyes as he scrolled the pictures on his mobile, his eyes fully focused on the happy face of the girl that has clogged his brain. He did not tend to his broken hand even when blood was dribbling from his arm which got wounded when he smashed a ss table. His instincts kicked in when he watched the press meet.

    Just like the ss table, his heart also got shattered today. His thoughts pummelled to the past once again. But soon it broke when the door was pushed open and a friend, Flynn entered.

    "Have you watched the press conference, Ethan?" Flynn worriedly asked. It''s been five long years since they have met each other and he didn''t think their encounter would be under such a circumstance.

    "You knew about their rtionship from the start?" Ethan quizzed, his voice wasced with pain. He couldn''t tolerate seeing Leena happily with some other man other than him. His heart was in pain as if it was stabbed with a hundred needles. She has never shown such a possessive side when she was dating him.

    "I recently discovered when I went to Austin and Leah''s wedding but I haven''t thought they were together already." Flynn quickly exined. He wanted to inform Ethan about Leena on the day he bumped into Leena but then again, a part of him did not want to, after seeing Leena''s animosity towards Ethan.

    "Are you okay, Ethan?" He asked with concern. He knew how much Ethan cared for Leena but she did not see past his love. For four years she made Ethan do the chase and after epting, she disappeared in three months without even bidding a goodbye leaving Ethan in shambles.

    "Why must be him?" Ethan''s voice imbued as if he was wailing over the dead. From childhood, he alwayspeted with Devin in everything but not even once he got an upper hand. Now he even lost his love to him. Why is fate ying a cruel joke on me? It has ripped the rug from beneath the bed and mocking at him after he has fallen on his hind legs.

    "I am going home." Ethan got up and walked out before Flynn would bombard him with questions. His head is already spinning due to ack of sleep for a long time.

    When he reached the home, it was dead silent. None of his family members were in the home except the maids. His father must be on a business trip and he asionallyes home unable to tolerate her mother''s blowups and his mother must in one of the high-end clubs with her friends. There has been no color in this family. He wondered if ever that day woulde. Brushing of the thoughts, he was about to enter his room, a woman called up.

    "You are back, Ethan?" A woman came out of the kitchen. "Why aren''t you in the office?"

    "I am a little tired today, aunt Malia. I am going to rest for a while." He added. "If Caseyes looking for me, please don''t send her to my room."

    "Alright child." Malia nodded her head. Both were acting so lovey-dovey in the past but everything change after she left Ethan. With a sigh, she went into the kitchen to prepare lunch before that barbarian womanes and st at her.

    Ethan took a sleeping pill from the drawer when he couldn''t sleep despite the exhaustion. Not before he closed his eyes for ten minutes, his mother barged into the room throwing a file onto the ground.

    "I heard we missed the Pl contract. You failed miserably this time, Ethan." With the audacity of the voice, Ethan woke up with a start. The sleeping pills were not doing any job in keeping him asleep.

    "I can''t help it, mom. Putting a tender is only in my hands." Ethan replied getting up from the bed.

    "How could you leave it so carelessly. That is one of the big projects. Ourpany could get ample benefits." Lauren, his mother barked at his son. "That''s why I always tell you, work smart like Devin."

    Hearing his name again for the nth time, Ethan picked up a vase and tossed it across the room, the ss vase broke and shattered into pieces.

    "What''s wrong with you nowadays? Your temper is talked about by every employee in the office. Why can''t you keep it in check like Devin?"

    "Devin! Devin! Devin! Aren''t you tired ofparing with him always?" He yelled. "Have you ever considered your son''s feelings at least for once?" He couldn''t keep his frustration in check anymore. Once, twice he can tolerate but he has reached the saturation point now.

    "Watch your words, Ethan. I am only doing everything for your sake." Lauren shrieked. "What''s wrong inparing with him. He excels in everything unlike you. He is your cousin, after all.

    "Everything for my sake? Or is it because he is someone''s son and you still couldn''t forget_"

    PAK

    A tight pnded on his face.

    "You are just like your dad." Lauren spat out for bringing the memories which she buried underneath.

    "At least he doesn''t beat a grown man unlike you." He muttered. Ethan did not care if she pped him, for he was used to it. It is just another p that he lost count of.

    "As if I care about him. Casey told me that you are not speaking with her." She asked ignoring his remarks. "You are getting married soon. Spend a little time with her."

    "You can''t control me in everything."

    "Are you still not over that shrewd girl?" She shouted.

    "If you speak wrongly about her again, trust me, I don''t even consider you are my mother." Ethan''s threat was silent but it was deep. He doesn''t understand why her mom doesn''t like Leena. The first time he has taken her on a lunch date, she saw her and made a ruckus in the hotel itself.

    "How can you_"

    "Get out of my room." He pushed her out of the room forcefully and locked it.

    With a sigh, he slumped on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Like a robot, he has followed his mother''smands from childhood. Sometimes he wondered why he was born on this earth.

    He waspared with Devin in everything and to excel him, he startedpeting with him. His ego lifted at some point in time and they would always end up in fights. But everything changed when he was brought back to Seattle. He was happy when Casey came into his life until she left. But then Leena appeared adding colors to his life and that was also short-lived. Sometimes, he wondered if he was a jinx born with bad luck.

    He got up and left for the office. It''s better to be working than hearing his mom''s shrilled voice.

    ...

    Devin was all joyous watching the videos and scrolling thements online. He was surprised to see such a huge response from all his fans. Now they can happily roam everywhere.

    "Leevin." He muttered. Such an incredible name. Should I name our firstborn, Leevin? No. It''s Leena''s choice. But instantly he crossed the idea of giving her an option. What if she names banana again.

    "I will take responsibility." Devin, in a happy mood, smiled and went back to scroll thements when his door was pushed open and someone barged into his office.

    "Vincy, you dare to ignore my calls?" Drew barked.

    "You keep calling me at the wrong times, Drew." Devin put the mobile phone aside and looked up.

    "What do you want to know?" He asked knowing of his next question.

    "I watched the press meet and I got to know that Jurassic is Wilbur''s sister," Drew exined.

    "Her name is Leena. If you ever call with that name, trust me I am going to break your head." Devin yelled. Even Leena would have forgotten that name, but Drew is still hanging on it.

    Ignoring his warnings, Drew dashed towards his friend. "Why didn''t you tell me about it when I was in Seattle?"

    "You never asked," Devin said. All in honest, even Devin found about her identity after three days.

    Drew gritted his teeth when he remembered even Jasper knows before him.

    He was utterly shocked when he heard that she is from Hayes''s family and instantly he called Wilbur to confirm and indeed she is his sister as he expected.

    Wilbur used toin about how his sister used to bully him when they were in school. When he goes to his home, Cutie asks him to Google search on how to torture her father''s sister since she doesn''t know how to read and write properly. He always wondered who was that crazy girl torturing her niece. Now he understood.. It can be none other than Leena.

 Chapter 180 - Narcissist

    Devin straight away drove to Leena''s home when finished up his work. Following after they started staying together, both were reluctant to be apart from each other. Just when he keyed in the password, he heard murmurs from the kitchen. As expected, Reese and Leena were chatting while Uncle Pumpkin was cooking when he entered the kitchen.

    The moment Leena heard his footsteps, in a sh she turned around. when she saw, it was Devin, she rushed and hugged him. "You came early."

    "I was missing you. So, I finished my work ahead of schedule." He gently wrapped his arms around the waist without knowing Reese was dripping with spite for always appearing in between when they were conversing.

    Watching Uncle Pumpkin stares, Devin released himself from the hug and strolled out of the kitchen before signaling Leena. With a guilty look, she peeked at Reese.

    "He woulde for my throat if you don''t go now," Reese grumbled.

    "Don''t mind him. He is a little possessive." She winked and dashed out of the room.

    "Both wouldpete in possessiveness." She muttered and turned to Uncle Pumpkin, looking at the door. Reese wanted to bang her head. Did he except that Devin woulde?

    ...

    The second Leena entered the bedroom, she was pushed to the wall by a tall figure towering over herpletely. "I am hungry, Leena." He leaned forward and bit her soft lobe sulently earning a loud gasp.

    "Stop it, Devin. It tickles." Leena squirmed when he bit her sensitive spot. "Release me. I will bring something to eat." Leena tried to loosen herself from his grip only to be pulled closer by him.

    "But I want to eat you." He muttered skimming her bottom lip in slow strokes. "Where do I start?"

    "First we eat dinner," Leena whispered putting a finger on his lips. She got so addicted to his kisses that she loses control all the time when his scent evades into her brain.

    "At least, let me have you for starter th_"

    RING. RING.

    His mobile buzzed interrupting them again. Devin swore if it was Drew again, he is going to break his head today. Seems like he was lucky. He lifted the call with one hand while the other hand wrapped around Leena''s waist and the call ended not less than a minute.

    "Who is it?" Leena asked.

    "It''s Kurt. He is going back to Seattle tomorrow and he wants to meet all our friends."

    "Don''t go, Devinnnnn..." Leena wiped her dramatic tears. "I will miss you a lot..."

    "Drama Queen you are, Leena." He spanked her back gently.

    "Why do you smack my butt every time, idiot." Leena punched his taut gut with her fists knowing that it doesn''t even hurt him.

    "Spanking is a round of apuse in appreciation of your magnificent cheeks, sweetheart."

    ''His mind is bing dirty nowadays. Who is teaching him?'' She wondered.

    "Go and meet that snolygoster," Leena tried to distract him changing the topic.

    "Don''t think that I forgot our conversation. We will start again when I am back." Without heeding his conversation, Leena wanted to leave not to show her red face before her naughty thoughts corrupt her mind but she was pulled back by a pair of hands.

    "I will take you to meet my family tomorrow." Devin insisted.

    "Can we go the day after tomorrow?" With puppy eyes, she brought her trump card with her. She was a little afraid after the press meet. They would surely think that she is a riot.

    "You have been telling me the same thing for a week and no excuses for tomorrow." His dad and grandfather have been pestering after they have seen the press conference and Leena has been postponing to the next day each time he asks. He knew she is a little scared of the bold front she put in the press meet. "Trust me, everybody in the house will love you. They are very sweet."

    "Okay." She reluctantly nodded making a note to order arge volume of bananas for tomorrow.

    "That''s my girl." Devin gave a quick peck on her lips before he left to get ready.

    ..

    In a private room of a high-end hotel, Kurt and Drew were babbling andughing cracking jokes waiting for their friends and the moment Jasper arrived, Drew''s happy face aggravated to the core.

    "Nice hair cut Jazz," Kurt mored vehemently.

    "Woah! Even I love what you have done to your hair. But how did ite out of your nostrils?" Drew nced at his enemy with mock innocence.

    "Let my hand exin on your face, you warthog faced buffoon." Jasper twisted his face with a mockingugh.

    "I wish I have never met you, maggot burger." Drewughed deriding Jasper.

    "I am jealous of all the people you haven''t met until now, lubberwort." Jasper sneered.

    "Fight how much ever you want. But let me tell you. I have two pending murder cases sitting on my table." Kurt''s silent threat worked on him. Both instantly shut their mouths and silence prevailed until Wilbur arrived.

    "It''s been a long time, I have seen you, Will," Seeing his friend, Kurt suddenly remembered the press meet. "I couldn''t believe Leena is your sister. She is a_ She is a_"

    "If you have talked with her, then you would have understood by now and yes, she is a narcissist," Wilbur sighed. It''s not the first time he has heard it. Everybody who spends time with her for ten minutes will understand two things. One is, she is utterly crazy and the other is she is a narcissist.

    "Tough job to deal with her," Kurt shook his head. He has been meeting a lot of crazies. Elysian and now, Leena.

    "I am used to it now. Once when she was around eight, the bemp in her bedroom was not functioning. Since it was a gift by her Francy, she wanted to get it fixed and she dragged me into the mess. Do you know what she said after I repaired it?"

    All waiter for his answer in anticipation.

    "She waited for me to repair, snatched all the credit for herself. She even med me for taking a longer time than needed. The worst part was, she began using it was burnt because of me." Wilbur exined remembering the story. It made himugh at Leena''s silly antics.

    "Thank God. She did not tell that she could screw everything in the world.." Jasper added.

    "Here, I thought she uses only gaslighting instead of lightbulbs," Kurt chuckled. He heard gaslighting is a form of narcissism to gain power over someone.

    "She shouldn''t have noticed even if the bemp is burned out." Drew butted in atst.

    "Why?" Everybody asked in unison curious about his theory.

    "Because she thinks that she is the only brightest thing in the world."

    Everybody: " "

    "You have studied a lot on her in Seattle, Drew," Wilbur wanted to roll on the floor. He wondered how his sister would react if she heard thesements. "Do you know what all she has_"

    But he halted his words when he heard the footsteps and he knew who it must be since only one person is remaining. If he listens to the fun he is making on Leena, his body would be hanging upside down on his office building tomorrow.

    When Devin entered the room, Jasper was the first one to sigh in relief.

    "Thanks for not bringing that monster, Vincy," There would be no filter between her brain and mouth, for he has an experience with her for four years.

    "If I bring her, you can''t even run your mouth." Devin chuckled sitting on the chair. He made a mistake not to bring Leena here.

    It was the truth, Jasper ignored thements. Having chatted for a while, all were boozing around except Devin. He thought Leena doesn''t like him drinking, so he did not touch it.

    "I heard the long drug case was closed recently. How did you get a hands-on it." Drewzily asked copsing onto the bed. He heard one of the employees in hisw firm discussing.

    "Elysian. Satan of my life." Alcohol has taken an effect on Kurt and he wants to release the pent up anger he was holding for Elysian. "Sick bastard. He wants me to wear a jumpsuit. In his dreams."

    "Elysian," Devin muttered remembering the day where an abrupt memory hit his brain and vanished. He silently listened to Kurt''s usation and the more he talked, the more he sensed a strong familiarity with one person.

    "When did he deliver the information about the drugpany?" Devin asked, he got a hunch now.

    "A month ago. The next day I received a Valor Award."

    "A month ago? Valor award." Kurt has sent a picture of him taking an award and the next day, Devin spoke about Bernard''s case. Is my hunch correct? Why would a person who has not appeared for six years suddenly appears back on the same day? There was only one person he could assume.

    "Is it her?" Devin spoke to himself in a low voice. Goosebumps sprang over him at once.

    "You know what? That bastard has hacked into my ount again and asked my sister''s hand in marriage just like six years back." Jasper grinds out the words between clenched teeth.

    That was a huge blow to Devin. Hearing Jasper''s words, Devin''s eyes glowed with savage fire.. He doesn''t know what kind of punishment he should search for now.

 Chapter 181 - Aged Fossil

    Devin''s lips grew thin with anger. If his assumption is correct, Elysian is her. She needs a good spanking for pulling out pranks on people. He can''t believe she is ying with an FBI and sending messages for a marriage alliance with her friend.

    "He has hacked into your ount six years back?" Devin asked in uncertainty.

    Jasper nodded his head as he exined. "He wants to marry my sister and asked for my permission to court Reese," Six years back, Elysian has not only tortured Kurt, but he also hacked into Jasper''s mobile and messaged him that he loves his sister and he wants to marry her. His face flushed with rage and searched all the men in the university surrounding her. But none seems to be the one he wanted.

    "I even asked Leena''s help to hack into that bastard''s ount, but she said that it''s hard to break into his walls." Jasper left the matter aside at that time reckoning that it was a prank but he appeared again.

    "Did you and Kurt somehow tread on his shoes?" Wilbur threw a fit ofughter. He wondered why Elysian is particrly targeting Jasper and Kurt every time.

    "Hey, donkey fellow. Just because he asked, are you going to ept him?" Drew barked irritatingly. "There are many men out there who are better than him."

    "My baby sister deserves the best. But Don''t worry, my brother-inw''s title will not be carried out by you, monkey fellow," Jasper remarked in a mock tone.

    "As if I want it." Drew snarled. He has read the news of the press conference and his morning mood dampened seeing the news that she has a thing for a woman and he knew it from the beginning.

    Jasper and Drew started cursing at each other again and this time Wilbur has to put a stop to their fights. But Devin was quietly listening to their conversations. So, the rumor that she has dated Reese was spread by her alone and here he was feeling bad for her, she would be sad hearing thosements, but his theory debunked again. He wanted to ask more about it with Jasper, but Kurt interrupted his thoughts ring up in anger.

    "What does this woman wants now?" Kurt threw the mobile, his hackles raised in indignant seeing the message which he got just now.

    "Which woman?" Drew asked groggily.

    "Lollipop girl from Austin''s wedding. I forgot her name."

    "Wendy," Drew eximed. "How do you know her? Are you dating her?"

    "Do you have a death wish, Andy?" Kurt threatened. "Why would I date that pea-sized brain woman?"

    "I am sorry, Kurt baby." Drew tried to appease him. "But how does she knows your number?"

    "I have no idea," Kurt added with a displeased expression. A week back, he has received a message from an unknown number and the person introduced herself as Wendy and talked about how they met at Austin''s wedding. His number was not an easy catch being a Civil servant. He wondered who dared to spread. Each time he blocks that lollipop girl, she would a message from a different number and tortures him every day.

    "Did you somehow offend Elysian again?" Devin asked. The very name was causing a chuckle on his lips. If he was not wrong, he must have spoken about her when they were in theb.

    "I haven''t contacted that satan for a long time." Kurt slumped onto the chair, exhausted.

    "Think big, Kurt." That''s the only clue Devin could give. If Kurt can see through his words, he may catch the hint. But he was drowning in alcohol and too muddle-headed to process anything now.

    "I am leaving. Have a safe trip." Devin got up and left the ce bidding goodbye to his friends.

    ...

    When Devin reached home, it was dead silent, and straight away went to the bedroom where Leena was engrossed in herptop to the point that she did not even recognize someone has pushed the door open.

    Devin quietly observed watching her run a series of codes on herptop. She must be pulling someone''s leg again.

    "Elysian," Devin whispered for onest confirmation. For a split second, Leena''s hand twitched which didn''t go unnoticed by Devin and that was the final call.

    As if nothing has happened, Leena turned around and asked with a smile. "What did you say, babylicious? You are talking about hacker Elysian?"

    Look at her acting like a babe in arms. Who is she trying to deceive? If she is trying to act whiter than white then he is going to act as pure as the driven snow. He knows where to trigger her ego.

    "He is a notorious ck hat hacker, sweetheart." He jumped onto the bed and threw theptop aside " I heard he is a cyber ware criminal who goes and hacks into every ount for the money." He paused taking her all the facial reactions, like a time bomb ready to explode at any time. "I even heard the FBI has put a hefty sum on his head. If_"

    "He is not such kind of person. You got the wrong information." Leena pressed. "He is a hacking God. Jealous people would always throw dirt on our beloved Elysian and_"

    "Sweetheart, this is not so you." Devin interrupted, trying to control hisughter that was threatening toe up.

    "W_hat?"

    "I have never seen you praising someone. Being a hacker you should be jealous of Elysian that you couldn''t break his walls when Jasper requested right? I heard that he has asked for Reese''s hand in marriage." A rage was building up, but he controlled. If all men would be jealous of other men for their girlfriends but he has to get jealous of women also.

    Leena''s eyes widened in shock listening to Devin''s words. What should I do? He almost knows the truth. Jasper and Kurt! Looks like the dose is not enough for both.

    "This only meant one thing." He leaned forward looking straight into her eyes. "You are the Elysian? Don''t try to manipte me, unlike others. I have caught you already."

    There is no escape from him. No one knows her identity and now Devin has found her like a cakewalk. If she had known that Kurt and Jasper are his friends, she would have been a little careful. "Will you send me to jail? I haven''t memorized your phone number yet." Looking all innocent, she asked.

    "I got a better opportunity than sending you to jail, darling. If you don''tply with my wishes from now, I will announce to the world that you are Elysian." Devin jeopardized.

    What kind of wishes? He doesn''t hurt me. At the least, he going to ask for a massage, right. She giggled imagining Devin begging for more while she will be giving him a cold shoulder.

    "Where is your imagination running?" He flicked her forehead to bring her out of the delusion.

    "Nowhere." With a smile, she added. "I am sleepy. Don''t disturb me now. I need beauty sleep to look cute in front of your family." Leens straddled on hisp with legs on either side and crooked her face on his shoulders. Within minutes, she dozed off.

    When he heard her even breathing, he transferred on to the bed putting under the nket. "Savny is better at sleeping." Speaking of her, Devin smiled remembering the video calls he gets every day from either Wilbur or Jane after her school gets ended. She pesters them to make a call to him but the moment she sees his face, she gets all shy and runs away. Devin tugged her on the bed and strolled to sleep on the couch.

    ....

    The car rolled along the road, the thick greeneries gave away with tall pine and red maple trees on the away as if they were lined up to wee them. Leena gasped for air as the car got closer, the iniquity of the ce became evident. Calling it a house would be an injustice. It was a ce.

    The front door was lined up with vintage cars like the 1955''s Chevrolet Nomad Wagon, 1960''s Cadic Deville Hot Rod, 1955''s Studebakermander...name the car, a model was standing.

    "My Grandfather loves racing. So, he has a lot of collection of cars." Devin exined taking her awed expression.

    "That exins." That was all Leena could say. She gripped Devin''s hand in anxiety when the car pulled in front of the entrance.

    "Stop getting nervous, Leena." He reassured gently patting her arms but she was still unrest.

    "This is my first time meeting them, idiot. How could I stop getting anxious?" Mumbling to herself, she stepped down from the car when Devin got down and offered her a hand.

    Before Leena could ask how her face looked, she watched a maning out of the massive front door. At first, she did not recognize him but when she heard his voice, her vision got clear.

    "My granddaughter inw. Finally, you are here to see this aged fossil?" There was a mocking edge on his tone.

    "Hospital Grandpa?" Leena eximed opening her mouth wide.. Why is he here? When she peeked into the person behind him, Leena was utterly shocked this time.

 Chapter 182 - Whale Whale Whale

    If seeing hospital grandpa knocked her to six, noticing uncle weirdo here has hit her head with tons of bricks. It must be my father-inw. So, he knew about me already when we met at the hotel? But Devin did not tell me about it when I asked?

    Even Devin was benumbed a little. He knew his father has already met her but Leena and grandfather just now have conversed as if they knew each other. Did they meet already?

    "Have you met him?" He asked guiding her to the front door.

    "I have met him in the hospital when I went to see my mom." While Leena exined, she peeked at the front door but the person staying behind her grandfather has disappeared. Where did he go?

    But her earlier tensed face eased a little seeing two known people already. Why should you get scared, Leena? You have even pulled a prank on them. Two already down then. She knew Devin''s mom is biased over another woman and she was d that Devin honestly answered when she asked about the family members. She has already made a n, to lure mom-inw into her barrel and then shoot with her craziness until she melts. For now, Leena turned her attention to the person standing in front of her.

    "Grandfather" Devin introduced turning to him. "She is Leena_"

    Before Devin finished his words, Arthur shoved him aside and winked at Leena. "Whale Whale Whale. Look who hase to see me again."

    "Whale Whale Whale, Look, I havee to see you again." Leena parroted his words with a giggle.

    Arthur roared withughter and he still wanted to test Leena''s craziness. So, he went for it. "Why didn''t the sun go to college?"

    "Because sun already has a million degrees," Leena replied and they both gave a high-five to each other.

    "My turn, my turn." Even she wanted to test if the hospital grandfather is insane just like her although she has seen it already."What''s the bow that can''t be tied?"

    "Rainbow!" He bellowed. "Perfect! Now my weirdness looks so weird finally. Let''s go inside, we have lots to talk about."

    It seems Leena has forgotten Devin after seeing someone with the same crazy disorder as her, she left him unattended.

    Devin: " "

    "Did she abandon me?" He whispered and went back to the car to get the bananas she forgot. He thought she is joking while she said bananas as a gift.

    Leena and Arthur chatted about their likes and dislikes along the way. When she entered the hallway, Arthur went into the bedroom to get something for Leena. She nodded her head and looked around the house and got a glimpse of someone sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper. She must say, he was bad at pretending. "You are reading the newspaper upside down, uncle weirdo."

    With gritted teeth for getting caught so easily, Fredrick put the newspaper on the table. In a strenuous voice, he implored. "Is that how you greet your father-inw for the first time?"

    Like an obedient daughter-inw, Leena sped her hands together and bowed her head. "Thanks for putting up with my husband''s shit for all these years, father-inw."

    "You are most wee then. Although it was tempting to put your husband for adoption, I did not put it because?" Fredrick looked at Leena with a meaningful gaze

    "Because you are the greatest." Leenapleted it for him. Although it is their second time meeting grandfather and Fredrick, she was talking as if they are close to them. Having someone with the same mental disorder is priceless.

    "That I am," Fredrick replied. It was a small part of revenge on Leena when she told them that he is giving a hard time with his son. he vowed on that day to get praise from Leena the next time she sees him.

    Silence prevailed for a minute and both burst intoughter at once when they couldn''t keep up with the acting anymore. "Our acting should win an Oscar, uncle weirdo." Leena giggled.

    "Indeed, daughter-inw. By the way, no more uncle weirdo. Call me father-inw." Fredrick dered in a stony voice.

    "But I am not yet married to your son," Leena pouted.

    "It''s a matter of_"

    He stopped his thoughts when he caught a glimpse of his son giving a package to the maids. Suddenly an idea popped up into his mind to annoy him. "Chiku! You are here? Forgive this poor father for not noticing his son." Fredrick beamed.

    Devin rolled his fists in anger as if he was rattled from the cage. She has forgotten the name already. Did he have to bring the topic again? She would mock him for a lifetime now.

    Suddenly remembering the name, Leena clutched her stomach and burst outughing, and held the chair for support which further pissed Devin.

    Chiku is my babylicious? What a funny name. Now Leena understood why he was so supportive of the name on that day instead of getting jealous.

    To make him red with anger, Leena got up and dashed towards him. "Chiku....which Chiku? Green Chiku or Brown Chiku?"

    "Do you want me to tell the world who you are?" Devin''s threats didn''t work on her, for she knew he is just bluffing to make her mouth shut.

    "I would have jumped from a mountain if I had such a funky name." She cackled up. Should I call him by that name from now? That would be hrious to make him go ballistic.

    "You have told that already." Devin pressed his words aggravated. It''s better than the babylicious she calls.

    "I know I know. But I am still reminding you." Pausing for a while, she uttered. "Chiku...."

    When Devin was close to pulling her towards him to punish her, a pair of handsnded on each side of his shoulder.

    "Does he bullies you, Leena?" Arthur asked in a demanding voice.

    She shook her head in denial. He is a bully boy only he is kissing me. I can''t tell this, right? It''s our private bedroom moments.

    "Where is Harley? I am not finding her." Leena asked going towards Devin. It''s not only her, she is yet to see many people in the house. Don''t they know that I havee to meet them? Why are they hiding? Leena pouted.

    "She went with my brother for some urgent work. She will be back." Devin exined and looked at his father asking for everyone. He can''t believe Eve is giving him a hard time even when he brought Leena here.

    ...

    While they were happily conversing with each other, meanwhile, is a vast room, three people were sitting on the bed whispering to each other.

    "He has brought her home," Sharon murmured. "Dad and brother are talking to her and they seem fond of her." Sharon wanted to run from this ce and see her but her sister-inw, Evelyn is against the idea. She did not even let her watch the press meet when everybody spoke about the chivalry she has shown.

    "I will go check what they are speaking." Callison went out of the room. They waited for a while but he didn''te back and Sharon eventually understood his purpose of going. He has been waiting for the day since yesterday, it was a wonder he stillplied with Eve''s wishes.

    "Eve, don''t ruin the big day. Let''s go." Sharon said.

    "I am noting." As stubborn as she is when his son did not listen to her, why should she listen to him?

    "I forgot to take a tablet for my cold. I will be back in a while." Grabbing the chance, Sharon dashed away from the room.

    As persistent as she was, Evelyn did not step down even when Sharon tried to appease her. She could hear fits ofughter down the hall but still, she refused to see go. When she was sulking, the door was pushed open and she doesn''t need to know who it was.

    "Why didn''t youe down, Eve?" Fredrick asked. "She is beautiful and cheerful. I bet you will like her more than the girl you talked about." He almost knew all her friends but has no idea which friend''s daughter she likes. Is she talking about Leena by any chance?

    "Don''t give a hard time to her." He coaxed her. "It''s not good to sit here alone when someone hase to meet our family. At the very least, you should greet her."

    "Okay." Eve agreed. Even she felt that she was acting a little cranky which was not her. We can''t get everything we ask for. She reluctantly epted the truth and went along with him.

    While she was stepping down the stairs, a familiar person smiling and talking to her father inw came into her sight, the more she got closer. Eve''s eyes widened in shock for a split second.. She was surprised to see her here.

 Chapter 183 - Photo Album

    Evelyn halted her tracks, her eyes were on stalks, and she did a double-take when she saw a girl talking with the family members.

    "Leena!" Evelyn muttered under her breath, her mind trying to process if she is imagining things due to theck of sleep. In an astonishing voice, she eximed. "Rick, can you pinch my cheek."

    For a second, Rick looked at his wife in embarrassment. He knew she is freaky in bed but it''s not the time to get into the mood when they are about to meet their daughter-inw."Eve, let''s confine our bedroom activities to_"

    "O."

    Evelyn pinched his cheek as she muttered. "Indeed, it''s not a dream. She is my Leena." With a broad smile, she stepped down the stairs hastily.

    Fredrick looked at the moving figure in disbelief rubbing his cheek. Is she gone crazy just like me?

    "Get your hands away from my Leena, morons." Evelyn stepped down the stairs and pushed Sharon and Callison aside and hugged Leena tightly.

    "You have be more beautiful." Eve released herself from the hug and squealed pping her hands

    Leena was stunned seeing the woman in front of her. She did not expect that she would be embraced in a warm hug. Citing her hazel eyes, Leena could tell it''s Devin''s mom. She must say, she is beautiful just like her mom. But the way she has addressed her earlier, she seems to know her. But I haven''t met her anywhere.

    In her stupor, Leena also forgot to introduce herself. "I am sorry, Aunty. I haven''t introduced myself_"

    "Oh my, Leena! Skip the formalities. Call me mom or better, Eve." She shed a wink and turned to Devin. "Is she the one you were talking about in all the calls?"

    "She is," Devin said in uncertainty. Watching her eyes are dancing in mirth he was certain Leena was the one mom has selected for him. For a long time, she has been nagging him and he has been escaping with excuses.

    "You brat!" Evelyn pulled and twisted Devin''s ear. "Why didn''t you tell her name?"

    "OWWW Mom! Release my ear." Devin yelped when the sharp pain was numbing his senses.

    Leena was gleaming observing a lovely family bond they have created, unlike the toxic ones she heard in other houses. Everybody in the home is very sweet. She was nning ways to lure her mom-inw, but it seems they don''t require anymore now.

    "So, are you talking about Heather all the time, Eve?" Francis butted in pulling out Devin from her grip. He knew Evelyn and Heather are best friends but the idea did not cross his mind since she has never mentioned the name when he asked for it.

    "Of course, my darling Heather," Evelyn said.

    "I thought you liked the girl in the leaked pictures," Sharon eximed.

    "Who would like that disgusting pig." Eve Snickered. She has seen the pictures leaked on the inte and felt nauseated by them and her mood dampened by then and she did not feel like watching the press conference. She made a note to watch it tonight peacefully now that it''s her Leena.

    "You know my mom, Aunt Eve?" That was a big surprise to Leena.

    "Heather is my best friend, Leena," Eve exined. "We studied medicine together.

    Suddenly remembering something, she hit her forehead. "Oh, my muddy brain. I did not even prepare anything. Sit here, Leena. I will make something and will be back in Jiffy." She left the ce hastily and appeared back again. "Come with me. We can talk in the kitchen while I prepare food."

    Once they both left, everybody sighed in relief. They were afraid that Eve would give a hard time before approving Leena but it proved them otherwise.

    ...

    In no time, Leena got a homely feeling around Evelyn and Sharon. She was sitting on the kitchen countertop munching on carrots while listening to the university stories Evelyn was telling. The more she heard of it, the more she was intrigued to know. From Eve''s words, she understood that her mom''s personality was just like her, sharp-tongued and strong. She has never had a chance to have a heart-to-heart talk with her mom because she was confined to bed when she was little. Her heart sewed in pain when she thought of her state. Is there a day, she would get up and hug me?

    "Don''t worry, Leena. Sister Heather will get up soon." Sharon said with a smile.

    Evelyn patted her head like a loving mother. "I can see a lot of progress in her health. It''s only a matter of time, she will get up."

    "Thank you." Leena nodded her head with a positive thought.

    Just then Devin appeared in the kitchen. From the morning, he has been abandoned by Leena and he has be the least attention member in the family. Sensing Devin''s arrival, Leena took a peek at him and then ignored him.

    "Mom, Leena got a call from Reese. She wants to talk about something urgent. I will take her to my room."

    "It''s Sunday and there is no office for Leena," Eve said, seeing through his son''s tricks. "Go and talk with your dad and grandfather for today."

    "Leena!" Eve turned to face Leena. With a sly smile, she added. "Shall we go to my room? I will tell stories about your mom."

    Hastily, Leena nodded her head and went along with him leaving Devin alone again not before giving a flying kiss aggravating him.

    ..

    Leena was smiling at hearing their stories and eventually, Eve started talking about mischievous deeds Devin did when he was a child.

    "Do you have photos of him, aunt Eve?" Leena asked to tease him in the future if she gets any naughty photos.

    "Give me a minute." Evelyn rushed and came back with a big album.

    Leena grabbed the album and when she opened it, the first picture was of Devin when he was a small baby.

    "He must be a year old. He is so cute." When she flipped the album sheet, a particr photo caught her attention. A small baby''s hand was held by a little boy. The boy was Devin but the girl......

 Chapter 184 - Rusk

    The boy in the picture was Devin but the small baby. She recognized her. If Leena has not seen her photos when she was a year old baby, she would have assumed that he was holding some other girl. But Why is he holding my hand? Did we meet already?

    "This photo....."

    "You might not remember since you were a year old, dear. It''s you in the photos along with Devin." Eve exined with a giggle remembering Leena and Devin''s childhood where Leena never left Devin''s hand. "You were such a cry baby when you were little. No one could pacify your cries except Devin. You used to cry all day if he doesn''te to see you."

    "What? Me?" Leena shouted with her wide open mouth. What is this twist? I was a cry baby and Devin has to console me? So, he has taken a big responsibility when he was only three years old? She has not seen a single picture of them in her albums to remember. All the photos in the home were either she would be with Francy or her solo pictures. Rarely she has seen her photos with mom and Wilbur.

    "But why haven''t seen a single picture in the home," Leena was stunned.

    "It''s because of that possessive Francis. He would have hidden somewhere in a locker." Evelyn gritted teeth in rage. He was the only one who was allowed to get Leena''s attention back then and when he saw that Devin was stealing Leena''s time, he has stopped him from seeing her. Eventually, Devin has also be engrossed in studies and he forgot Leena.

    "I forgot that my Francy is a little jealous." Leena giggled and flipped the album to see many pictures of her and Devin. There was a photo where he has put her on hisp. She must be around two-year-old. There was another photo of Devin kissing her cheek. It must be when she was around three years.

    ''OMG! We have a past together and we acted as if we were childhood sweethearts. I might not remember the memories since I was very small, but Devin must be around six when I was three years. Doesn''t he remember?''

    Leena always felt that they have met each other in the past but her theory always debunked. Leena has asked him if he knows her but he said he doesn''t remember.

    "Has Devin seen the pictures?" Leena asked.

    "I doubt he has seen. He is always busy with shoots and he hardly has time to breathe back then." Even said, if he has seen Leena''s pictures, he would have agreed to meet Leena already.

    Leena nodded her head in agreement. She knew how hard it would be to manage studies along with a career from such a young age. Maybe if I show the photos, he would recall the memories.

    Leena made a note to show him and went back to see the pictures. The more she flipped the album pages, Leena sensed some of the pictures were missing in it. "Where are the rest of the pictures?"

    "Even I wonder where did they fly off." Even said. Those pictures were the best of Leena and Devin she has taken. Eve has nned to make a portrait of them but one fine day, when she opened, they were missing from the album. The funny part was, except for Leena and Devin''s together photos, everything was kept intact. If Francis would have visited during that time, she would have thought it must be his work.

    "But I am d that you both are together now." Evelyn squeaked in happiness. Now, she can recreate the photos as many as she wants.

    "It turns out that we knew each other from childhood." Leena smiled and asked. "Can I take a picture from this, Aunty?"

    "Only one. I have already lost many of your pictures." Eve was not willing to give these pictures which she holds dear but since it''s Leena, she reluctantly agreed.

    "Thank you, Aunt Eve." Leena searched for the best one and took a picture where Devin kissing her cheek.

    They talked for a while and when it was lunchtime, they both went together when Leena''s stomach was rumbling making whale mating noises.

    Just when they reached the hallway, Leena''s eyes were covered by a pair of hands from behind. "You should have changed your fragrance, Harley."

    "My bad, that I forget you are genius, Leena" Harley pouted and appeared in front of Leena.

    "Where did you go when you knew that your sister-inw wille?" Evelyn reprimanded her daughter.

    "Don''t you remember you were the one who has sent me? You said that you don''t like the girl Devin is bringing home." Harley put all the me on her mother. She knew her mom wanted to give a tough time to Leena by sending her away. Harley wanted to protest but being a filial daughter, she couldn''t say no to her mom''s words. By the time she finished her work and came back home along with Adney, Devin has exined everything that happened here. She was happy that finally, everyone has epted Leena in the home.

    "I_I am going to the kitchen. I have lots of work." Evelyn dashed from the ce before Harley blurts out the things she uttered in anger. If Leena listens she would think that she is the kind of evil mother-inw who would like to torture for her pleasure.

    "It''s been a long time I have seen you, Leena. I miss you." Harley deliberately put on a hand on Leena and peeked at Devin. If her grandfather was not holding him, he would havee for her throat.

    "Are you deliberately provoking him?" Leena whispered. "My babylicious is_"

    Just then a person appeared and stood in front of Leena halting her thoughts. She knew who he is. He looked a little simr to her babylicious but none in the world can beat his charisma in her eyes. For Leena, he is divine.

    "My brother would have talked about me by now that I am the most creative, handsome, and intelligent." He boasted himself. "I know he likes me a lot which I can''t help it. Anyway, I must introduce myself since you are going to be my sister-inw. My name is_"

    "I know. Rusk right?" Leenapleted it for him. Her thoughts flew back to the second time she has met Devin in a hotel and she called him ''brother of rusk'' They had created many memories without knowing.

    "What?"

    "Oh! Your name is not rusk? But that''s the only thing I got to know from your brother.." With no expression on her face, Leena uttered pulling his ego to the bottom pits.

 Chapter 185 - Stop It

    He waspletely flummoxed by the way Leena was addressing him. Rusk? She is calling him a dry biscuit? He had confidence that his brother would have spoken highly of him and that''s the reason, seconds back, he was gloating about himself but now his self-esteem has been crushed to the lowest honorable part when he heard her call him rusk or biscuit whatever.

    Harley broke out into a giggle watching Adney''s baffled expression on his face. Indeed it''s his first time seeing Leena, so he might not have known her properly. He will get used to it in the future. She shook her head and left the ce to give a little space to these fellows since it''s their first time meeting.

    "You are calling me a twice-baked biscuit? I am not approving you as my sister-inw." Adney held back the screams of frustration. No one has ridiculed him except his hacker friend Elysian and now this annoying to be sister-inw is trying to berate him. Should I hack into herputer or mobile and y a prank on her? The thought itself cackled him up. Just wait for a while, I will send one illicit video from your mobile to all your friends.

    "Sorry, brother-inw, I can''t do anything about being your sister-inw. If you have a problem, you can reach out to your brother." Leena was having fun teasing Adney, and to add fuel to the fire, she moved close towards him and whispered into his ears. "One more thing! I even heard you are a yboy. Nice to meet you. I am the coach for yboys." Leena cracked her knuckles as if she is ready to punch him.

    Adney nced up and rolled his eyes befuddled. Who informed me about my yboy nature? So, she knows fully about me but still called me a rusk?

    "If you keep rolling your eyes, you will eventually find your brain one day." Leena burst out intoughter watching his benumbed face.

    Adney: " "

    Adney didn''t want to lose this time in front of her. After all, It''s a matter of his pride. He has googled up her profile and got to know that she is named as a narcissist and her craziness is the talk of the city. Tit for tat."Even I heard a thing about you. I learned that you are a narcissist and for your narcissists, I am a psychiatrist."

    Leena: " "

    "Get lost, dirty fellow. I don''t want to talk with you." Leena angrily rebuked. Who the hell has spread that news? Should I hack into his mobile and y a prank on him?

    "Same feeling. I hate you." Adney stuck his tongue out and left the ce in vexation.

    Ignoring his childlike behavior, Leena nced at her side and to her wonder, Devin was not sitting with the grandfather. She wanted to go and search for him but precisely then, Evelyn called her up for lunch.

    "Myst name is hungry," Arthur spoke up, appearing out of nowhere and stood in front of her.

    "And my first name is always," Leena said, a light smile spread across her face.

    "Wah! Weplement each other even in food."The insanity of their personality made Arthurugh.

    " Indeed grandfather." Taking Leena''s eager nod, Arthur began guiding her to the dining area. Since she was hungry, Leena ignored the idea to search for Devin thinking that he would be in the fort room'' enjoying his time. So, she went along with him to have her full.

    She quickly followed the aroma of food and when they reached the dining area and watching the varieties of food sitting on the table, and the sight of the delicious smell, her mouth watered.

    "You are here, Leena." Fredrick started. "Let''s have lunch. Don''t think that Eve has prepared all these foods. She is azy sloth after all."

    "Can''t you speak little good points at least in front of Leena?" Evelyn whacked her husband, with that both started fighting then and there.

    "Don''t mind them, Leena," Sharon smiled when she saw Leena momentarily upied in Fredrick and Evelyn''s arguments. "There is not a day, they would not fight. We are used to them now."

    "They are cute." Watching their silly bantering, reminded her of Devin and her. Indeed they are worse than Fredrick and Evelyn back then. She was always giving him a cold shoulder but he was never got annoyed at her behavior. Leena was d that he didn''t give up on her. Like a fool, sheughed at herself for always having his thoughts at the back of her mind.

    Sharon pulled a chair for Leena and just when she was about to sit next to her, she was pushed aside by someone. "That''s my ce, Sherry." Gritting her teeth, she threw an angry look before she settled next to her husband.

    Hearing Devin''s voice, Leena''s eyes twinkled, and nced at him with happy eyes that he hase back. But she didn''t expect his incognizance. When he refused to look at her, she tugged his wrist, but Devin was stubborn, like a bolshie teenager removing the wrist from her tight grip. Instead, he looked at the food in front of him as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. He did not want to sit next to her not after she has been abandoning him for the whole day, but he was hapless when she saw her puppy eyes.

    He surrendered for he can''t win her over and when he was about to sit in the chair, Evelyn pushed him aside and slumped on the chair next to Leena.

    "Eve," Devin screamed. She has been stealing his sweetheart from the morning. Can''t she leave at least now?

    "Go and sit next to your uncle. You will have Leena for yourself every day."

    "Oh, God." Leena sighed under her breath. I am doomed today. He is going to get angry for sure once we go home. With puppy eyes, she looked at Devin, but then again, he vetoed to look at her and went to sit at the other end of the table.

    Although Leena was eating, she couldn''t help but take a guilty peek at Devin now and then. She tried to speak but he was rendering a cold shoulder.

    With a sigh, Leena thought of pacifying himter and began concentrating on her food, she felt a feather-like rough yet warm touch on her feet.

    Her eyes went wide and her breath caught in her throat. She knew who it was. Leena instantly nced at him but he was eating as if nothing has happened. She thought it was a mistake when she no longer felt his feet and sighed in relief. Little did she know, it only started.

    "You are not eating properly, Leena dear. Don''t you like the food?" Eve asked when Leena''s te was left unattended. Didn''t she like the food in the home?

    "They are very...NOOO." Leena shouted at the top of her lungs when he harshly tugged her toe and his foot began moving higher skimming her legs sending shivers down her spine. She cursed at herself for wearing a dress that reached only her knees. But then again, isn''t it impossible for Devin to lift. What the hell is this idiot doing?

    "Oh! You don''t like it?" Eve felt bad that she couldn''t prepare food for Leena of her liking.

    "I am sorry aunty. They are really good." Leena quickly exined when she saw the sullen face of Evelyn.

    "Thank God. You like them." Eve was happy again when she saw genuine praise from Leena.

    With a half-smile, she nodded her head. But her mind stopped racing and her pulse quickened when she felt his feet again. This time, it traveled further up caressing her soft thigh. Shameless fellow. Just because his legs are long, does he have to torture her? Leena was done with his antics when he started rubbing her thigh in circles. She dropped the spoon from her hands loudly and yelled. "Stop it. What the hell are you doing!" Her threat was directed towards him but it affected another person.

    Evelyn stopped pouring soup into Leena''s bowl hearing her yells. "I am sorry dear. I thought you liked the soup." When Leena has almostpleted the soup leaving the rest alone, Eve thought she liked it.

    All of a sudden, Leena turned to her side and saw Evelyn''s expression on her face, startled. Oh, God! I did not see thising. Is he deliberately instigating it because his mom has upied the chair?

    "I am sorry aunty. I did not mean my words." Leena exined hastily.

    "Are you not well, Leena. Your cheeks have turned red all of a sudden." Devin asked all innocent controlling his smile. With that everybody looked at Leena and true to Devin''s words, she was not in the world.

    "Are you not feeling well, Leena?" Fredrick asked when she was behaving a little off from the time she was sitting for dinner. Is she having a fever? but she was feeling fine back then.

    "I_I have to go to the bathroom." She got up and immediately left the ce not able to show her face.

    "She doesn''t know the way to_"

    "I will help her mom." Devin got up and followed her.. Finally, he got his alone time and he has things to settle with her now.

 Chapter 186 - Scream My Name

    In her haste, Leena scurried out of the ce before she makes a fool out of herself because of some deviant. Only when she was out of their sight she understood, she lost the way in the huge mansion.

    Unknown to herself, she strode upstairs and began moving back and forth in the corridor while picking the lost direction in dribs and drabs. All of a sudden, her body turned rigid hearing the approaching footsteps behind her. Has he arrived? Should I turn or not?

    "You have no option except to face me." His voice was gravelly like the subdued thunder during the stormy night.

    Left with no choice, Leena pursed her lips and turned around to rap on his knuckles after putting up a shameless behavior in the dining hall. "What the hell were you thinking, idiot. You almost created a rift between me and Aunt Eve on the first day. In front of everyone, you have...." Leena couldn''te up to say the things he did earlier.

    "How is it my problem? You shouldn''t have ditched me for the whole day." His voiceced with condemnation for Leena to make her suffer a pang of conscience. He still remembered the flying kiss she gave before fleeing away with his mom which vexed him to the core.

    "It''s only a day, Devin." Leena snaked her arms around his waist to pacify him feeling guilty for abandoning him.

    "You are giving too much attention to my mom." He wrapped his arms around Leena''s and hugged her tightly to hide her in his embrace.

    Is he jealous of his own mom? Still, she needs to pacify him.

    "I am sorry, my dear babyganoush." Leena buried her head on his chest, his warm breath caressed her forehead and her breath warmed his chest.

    "Babyganoush?" Isn''t it a dish name? "Can''t youe up with something that matches my personality, sweetheart?"

    "Babyganoush is a hot dish and to me you are hot."

    "How hot?" He lifted her chin remembering the day Leena called him hotter than bunsen burner. The confession letter she has written is veneered in the secret room he prepared for her portraits alone. For eternity, her craziness would be envied by their future generations.

    "When I see you in a ck shirt, your light stubble, your sleek textured hair, and your piercing eyes when youmand in the office." She paused and gazed at his enrapt reactions. Leena knew it is turning him on and it''s dangerous but she couldn''t stop. "And the salient veins protruding on your arms." She breathed imagining his hot body when hees back hitting the gym. "You look like a manly beast in my eyes. Leave all that, your hotness is just being yourself." His attitude, kindness, his humor, his kisses, even if she sits for the entire day, it is not sufficient to describe him in words. Everything of him makes her surrender under him but she kept the thought to herself alone.

    "Do you know what you are doing to me by telling all these things?" His voice was raspy, powerless. Without doing anything, she has turned him on to the point that he couldn''t even talk or think while the only thing he wants is to feel her body against his.

    "What am I doing, Devin?" All innocent, Leena unbuttoned his shirt button and started drawing circles on his chest with her fingers. The two shirt buttons were already unkept by him. She did not forget the things he has done a little earlier and she slowly tortured him as he did in the dining hall.

    "Don''t tempt me, Leena. " He warned grabbing her hand before she moves further down. He knew she is taking revenge but she has unraveled the beast in him and it is now urging him to feast on her

    "What if I am?"

    "Trust me, sweetheart, If you won''t stop now then I won''t stop until your legs are shaking and everyone hears you screaming my name." His eyes were dripping with lust and his voice turned husky. He has already lost control and her provoking is turning him into a beast.

    His words ignited something in her body. She underestimated the seductive power of his decentnguage. "I will_"

    She gasped when he pushed her against the wall, not bothered that they are outside letting people witness them making out. The kiss started rough and he levered her lips throbbing his hot tongue into her, sucking and licking it, asionally biting her lower lips. His lips went further down the neck and nibbled her tender soft skin ramming his tongue over her soft spot earning a loud yelp from her. He knew she would scold him once his assault ends for marking his territory again.

    Leena pulled back when she was out of breath, both panting breathless and it was further fueling his desire for her. He buried his head on her nape to calm down the beast that has hardened by now.

    "If you tempt me again_"

    "I wouldn''t" For now. Leena whispered patting his back until he was steadily breathing. She understood it''s dangerous but she knew she will do it again. "Let''s go. They must be waiting for us."

    Leena released herself from him and looked at their appearances. By now they have be a mess. His shirt is disheveled and her lipstick is stuck at the corner of his lips.

    "OMG! What do we do now." She quickly buttoned his shirt running her hand through his shirt attempting to iron it but it worsened.

    "Rx." He grabbed her hands and kissed her knuckles to calm her. "They would have known by now."

    "Then what should I do now?"She cried.

    "Let''s go for another round since they knew already." He winked, he was whacked by an aggressive little kit.

    "I am being serious and you have be naughty again?" She yelled for not even worrying that he was in front of his family.

    "There is nothing wrong with a good-hearted person having a naughty side, darling." He whispered tugging her lower lip. "It''s a good release, you know."

    "Stop with your dirty thoughts, idiot." Leena covered his mouth to put a leash on his ''decent vocabry.'' "Let''s not make them wait."

    "It''s better to make them wait." He grumbled. From the morning, they did not leave Leena for once. He was happy that everybody liked her but they are stealing her away from him now. He should have listened to Leena''s words and brought her on the next week.

    "No." She declined. "We are going now." She checked their appearance for onest time and wiped the lipstick that stuck at the edge ot his lips roughly until his skin turned red.

    "Are you deliberately trying to rip my skin?"

    "Yeap." She pressed her words and dragged him to the dining area.

    The moment they entered, everybody nced in the couple interestingly. Although Leena fixed his shirt they could see through the guise, in order not to embarrass Leena, they did not point. Leena quietly settled herself next to Eve and Harley.

    "You guys are quite fast," Harley whispered putting broli Piece into her mouth.

    "We just talked and that''s all," Leena said trying to hide her blush.

    "I never knew battling with tongues is a way of talking?" Harley added with a mocking voice. "By the way, remind me after lunch. You need a little bit of concealer."

    "Why I need_"

    Actuality hit her brain. Subconsciously, her hand traveled to the nape. Leena cursed him with all the words she knew when she saw him smirking at her. Gone! My image is ruined. They would have assumed we couldn''t even keep our hands away even in the house. Without lifting her head, Leena ate the food and until everybody left the ce except Devin, she neither lifted her head nor moved a little from the chair.

    "Now Now, little kit. Enough with your acting." He chuckled seeing her quiet demeanor. He has seen this side of hers when Francis introduced her as an orthodox saint and the second time when he shut her mouth with kisses.

    "Get lost." She looked at her sides and grabbed a spoon that was lying on the table and threw it on to him but Devin caught it in his hands effortlessly.

    He winked and mouthed a kiss before running away for his life when Leena rose from the chair.

    ...

    By the time, it was evening, everybody was sitting in the hall, engrossed in a conversation. Just then Leena saw a familiar person at the front entrance walking into the home. Her eyes wide opened and rushed towards him. She hugged him tightly

    How are you?" He asked patting her head like a loving father.

    "You are asking as if we have met ages ago." She giggled releasing herself from the hug.

    "You are_"

    "My dear best friend. You are finally here to see me?" Francis''s words were interrupted when he was punched by his friend. That''s how they have been greeting each other when they meet.

    Leena doesn''t need to ask again. Devin has told Francis and Fredrick''s rtionship to be best friends. Despite what she knew, seeing the two big shots meeting for the first time was thrilling her.

    "I havee here to see if you are trying to bully my darling baby," Francis spoke up. He wanted toe in the morning in case Leena is notfortable around but he also wanted to have family time to get mingled with them. After all, it''s going to be her home in the future.

    "You are talking as if we are monsters in the eyes of you, Mr. Hayes." Evelyn butted in pulling Leena towards her.

    "I doubt you are one." Jealous, Francis pulled Leena from Evelyn''s hold.

    "Jealous fellow," Evelyn muttered.

    "Did she bully you, Leena?" Francis asked.

    "No Francy. Everybody is very sweet here." She said, remembering Francis''s conversation on the day Devin and Francis fought. He told that someone has approved Regina in their family. Who is that? She hasn''t seen anybody against her. Up until now, Leena thought it was Devin''s mom, but it was confirmed today that she is not against her and in fact she loves Leena dearly.. She did not want to dwell on the topic when she was in a happy mood. She got a supportive inw family and that''s all she needed

 Chapter 187 - Anonymous Person

    Francis was d that Leena is in safe hands now. He infringed the scandal after seeing the press conference and also when Devin hase transparent, announcing his rtionship with Leena to the entire world. All in all, only he can curb that nefarious crazy idiot. He has already gone insane and now it''s time for him to face.

    Francis looked around the house and did not find the person he wanted to see. He hase here to talk with him. "Where is Devin?" He asked.

    "He got an urgent call. So, he must be out to take it." Having said that, Leena rushed into the kitchen and brought water for Francis assuming that he would be thirsty after driving for a long time.

    Despite he wasn''t thirsty, With a smile, he picked up the bottle from her hands patting Leena''s head. She might be stubborn, messy and a brat at times but in his eyes, Leena is the definition of perfection and beauty. The little angel has turned into a beautiful princess in front of his eyes. What more he can ask? Without asking, God has sent a precious treasure and asked him to look after her and he dly epted this jewel.

    After he drank, Leena grabbed the bottle from his hand and went in to put it in the kitchen although the maids insisted on taking it. If ites to Francis, she likes to do everything on her own. Their sweet and warm gestures did not go unnoticed by everyone present in the hall. Indeed, a girl will always put color to the home.

    "Francis bro, finally you have arrived after a long time?" All excited, Callison stepped down the stairs seeing Francis.

    "Ist visited a month back only, Call. Do you need to feel that excited?" He slumped on the sofa. "By the way, Leena is a fan of your food and she loves your recipe, spanakopita. Make it when you are free."

    "No rmendations, bro. If she wants, she should be the one toe and ask me. I am a renowned chef after all." Leena has only talked with him once in the morning. Just because, he is not crazy like his annoying father-inw and irking brother-inw, she has to deter him? Callison and Sharon felt like a breath of fresh air seeing her and her presence reminded them of someone they have buried deep inside their memories.

    "Do you think I can''t make it for my baby?" Francis jeopardized.

    "Best of luck then," Callison grinned leaving the ce to poke Leena now that he go to know she is a fan of his food.

    While Francis and Fredrick were conversing, Arthur was cast out alone. He wanted to call Leena but she was stuck with his son-inw. If he calls Adney, he would speak about those skeletal ghosts and monsters which he doesn''t want to hear. It irked him more when his son was having fun with his best friend and he couldn''t stopining. "Hey Francy, what is that old monkey doing sitting in the home?"

    "What else? Pretending to be a busy person," Wearing sheet masks, showing off dresses and in between, he gets frightened when she squeals like a teenager while watching those girly Korean dramas. She is not acting ording to her age nowadays.

    "Tell her that even if she hits all the gyms and saloons, she can never beat me in mour." Arthur boasted of him just like Leena.

    "Another narcissist added to the list," Francis whispered under his breath shaking his head.

    After a long stretch of his call, Devin stepped from the stairs, and seeing Francis here, he frowned. He must havee to steal my sweetheart again. From her childhood, he doubted there was at least one man soul near Leena due to his possessiveness.

    Francis looked up and immediately made a private gesture to him. Devin did not need to be told twice and understood Francis want to speak with him in private. He took a peek at Leena, she was in the kitchen with uncle Callison chatting with him, while making the dough. She must be learning a new dish to make for me. The thought itself put a smile on his face.

    With a happy smile, he strolled following Francis''s footsteps and halted when they reached the garden. Francis scanned the surroundings and he could see, not a single soul was wandering.

    "Don''t perturb. The ce is safe." Devin added. They havee far away from home where none of the family members could see them or hear them. "What is it, France?"

    "I heard the tender of Pluton project which the Davies are trying to upy was seized by you at thest minute," Francis asked. It seems he knows a little about Leena''s past. He wondered what would be the predicament if Devin fully knows about her past.

    "How do you know about it?" Devin chuckled. No one knew that the massive Pluton project was confiscated by him. It''s hard to trace the whereabouts unless the person has strong connections. While he knew his dad and Francis are dominant figures in society, he was amazed at how Francis is keeping a taboo on him.

    "I have my ways, boy," Francis said. Indeed he wanted to take revenge on Ethan for tormenting her in the past but Leena didn''t want anything to do with him. She wants to live a happy life after the ident with no dramas in her life.

    "He has to pay the price for what he has done to her," Devin added, with hesitation, he spoke again. "Did she suffer a lot?" He never dared to ask about her pain afraid that he would unknowingly trigger unwanted memories and that''s the reason he is patiently waiting for her to tell the truth.

    "It was a miracle that she survived in that ident." Those words were enough for Devin to understand how much Leena has suffered. Francis would have been lifeless if something happened to Leena.

    "Keep her safe, Devin."

    "I will, France." He has already made an unbreakable vow to her and he would never break it. Her pain is his pain. "Is that why you called me here?"

    "No. There is more. Make yourself free ande home soon. I need to talk about something important with you in private." Francis said. It''s time for Devin to know the truth about that anonymous person. "Don''t bring Leena with you and don''t tell anything to her. It''s only you and me."

    "Is it pertained to her?" Devin inquired with impatience. There seems to be a hidden meaning behind Francis''s words. Did something else happen to her which she is not aware of it?

    "Indeed, it''s rted to her." Francis''s face went nk when he spoke.. Before the cmity strikes, he has to safeguard her and he can''t protect her alone this time knowing that the opponent is not easy to trifle with when he is just waiting for the time to strike.

 Chapter 188 - Loved Dearly

    Devin gazed up, staring at the pitch dark sky, with no emotions on his face. He knew it must be something important if Francis hase here to personally invite him. He wanted to know if there is any danger that is posing to Leena but without knowing the weight of the situation, he can''t conclude. He will wait for the day.

    "I will meet you soon, France."

    "Alright. I am going inside. Your dad would throw tantrums if I amte." Francis said and strolled back into the house. Frederick would have set up everything and waiting for him by now.

    For a moment, Devin''s mind wandered around Francis''s words and pondered what could be the problem. He sighed and made his way into the house.

    The moment he entered, he looked for Leena in the kitchen but she was not in there. He straightaway went upstairs and heard his darling''s voice from Harley''s room. Before going in, he knocked on the door and when he got an acknowledgment from the other end, he went in. There she was, lying on the bed while eating apples and giggling at the stories which his mother was telling. She must be happy today. With a smile, he walked and settled next to Leena in the bed.

    "Where did you go?" Leena enquired shifting her attention as soon as she came else he would sulk like a baby and throw tantrums.

    "A walk with France." He stated, ignoring the details of the conversation, they talked about in the garden.

    "Did you both fight again?" After her cooking sses with Uncle Callison, when she came back to the living room to talk with Devin, he was missing along with Francis and she thought both entered into silly fights.

    "No, sweetheart." He chuckled at her wariness. He tugged a fallen strand behind her ear and spoke up. "We are back to normal now."

    "You better be."

    Looking at the lovey-dovey moments between them, Evelyn giggled like a giddy teenager. She was one step ahead in thinking of holding her first grandchild soon.

    "Stay here for tonight, Leena." Evelyn pleaded. The house looked bright with her presence and she wanted to spend a little more time with her.

    "Maybe next time, aunt Eve," Leena said.

    "You aren''t even fulfilling my one request I asked for." Eve pouted, a sullen look was evident on her face.

    "You are acting like a drama queen, aunt Eve," Leena rebuked. She has be close to her in just one day and began speaking like a friend. Although, Leena wanted to stay with her a problemid in front of her. That is dresses. "I didn''t bring any dress."

    "That''s not a problem." Harley butted in. "You can wear mine."

    "Don''t mind, Harls. She only likes to wear her dresses alone." Devin exined while Leena smiled at how thought-full he has be to her even in small matters.

    "I wouldn''t mind but I have seen new clothes in Devin''s room. You can try them, Leena." Harley illustrated hoping that Leena would stay so that they can have a girl''s night. Little did she knew the devil has another n for them.

    "If you want to stay, I have all the new dresses in my closet." Devin professed.

    "But why do you have them?" Leena asked in skepticism. He doesn''t have any past girlfriends right?

    "Don''t jump to conclusions, Leena. I prepared everything for you in case youe here." Devin was amazed at how her emotions have shifted in seconds. She is still doubting him after all the confessions he made.

    Finally, she was relieved when he rified. Wrapping her arm around his waist, feeling a little guilty, she added. "I am sorry, Devin."

    "Don''t leap into_"

    "I won''t. Can we stay here?" She asked, she has yet to explore Devin''s room.

    "Okay." He nodded his head in agreement.

    "Alright. Leena is staying with us." Harley pped her hands in excitement and pushed Devin and Evelyn out of the room to have a chit chat with Leena.

    "You haven''t told me when and where you first met, my brother," Harley inquired. She was always curious about the coupe''s first meeting.

    "Do you want to know?" Leena asked earning an eager nod from her. This question would be hard to answer. How should I tell everyone that I have met him in the most bizarre circumstance? Left with no choice, Leena went with the same story which she has told Wilbur and exined it to Harley.

    "Wow. A meet in the waterfalls. It''s quite dramatic" Harley giggled. It would be a nice story for their kids in the future to tell. Harley thought these dramatic meets happen only in movies. Only if she has seen what exactly has happened, she wouldn''t squeal like a frantic.

    "I know right." Leena nodded, pleased that her theory was brought by everyone.

    ...

    Right after Evelyn came out of the room, she understood two people were missing in the hall and she knew where those two would be. Balling her fists, she straight away went to the wine cer. There she saw her husband and Francis ready for the booze. They are yet to start and both sensed someone''s presence. Francis gulped seeing his wife here.

    "Eve baby. I am sorry. I would never drink from tomorrow. We got a daughter-inw and I am celebrating with my best friend.?" Fredrick started his drama and threw the me onto Francis.

    "You search for a new alibi every other day." She spoke up with gritted teeth. "Sleep in the guest room for today." Having said that, Evelyn walked away before ring daggers at Francis.

    "What did I do her now?" He grumbled taking a sip of alcohol.

    "France, you should be happy that I am going to be your inw." Fredrick started.

    "Get lost brute. You should be happy that I am giving my baby even after that brat was involved in a scandal."

    "Hey! It''s all fake rumors. Do you have to bring that topic and spoil the mood?" Fredrick whined, remembering the days, Francis has given cold shoulders without lifting his phone calls. Finally, after the press meet, they reconciled. He was scared that his son almost created a rift between their years of friendship.

    "Whatever." He muttered happily that everything is settled now.

    "Ah! I forgot to tell you. I met Catalina at one of the business events and she asked your number." Fredrick said.

    "Who is Catalina?" Francis asked in azy tone. He doesn''t remember anyone with that name.

    "Don''t you remember her? It''s the women who proposed to you when we were in the university," Fredrick exined. While they were studying, every day there would be a confession letter on Francis''s desk. In an era of men following behind women with love letters, it was exactly the opposite in the case of Francis. Women would flock around him but sadly he rejected every one and he must have lost count of it then.

    "I got so many proposals, Rick. So, I don''t remember her exactly." Francis said.

    "You are speaking as if you were the only handsome hunk back then," Fredrick grumbled under his breath. Even he got confessions but he was only behind his Eve. "By the way, she is not married." Catalina was a beauty to talk to. When every man was behind her, she was behind Francis but she was also rejected and this brute doesn''t even remember the name.

    "What should I do then?" Francis frowned. What exactly is his friend trying to say?

    "I thought you will give it a try, at least now." Fredrick was trying to test his friend if he is still the old Francis he knew.

    "Do you want me to tell Evelyn about the things you have done in the university?" Francis threatened.

    "I am not scared of my wife." He bragged when alcohol is taking a toll. Only during this time, he would be a lion, in actuality, he is a scared cat in front of Evelyn.

    "Do you want me to tell your secret to Leena?" With a sly smile, Fredrick asked.

    "Which secret?" Francis knew what his friend is trying to convey.

    "That you loved someone so dearly in the past and even now you love her and that''s the reason you have rejected everyone''s proposal and she is the reason, you didn''t get married. Shall I tell the name_"

    Francis shut his friend''s mouth instantly before he blurts out nonsense again. His loud voice could reverberate the entire house and by chance, if Leena hears, she would nag him for eternity.

    "Crap with your nonsense. I am going home." He got up to leave but Francis pulled down.

    "You are drunk. I will ask someone to drop you." Fredrick grumbled, he was already high.

    "Ashton is waiting in the car. He will take me." Francis strolled out of the room, his voiceced with pain when his friend brought back the memories again. She would be always at the back of his mind.. He may need another dose of alcohol to reminisce the memories of her now.

 Chapter 189 - Meow

    Leena was giggling and rolling on the bed like a Chimpanzee when Harley started talking about Adney''s fear of ghosts. "Scared of ghosts, Adneyes and sleeps in your room every day and you are allowing it?"

    "I don''t have a choice. Mom and dad will kick him out telling him that if a grown-up boy sleeps in their parent''s bedroom, it is an insult to them. Sometimes, uncle Callison will sleep in his room and the rest of the days, he would settle in my room when night arrives. In case, he hears any ghost stories from his friends." Harley whispered. "That brat doesnt even close the bathroom door at that time and keeps talking with me until hees out."

    "I can''t take this." Leena rolled on the bed kicking her legs listening to Adney''s funny stories. She is also scared of ghosts but she is not a scared cat like him. Just like her craziness, his scariness is on another level.

    "Do you still have his stories to_"

    Just then they heard a knock on the door. "I will open it." Leena got down from the bed and to make her way. When she unlocked the door, she saw Francis standing at the entrance, his eyes slightly red and swollen.

    "Are you not well?" She could sense he is sad over something. Did something happen suddenly? He was fine when he came here.

    "I just had a little too much." He half-smiled, indeed, he couldn''t cloak his emotions in check in front of Leena. Still, he maintained a smile as he spoke. "I am going home."

    "Careful Francy." She nodded her head and hugged him.

    "I will." He patted her head and released himself from the hug. "Sleep in Harley''s room." He dered.

    "Okay." Like an obedient kid, Leena listened but she knew she would end up in his room once he leaves. She went along with Francis to send him off despite he was nagging him to stay in the room. Until the car disappeared out of her sight, she waved goodbye to Francis. Leena wished there would be someone to take care of him but he is as stubborn as a mule when ites to rtionships. For her sake, he didn''t get married. He cleverly convinced that stepmother would separate their bonds which he didn''t want to happen. Tired of arguing with him, Leena stopped asking him.

    While walking into the house, she messaged Harley that she is going to stay in Devin''s room. If she goes into her room, Leena knew Harley would not leave her alone. She didn''t wait for her reply and walked towards the other room and knocked on the door.

    ...

    Warning: Matute content ahead. But I know, my readers will not skip it.

    Devin opened the door and smiled at her. "Finally, you havee to my room?"

    "Correction, babylicious. It''s our room." She winked and entered the room.

    "Thanks for reminding, darling. Go and take a shower. I have arranged everything in the closet."

    Nodding her head, she scanned the room went into the closet, and picked a ruffles nightdress. Just like her home, he has filled everything here. He even arranged allher apparel. How did he know her sizes? She was getting shy thinking of it. But then again, they have to share everything in the future right? Fine then. With that thought, she went into the bathroom to take a shower.

    While Devin was talking in the call, he heard the footsteps after a long period and turned around to see Leena was back from the bathroom all fresh. He dropped the call and strolled towards her. "I told you not to wash your hair in the nights. Do you ever listen to my words?" He began scolding her grabbing a dryer.

    "I will listen to your words from tomorrow." With a pout, she stayed quiet while Devin dried her hair.

    "And you tell the same thing tomorrow." He grumbled and once he was done with the drying, he turned her around. "Did you like dresses?"

    "They are very cute." She nodded her head, unconsciously, her eyes darted to his lips. She felt like the morning dose was not enough. She was craving for it but also doesn''t want to sound obvious. An idea hit her brain.

    "Babylicious, can I tell you a health fact which I read?"

    "Is it about bananas again?" He asked putting down the hairdryer.

    "No." She added. "It''s about a kiss."

    "Interesting. Continue." He said, crossing his arms.

    "One deep kiss can burn 26 calories in our body. So, it''s equal to the ten benches your workout in the gym and it''s even going to tone your facial muscles. It''s good for heart and_"

    "Why can''t you ask it directly instead of beating around the bush?" He interrupted in the middle. On normal days, she speaks all beep words. Now, she is feeling shy,?

    "Forget it. I am sleepy." Leena pretended to yawn and she was about to leave, Devin pulled back into her embrace.

    "My little kit is angry?" He smiled. Right now, he was finding her cute like a cat, without whiskers.

    "MEOW." Just like an angry cat, she growled.

    "Naughty girl." Devin pushed her body upwards and lifted her at once. "26 calories is very less, sweetheart." He whispered cing her and strolled towards the bed carrying her in his arms.

    Without giving her a chance to think, his lips hovered over hers. Showered freshly, the aroma of her body was making him go insane.

    His hands explored her body, drifting from the arms to her small waist. Abruptly, he lifted her nightdress, his fingertips caressed the legs and moved upwards along her inner thigh and teased the sensitive spot leaving a moan from her throat. Everything went nk, except for the tiny moans were the only thing he was hearing now. His lips and her neck stirred in devotion, while his hands scoured her body. He pulled back a little to breathe as he muttered. "We are going to burn more than 26 today." With that, his lips traveled to her nape sucking and licking, goosebumps emerged from her skin, a low growl escaped from his throat when she gripped and pulled his hair tightly.

    She was breaking his senses and he pulled the dress beneath and peeked at her eyes to see if she was willing. The passion in her eyes was the signal that she is enjoying and he lowered her dress. Detaching the thin fabric that was separating him from him, the valley of mountain pairs entered into his view. A gush of cold air traversed across her body when his fingertips trailed over her breasts and she shuddered with th things he was doing to her.

    He trailed a finger over her breasts and lightly squeezed them. Leena let out a loud gasp lost in pleasure. Before she knew it, he sucked her ample bosoms that were sitting heavenly under his palms. Those were the unseen inviting globes that he had ever seen and his watery tongue wanted to explore and taste them.

    He thumbed over them and they puckered beautifully for him. He kissed around the globe of her mountains in circles until he arrived at her hardening perky bud.

    "Damn_it...Devin... You are making me go_" Her breath caught in again when his tongue licked and swirled over the bud, grazed his teeth over it, and pulled the berry tip into his mouth, and sucked it while his other hand was caressing the other mountain. He pulled back a little and lifted his eyes to look at her before she could process anything more, he sped the other jealous peek that was begging for his attention and does the same sor vigorously until he was satisfied.

    He pulled back before he goes further and regrets it. He doesn''t want to rush and slowly take time and make her get adjusted to their intimate moments.

    He lifted her dress and pressed a kiss on her forehead. "Sleep, darling." He put her under the nket, about to get up to sleep on the couch, she pulled him back.

    "Don''t go." She pulled the nket for him and snuggled on his chest. While he was patting her back, she slowly drifted to sleep.

    ....

    The light of dawn seeped into the room through the see-through curtains while the melodic bird songs stirred from her sleep. Leena opened her eyes and looked around to see a hand circled her waist tightly. Whenst night''s moments flooded into her brain, she blushed hard. When she thinks of doing that to another woman, her face clouded dark. Although she knew, he loves only her, but she would get envious even if a woman stares at him much less slept with him. She made a note to ask how many women he bedded in the past.

    She squirmed a little, but his hand tightened even more. Is he sleeping or pretending to do so? She poked his hand to check if was awake but there was no response on his body.. Watching him asleep, Leena wanted to tell a poem about him.

 Chapter 190 - Suck At Poetry

    Leena''s poetic skills appeared to the surface and before starting the song, she cleared her throat and trailed her fingers over his enthralling face. "My babylicious, why are you so cute?"

    "Roses are red

    Violets are blue

    You have too much fructose from head to toe

    Now I can''t even kiss you because I have be diabetic."

    Leena giggled for vining such a beautifulposition but soon it stopped when she heard a deep husky voice.

    "Roses are red

    Violet''s are blue

    you suck at poetry

    You better quit your badry"

    Hearing his voice, Leena widened her eyes in shock. Is he awake all the while?

    Devin groggily opened his eyes not able to hear her poesy and gazed at her face as fresh as daisies. "Did you start with your crazy feasts in the morning?" He pulled her to his embrace whenst night''s activities surged into his brain. This was the first time they have be intimate and he was not sure if she enjoyed it or not. He made a note to ask about it.

    "It''s not crazy, dear babylicious. I am a born poet."

    The irony is she doesn''t even ask for an opinion. What can he say when she is always full of herself?

    "Honestly, the spring poem which I have heard in the DewGarden is better than what I listened to today." He grumbled but that did not go unheard by Leena. "What is that? Spring ising? Winter is going_"

    "Am I hearing? You were in the DewGarden park on that day?" A surprise was apparent on her face. So, the first time they meet was not in the bathroom?

    "Yes, my dear sweet girl." Devin squeezed her cheeks. "And I even saw your fighting skills."

    "Was I great?" She asked, excited for his opinion. Now, I can build another story instead of waterfalls.

    "I am proud of you, Leena. Even in fear, you will never lose strength. Your uniqueness, your craziness, everything about you amaze me. You are just you." Hispliment was genuine and she is a one-piece treasured gift in the eyes of Devin.

    "Thanks a bunch, babylicious." She sheepishly epted and nestled closer to him. Both were enjoying their morning moments when a phone call interrupted them. Without breaking from the hug, Devin grabbed his mobile and lifted the call and the smiling face he had before has turned dreary.

    Leena curiously heard Devin talking over the phone and the more she heard, the more she felt his voice reeling back. Who has made him lose his temper in the morning?

    Once he ended the call and seeing her curious gaze, his usual smile returned not to scare her. "Get ready. I will drop you in the office."

    "Are you going somewhere?" She asked. She did not want to probe him but curiosity killed her.

    "Seattle. I have a meeting today." Devin simply stated without going into further details.

    "Okay." She nodded her head. The ce brought lots of memories. A painful one''s at first and as if she has tasted bitter for a long time, everything became sweet when he crashed into her life. Brushing the thoughts aside, Leena got up to get ready. As she went, Devin gazed outside with no expression on his face.

    Once getting ready, Leena and Devin stepped down the stairs, and after the heartful breakfast, before leaving, she made a promise to Eve that she would visit the home often while grandfather Arthur shamelessly asked to bring a gift for his uing birthday.

    Devin drove her to the office. Since they have already announced the rtionship, Leena wanted to drag him to the office to show off to that gossip Mandy but she skipped the option when he has to travel to Seattle and it eats up a lot of time. "When are youing back?" She probed. She remembered thest time when he went, he has taken a week and a disaster happened.

    "Fret not, darling. I will be in front of you, tonight." He reassured. Leena hummed in reply and hugged him for onest time before stepping down the car.

    Only when Leena left the ce, he started the car to have a meet with the person.

    ...

    The enormous room was exceptionally silent except for the clock''s ticking sound. A man sitting in the room was getting impatient by each second for keeping him waiting. Just then a man entered the meeting room but the person he expected to see was not the one he wanted to see.

    "Do you want any_"

    "Quit your formalities, Mr. William Akers. I am not here to listen to your pomposities. How long it takes for him to arrive." His voice had a mocking edge as he spoke. It was not only an insult to the person but he was also insulting thepany. "Doesn''t yourpany follow timings?"

    "You are ahead of the meeting, Mr.Davies." He politely said. He is not able to withstand his temper but still, he did not voice out. "We still have one more minute left for the meeting and our executive_"

    Just then the sound of footsteps echoed into the meeting room and William halted his words all of a sudden. "He has arrived and I must say, he is always on time, unlike others."

    Ethan gritted his teeth in vex. It was clear that he was mocking him but he kept his thoughts aside for now when he has been anticipating meeting the person who has been advising Wang Industries to reach the pinnacles. Although he hase here for a meet, he was silently nning to poach him to his side even if he demands billions. Money did not matter to him for he can acquire it through one single project. When the door was pushed open, except for his breathing, he couldn''t hear anything. Ethan eagerly looked up and when he was the man, there was only a ck expression on his face.

    "I hope I am on time for the meeting, Mr.Davies." Devin strolled into the room authoritatively.

    The familiar voice made his senses go numb for the moment. Ethan was stunned to the core. Was he seeing things? Why is his enemy, Wang Devin, standing in front of him? He had the sources told that Devin is just a board member in thepany. Had hee here purposefully to have a fight knowing that I am here?

    "I am here to only meet the financial advisor and I purposefully stated in the mail and your CEO has agreed to it." Ethan turned his attention to William and spoke up. His voice was gravelly trying to control his temper.

    "Well, you are right Mr.Davies and the person sitting in front of you is the sole advisor of the Wang industries." William enunciated each word.

    Ethan''s face turned pale as if a bombshell was dropped, his body turned stiff.

 Chapter 191 - Unleash The Beast

    Ethan was already in terrible spirits when the photos and videos of Devin and Leena were leaked by the media which has constantly inmed him.

    Now, the revtion that Devin is the face behind the Wang industry''s sess was making his body go violent and he is trying to keep his emotions in check to hold back the screams of frustration that was ready to burst out. He couldn''t digest this thought at any cost. He has snatched everything from his life and now Leena also.

    Devin''s smile was malicious, a tricky flicker passed over his face and it was hard to decipher what he was thinking of the moment. He signaled William to take his leave since it''s a one-on-one meeting and business is not his sole purpose for today. He doesn''t want outsiders to know about it. William excused himself and walked out of the room leaving them alone.

    Devin also has a hunch that the moment Ethan saw him, he would have forgotten about the business if he had seen their photos on the inte. He has been keeping an eye on Ethan from the day he got to know about the rtionship Leena shared with him. He doesn''t know what happened in the past until Leena tells but what bothered him was, Ethan is still not over his sweetheart and it was ringing warning bells in his head. He is here to settle some ounts

    "Sit down, Mr. Davies. You don''t need to be so polite. After all, we have known each other for quite a long time. Perhaps, former times." His voice wasced with travesty when he spoke.

    "Unfortunately, I don''t share the same sentiments as you, Mr. Wang." Ethan seethed. He would never ept him as his cousin even if the gods descend to the earth.

    "You should rethink the idea." He simply stated asionally gazing at his phone for notifications from Leena and his mood dampened when she did not reply.

    "Pluton project was your doing?" Ethan asked. Now it is making sense why the Wang family has butted in. Earlier it was Wilbur and now he started. Leena might have told about their rtionship. How much did she tell? Did they be close to each other? He has many questions but no one would tell the answers.

    "You still don''t have strong connections, Mr. Davies. Just one hour I needed to pull out your strings."

    "What are you trying to infer?" Ethan''s line of mouth tightened a fraction more watching Devin''sposed demeanor and it always irks him. One of the main reasons, he hates Devin more is his calmness. He always finds calmness in the chaos which is exactly opposite to Ethan. They would end up in fights in the school.

    "You know what I am inferring" A smile crept over his face.

    "Are you jealous that I would take away Leena from you?" He chuckled amused by the thought that finally, Devin has got something to fear about.

    "Correction. I am not jealous. I am a territorial man." Devin rectified. "Jealous is when you want something that''s not yours. I am simply protecting what''s mine."

    "Does she know what sort of person you are? You are a_"

    "You are worse than a man in my eyes." He spat out.

    Ethan''s breath grew thin and ragged. These were the words hest heard from someone he loved dearly and it haunted him for year''s and now hearing the same words from his enemy, he wanted to punch him. "Watch what you speak, Devin!"

    "The day you raised a hand on her, you are no longer a man." There was a pain in his voice when he spoke. Twice she shared her past with him and both times, it was a bitter memory. If not she let her guards down on that drunken night, he wouldn''t have known that she was abused. He didn''t know who it was before, now everything is vivid.

    How did he know? Did Leena tell everything to him already? Ethan snickered looking at his hands.

    "Listen." Ethan took a deep breath before he continued. "It was a misun_"

    "I don''t want to hear your exnations. I am here to give a crisp warning." Devin continued. "I am not going to stay silent if youy a finger on her. Don''t unleash the beast within me. Perhaps you have always seen my calmness. Try unleashing the beast in me. I lose control this time, you cannot withstand the storm."

    Devin''s every word left Ethan in shambles. His sole purpose was to warn Ethan today that he would not give Leena to him and he is there to protect her.

    Although Ethan was in a rage, he did not want to lose his fight against him. He couldn''t control his anger and in a frenzy, he spoke up. "What about you? What if you try to hurt her? What if the one you loved during your childhoodes back? Do you still love her the same?"

    Devin was about to leave but halted his footsteps hearing the words. Loved another one? Why is everybody thinking in the same way? Even Wilbur has stated that he confessed something in a drunken state. But he can''t remember anything like that. Or did I forget an important fragment in my life? But right now he doesn''t want to dwell on it since he has Leena and hurting her was thest thing he wants.

    "I have never loved anyone. My present and future are only her." He stated without any expressions before walking out.

    Ethan scoffed at the retiring figure. Even he would have thought that Devin has not loved anyone. He has been seeing him for a long time but there was no scandal or he was not in a rtionship. But when he saw a love letter he has written for someone when they were in school, he had a little skepticism from then.

    It was not intentional but he stumbled upon them on that day.. But there was no mention of the name in the letters.

 Chapter 192 - Letters And Pictures

    Devin left the meeting room in haste but all the while his mind was fluttering over Ethan''s words. He is unable to connect the dots that Wilbur and Ethan were inferring because he has a crisp collection of his memories. He never had an ident to forget his memories. He even remembers his childhood memories crisp and clear. He brushed off the thoughts aside when his head throbbed in pain just like a few days back and straight away went to the office room. Soon, William entered the room with a file.

    "Ethan left the office." He answered putting a file on the table.

    Devin simply nodded before replying. "Check the proposal of Daviespany and if it is good, rmend it to dad. He will take care." Having said that, he got up from the seat to leave for the day.

    "Alright." William nodded. Then why did hee to thepany if he wanted his dad to intervene? Did they both fight in the room?

    "Are you leaving already, Devin? I have seen the news of your rtionship status and I am very happy for you."

    "Thank you, uncle." Devin genuinely thanked him with a smile.

    "When is the wedding then?" William asked.

    Devin didn''t know how to answer the question. The thought of marriage didn''t cross his mind and he is yet to propose to her officially. "We have just started our rtionship and haven''t yet talked about marriage." He doesn''t know if Leena would agree to marriage right away.

    "Good decision. Enjoy your life before marriage." He whined in a low murmur.

    "You are telling as if you are not enjoying your marriage life now," Devin remarked. Even Wilbur tells the same thing despite his love for Jane.

    "Let me tell you a fact, Devin. After marriage, only one person is always right in the home and the other person is the husband." William stated, remembering his wife''s torments. Before marriage, he always used to carry a bunch of roses in his hand and going behind his wife and after marriage, he was running behind the supermarkets to get the bunch of vegetables

    "Well, I can rte it now itself." Devin chuckled. Even before marriage, Leena warns him that she is the one who is going to wear pants in the home. When she got to know that he was the one who sponsored Leah''s and Austin''s honeymoon, she diced him until he promised that he would not waste money on unnecessary things. Remembering her, he missed her already.

    "I am off to go." Devin bid goodbye and walked out of the office.

    ...

    When the flightnded in New York, it was already evening. Devin neither went to the office nor to see Leena. He called Francis for his avability and straight away drove to heacis home. Although Francis informed him to visit when he was free, Devin was impatient to know the truth. What''s so secretive that he warned not to tell Leen the verity.

    Right when he walked into the house, he was greeted by the housekeepers, Caleb and Grace. Despite he was born into a rich family, Devin treated everyone equally.

    "Francis is waiting for you in the study room," Caleb replied.

    "Thank you." Devin walked upstairs and pushed open the door of the study room where Francis was deeply engrossed looking over something with interest.

    "Looks like you are very curious," Without lifting his head, Francis asked.

    "I am not curious, France. I am desperate to know. Anything rted to Leena is my top priority." Devin''s rationale earned a smile on Francis''s face. Indeed, Francis expected it from him.

    "Sit down." He continued looking into the file. "I will quickly finish reading this."

    "What''s so interesting that you have been concentrating on that paper from the time I arrived?" Devin asked with curiosity and peeked into it.

    "It seems that crazy brat got a dream recently and she wants her story to be produced into a movie." Francis handed the manuscript to Devin which Leena has sent today. "And she chose me as a scapegoat for sponsoring the movie."

    As Devin read the story, his head started hurting. Slicing the tree vertically and killing a person with grape? That''s wild. She must have lots of aspirations. "Along with producing a movie, you might have to start an awardpany also."

    "I bet she woulde up with that soon." Francis shook his head and closed the file powerless to read it anymore. If this is produced into a movie, he would be called insane just like her. "Let''s go. I have to put a stop to it for now." Having said that, Francis got up from the ce.

    "Can''t we talk here?" Devin asked. What''s so serious that he is refused to talk when only he is around.

    "Before that, I have to show something." Francis''s face grew momentarily serious.

    Devin did not speak, silently followed Francis and when they both entered the bedroom, Francis pushed a curtain that was hanging close to the wardrobe. A beautifully wooden crafted design in ebony was engraved to the wall. For others, it''s just a design but only he knew it leads to a secret room. Since Leena wanders into his bedroom now and then for some stuff or sometimes acts as a detective searching for things, he was afraid that she would stumble upon something which she shouldn''t see. So, he has secretly hidden everything in a safe ce.

    Both of them entered the void where a huge vault was put in the room. Francis marched forward and keyed in the password. He took the document case where an umpteen number of letters and pictures were loaded in it and ced it in front of Devin.

    "Open it." Francis urged him to unfold it.

    "What is this?" Devin asked in confusion.

    "Open it, you will know," Francis stated.. He wanted to see whether he would get the same reaction as he experienced when he first received them.

 Chapter 193 - Psycho

    Stacks of letters and pictures were scattered in front of him. Every part of him went into a pause while he tried to catch his thoughts. Almost robotically, his hands raised and picked the pictures from the table, his eyes as still as a mannequin. There were graven images of Leena as if she was an object of worship.

    A sudden dread and sense of coldness took over on Devin. As if the cold wind went through him, he picked a letter and read the content written on it.

    [My dear beloved Leena, someone touched your portrait today and I have sliced off his hand. Only I can touch you, right]

    His mood sickened and he picked another letter without finishing it.

    [I have written this letter with my own blood, my beloved, Leena. Only you could make me crazy for you. I promise you, I will soone and take you away from everyone and we will live together happily, Only two of us.]

    Devin threw the letters harshly onto the table. He didn''t want to read those sickly letters anymore. Psycho. The only thought that came to Devin''s mind at the moment.

    "Who is it!" He demanded. His shouting was the result of the inner turmoil. The peaceful environment they had polluted with rage.

    "There is no written address and I don''t know the name." Francis sighed. When he first saw the letters, even he was like a powder keg bursting in anger. He swore once he sees that bastard, he would cut his head off for having sick thoughts on his darling baby.

    "Why didn''t you track the packages? I mean you couldn''t get through a person who delivered it?" Devin frowned, he wasn''t merely raising his voice. He was seething behind it. Bastard. Who the hell is he to im Leena her''s?

    "I caught the people through CCTV. But it''s of no use, Devin," Francis stated. That bastard has deliberately done everything openly challenging them.

    "Why?"

    "All the hired people work only for money and they don''t care anything except for money, even if they want to kill, they would do it without a second thought." He continued. "They don''t have any connections to the main head and they are just executing the task by taking the orders. They wait for the orders, execute them and the money would be delivered to random ces but they don''t see the person. If they dared, they would be killed."

    "You mean like sleeper agents?" Sleeper cells were the ones who go underground, executing special assignments due to their devotion to the country. An organization hires some people, maniptes them ordingly, and uses them for their purposes to kill people for their countries. The irony is that those people don''t have any connection with one another, they don''t talk, or they don''tmunicate. In normal cases, they would work for the country without taking the money. But here they are working for someone. All in all, they are no worse than sleeper agents.

    "We can somehow rte to them," Francis said.

    "When did you start receiving?" Devin asked gazing at the letters with disgust.

    "Three years back."

    "Was it delivered to you directly, instead of Leena?" If Leena has seen them, she would have freaked out.

    "First they were delivered to Leena. She was utterly devastated at that time. Reese contacted me secretly and from then on, she would secretly deliver them to me. So, she doesn''t know." Francis exined. He couldn''t think of her state if it continued. She was slowly recovering from her ident trauma but then an intruder entered to crash her again.

    "That bastard has been sending the packages directly to my office. He is watching every move, Devin. All his men are blended into the crowd likemon people and it''s impossible to trace a clue rted to him. But I am still not sure why he is hiding. What is his motive for not approaching Leena until now but still sending these creepy letters."

    "Watch out. He is smart, intelligent, as sly as a fox. It''s been three years and I couldn''t get any clue of his name or how he looks. We never know when he is going to make a move."

    "If he is cleverer than fox then I am poisonous than a snake. He has to reach my body before he has to touch her." He wouldn''t let him touch a strand of her hair, he has already dered war against him. Even if he is hiding in the other part of the world, he will drag him here.

    "I trust you," Francis patted Devin''s shoulder as if a lump of stress has been relieved, Francis, sighed. For three years, he has been gripping the edge of his life, scared that something would happen to Leena. "I am entrusting her responsibility to you."

    "I will arrange a tight security around her from now." Devin swallowed the anger but it was making him worse ready to explode.

    "Okay," Francis nodded. Even he has arranged tight security who are working in shadows but still he is scared of the person. Who is going to be his first target to take Leena away? He shuddered at the thought.

    "Leena would be alone, I will take my leave." Wordlessly, Devin strolled out not before taking the letters and pictures. He wanted to look more into them if he can get any clue in the letters.

    ..

    The moment Devin reached home and before he keyed in the password, Leena opened the door and stood in front of him with a broad smile. "Devinnnnnn...I miss you." She jumped on to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

    "I missed you too." He whispered patting her back. Leena released herself from the hug when something was poking behind her back and looked at the package curiously. "What is it? Did you bring a dress for me" Her smile amplified and before she tried to grab it, Devin pulled back.

    "No." He leaned his forehead and poked her nose against his. "It''s a file of the new project which I have to study." Leena did not probe into it further since it was project rted.

    "Okay." She added. "Get fresh. I will reheat the dishes."

    He half nodded and went to the bedroom. After dinner, Devin was scanning a file rted to the project while Leena was lying on his chest ying a game on her mobile. With one hand, he was caressing her head slowly. Despite he was looking into the file, his mind was drifting to Francis''s words. He wanted to tell Leena but not until he gets clear information on that person. If he tells her how creepy that man is, she would get frightened.

    "Leena, can I ask you a question?" Devin wants to start with her for any hint. Even if the slightest hint, it would be useful. Three years back she started her modeling career. So, by chance, if the person has seen her and obsessed with her during that time?

    "Yes, babylicious. Anything for you."

    "Have you ever met a phsyco?"

    "I am meeting every day." She giggled.

    "I am serious here."

    "Okay. I am serious now. As far as I remember, I haven''t met any. But why are you asking all these things now? Did something happen?" She looked at him with skepticism

    "I am just curious." He smiled. "Forget those. You haven''t told me the ces you traveled for shoots from the time you started modeling." He shifted the topic not to sound so deliberate.

    "That''s a big list."

    "I will listen, sweetheart."

    "Okay. Here you go." With that Leena started telling him about the ces she traveled.. Quietly he listened and made a note of all the ces to try his luck, if he was lucky he would get some clue if he searches the people around her.

 Chapter 194 - New York

    Leena was tired of detailing all the ces she visited for three long years. "I feel like my cheeks have thinned, Devin. I am going to stop now."

    "I am sorry for that darling. Now you can sleep happily." He whispered pulling the nket up to her chin but Leena tossed it aside. Unexpectedly, she remembered a thing she wanted to discuss with him and instantly got up from the bed. "I forgot to show you an important thing."

    "What is it?" He turned his attention to her, throwing the file aside.

    "You need to close your eyes for that."

    "If it is something about banana again, I don''t want to see." He stubbornly declined.

    "Don''t insult my baby bananas," Leena pursed her lips into a pout. "Just close your eyes, idiot. You are wasting time."

    "Alright." The moment Devin closed his eyes, Leena scurried off to another room and in a jiffy, she appeared in front of Devin with a case in her hand.

    "You can open your eyes, now." Leena opened the box, with a smile, she raised the picture to his eye level. "Ta-da." Like a child, she squealed when he opened his eyes and looked a the picture.

    He attentively gazed at the picture where a girl was sitting next to the boy. The boy is certainly him but the girl...

    Leena''s mood turned sour seeing hisplicated expression. So, he doesn''t remember at all.

    "Is this kid you?" Devin was a little wary about it. The features of the little girl looked simr to Leena but he was still not certain. He doesn''t want to slip his tongue until he was sure.

    "You finally realized?" Leena studied his face with mocking eyes. "It''s you and me in the picture." She barked.

    Devin was not able toprehend whether he was seeing or hearing things. He grabbed the photo and looked at the picture where he was kissing Leena on the cheek. We knew each other since we were little? So, this is what dad told him on that day? Even fates brought us together?

    "Don''t you remember us, Devin? You must be around six years when the pictures were taken." Leena asked again hoping that he might have recalled it at least now. Since she was so small and doesn''t remember, she wanted to hear their stories. How Devin was coaxing her when she was crying? She could have asked aunt Eve but hearing from Devin would be a thrilling experience.

    "I_I_" Devin sputtered unable toe up with an excuse. When he was four, he remembered the day his dad bought a remote car and he even remembers his grandfather''s gift when he was five. To hold Leena''s hand and kiss her on the cheek, he must be close to her. But why can''t he remember anything about her? Nothing was making sense to him.

    "I can''t recall, Leena." With a sigh, he confessed with a downcast look, and Leena''s trances shattered again.

    Seeing the sullen look on her face, he pulled her closer and whispered. "I am sorry, darling. I will ask dad or mom about our stories and I will tell you all the naughty things we did in our childhood."

    "Do you think I can''t ask them by myself?" Leena barked at him. She was mad. Every time, she asks him, his reply would be the same. He did not hit his head anywhere but why can''t he remember things? He has no idea why he likes photography and he doesn''t even know why he named his private jet Raven. Leena wondered how he has been named as one of the highest IQ people. He has taken several IQ tests and received the highest scores but doesn''t remember the crucial things in his life.

    "I am sleepy. Good night." She muttered and went under the nket. She doesn''t have any mood to talk with him now.

    "Are you mad at_"

    Before he could finish hisst words, she covered her face fully and turned to the other side.

    She started the cold war!

    "If I bring her a dress, she would jump and kiss me." He grumbled under his breath and went into the other room where he has hidden the papers and pictures that he brought earlier.

    ''It''s not safe to put it in this home. I have to transfer them somewhere where Leena can''t see." He opened the letters and studied but there was no clue about them. Just then he received a message and opened it to see it was from Kurt.

    [KW: I aming back to New York permanently ]

    [Vincy: What made you change the decision suddenly]

    [Kurt: To catch Elysian]

    Catch Elysian? Why did he think that Elysian is in New York? Devin wondered.

    ....

    A few hours before...

    Leaning on his chair, Kurt closed his eyes trying to think of the possible ways to solve the puzzle. For the past two months, his thoughts would always drift to the puzzle except when he was working on a case. He used to watch crime movies in the free time but now the time has been upied by that bastard. Abruptly, he got up and banged his hand on the table in anger. "Just you wait, bastard. I will put you under the bars one day for torturing me."

    Kurt stopped cursing when he received a message.

    [Sylvia: Can you pick my daughter at school and drop her home? My husband is out of the station and I am at the fieldwork. I can''t reach in time if I start now]

    [Kurt: Okay]

    Kurt didn''t have work for the moment, so, he drove to the school and waited for Sylvia''s daughter sitting in the car. When he heard a knock, he lifted the door and smiled at the girl.

    "Lately you have be a busy body, Kurt baby. You don''t visit home at all."

    "That''s why I have made time for our little summer today." He ruffled her hair and opened the door for her.

    Once they reached the home, Summer insisted Kurt stay until her mom arrives. Since she didn''t have any work, Kurt agreed.

    "Wait for a while. I will bring some snacks." Summer dashed throwing her backpack on the couch.

    Kurt slumped on the chair and grabbed the piece of paper from his wallet which he always carries with him. Not before a minute he started, he got a call and went out of the house to take it.

    Just then summer came and looked for Kurt but he wasn''t there except a piece of paper lying on the table. "It seems to be a puzzle." Being an enigma zealot, she would hunt for puzzles.

    But the code seemed very tough even for a puzzle lover like Summer. What could it be? Summer grabbed a pen and began formting permutations andbinations with the puzzle.

    [CRO2RH03SN030BE]

    At first, she couldn''t understand anything but the more she looked at the line, the more she felt familiar with the words.

    CRRHSNBE02...

    She strikes off the line and thought of another method and wrote lines after lines until she was satisfied. Finally, when she rearranged, summer was shocked.

    CR(02) RH(O3) SN(03) BE(0)

    "OMG! Chromium, Rhodium, Tin, and Beryllium. They are chemicalpounds." Summer squealed in excitement.

    "CR(02)is chromium dioxide, Chromium with two molecules of oxygen. CR''s atomic number is 24, and the two molecules of oxygen would sum it up to 16 and the total would be 24+16 which is equal to 40. RH03 total atomic value would be 69, SN03 would be 74 and 0BE would be 20" Summer calcted the atomic number of all thepounds and wrote the final answer in the paper.

    [40 69 74 20]

    "But it doesn''t make any sense. It''s just random numbers."

    Just then Kurt entered ending his call and when he saw Summer holding the paper, he dashed towards her and grabbed it.

    "You shouldn''t_"

    His thoughts halted when he saw the calctions in the paper."D_id you solve this, summer?"

    "Yeah. But I don''t think there is a connection_"

    "I have seen these numbers somewhere," Kurt interrupted. Where did I see? They seem familiar.

    Just then Sylvia entered the house and looked at Kurt seriously analyzing the puzzle again.

    "Can''t you keep that puzzle for_"

    "Quickly bring the map, Sylvia." He sted at her giving no room for talks.

    "O_kay." Can''t he see it on his mobile? Even then, Sylvia went into the study room and brought the map.

    Kurt scanned the map attentively. Being a civil servant, he solved many cases and he felt that the numbers are rted to a ce.

    And he found it.

    He grabbed the pen and circled the coordinates around a particr ce. The numbers perfectly sit well with the puzzle except for thest number.

    He reanalyzed the puzzle and made slight adjustments.

    "0BE: Beryllium''s atomic number is 4 and if Ibine it with 0 it would be 04. The final result would be 40 69 74 04."

    That''s it. They are thetitudes and longitudes of a ce he highlighted on the map.

    "Statue of Liberty''s coordinates," Sylvia eximed with a gasp.

    "New York," Kurt was amazed by the result. Indeed, Elysian has lived up to his expectations. Two levels he has to decode to get the clue of his where abouts.

    "Is this what he is trying to tell? Elysian is in New York. He was telling me to catch him in New York." Kurt''s happiness knew no bounds. He finally found the traces of his enemy.

    "Thanks a lot, Summer. You were a great help today." He hugged the girl and walked out of the house in a frenzy.

    Right when he entered the car, he messaged the director in charge of the New York field''s office.

    [Marianee: Does my offer still holds?]

    [Kurt: It''s always a yes]

    [Marianne: I will meet you at the New York office soon]

 Chapter 195 - Bons Mots

    Devin didn''t understand the reason for Kurt''s animosity towards Elysian. She has aided him in many unsolved cases but still, Kurt chose to me her because Leena has hurt his ego. He wanted to see his face in case if he finds that Leena is Elysian but that would never happen. He can never find her even if hees to Newyork. Shaking his head, he went back to the bedroom picking up the letters along with him.

    Leena was fast asleep in the bed but her position was ''decent'' enough to impose dirty thoughts in Devin''s mind. Her nket was tossed aside, her arms and legs were spread apart. His senses went into a wanton to unlock her badly with his key. Only when Leena stirred and rolled to the other end, he was imported to this world and cleared his racy mind.

    He walked towards the bed and pulled the nket up to her chin. To sleep without any worry and vignce in the presence of a man, meant a lot. She trusts him wholeheartedly. With a smile, he kissed her forehead and went back to the couch. Watching her peaceful face, he drifted to sleep.

    ...

    Morning arrived, Leena woke up while Devin was still sleeping. She got fresh, cooked breakfast, and penned messages on the sticky notes, and glued them at the ces where Devin could recognize with a single nce.

    Due to exhaustion, Devin woke upte in the morning and he neither got a glimpse of Leena''s Silhouette nor listened to her voice. He hastily checked all the rooms but he found her nowhere in the house. He instantly called one of the keepers and he was relieved when they informed him that she is in the office safe. When he went to the kitchen freshly showered, he saw notes glued everywhere, kitchen countertop, refrigerator, oven, the list went on.

    [Reheat the breakfast dish if you want to eat]

    [I am going to the office. You don''t need to pick me. FY, I have my own car]

    [Last but not least, I hate you for today]

    "Madam has started a silent war?" He grumbled and ate the tofu chorizo she made which is his favorite dish. Even in anger, she made his favorites. He can''t imagine she is throwing tantrums just because he didn''t recognize her in their childhood photos.

    "Challenge epted, sweetheart. Let me see how many days you are going to continue this game."

    ....

    Days passed and it was the weekend already. Leena made a n to go shopping to buy dresses since she has to attend two events. One is her grandfather''s birthday and the other is her dad''s daughter''s birthday.

    It''s been five days, Leena and Devin were conversing through those sticky notes and neither Devin nor Leena made a move to break the silence. Right now both were sitting opposite, each having a box of sticky notes next to them. It has be their means ofmunication.

    "Are you ready, Leena?" Reese''s scream echoed into the room followed by the person.

    "Even neighbors have to brush their teeth and get dressed hearing your loud voice, Reese Allen," Leena yelled at her friend.

    "Then I am doing productive work even today." Reese giggled and nced at the notes. These two are still fighting? She cursed at herself for cultivating a crush on Devin. She never thought he would act so childish just like Leena. Her childhood crush was better than him. Remembering him, she sighed. It''s not good to dwell in his thoughts when he already has someone in his heart.

    "You are alreadyte by an hour. Let''s go." Leena got up and nced at Devin and she instantly got furious that he is not even bothered that she is leaving for the whole day.

    She grabbed Reese''s hand and before she stepped out of the house, Leena heard his voice. She turned around but to her end, he did not even look at her. He was ncing at Reese.

    "She gets cold easily. Don''t let her drink the water outside." Devin spoke up and handed a water bottle to Reese.

    "He has been eatingte in the night for the past few days and spoiling his health. Tell him not to stayte in the office, Reese." Leena uttered without looking at him.

    "It''s her fault that I amingte. Tell her clearly."

    "He is the one_"

    "Quit your bons mots." Reese interrupted in the middle getting vexed. "Don''t bring me in the middle of your fights."

    Both realized they were being childish again and stopped it.

    "I am sorry, Reese." Leena held her hand and went out of the room before giving onest re.

    Reese and Leena went to the buzzing shoppingplex and for the whole day, both were engrossed buying the stuff. Leena arrived with the thought of buying two dresses but ended up with almost twenty. She never minds buying since she has a record of purchasing hundreds in one single day but she was only concerned about Devin. If he sees all this shopping stuff, he would definitely re up in anger. Not that she is wasting money, but his onlyint was that he is not finding space to put his stuff in the closet.

    "My stomach is rippling inside, Leena" Reese put a stop to Leena''s thoughts. She clutched her stomach powerless to withstand the ache.

    "I told you not to eat the fried foods," Leena said, with a concern filled voice. "Let''s go to a pharmacy and get a pill."

    "Let''s go to the bathroom first," Inhaling a deep breath, she said.

    Nodding her head, she scanned the washrooms and when she saw the board, she double-checked it before entering the bathroom not to let any disaster happen unlike before.

    While waiting in the bathroom for Reese, Leena began ying games. Just then a tall skinny woman entered the room. The moment she entered and saw Leena, she froze, her legs rooted to the ce. Leena was getting ufortable when she sensed someone was staring at her.

    When she looked at the person, she was horrified by what she saw. Anger bubbled up and she bristled with fury. But sheposed herself

    "Shocked that I am standing or surprised to see me alive?" Leena''s voiceced with wry humor as she watched the woman in front of her gape in horror. "Miss Alden?"

    "Sorry. Casey Alden right?"

 Chapter 196 - Nameless Woman

    Terror filled in Casey as she saw Leena standing in front of her. After that ident, there were no traces of her and she assumed Leena has died in that ident until she saw her on the television two years back. From then on, she was gripping her life tightly because she was scared that Leena woulde for her life. But Casey did not meet Leena until today.

    Casey never thought that the one day trip to New York with her friend would turn out to be a catastrophe. She calmed herself and took a deep breath before she spoke up. " Whatever happened five years back was a misunderstanding, Leena,"

    "Misund_"

    "The mistake you and your boyfriend did has put a life in danger and you are calling if a misunderstanding?" It was Reese who spoke up. When she was in the bathroom, she heard a familiar voice from the past and immediately finished her job, and arrived here scared that Leena would be in danger again. " Do you know the pain she endured?" Reese barked at the top of her lungs. She wanted to kill the two-faced woman with her own hands for making Leena''s life living hell.

    "It''s not my mistake that she slipped and fell over the cliff. I did not push her." Casey breathed in for air holding the hem of her dress tightly for strength. "She is the one to be med for not_"

    PAK

    " Not a word from your mouth, bi**h." Reese pped her when her saturation point has reached for this woman. How dare this two-faced shrewd cow use my Leena.

    Casey held her cheek in anguish. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She was alone and bullied by these two women. People who were going in and out of the washroom were looking at Casey with sympathy but none tried to approach her.

    Leena scoffed at Casey''s crocodile tears. Not her Mistake? It was true that she slipped on her own, but she fell on a sheer rock with minor injuries on that night. Despite it was slippery due to heavy rain, Leena tried to climb up but even before she reached the top, she was brutally pushed down by two men.

    That''s when Leena heard a bone-chilling voice that she wanted Leena to be crippled for a lifetime.

    "Look, Leena_"

    Leena cut her off in the middle. "Don''t be delighted that I have not taken my revenge on you and your boyfriend. I don''t want to dirty my handsying a finger on both of you. I am waiting for the karma. You will eventually suffer tenfold pain that you both have given me."

    Leena grabbed Reese''s hand and got out of the room. Until they reached the parking lot, both didnot speak.

    "You should make her life hell, Leena," Reese shouted when they were being alone.

    "I don''t want any more mess up dramas in my life, Reese," Leena said. "Casey and Ethan are thorns in my life which I am desperately trying to avoid."

    "Did you tell Devin about Ethan?" Reese asked in a soft voice.

    " Not yet. I_I am_"

    "I know you are notfortable. But take it slow and don''t keep him in dark. He has to know one day. First, at least tell him that you were in a rtionship with_"

    "I was not in a rtionship with him." Leena contended. She hates that man to the core.

    "Yes, yes. My bad that I forgot that part." Reese quickly exined. Leena bursts out into a fit of anger whenever Reese and Jane call Leena with the name ''Ethan''s ex'' to tease her. Leena alwayses up with an excuse that she dated him for only two months. One month or two months, it was still considered as dating in the eyes of Reese and Jane.

    "Let''s go home." Leena rebuked speeding up the car. She was missing her babylicious already. It''s time to break the silence.

    "Did you wash properly beforeing out of the bathroom?" Leena brought a topic to lighten the atmosphere. The anger she had curbed when Devin''s face popped up in her mind

    "Do you want to smell it?" Reese winked.

    "Dirty girl." She muttered.

    ...

    Even after Leena and Reese left, Casey stood in the bathroom alone, her heart started pounding at an elerated rate even now. She wiped her tears and made a call to her friend. She gave an excuse and immediately returned to Seattle.

    The moment she reached home, she rummaged the cabs in her bedroom until she found a book. She turned pages after pages and found a particr person''s number which she has penned five years back. Taking a deep breath, she messaged the number.

    [Nameless woman: I have met Leena today]

    [Nameless woman: Can you please help me. I might be in danger]

    Casey waited for a while and when she didnot receive any reply, she called up but the number was not reachable just like five years back.

    "Insolent woman. Who are you? You made my life living hell." She threw the mobile in anger. It hurled over and hit the wall with a huge effect. She made a mistake epting that nameless woman''s offer without knowing her identity.

    After she broke up with Ethan and left to pursue her career, she understood his significance.

    Casey was missing him badly and decided toe back for him and she did.

    But Ethan has changedpletely. He was in love with another woman by the time she was back. She tried to get him back into her life by all means but the man didn''t bend.

    At the same time, an opportunity came knocking at the door. A nameless woman whom she has not seen has offered a pact that she would help her in bringing Ethan back into her life. But the price she asked for was huge. She wants Leena in exchange.

    She didn''t know who the woman was and what animosity she held towards Leena but Casey was drowning in Ethan''s love and she epted the offer to teach Leena a lesson. Everything was perfectly nned.

    But she did not expect that Leena would slip and fell from that cliff. Scared that she would get caught, she immediately ran away from that ce without aiding Leena when she desperately needed a helping hand at that moment.

    The next morning Casey did not hear any news and assumed Leena died.. But the thought of taking someone''s life has tormented her every day.

 Chapter 197 - First Kiss

    Twilight chipped in by the time Leena and Reese reached home. Like a cat, Leena slowly opened the bedroom door and peeked at Devin, his fingers danced over the keyboard.

    "He is working even today?" She muttered under her breath and went into the walk-in-closet to arrange the new clothes she brought. Since he was engrossed in the work, Leena believed he did not notice the bags she was carrying. Little did she know, her movements were being watched from the moment she stepped out of the house.

    The safety guard''s he has arranged have informed him she met a woman at the shoppingplex but Devin didn''t want to probe still. Leena is not the one who keeps secrets with herself and if it is important, she would discuss it with him. He should wait for the time.

    Honestly, he wanted to put a stop to her dressing addiction. He knew she woulde home carrying at least twenty dresses and she didn''t disappoint. She shops online every day and as if it is not enough, she drags him for offline shopping every weekend.

    "The phrase born to shop would suit her better." With a sigh, he went back to work.

    ...

    Freshly showered, Leena stepped out of the bathroom in a sexy nightdress. She knew her delicate corbones, and alluring neck would keep him off the track and that''s what she wants tonight.

    The war has begun between his soul and the demons of his mind. His body has be a marite in a puppet show, his strings were slowly drawing out watching her wandering in the room in that thin dress. He knew she is testing his patience. He is on the verge of breaking and on top of it, she started singing a song.

    "Let''s y us a sexy song, while we, we get in, while we, we take it off....."

    Leena slowly walked towards the bed and he assumed it was to talk with him and he immediately turned to face her with a smile. But to his dismay, he bent down as if she was picking something from the floor.

    Thest straw he was holding broke when he saw her dress dipped to reveal her cleavage. His heart made his blood gusty and it was jumping to press his lips into those bustling peeks. He threw theptop aside and pulled her by the waist.

    "You have sessfully manipted me to break the silence, monster." He pinned her body on the bed and straddled her leaving no room for escape.

    "S_top tickling me, you beast." Leena wheezed, tears trickled down her face. Sheughed taking

    deep breaths at the tickling sensation when his hands roamed over the sensitive parts of her body.

    "I am yet to start your punishment." He muttered. "You dare to start a cold war for the whole week."

    "Wasn''t it your fault_"

    She gasped for air when Devin pressed his lips, shoving his hot tongue deeper into the forbidden area, slow and sensual. He pulled back from the kiss which did notst for even a minute, unusual of him. He muttered avoiding her stricken gaze when he remembered a certain person."All I was wondering, was he probably different than me?"

    Instantly, he pressed his lips wishing those words shouldn''t havee out of his mouth but it was far toote. He was never a person topare himself with any other man but when ites to her, all hell will break loose. Devin couldn''t look at her deeply affected face. He hastily got up and wordlessly strolled out of the room leaving Leena in mare''s nest.

    "Different than him? Is he talking about Ethan? Does he know about him already?" Leena dashed out of the room and searched all the rooms and finally, she found him standing on the balcony, his eyes gazing at a distance. She quietly approached him and snaked her arms around his waist as her face rested on his back.

    He froze with the sudden seizure. He did not expect Leena woulde looking for him.

    Silence prevailed except the blowing wind caressing her face and his steady breathing. Leena was scared that he misunderstood her while he was feeling guilty for bringing the topic.

    Even if Leena was scared, she already decided to talk about Ethan.

    "Ethan was my senior at the university." Leena broke the silence. "I should have talked to you about him earlier, but_"

    Leena halted powerless to continue further. She never wanted to talk about Ethan but at the same time, she wanted toe transparent about her past.

    Devin unsnarled her hands and turned around facing her. "I am sorry for bringing the topic again."

    "You have every right to know, Devin. I should be the one to_"

    "Don''t me yourself." He whispered resting his forehead against hers. "I got to know about your rtionship with him when we were in Seattle. I know you loved him in the past, he cheated on you and you was not ready for any rtionship back then but you have trusted me. I will never betray you. I will never look at any other woman except you and_"

    All of a sudden, he stopped his words when Leena broke into a fit ofughter.

    "Are you questioning my sincerity?" He yelled. The thought of Leena loving someone else itself was disturbing him and it took him a lot of courage and now she isughing at him.

    "I would never, Devin." She added. "But you have assumed everything wrong."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Who said he cheated on me?" Her smile worked its way across her face all the way to her eyes. She understood Devin has not investigated her past and patiently waiting for her to reveal it.

    "Didn''t he?" He asked in unrest. The way she is supporting him, it looked like she still likes him.

    "I never loved him in the first ce to get cheated."

    She hugged his waist missing his warmth. "I have never felt anything towards him. It''s you always. You are the best thing that happened in my life."

    Devin released himself from the hug and looked at her. Hundreds of questions running on his mind, he was surprised, shocked. If she has not loved Ethan, then he must be her first love. Never he felt vetoing Ethan was an achievement but he is feeling that excitement today.

    "One more thing, you should know," Leena stated.

    "W_hat?"

    "I never kissed Ethan like the way I did with you. In fact, I never kissed him."

    "I don''t need to know it, Leena." Although Devin was on cloud nine, joyous that she never kissed that bastard, he concealed it. He was not a masochist expecting her to be a virgin but right now he was overwhelming with happiness.

    "But I wanted to be honest with you in his matter. I don''t want his topic to be our discussion when we fight in the future."

    "Your man is not so cheap." He rubbed her nose and added. "So, I was your first kiss?" Just now he said, he is not bothered and he is asking again.

    Leena stiffened when she was asked about her first kiss. Did he have to ask that now? Should I tell him the truth that I kissed a stranger or ignore it?

 Chapter 198 - Halfsiblings

    Refusing to open her mouth was putting a second thought on Devin''s brain.

    Without lifting her head, Leena continued to gaze at the floor as if it was the most interesting thing at the moment. How should I tell him that he was not her first kiss? Leena never thought that she would survive the ident. What has gotten into her on that night, she doesn''t know. She was not even in her senses when her knight in shining armor has rescued her. She had cracked bones, blood was dripping from her body, she was barely breathing while he was holding her to his chest providing all the support. He has no rtionship with her, a stranger but still chose to help her. She was whispering into her ear providing her strength and that moment she pressed her lips against his and that''s the only thing she remembered before passing out.

    "Sweetheart, you should not keep mum when I am asking you a question." Devin lifted her chin to meet her gaze. Leena was finding it arduous to look into his eyes.

    "Why does it matter now?" She yelled. "Do you only like virgins?"

    "I am just curious, sweetheart." He chuckled. Now he was sure she has kissed someone other than him.

    Before Devin would probe further, Leena changed the course of the topic. "I heard Ethan is your cousin,"

    ''Did she think that I would leave the matter aside? I know how to get to the bottom of it.''

    For now, even he left the topic aside and focused on her question.

    "How did you know he is my cousin?" Devin asked crossing his arms.

    "I have my ways." She did not want to bring Drew into the subject when she was the one who pestered him.

    "Let''s go inside first. You are wearing almost nothing." He lifted her by the waist and carried her inside effortlessly.

    "Didn''t you drool at my body back in the bedroom?" Leena teased throwing her arms around his neck for support. "Didn''t you like it?"

    "I prefer them on the bedroom floor." He whispered stealing a peck on her lips.

    Leena blushed and buried her face on his chest. Despite she is getting used to his naughty side, she couldn''t help but flush.

    Devin dropped her on the bed and climbed on it and pulled the nket up to her chin.

    "Now tell me your rtionship with Ethan," Leena asked. She was curious about how they ended up as cousins. One is so caring while the other is...she doesn''t want to describe her hatred for him.

    "Mom is from Davies''s family." Devin started.

    "What?" She screamed. "So, aunt Eve and Ethan''s dad are siblings?"

    "Half-siblings." He exined. "My grandmother couldn''t give birth for many years and my scum grandfather married for the second time. So Ethan''s father was born to a second wife. But soon, my grandmother also gave birth but she couldn''t survive due to severe bleeding and infections. Since then mom was alone and she was treated as a bad omen. The Davies family never cared for her. Ethan''s dad was a good person but he never went against his mom. So, he wasn''t much support."

    "I did not know aunt Eve''s family is such a wicked one." Leena felt bad for her. Just because her mom died, did they have to consider it a bad omen? "So, it was an arranged marriage with uncle Fredrick?"

    "No. They loved each other. Dad didnot tell when and where they met and he always tells it is a secret between them" Devin chuckled when he shared the same feelings when he met Leena at the bathroom. "When they were still in love, Davies''s family have arranged a marriage alliance with a man twice the age of her. Mom protested but they did not listen and one-day mom eloped with dad and got married secretly. Since she married without their consent, they have cut off ties."

    "Good that it happened. Aunt Eve is happy in our home. Everybody epts her."

    "Hmmm..." Devin hummed in reply. Everybody epted her except one person but it did not matter since she is not in the family now.

    "I heard you don''t get along with Ethan in the school. Why?" She asked.

    "I have no idea of his animosity, sweetheart. He would always in for fights." He felt that it''s because of Ethan''s mom. Though Devin doesn''t like Ethan, he is pitied for having such a vicious mother.

    "He must be jealous of your looks, babylicious." Leena giggled. "Alright. I am sleepy. Tomorrow, I am taking you to meet my mom."

    "Can we go next week, Leena?" Devin begged, getting all nervous.

    "No. It''s tomorrow and I finalized." Leena stubbornly dered.

    "Fine monster." He sighed and went into the nket pulling her closer.

    ....

    Sun rose softly on the city streets bringing with it a flurry of early morning activities. Leena dragged Devin and both stepped into the car. Since he was feeling nervous, Leena did not let him drive the car. All the way, she wasughing at his nervous state. He reprimanded her for being anxious on the day she was about to meet this family and now he is in the same position as her.

    "You were not nervous while meeting Francy and Meemaw."

    "It''s because I have been seeing them for a long time."

    "You don''t need to get nervous, babylicious. I have shown her your picture and mom likes you already."

    "Thanks for considering sweetheart." With a mock, he added. "Now concentrate on the road."

    "Concentrate on the road." She parroted him and when they reached the destination, Leena grabbed his nervous hand and dragged him to the hospital. When she opened the door of the hospital room, a woman was sitting next to Heather. It was no surprise for Leena.

    "Aunt Eve." Leena waved at her fervently. Seeing his nervous stance, Leena called Evelyn so that he would feel little ease when his mom is around while talking to Heather. Since yesterday night he has been eating Leena''s brain asking if her mom would like him or not.. Finally, she couldn''t bear him and she kicked him out of the bed.

 Chapter 199 - Momish

    Devin did not expect his mom toe here. He was d Leena was so thoughtful and considerate and called up Evelyn. Otherwise, he would have died of nervousness. Did Leena also feel the same when she wanted to meet my family?

    The moment Heather heard Leena''s voice, her eyes sparkled, and looked in the direction of the door. Evelyn signaled the nurse to help Heather into the wheelchair. Recently Heather''s health is almost recovered and she can sit in the wheelchair, walk a little and eat solid food. She is even trying to speak a little.

    "Heather darling! Your son-inw is here." Eve held Heather''s hand gently and cleared her throat to get Devin''s attention when he was standing like a log without moving. Despite Heather''s face was pale and thin, Leena is a replica of her. Beauty doesn''t fall from a tree. It is indeed genes.

    He stood rooted to the floor watching Heather. Only when Leena poked his arm, Devin hurriedly walked and settled in a chair next to Heather. With a nervous face, he smiled at her without talking. Leena and Evelyn facepalmed seeing his stance refusing to speak again.

    "He is a little nervous, Heather." Evelyn aided his son. "So_"

    Heather slightly raised her hand in a stopping gesture while Evelyn instantly shut her mouth. The badass Heather she used to see has surfaced. Leena is the exact mini version of Heather with little cunningness added list. It must be from that Fox since he was the one that raised her.

    "H_ello, Aunty." Devin smiled but Heather didn''t respond.

    Leena and Evelyn suppressed the smiles. It was clear that Heather was giving a little hard time for Devin before epting him. After all, it''s her daughter in question.

    "Aunt Heather? Is that fine?" Devin spoke up. He understood she did not like the way he addressed her earlier. So, he came up with a closer term but even then, she did not acknowledge him.

    "Mom_ish?"

    Finally Heather smiled. Leena and Evelyn breathed in relief.

    "My Heather has approved you, son," Eve added. She knew Heather was just teasing him. When Devin was born, she doted on him and when Leena was born, both friends have decided to patch up these two. If only she was not involved in that ident, their lives would have been different.

    All of a sudden, Devin got up from the chair and knelt on the ground. Holding her hand, he spoke up."I am not familiar with you, aunty. But I am lucky to be your son-inw and thankful that I am getting another friend in you. You might be different from my mom but simr in one way. The love you have for your daughter. I can only say, thanks for bringing her into this world. I will keep loving her unconditionally and safeguard her with my life."

    "T_hank you." A teardrop dropped on Devin''s hand. She was not avable to look after Leena from childhood but still, she grew up to be an excellent girl with morals under Francis''s care. Now, she has got a doting son-inw and she couldn''t ask for more. She can die without any regrets now.

    Heather motioned Leena toe forward and offered Leena a hand to Devin as she spoke. "T_ake c_are of my...."

    "Don''t stress, mom-ish." He reassured her squeezing her hand. "I will take care of her."

    "Cheesy fellow," Leena muttered feeling giddy all over. His confessions have melted not only her mom even Leena to the point her eyes welled again. Where does he learn exactly?

    "Hmmm...He is my son, Leena." Eve proudly gloated. She knew the pain of living in a toxic family. So, she has raised Devin and Adney with love and care. She did not raise a hero but raised and treated him like a son and in turn, he has be a hero.

    "Even my Francy has raised me better." It was Leena''s turn to gloat. Speak of the devil, he doth appear suited at the moment. Leena was just talking about him and Francis entered the hospital room.

    "What a pleasant surprise, Francis. I see you everywhere nowadays." Evelyn teased moving towards him. For some reason, she wanted to heckle him today.

    "It should be my question, Miss Davies." Francis ignored her and turned to Heather. The moment she saw him, she smiled broadly.

    "Thank God she is at least acknowledging you now," Eve whispered with a giggle.

    "I will throw you out of the hospital if you don''t put a stop to your bbermouth today." He whispered. As if they don''t have any other work, both Evelyn and Fredrick keep teasing him. He shouldn''t have allowed her to visit the hospital today or he shouldn''t havee here.

    "What did you do to her to give such a cold treatment before, Francis?" Eve defied his threats and poked him again.

    "How would I know?" He scowled at Evelyn in irritation for throwing questions after questions. After Heather got married to his cousin, she stopped talking with him. Though she would allow him to y with Leena when she was born, she would neither look at him nor talk with him. After her ident, Leena was under his care, and due to his frequent visits to the hospital, she stopped giving the cold shoulder. To Francis''s surprise, she gives a smile when she sees him now.

    "Think_"

    Ignoring Evelyn''s words he went towards Heather and patted her head. "How are you, Heather?"

    "Fine..." She nodded her head, a smile crept over her eyes. "H_ow are_"

    "Don''t stress yourself." He interrupted. "I am doing good. Sorry, I couldn''t visit you due to workload for a whole week. I went to Paris for a conference and has to stay for four days. It was hectic and_"

    "She did not ask all those questions, Mr. Hayes." Evelyn interrupted with a stoic face. "Why do you be a bbermouth when ites to_"

    "What are you implying here?" Francis interrupted with gritted teeth. Did she damage her brain? Why is she targeting me today?

    "I am not implying anything. I am just stating the fact." Evelyn said.

    Francis made a note to teach her a lesson once she is out of the hospital. For now, he has important things to discuss with Heather. "I asked the doctor and they are ready to discharge you after a month. Are you fine staying in the home?"

    "Yay!! Mom is getting discharged." Leena jumped and squealed. She dropped cutting the apples and scurried towards Francis.

    "She has not said yes, brat," Francis frowned.

    "Obviously it''s a yes." Leena turned to her mom. "Right mom?"

    "Hmm.." Heather nodded her head. For two decades, she has been enclosed in four walls and an opportunity to escape, she would dly ept. Besides, she could see her daughter more if she stays in the home.

    "She agreed and she will be staying with me," Leena was in cloud nine. After two decades, her mom is leaving this ce.

    "No." Francis instantly declined. "Your tantrums are not going to work on me. You don''t know how to take care of her. You will have an office every day."

    "Even you have an office."

    "Yes but Caleb and Grace would be in the home to care for her." He added. "If you want, you cane and stay with me." Francis did not leave any room for discussions. It was the only way, he can lure her into staying with him.

    "Absolutely, not." Devin declined. If she stays with Francis, there would be fewer chances for him to be with Leena. Devin is aware of Francis''s jealousy and he cannot let her stay with him. He made a note to persuade his mom-ish to bring her to his home.

    Evelyn sighed. Her son is added to the jealous list now? There would be a war between Francis and him in the future.

    "You can fight outside. Heather needs some rest." Evelyn signaled the nurse to help Heather in putting in the bed.

    "Jealous fellows," Leena muttered and shoved Devin and Francis out of the room.

    ...

    Right, when they got out of the hospital, Leena was about to step into the car but Francis pulled her by the arm.

    "You have to go to the party next week. Do you remember?" He asked.

    "Yeap." She pressed.

    "Did you get a dress ready?" It was a question for formality for he knew she would have got it already.

    "No. Can you buy me one, Francy?"

    "I heard you brought around twenty yesterday. Your shopping addiction has no limits." He reprimanded.

    Leena furiously red at Devin. It must be him. There is no way Francis would have known the exact count.

    "I am not buying any dress." He added. "Time to go.. Bye bye..I leaving home."He has not yet decided whether he should go with Leena or send Devin to the party.. He wanted to use the chance to introduce Devin to Leena but they have got together before that.

 Chapter 200 - Who Are You?

    After conversing with Francis, Leena stepped into the car and jumped onto theiner in a split second. Devin has to hold on to the car steering for support with the sudden incursion.

    "You are not only a copy cat but a kvetch also." Leena straddled and attacked him from the front seat itself. "Comining is also mouth farting. Do you know this?"

    "Well, then I don''t mind hearing from your mouth." He chuckled. He did not intend toin to Francis but it slipped out of his tongue when he spoke with him yesterday night.

    "It''s your mouth, idiot." She bawled remembering the sticky note he has put in the bathroom when they were in Seattle. She can never forget those ten days memories with him.

    "Curb your temper, sweetheart." With one hand, he held her hands, and with the other, he moved the seat all the way back for as much as possible so that she doesn''t hit her back to the steering wheel and knock the gear shifts.

    "Do you have to tell the exact count of my dresses also?" Leena unsped her hands from his grip and pushed his body on to the seat. Like a naive couple, both were fighting inside the car without knowing it has created another meaning to the outsiders. Until they heard a knock on the ss window of the car, they did not stop with theirbats.

    sping her body to his, Devin opened the window slightly and gazed at the curious woman looking at them discreetly. "Yes?"

    ''Who is this Hogle zoo zebra looking at my babylicious with fascination?'' Leena wondered. Leena instantly wrapped her arms around his neck protectively.

    "What do_"

    "I expected a thumping thighs scene when I saw your car shaking." There was a sadness in her voice when she spoke up. "But you were just fighting?"

    Leena: " "

    Augh escaped from his throat as he gazed at Leena. Realization hit her brain and instantly she buried her face into his chest. "Many would have witnessed the scene right?"

    "The possibility is less. Too sad that we are in the parking slot." He whispered into her ear. "Shall we try in the car for real?"

    "Hop in the backseat for more leverage. Both can put your back in action perfectly." The old woman eximed.

    "Please send her away, Devin," Leena muttered. Shameless old woman. Even her Meemaw falls in the same category.

    Not knowing what to exin to the olddy, he gave a double thumbs-up before gliding the window not to put Leena in an embarrassing situation.

    "Leena darling." Devin lifted her chin. "Do you want to try in the back seat?"

    "No." She declined. It would be embarrassing to do it in the car. What if they are caught doing it for real. That would be super depressing.

    "Perhaps in the future?" He asked with a mischievous glint. "Doing it in the car can be adventurous also."

    "Don''t embarrass me, Devin." She whined. "Let''s go home first."

    "I will take that as a yes then." He put her on the passenger seat, buckled the seat belt, and sped the elerator.

    "d that he stopped the topic." Turning beat red, Leena gazed out of the window. They are yet to go all the way and he started imagining doing it in the car.

    ...

    Right, when they reached home, Devin could still smell the strong smell of a concentrated liquid from Leena. For some reason, the smell was disturbing his concentration from the time he went into the hospital today. It''s not that he never smelled it but his senses were rting it to something. He brushed off the thoughts and got down to open the car door for her. There he observed a stain on Leena''s white dress.

    "Where did you get that mark?" He asked.

    When Leena looked down, there was arge sttered mark on her dress right below her bosom. "It must be from the hospital. I bumped into a nurse while stepping down from mom''s hospital room. She was not no careful and dropped a ss bottle and it must have smudged my dress."

    "Oh no. I can''t wear this dress anymore." She sobbed, her emotions broke for the dress. "It''s my favorite dress, Devin. It was brought by you from Korea."

    Leena bbered but he was not giving attention to her huffs. Something was running on his mind which none could decipher. Without any warning, he bent down and pulled Leena towards him, and sniffed the dress.

    "Naughty fellow. What are you doing?" Leena whispered peeking at her sides. They were still in the parking slot and not many were loitering here was an added advantage. Her mind went into gutter thinking of the dirty thoughts that clouded in her mind. Is he putting the thoughts into action right now hearing that old woman''s words? He is quite fast.

    But Devin''s mind was running constantly to one thing. , The smell of the dried stain on the dress was bothering him. He has to confirm if his assumptions are true or counterfeit.

    "I have urgent work, Leena. I will be back in two hours." He lifted his head and gazed at her face as he spoke."Is that fine?"

    "Why so sudden?" Baffled at his sudden shift, she inquired.

    "Nothing serious, sweetheart. Work-rted." He kissed her on the forehead. "Either go to Reese or Uncle Pumpkin''s home if you are bored."

    "Okay." She nodded. Despite, Leena wanted to ask more, she did not probe seeing his uncertainty. He behaves a little differently at times.

    "Let''s go." He said. "I will walk you to the home."

    "I can walk, Devin. I am not a kid." She shook her head at his protective nature.

    "No." But he insisted and went along with her. Only when she is inside the home, he can do his work happily.

    Sending her in, Devin made a call to Reese and asked her to apany Leena until hees home. Then he straight away drove to his home. For almost a month, he would rarely visit his home except when he needed any important files but still, it was very well maintained by the trusted hirelings.

    He strolled into the private space and opened the locker where he filed the letters which Francis received from an unknown person. He carefully opened each letter and sniffed it once, twice to confirm.

    From the day, he got the letters from Francis, he has tried all the ways to get the possible clues from them but nothing hit his brain until today.

    Even the most intelligent person is bound to make mistakes and that is what the anonymous person has done. The smell. The smell of a drug was proof that he works in the medical field. Even if he washes away, the smell of drugs would linger on a person working in the medical field.

    He could smell them in most of the letters except the letters written in red. The smell of the blood has suppressed the smell of medicines. One thing was clear, he is a professional.

    But what is the reason for him not to show up? Devin has already announced his rtionship with Leena and he was certain that he might have seen the news. He must be keeping a tab on Leena up to date. Then why didn''t he show up? He should have made his first move by now but haven''t. Without knowing anything about the opponent, Devin can''t make a move. One wrong move, Leena''s life would be at risk.

    There was no expression on his face as he gazed at the dartboard standing in the room. "Who are you?"

    "A nurse?" He picked up a dart and threw it into the board. A pro in shooting sports who never missed the bullseye. But the dart has hit the outer ring of the board this time. He missed the target.

    "Wrong presumption." A mere nurse doesn''t have a wide range of connectivity to the point of masking the identity for three years. There is more to know about him.

    "Science Professor?" He threw another dart and it hit the triple ring. Again a wrong assumption. Not a match to his profile. Not always they are in theb. He must have met Leena somewhere. If he keenly looks into three years of her history, there is a chance to know about him.

    "Doctor?" He threw another dart as a thought entered his mind. It hit the treble ring in the dartboard. There is a chance he might have disguised his identity and working in the hospital close to Aunt Heather to have ready ess to Leena. It could be possible. If he makes a thorough check on the hospital, he could get the clue. But Devin''s gut feeling was telling him he is not a doctor.

    "Who are you?"

    "Chemist? Scientist?"

    He threw another dart and it straight away hit the double bullseye on the dartboard wlessly.

 Chapter 201 - Crayons

    Since Devin was not in the home to spend time, Leena went into uncle Pumpkin''s home along with Reese. It''s been a long time since all the three had spent quality time together and finally, they got a chance to gossip.

    "I have a question for you, Uncle Pumpkin" Leena started. "In the future when you die, what unique thing do you want people to do in your funeral while your coffin is being dropped six feet below."

    "I wish the bouquet on my coffin to be thrown into the crowd to see who is next." He replied casually.

    The first time William made love to him, he told even the coffin cannot separate them from being together. That''s when the hots for each other started. Recalling the memory, Uncle Pumpkin blushed beet red, and the urge for a naughty naked dance with William intensified.

    "A very unique one." Leena tipped her head back andughed loudly at his witty reply.

    "Indeed, Leena dear." He scurried towards Leena and whispered in a low voice that even Reese couldn''t hear. "I am curious about one thing."

    "What is it?" Leena spoke up in a whisper.

    "Did you guys do it?"

    "Why are you so concerned about it?" She peeked at Reese who seems to be engrossed in her mobile. Rather than me and my babylicious, he seems to be more anxious about it.

    "We have released a new vor in thepany. Butterscotch. Wanna try it? I will give it for free as a trial." He muttered. It was specially made from medical silica crystal material which is very safe and toxic-free. Added with raised dots for extra stimulus tost long, they are standing number one in the industry now and theirpetitor Eighth heaven is simmering in anger.

    Leena pressed her lips in frustration. Butterscotch? Is there a food product he hasn''t utilized until now? Butterscotch lovers would sure quit eating when they learn about it.

    "Your birth certificate would be an apology letter from your own condom factory if you keep irritating me talking about those weird vors."

    The threat worked and Uncle Pumpkin instantly shut his mouth.

    "Go and enforce it on your new manager." Leena got up and strolled out of the room angrily.

    "What happened to her?" Reese put down her mobile and looked at the exiting figure.

    "I denied giving her butterscotch and she is angry with me." Uncle Pumpkin barked. Did Leena know about my affair with the manager also? Damn you, William. I am going to kill you today.

    Reese: " "

    Leena doesn''t like butterscotch.

    ..

    Cursing the person for always chattering about the kinky stuff, Leena pulled herptop to watch a cartoon show. Not before she watched an episode, Devin was back.

    "What''s up, Orthodox saint?" Devin asked the moment he walked into the bedroom.

    "You are back, babylicious?" She threw theptop and dashed towards him happily. "What do you want to eat for dinner?"

    "Grandfather called up and I had dinner at home. So, you don''t need to stress yourself."

    "There is no stress. I enjoy doing it for you," She smiled that reached over her eyes. "What was so urgent that you left in a hurry?"

    "I will tell you when the timees." It''s not yet the time for Leena to know the truth. "But you have to be a little careful around strangers."

    He is talking as if someone is out for my life. Lately, Leena saw him conversing with Francis secretly. I have to find what these two are up to. Nheless, she doesn''t want to sound suspicious to him and she simply nodded her head. "Okay."

    "Good girl." Pushing her body upwards, he lifted and carried her to the bed. All the while, Leena talked about Uncle Pumpkin''s witty talks and soon dozed off in his arms.

    ....

    Days passed and finally, the day hase Leena has to attend the party Max Hayes is throwing for his daughter''s birthday.

    "Woah! This dress is gorgeous." Reese eximed as soon as she saw Leenaing out of the walk-in-closet in a gorgeous red off-shoulder sexy prom gown that stopped before her knees. It fitted very well emphasizing her arcs.

    "Of course Miss Allen. Anything looks good on the great Leena.." Shezilymented.

    Reese sighed. She started again.

    "I am ready. Let''s go." Leena sped Reese''s hand taking ast nce at her veneer. "You are a celestial goddess." She muttered with a smile.

    "I don''t know why I am dragged to the party." Reese cried.

    "I don''t want to be alone, Reese darling. Didn''t you recentlyin I am not spending quality time with you?" Leena pouted.

    "That is not how I wanted to spend time with you," Reese yelled. "You could have taken Devin or your Francy."

    "Those two are boring candidates for a party." Stepping into the elevator, she couldn''t help but look into the gorgeous beauty in the mirrors over and over and she threw a flying kiss to herself before stepping out.

    As they both strode out of the apartment, a car was waiting outside. Seeing them, the chauffeur immediately stepped out of the car and opened the door for them.

    "Thank you," Leena climbed into the car along with Reese.

    "You are wee, madam" He closed the car door behind them with a polite smile and sped the car to the party destination.

    The car pulled at the grand entrance of the soiree, once he got the confirmation from Leena, he got down and opened the door for them. As one foot stepped onto the ground followed by another, there was a silence for a second in the crowd, all the eyes focused on the stunning beauty.

    "Leena!" A scream emerged from the crowd.

    "Reese also has arrived." Another scream boomed. If Leena has be famous for being a model, Reese has equally shared the limelight after being with her. Back then, they were branded as the best pair in the industry.

    The reporters immediately vied with the cameras in front of both.

    "Leena Hayes!! Can you pose for a picture?"

    "A word for us, Leena."

    "You havee with your executive assistant, Reese Allen again. Can you pleasement on it?" One of the reportersmented.

    "Did you break up with Devin and reconciled with Reese?"

    Leena and Reese quickly looked at each other trying to suppress theirughter. As expected, the topic was brought up.

    "Why didn''t Devin_"

    "Shhh" Leena silenced the reporter putting a finger on her lips. She looked into his eyes sending goosebumps through his skin. "I would exin it to you. But I don''t have crayons at the moment." It was a modest way to tell their acting makes them seem very immature.

    Satisfied with the baffled look on the reporter, Leena strolled inside the party hall, her beauty blinded everyone as she walked. A perfect blend of beauty and vitality, she was someone to lookup on to as well as bow down to.

    Meanwhile, the reporter who asked the question scuffed his forehead in confusion. "She is a_"

    "Feral." His fellow reporter added to him. "I told not to question her anything except ask for a pose." He still remembered the scene of her ry race incident on that night.

    "Her tongue is sharper than a knife.. It can kill without drawing blood."

 Chapter 202 - Blocked

    The party hall was booming with loud chatters. Leena recognized many of the actors and actresses, after all, she is in the modeling industry. A waiter walked past her with wine and juices but Leena did not touch it. She is always cautious when she attends parties.

    "I hate when parties arevish," Leena remarked as she nced at the curious woman eyeing her from head to toe. "Argh! I can''t handle this crowd, Reese."

    "Your sister, Emerie is a child actor," Reese whispered. "Obviously, it would be sumptuous."

    "She is not my s.i.s.t.e.r." Leena enunciated each word to make Reese understand her message.

    "Fine." Reese Sighed. "I heard your brother-inw is in a rtionship with her," Reese whispered. "They are studying in the same university."

    "I knew his taste is terrible but did not think it''s egregious," Leenamented with disdain for him. Not all have a good taste like my babylicious. But she nned to call Aunt Evelyn and Fredrick to have a serious talk about Adney. I will not let that poop head into the family.

    "Where did you hear this gossip?"

    "Mandy," Reese said. Emerie birthday was a topic of discussion in the office for one whole week. That''s when she got to know Adney is dating Emerie.

    "She is a scandalmonger," Leena remarked. "And what about her studies."

    "She barely passes the tests."

    "What can you expect from a poop head." Leena shook her head with disinterest.

    Just then the mob raved when a woman stepped into the hall elegantly in a princess ball gown. She looked like a princess of fairnd as she sheepishly smiled at everyone.

    "I don''t know how she has be a famous actor, Leena," Reese muttered. "Her acting is mediocre and her looks are below average."

    "Because her butt is bigger than her looks."

    Both giggled looking at Emerie''s back and when they were close to leaving the ce for fresh air, Leena heard a voice behind her.

    "Leena! How are you, child?"

    Leena turned around and her eyes shifted to the woman standing in front of her. She recognized her. Rosalie Miles. The third wife of Max Hayes. Without her, he is a zero. After Francis threw him out, Max had only peanut shares in his hand. He barely had anything to spend but after meeting Rosalie, he started a Jewelry business along with her. They fell in love with each other in the process and got married eventually. Leena must say, Rosalie''s business skills are remarkable.

    "I am doing good, Mrs. Hayes." Leena politely replied. She rarely met this family and haven''t conversed much with them in the past. Nevertheless, she doesn''t want to sound rude without answering back when the person asked with a good intention.

    "You can call me aunty or better Mom." She smiled and greeted Reese also.

    "I would prefer Mrs. Hayes," Leena denied instantly. The title of mom is only for her mummy.

    "Oh!" Rosalie nodded in agreement with an awkward smile. "How is your mom?"

    "She is fine," Leena replied clutching Reese''s hand. She doesn''t like it if someone from her father''s side brings the topic of her mom. But it''s not Rosalie''s fault for being married to this family. It was only his second wife that acted like a bitch fooling around his father when he was still married.

    As far as her grandmother told, Max Hayes never cared about her mom, and when they got divorced, he married his mistress and had a son with her and within five years of their marriage, his second wife eloped with another man giving him a green hat. As if nothing has happened, he married for the third time.

    "I heard you are dating the Wang family''s first son," Rosalie asked. "Why didn''t you_"

    "Leena sister."

    Rosalie halted her words when she heard her daughter''s voice.

    "Thanks foring to my birthday." With an exciting voice, she asked. "I was surprised to hear you are in a rtionship with Devin."

    "It''s Mr. Wang for you. You are sounding as if you are close to him." Leena doesn''t understand this character. From the many elite families she heard, stepsister and stepmother''s are vicious. But it seems different here. They treat her well unlike her scum father. Nheless, she doesn''t want to talk much with these people.

    "I am sorry. I did not mean it, sister." Emerie politely replied in a whisper. She has many actor friends and they were trained by Leena and everybody would praise for Leena''s outstanding achievements. She likes Leena a lot but thetter would always give a cold shoulder. Not all stepsisters are the same.

    "Sorry if she has offended you, Leena," Rosalie said and turned to her daughter. "It''s time for your party. Let''s go."

    Emerie nodded her head and walked along with her giving onest smile to Leena.

    Just when the party started, Leena felt sleepy. Along with Reese, she found a ce where she could get a breath of fresh air and settled in the chair. Despite their hunger, both didn''t even touch a drop of water. Francis and Devin were against the idea of sending her alone but since she insisted, they gave her the freedom to go alone but posed a restriction. Neither she should eat nor drink anything offered here. She readily epted it.

    Leena looked at the father and daughter pair acting lovey-dovey and scoffed at him.

    "We can leave the ce, Leena." Reese insisted. She thought he would at leaste and talk to Leena but even after spotting her, he is showing off to make Leena jealous.

    "I never craved for his attention, Reese." Leena shrugged. If he is putting up an act to make her jealous, then he is wasting his energy. If it was Francis in that ce, Leena would have ripped the girl''s skin alive by now.

    "He ising towards you, Leena," Reese whispered when she saw himing in their direction.

    "You don''t evene to greet your father?" Max asked putting his hands behind the back like a stern soldier.

    "I don''t have a father."

    "Why didn''t you bring Devin?" He asked ignoring her witty replies. He has seen the news of their rtionship and he felt Emerie would be better suited next to Devin.

    "Why? You want to patch him up with your daughter?" Leenazily asked. "Whatever your concern is, I don''t care. As long as you stay away from scheming_"

    "What did you say?" He interrupted and raised his voice. "You dared to call me schemer?"

    "Look, Mr. Hayes. You have anger management issues." Leena calmly continued. "You are in dire need of meditation sses to keep your anger in check. Come to my office, I will give you a fifty percent discount since you arecking money."

    Max looked at the people and there were very few people loitering since they are at a very far end.

    It''s time to teach her a lesson.

    He couldn''t control his anger and raised his hand. Before a pnded on her face, Leena held his wrist.

    "Very brittle wrists. Need to work out a lot." With pity, Leena pushed him aside. Pathetic man. How did he be my father and how did mom marry this weak scum?

    Leena grabbed Reese''s hand and she was about to walk away, he pulled her by the wrist. He raised his hand and was about to go for her throat.

    A hand-blocked it.

 Chapter 203 - Under My Watch

    He was like a burning volcano ready to explode any time. Leena gulped hard as she watched his treacherous phlegmatic mien on his face. While she wasbating with her scum father, she missed the footsteps that thundered the floor. But s, he came for her aid.

    A few steps away, Rosalie nervously nced at the man blocking her husband''s hand effortlessly. A cold wave embedded and her mouth ran dry in fear at the sight in front of her. "Francis!" Rosalie whispered.

    "Are you always an idiot? or do you just show off when I am not around?" Francis muttered with the authority of a man who was not to be crossed.

    "B_rother!" Max stuttered powerless to utter a word. His earlier dominant aura was reced by panic, fear became tangible that crept over him like a hungry beast, immobilizing him. Had he knew, Francis woulde to the party, he wouldn''t have raised a hand on Leena. Despite he doesnt like him, he was powerless in front of Francis and he has to put up with his act to save his life. "I was only trying to_"

    "Quiet!"

    Max instantly shut his mouth.

    "You have lots of guts to raise a hand on her!" Francis''s voice ascended into a murderous falsetto. He twisted Max''s hand earning a loud shriek from him.

    Rosalie snapped back to reality from her reverie and hurriedly walked over to Francis and spoke in a friendly tone. "He did not p her, Mr. Hayes. It was a misunder_"

    Francis suddenly lifted his head and swept his eyes towards her, his expression was frighteningly arctic as he spoke. "Did I ask you?"

    Rosalie froze, her smiling turned awkward. She knew when Francis is angered, he is the most dangerous.

    "p her. I want to see how you do it under my watch." Francis shoved Max as if he was the most pathetic thing. If not for the fast reflexes of Rosalieing to Max''s aid to hold him, Max would have fallen on to the ground. Rosalie did not want her husband to be aughing stock at his own daughter''s birthday party.

    "Do you want your mere jewelpany to be burned down to ashes by tomorrow?" Francis seethed. His threat was inflicted on Rosalie and Max. Both quivered at the thought.

    Francis''s voice would have frightened everyone but not Leena. She found a warmth under his arctic tone which was only hidden for her. She gazed at Francis with fondness. The two pirs of her strength, Francis and Devin are always waiting, watching, keeping to the shadows but when needed, both will always step out of the shadows to protect her.

    "Pardon him, Mr. Hayes." With gritted teeth, Rosalie controlled her anger as she spoke. "I will ensure this incident wouldn''t happen in the future." While she was holding her husband, Rosaline looked at Francis and she did not miss the disgusted look on his face as if they were dirt in his eyes.

    Without uttering a word, Francis grabbed Leena''s hand, and before taking a step, he nced at Reese. She was too dazed that she stood rooted to the floor all the time. One job and she failed to do it properly. Talking a hint, Leena pulled Reese along with her to the outside of the hall.

    ...

    Leena did not utter any word in the car as Francis straight away drove home along with Reese and Leena.

    "How dare that scum tried to p my granddaughter?" Margaret spoke up with a disdain filled voice for Max.

    Leena and Reese sighed. They lost count of the time, Margaret, uttering the same phrases.

    "I am sorry for troubling you, Francy." Leena looked down in embarrassment. The first time, she manhandled. She didn''t think her scum father would try toe for her throat suddenly.

    "You are never a trouble to me, Leena." He patted her head gently. He was d that he went to the party or else he can''t imagine the consequences. He needs a give a little jerk to that scum tomorrow and that is targeting hispany. Even if he begs, nothing can change. he has crossed the limits.

    d that he chose to attend the party. A big fight happened between Devin and Francis. Both wanted to pick Leena and surprise her. Somehow Francis got an upper hand and with a happy smile, he reached the spot and waited outside to pick Leena but she didn''t show up even when the party ended. His mind went into trouble when Leena and Reese did not pick the call. As he got down and walked into the party hall, all hell-bent loose when he saw Max trying to p his baby.

    "No one can harm you, Leena." He said. "Not under my watch."

    "Thank you." She hugged and cried like a child in his arms. She would always ask a question to God. Why didn''t such a sweet and protective Francis was not her father? Not being biologically rted to him doesnt diminish her love towards him, in her eyes, he is always a fatherly figure but deep down, the thought would be always at the back of her mind. But nothing can be changed now. "You are the best in the world, Francy."

    Francis proudly smiled hearing thement from Leena. He nned to tell Devin to annoy him.

    "Aren''t you too much, Leena." Reese pursed her lips. "Even my dad is the best."

    "Why did I ask you to apany, Leena?" Francis turned his attention to Reese.

    "I was about to block Max''s hand but you stole the spotlight," Reese muttered taking two steps backward in fear.

    "Care to repeat it?" Francis intimidated her crossing his arms over the chest.

    "It''s not her mistake, Francy." Leenaughed watching Reese''s timid behavior. When Francis is not with them, she would curse him and when she is in front of him, she would be a scared cat.

    "But I can''t sleep without punishing her, Leena," Francis said.

    "Fine then," Leena said. "I will call uncle Louis today and_"

    "Hey! Hey! enough." Reese interrupted. When they fight, Leena wouldin to Reese about her dad. Believing that his daughter is dating a girl, he woulde for her throat.

    "Umm. I will leave Francy" Leena started finally. Devin would get worried and he has called her several times already.

    "If it is that brute, he is on the way." Francis sighed. Leena is not even ready to part with that brute for one day. To his surprise, he is also clinging on to Leena.

    "Yay!!" She beamed in happiness.

    ....

    Inside Max''s house...

    Max and Rosalie were sitting in a room while Emerie was tending to Max''s swollen hand.

    I clearly instructed you not to brawl with Leena." Rosalie spoke up. "

    "She is jealous that I am giving more attention to our Emerie," Max grumbled.

    "Are you okay, dad?" Emerie asked holding his hand that has turned red when Francis twisted it unruly. Why did Leena sister hold a grudge against dad? Is it because he is giving too much attention to me as he spoke? Emerie wondered.

    "I am fine, sweety," Max said with a smile. This is the kind of daughter he liked. Emerie is always gentle, kind, and never raises her voice against him, unlike Leena. Even his son, born from his second wife is a scared cat in front of Max. Only Leena has turned to a short-tempered.

    His marriage with Heather was on impulse. He was forced into it. If not Heather was in his room naked on that day, he wouldn''t have believed Leena to be his daughter. None of his qualities sprayed on Leena, be it her looks or his behavior.

    "Your dad is fine, Emerie," Rosalie said. "Go to your room."

    "Okay, mom." She kissed her mom and dad on the cheek before leaving the two alone.

    Rosalie locked the door and walked towards her husband, her hips swayed all the way. With a wicked smile, she sat on her husband''sp. unbuttoning his shirt, she tossed it aside. "Call Francis tomorrow and ask for forgiveness."

    "I am not going to_"

    Max gasped for air when his wife unbuckled his pants and looked at him with lust-filled eyes. Soon, their clothes unfastened and both went into haywire. Moans and grunts echoed in the room.

    Max sucked his breath when his wife stopped pleasuring when he was close to his release. "P_lease don''t stop, Rose. I will call him and beg for forgiveness." He knew Rosalie''s tricks and she would make him surrender to all her wishes when he was lost in the pleasure. He has no words except to sumb to her wishes.

    "That''s my husband," Rosalie whispered in a husky voice and continued the unfinished job. She knew how to make her husband surrender to herself. Thepany was her blood and bones which they established from scratch. Judging by Francis''s voice, she knew it would be no good tomorrow. She can''t let thepany go to ashes just like that for a mere quarrel.. She would do anything to get what she wants.

 Chapter 204 - Disapear

    It was a lively evening and the house was filled withughter. When Francis informed Devin was on the way, from then on, Leena has been standing at the door waiting for him like a kid waiting for their parents. Not before she waited for half n hour, a car slowly moved into the entrance.

    "My heart!" Leena clutched her chest in awe. Her heart skipped a beat when Devin stepped out of the car with athletic grace.

    "Vinnyyyy..." Leena screamed and dashed towards him. With the loud voice, Devin looked in her direction and smiled at her.

    "Were you standing at the door all the time?" His voiceced with concern. Devin checked her face thoroughly and breathed a sigh of relief when she was fine as Francis stated. The men he has assigned for her informed him about themotion that happened at the party and he immediately called Francis. To his relief, he has arrived on time.

    "I am fine." Leena understood his concern. Unnecessarily, she troubled them. "Francy arrived on time."

    "Next time even if you cry, I will not allow you to leave for any party alone." He sternly dered. What kind of father raise a hand on a grown-up daughter. There was only disgust for that man. He wouldn''t slide this matter aside easily. He knew how to teach him a lesson. Tomorrow he would be mourning for hispany while his stocks get plummeted. Even if Francis is against it, he wouldn''t agree this time.

    "Alright," She sighed. "Don''t get mad now. I will take you as my date from next time."

    "I am mad at another thing also." He grumbled with a sulk.

    "What is it, babylicious?" She wrapped her arms around his arm like she always does.

    "Why don''t you answer for me? You im to be a mind reader right?" He released his arms around her and moved a little distance away from her.

    "Great rtionships are based on rity, not mind-reading," Leena quickly covered up when her scheme bounced back.

    Seeing his reluctance to talk about it, Leena ransacked her brain and only one thing entered her mind. "Oh, my jelly! Is it because of Reese?"

    Devin neither agreed nor denied it. He has watched a live show where Leena was being interviewed and as usual, it was a witty answer. Instead of men, he has to get worried over women. Reese and now Harley also.

    "You even messaged Jasper for permission to court her." He muttered remembering Jasper''s words when they gathered together. Although it was in the past, it still bothered him.

    "It was just a prank." She pouted. "I am strictly straight, babylicious. Only the touch of your fingers on my skin, I could never find that feeling with anyone other than you."

    A smile escaped from his lips. Even if he listen to it countless times, he would still act like an inane.

    "You look beautiful in this dress, Leena." He whispered.

    "Thank you." She replied shyly.

    "Did you enjoy that night?" He whispered pulling her closer. He nned to ask the next day but eventually forgot. Her shyness was evident that she liked it. "Shall we try it again if you like it?"

    Leena nodded her head shyly. Despite they didn''t go all the way, it was the best moment. She never thought physical intimacy would be so good that she craved his touch more and more. But it''s not the time. She brushed off the thought. If she doesn''t stop, he would start from here. "Let''s go inside. I am starving. I did not even eat waiting for you."

    "I doubt that, monster." He held her hand and walked inside along with her. He doesn''t believe this glutton would leave her food aside and wait for him.

    As he went into the hall, he saw Reese talking with Grandmother Margaret. Sensing someone''s presence, Reese stiffened and looked back to see a murderous gaze from him. She gritted her teeth in anger. What have I done to him? He can''t keep his girlfriend in check and always try to target me.

    ....

    Right after the dinner, Devin quietly walked into Francis''s room when Leena was engrossed in chatting with the rest of the people in the hall.

    "She is doubting us," Francis said without lifting his head.

    "We will cook up a story like her when she catches us." Devin settled in the chair and grabbed the file Francis was looking into.

    "I doubt we can pull out the acting like her." He chuckled shaking his head. She is a crazy monster.

    "This is the list of people in the hospital working around Heather." Francis continued. "My friend Roman is in charge of treating her and the background of every doctor treating Heather is thoroughly checked by him," Francis said. For the past three years, he has been trying to know about that Phsyco but couldn''t. He was happy that Devin found a break for their case.

    "Can we trust Roman?" Devin asked.

    "Yes and I can assure you," Francis added. "He is trustworthy."

    "But I don''t suspect anyone from the hospital," Francis added. "Do you think that bastard is misleading us in the wrong direction? What if he is something else unlike you are thinking?" Francis asked.

    "There is a possibility," Devin said. "But we don''t have a choice unless working on the clue we got for the moment. Let''s wait for him to show up, France. He can''t stand in darkness for a long time."

    "Alright." He sighed. He wished that bastard would get the worst disease and die to let them have peace of mind.

    "I will take my leave then," Devin nced at his watch. It''s time to go home and have some fun with his darling.

    "I forgot to tell, my Leena said I am the best," Francis said to annoy him.

    "I heard thepliment from her countless times." Devin retorted. Jealous man. He is trying to provoke me again?

    "She meant the world. I received apliment that I am the best man in the world." Having said that, Francis left the room.

    "It''s just apliment." Devin snorted and left the room with a loud grumble. I will send him a voice message of herpliments every day from now.

    ...

    Seattle...

    "I had dinner already in the home." Despite Ethan''s protests, he was dragged to the diner into a hotel by Casey.

    "We hadn''t had the dinner for a long time, Ethan." Casey pouted. She wanted to have a fresh start with him forgetting about Leena''s incident. If Leena has not disclosed that Casey has a hand on it, no one would know. So, there is no way Ethan will learn about it and she wants to forget everything for now.

    Ethan sighed and took a seat in front of her. He has been giving hints that he doesn''t have any feelings towards her but she wouldn''t listen. Even his mom would never understand him.

    While sitting in the chair, Ethan was dazing again when he saw a familiar face in the picture. He smiled at the happy expression on her face. At least he is happy that Leena is happy now though he is not the cause of her smile.

    "Ethan." Casey held his hand. "Can you apany me to chose a wedding dress?"

    Ethan broke from his reverie and looked at Casey with aplicated expression.

    "Can I ask you a question?" He started. He has a hunch that she knows something about Leena''s disappearance.

    "What is it?" She asked putting a sd into her mouth. To look best for the wedding, she has been on a fruit and vegetable diet for a month.

    "Did you meet Leena before she disappeared on that night?" He asked looking at her expressions.

    Casey flinched at the sudden question.

    "No." She easily lied and started eating. Casey could never forget that day. Ethan should never know about what happened on the day Leena disappeared. He would hate her for life long if he knows about it. If Ethan knows that I have used his mobile and asked her to meet at a different location instead of a Cafe, he would not even spare her life and never talk with her. Casey doesn''t know what happened between Ethan and Leena but suddenly Leena stopped talking with him and Casey felt happy that she could win him over without any objection.

    But he was reluctant. Despite Leena''s rejection, he called Leena continuously and one day she epted to meet him at a cafe. Ethan was on cloud nine and informed Casey that Leena finally epted to meet him. But as instructed by the nameless woman, Casey conned him and gave her another location for meet up. While he waited at a cafe, Leena was in another ce and then the disaster happened.

    "Alright," Ethan said. He knew she is lying. Wilbur doesn''t talk with him.No one will answer his question except for Leena.. Even if she hates him, he was nning to go and ask her why she didn''t meet on that day.

 Chapter 205 - Fly Like A Bird

    Once they reached home, Leena hurriedly went into the bathroom to have a quick shower. She was expecting it would be another steamy night just like it happened when she was in Devin''s home, but to Leena''s vex, her shark week arrived.

    "Argh!" Leena stomped on the floor in a fit. "Why did youe two days early. I shouldn''t have drunk pineapple juices continuously."

    Taking a hot shower to ease the cramps, she strolled out of the bathroom. "I hate you, mother nature."

    "Why do you hate mother nature?" Devin asked as he entered the bedroom with hot water. Handing her a bottle, he asked again. "What happened? You were fine before."

    "Because mother nature is bipr. Once she turns to spring, another time she turns into winter, and then she goes back to spring. I wish she would take her_"

    "Are you on period?" Devin interrupted. He has put her period in his calendar to track and she still has two days but it there are times, it turns early. He has been counting her mood swings for the past two days and they are not only swinging. They are bouncing back, fluctuating, osciting. He nned to devour her today but it backfired.

    Leena nodded and approached him with a pout. "I am notfortable tod_"

    "Leena!" Devin stopped her in the mid-sentence. He lifted her and carried her to the bed. "I am not a sick pervert to think of that every time."

    He whispered. "Go to sleep, sweetheart."

    "Where are you going?" Leena screamed as she watched him leave the room.

    "I will be back in a minute." He said without turning back.

    He quickly entered the bedroom with a heating pad and put it on her abdomen to ease her cramps. " Do you want to be alone?" He asked.

    "No. I want to be with you." She moved towards him and snuggled closer. "I saw a new brand of tampons in the bathroom. Did you stash it on the counter?"

    "I have done some research and heard it''s a very good brand. Try it for a month. If you don''t like it, you can go back to the previous one." He whispered pulling a nket on her.

    Leena hummed in reply. She heard her employeesin about their boyfriends and husbands calling them crazy about their behavior during their periods. Even she is a lot crazy. But Devin never mes her irritation and let her vent on him. He even asks if she wants to talk about what she is going through. No one can bepared to him. "You are the most amazing man ever, Devin." She muttered.

    "Can you repeat it, Leena?" He grabbed the mobile and turned on the voice recorder.

    "Don''t think I am not aware of your tricks." Leena snatched his mobile and turned off the recording. She was sure he is recording to send it to Francy. "You are behaving like a kid, Devin."

    "He started first." He grumbled. If not he has provoked him today, he wouldn''t have thought of that idea.

    "He is a high school child and you are one preschool kid." She muttered.

    "He has_"

    "I am sleepy and I don''t have the energy to listen to the fights between you two" She muttered and closed her eyes. Like kids both call andin about each other every day. Initially, she listened and pacified them butter she got tired and ignored them.

    Once Leena was asleep, Devin intended to do some work on the file Francis has sent but he erased the idea. He has to be with Leena. He pulled the nket up to her chin and slipped into it.

    ...

    The next day morning, Leena got up a littlete due to exhaustion from the party. Getting fresh, she strolled into the kitchen. A note was stuck on the kitchen countertop. Guessing that Leena doesn''t understand his handwriting, Devin has printed the note.

    [I got ast-minute meeting and I have to hurry for the office. I have informed Reese about your absence already. You can rx. I cooked a healthy breakfast. Once you wake up, heat in the oven. Also, I have packed fruits and put them in the refrigerator. Eat them as a snack. If you are craving more today, I have made a chickpea sd with hummus. You can eat in the afternoon.]

    "He is such a cutie." Leena giggled. "I have the best babylicious in the world."

    Leena heated the breakfast and switched on the TV to watch the stocks. It has be a part of her daily routine from the time she knows Devin and checks hispany''s position. But today, she was surprised to see the stocks of Galore jewels went down and the demand has drastically fallen over a single day.

    "Is it my Francy?" Leena pondered and shook her head. "Just for trying to p, did he has to go far?" She chuckled and began eating the food. Once she was done with her breakfast, she went back to sleep. She doesn''t feel like doing anything except sleep while she is on period.

    ....

    Harley got down from the cab in a hurry since her car had a sudden break down whileing to the office. Not to trouble Devin, she booked a cab and reached the office hastily.

    "You seem to be in a hurry, twiggy?"

    While Harley was about to walk, she heard a voice, a very familiar voice. "Ethan!" Harley whispered, she did not turn around to see the person because only one person calls her with the nickname Twiggy.

    "You still remember me?" Ethan spoke up and approached her closing their distance.

    Harley turned around and gazed at the person. He has reduced a lot of weight and the usual glow she used to see him back then has taken off. "How are you?"

    "I am fine, twiggy." With a smile, he ruffled her hair.

    "Stop calling me twiggy." She pouted and hit his abdomen. "I am naturally skinny." She chuckled. It was her nickname named by Ethan. He calls her twiggy because she is skinny.

    "Skinny people are easier to kidnap." He said, pulling out chocte from his pocket.

    "Very funny joke." Harley grabbed the chocte and gobbled it up in one go. "You still remember?"

    "I never forgot." He said. Once Harley missed the track of her path to the ss and started crying screaming Devin''s name but there was no trace of him. At that time, a boy happens to be around and he consoled her. Later she got to know his name was Ethan. But Harley did not stop crying on that day. Only when he gave her chocte, she forgot everything and even became happy. Her smile moved him and he wanted to see that on her face always. From then on, he would always keep chocte in his pocket to give her.

    "Are you busy?" Ethan asked getting out of the childhood memory.

    "Busy is a myth," Harley winked. She is a lot busy today and Devin would explode if she iste but it''s been a long time, she has met Ethan. I will give some kind of excuse after I go to the office.

    "Let''s go then. It''s been a long time we had talked." Happily, Ethan guided her to the car to take her to a restaurant. Just seeing Harley''s face used to make him happy from the school. He has a special ce in his heart which he can''t describe the rtionship.

    "So, how is life going?" Harley started and hesitantly spoke up. "I heard you are getting married." She is not aware of his personal life but she could see Ethan is not willing to get tied up.

    "I don''t have control over my life, Harley." He said, his gaze moved to a distance where a bird was sitting on a tree. He wished to fly like a bird freely but his legs are tied up.

    "Don''t let anyone control your life." She said holding his hand. His family had turned him into a puppet for business. Ethan loved music and he was the best as far as Harley has seen but he left it with her mom''s constant brainwash to take up the family business. "Chose your life. I wish you would be a rockstar one day."

    "Do you think I can seed?" He asked genuinely. When he looks back to his past there is only one thing that made him happy. His love for music. But his mom would beat him if he ever practiced. She wants him to learn the business and help the family.

    "Of course. You have a unique music talent but you are wasting it." Harley said.

    "Since you are so good in business, I will make you the CEO of mypany. I can happily pursue my career." He beamed.

    "Devin wille for my life," Harley instantly cursed at herself for bringing the topic of Devin. Will he get angry for mentioning his name again?

 Chapter 206 - I Am Here

    Harley has been seeing Ethan and Devin''s fights from the school days and there are times both ended up with bruises and it was a pain in the arse for Drew, Jasper, Kurt, Austin, and Wilbur to see the feuds. "You must be offended right? After all, I brought my brother''s topic again?" With hesitation, Harley asked.

    "No." He chuckled. In the past, he inclined his animosity towards Devin assuming he was the one for his misfortune. But as Ethan grew up, he understood, he has screwed it up due to his insanity and put the me on Devin. But Ethan''s ego would never allow him to admit his faults openly even now.

    "That''s a relief." Harley sighed and put a spoon full of pecan caramel swirl ice cream into her mouth. "It tastes wonderful."

    "Because I have ordered it." said, Ethan.

    "But you didn''t make it, Mr. Davies," Harley teased him. "Now tell me, why did youe to New York?"

    "Business." He said, not going into the details. It''s true, he is here on a business trip but he was also hoping to talk with Leena although he knew the probability is very less.

    "I am here to talk with Devin also." He stated. Many questions were running in his mind and he wanted to try asking Devin. Ethan might not like Devin but at least he is honest, unlike his friends and family. He wants to know the truth before he regrets it.

    "Ethan." Harley sighed. "Why don''t you quit_"

    "Don''t worry. It''s a business transaction and nothing more." Ethan reassured.

    If it was business and being his executive assistant, Harley would be the first one to inform. But why didn''t he tell? What is the nning? "Does Devin''s know about your visit?" Harley inquired.

    "He knows." Ethan continued. "Ourpany is nning for a fashion week to showcase the new models and I assumed, WD brand''s clothes would be the best option."

    "And he agreed?" She asked, her mouth opened wide.

    "We don''t mix up personal and professional things." He said. Devin was against the offer but when Ethan offered the eighty-twenty profit, he readily agreed. Ethan wondered when did he be money-minded. Little did Ethan know, Devin turned into it because of one fashionista. He is saving all his fortune for the future.

    "I can''t believe it." Harley rolled her eyes in shock. Sun must have risen in the west if these two would sit and talk for a minute without fights and now that they have agreed for a business deal, it is an eight wonder.

    "Did you find you back, Twiggy?" Ethan asked with a smile.

    "Huh?" His question confused Harley.

    "You just rolled your eyes so hard. I thought you finally saw your back." He taunted.

    "It''s not funny, Ethan" Harley looked away, a frown on her face.

    "Alright, alright. Let''s go. I am not going to tease you anymore." Ethan got up from his seat. "I have an appointment with my sworn enemy in the afternoon."

    "You still call him this." She giggled. I can tease Devin with this name to anger him.

    "Can''t help it... We are born to hate each other."

    Ethan led the way to the parking slot. All the way, to the office, Harley and Ethan chatted about their school dramas happily. After a long time, Ethan''s genuinely smiled in the presence of Harley.

    As the car wasing close to the office, Harley''s panic grew. She was scared to see Devin''s murderous eyes in case he spotted her along with Ethan. Right when they got down, she quickly guided him to the private elevator. It was a relief that only security guards observed her since they started in the basement.

    Once they reached the topmost floor, she took him to Devin''s office. "Thank God! He is in a meeting. I will pretend nothing has happened."

    "Stay here until hees. He must be in the meeting." Harley said.

    "You seem to be a lot scared of him?" Ethan heckled her.

    "It''s all your fault," Harley said and scurried out of the room in rush.

    .....

    Ethan got bored sitting alone in the silent room. His meeting with Devin would be at two in the afternoon and he still has time for it. Not knowing what to do, he grabbed a magazine and began reading to kill the time. Just then he heard the door open followed by footsteps. Ethan did not turn around assuming it was Devin until he heard a voice.

    "My dear Babylicious, I just messaged I am here and you are already in your office room? You should get punished for not attending the meetings properly. Your employees would think I am eating up your time."

    "Leena!" Ethan whispered without turning. The voice he longed to listen to and the person he wanted to see badly has appeared in front of him finally. But he was scared to face her.

    "Why aren''t you talking? Are you mad at me for my uniformed visit? But I was missing you badly in the home." In a hurry, Leena started at home without wearing her contact lens and the outline of the person was a little blurry. But as her footsteps approached closer, she sensed it is not Devin.

    ''Mad Leena! You spoke all gibberish in front of some other man! At least apologize before he thinks of you as a crazy nut!''

    "I apologize for_"

    Her voice broke, footsteps halted, her body froze, everything happened at once. She swallowed her words when the person turned around. The man she never wanted to see and face she never wanted to remember has appeared in front of her again.

    "Leena!" Ethan spoke up. The glimpse of the smile he just witnessed has shed way in seconds. There was only panic and hatred in her face.

    "W_hy are y_ou here?" She stuttered. Her voice was barely a whisper. Her brain shut down, she held her dress with her mmy hands, cold sweat formed all over her body. "I do_n''t w_ant to see y_our face."

    "I am_"

    "DEVIN!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. Her watery eyes erged. She was scared. She knew it is dumb to get scared but she couldn''t help it.

    "DEVIN....." She screamed again. A muffled cry for help forced from her throat and she felt drops of tears running down her cheeks.

    "Leena, please" Ethan begged. His heart was brutally wrenched seeing her tears and he knew he was responsible for it. He wished to go back to the past and killed the monster in him but he couldn''t. "Please don''t get scared. I am here only to talk with you." He consoled and tried to take a step forward but Leena took a step back.

    "No!" Adrenaline surged, her eyes are wide filled with fear. She wants to run away from him for safety but instead, she remained where she was. She wants to face him, face her fears today.

    "At least tell me why did you disappear after that night?" He pleaded in a whisper. So many questions he wanted to ask. Why did she note to meet him that night? He waited for the whole night for her but she disappearedpletely from his life.

    "You are behaving as if you don''t know. Paralyzing me was not enough and now you want to kill me?" Leena mustered up all the courage and spoke up.

    Her voiceced with a mock. Assaulting was not enough on that night and he even joined his hands with his ex-girlfriend and nned an ident. How much hatred did he hold back then? Now that he is repenting over his mistakes, does he think I would ept his faults?

    "What are you talking about?" Ethan asked, barely moving a muscle in his face. Was this a cruel joke? Why would I kill her?

    "What an actor you are, Mr.Davies. Didn''t you tell your girlfriend to make me immobilized for life long so that you can be together with her?"

    "I swear, I don''t know what you are talking about, Leena." Ethan took a step forward. He is not understanding a word Leena was speaking.

    "Don''te near me." She screamed and took a step back. Beads of sweat trickling down, she was drenched in sweat despite the air conditioning is on high. She turned around to run into Devin''s arms and. All of a sudden, the door opened. She did not need to see who it was. Without any word, she rushed and hugged the figure tightly. "Devin!" Her voice, a child-like sob. Tears, in her eyes, she muttered, tormented by the sound of her own whimper.

    "Don''t panic, I am here," Devin whispered caressing her back and loosened her fists with his fingers. Until she was steadily breathing, he whispered only three words. ''I am here''. Neither he saw anyone in the room nor bothered when he heard her cries.. He was only tending to Leena alone.

 Chapter 207 - Wrecked Her Happy Life

    Leena buried her head on his chest, his heartbeat was a tune that soothed her body. Her silent whimpers were tormenting him without a pause, like a fist clutched around his heart, squeezing it anarchically.

    Devin has no impression of what transpired with Leena in the past to get scared of Ethan but he knew she is not at ease when Ethan is around. He had observed it when she passed out in Seattle.

    In disbelief, Ethan stared at the trembling girl. He has been thinking of Leena''s words and when he rewind them, he felt a strong misunderstanding has urred between them. Before Ethan took a step forward to clear the misunderstanding, he heard a bone-chilling voice.

    "Don''t!"

    "Devin...Please let me talk to Leena once." Ethan begged. "She has got a false impression_"

    "What have you done to her, bastard." Devin spat out. Beneath his eyes was the rage burning like hellfire. Adrenaline was up to his throat ready to detonate the man in front of him. If Leena was not in his arms trembling, the office would be a battleground by now. He has to take care of Leena first before he vents up his anger.

    He was d Leena messaged him beforehand unlikest time she hase to the office unannounced. Devin was a littlete in seeing her message due to back-to-back meetings and by the time, he reached the office, Leena was in the same room with someone she loathes.

    "Devin," Leena spoke up in a trembling voice. "Can you take me home if you don''t have a meet_"

    "Shhh!!" He silenced her. "We will go home." Devin lifted her and carried her out of the room without sparing a single nce at Ethan.

    The room fell dead silent. Ethan could hear his own breathing. At a distance, Harley stood there and witnessed the entire scene. She was in shambles. What happened here? How does Leena know Ethan? Coming out of her trance, she stepped into the office room to ask Ethan, and before she could speak a word, he left the room.

    ....

    All the while, Devin did not speak a word. When he reached home, he stepped out of the car and straight away carried Leena to the bedroom. Before he took a step forward to fetch hot water, Leena held his arm.

    "I am not going anywhere, sweetheart." He squeezed her arm and assured her. "I will go fetch hot water ande back."

    Leena disagreed silently and pulled him to the bed. He removed his suit jacket and threw it onto the floor. He then climbed the bed and settled next to Leena. "Sleep. I will be here." He stroked her back in rhythm until she dozed off. His thoughts were wavering on her cries in the office. It pained him to see when Leena recollects her memories.

    ....

    It waste in the evening, Leena opened her eyes. Her upper body was lying on Devin''s chest and her left leg was around his torso. He wrapped his arms around her waist securely. It was disying his protectiveness towards her.

    Leena smiled at their position. Devin neverpelled or got mad at her for not talking about Ethan. He patiently waited for her to reveal everything by herself. He could have asked Francis or Wilbur but he respected her choice. Where can I get a man like him? When you can tell each other everything without any secrets and lies, that''s called a true rtionship. Keeping secret from him is no different than lying to him. He has given all the respect and I have to give something to him in return.

    "Devin..." With a smile, she pressed her lips on his forehead.

    "Hmmm.."

    "Are you awake?" Leena removed her leg thinking he would feel numbness in his body.

    "I did not sleep." He opened his eyes and grabbed her leg and put it around his waist again.

    "Did you had urgent work in the office? Did I disturb_"

    "Nothing is important than you." He veered around her body so that he could look into her sheen eyes.

    "Why did you get scared in the office?" Devin gently asked gazing into her shimmering eyes. "If you are notfortable, I will wait_"

    "I wish you would be demanding sometimes." She pouted. He would only care about her and not understanding he is hurting in the process.

    "Making continuous demands on a rtionship will weaken it." He spoke up as he stroked her head.

    "So will never allowing the other person to reciprocate." Leena countered.

    "Alright." He smiled at her stubbornness. "I will be more demanding in the future. So, why are you scared of him?" He gently asked scooping her in his arms.

    "My only confusion in life was to either eat a banana or an apple for a snack until he came along and wrecked my happy life." Taking a deep breath, she started.

    ...

    Years ago...

    A young girl was lying on the bed with her legs crossed with aptop on her thighs. Loads of fruits were sitting next to her and she would asionally pick a random fruit and put it in her mouth while watching a bugs bunny cartoon program.

    "Open the door, crazy girl." She ignored the screams of her brother and stepped out of the bed when she heard a bell. It was an indication that her food has arrived. With a smile, she walked out of the room. It''s been three days, she has locked herself in the room without stepping out of the room because she has a reason.

    Outside the room...

    "Let her go to Seattle, Francy." Wilbur sighed. Francis is not allowing her to step out of New York for her studies and Leena is throwing tantrums.

    "No." Francis instantly denied.

    "She is not eating anything for three days," Wilbur yelled. "Do you want to starve her to death?"

    "Do you think she is really starving?" Francis chuckled. Wilbur has just arrived home for a break and he doesn''t know his sister stunts for the past three days.

    ....

    Leena walked into the balcony along with a curtain and skimmed the surroundings to check whether she was being watched by the guards. There was none for the moment.

    "All clear, Meemaw." With her words, Margaret came out of the hiding bushes. Leena tied a curtain to the balcony and let it hung loosely. A basket was tied to the curtain and the moment Margaret ced her lunch on it, Leena quickly pulled back.

    "How long are you going to continue your protest? I am tired of bringing food every day?" Margaret yelled. She is scared of getting caught by her son, Francis, and if that happens her doom would begin.

    "Until he approves." Leena untied the curtain knot and happily went inside the room with the basket full of fruits and her lunch.

    Margaret stomped her feet and took a peek at her sides. There was no sign of guards watching her and she quietly slipped into the house. But she froze suddenly when she heard a voice.

    "Where did you go, mom?" Francis demanded. He knew she both Leena and his mom are ying hide and seek for the past three days.

    "I_I went to a salon. My friend''s granddaughter''s wedding is approaching. What a pity...The salon is crowded and I have to wait for a long time. Let me sleep for some time, son. I am very tired." She bbered and dashed inside the room.

    "Let''s see long will you will cover-up?" Francis muttered.

    Francis waited for another day and still, Leena did not open the door. He knew she is taking food from time to time but it was bothering him when he is not able to see her face. With a tired sigh, he got up and walked towards her room.

    "Leena!" Francis knocked on the door. "Come out of the room."

    There was no reply.

    "I_I I will let you go to Seattle." Within seconds, the door was opened from the inside.

    "Yay!!! Thank you, Francy." Leena jumped around the house happily.

    "But you have to be careful." He said.

    "Check." She beamed. "I am always careful around strangers."

    "And no dating." He dered sternly.

    "Double check because no one can match my beauty." She winked.

    "d you are a narcissist, crazy Leena." Wilbur joined.

    "Thank you, bathroom brother." Leena stuck her tongue out and dashed into her meemaw''s room to share the news.

    "Bratty girl." He yelled.

    Leena''s happiness would bring a smile to Francis''s face but right now pain was evident on his face. when he thought Leena would leave him soon. She has been in front of his eyes from her childhood and it pained him to send her to an unknown ce where he wouldn''t be there to look after her.

    "Don''t worry, France. I know a friend in the university she is going to. I will ask him to assist her in case she needs anything." Wilbur said. He did not mention the name since Francis doesn''t like their family. But his friend could be a great help.

    "No." Francis denied. "Don''t trust anyone, Wilbur."

    Francis''s only concern was to keep Leena safe and he doesn''t like to trust anyone easily.. Little did he know, soon a storm was going to wreak havoc on their lives.

 Chapter 208 - Powerful Figure

    Leena''s happiness knew no bounds when she got consent from Francis. She shopped for new clothes, although she has a room full of them. The night before she has to leave for Seattle, Francis, Wilbur, and Margaret helped her pack the essentials. By the time, they were done with the packing, the three got utterly exhausted but Leena was still in high spirits.

    "Are you going for studies or to show off your wealth?" Wilbur barked looking around the room which waspletely filled with bags.

    "Francy!" Leenained in a peevish tone.

    "You dare to raise your voice on my baby darling?" Francis pompously chided. "Write an apology letter for the thousand times."

    "Again?" Wilbur screamed.

    "Donkey boy!" Margaret mmed Wilbur''s thigh. "You still tease her knowing the oue?"

    "Oww..., grandma..." Wilbur cried. "You are hurting the most handsome living being."

    "Handsome? No man can beat my Francy in handsomeness." Leena giggled. As far as she has seen, Francis is the most handsome man in her eyes after her.

    "There is one who outweighs your Francy, Leena," Margaret smiled. "He is_"

    Francis and cleared his throat cutting his mom''s words. "It''s time to sleep, mom."

    "Jealous son," Margaret muttered and left the room.

    "Even if the person surpasses Francy, can he beat the great Leena Hayes?" Leena whispered with scorn.

    "Go to bed early. Don''t watch Korean dramas all night." Francis said before leaving the room...

    "Go to bed early..." Leena mimicked Francis''s tone and closed the door. Climbing onto her bed, Leena took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling thinking of her future. As if high on dopamine, she forgot to sleep in her excitement. She wants to be an excellent coder, hacker, and along with it, she wants a little entertainment in the university. She only wished toplete her studies happily and then start her ownpany. But destiny has its turn.

    ....

    The next morning, Leena got up from her sleep with Francis''s continuous nagging. She got fresh and went to the hospital to talk with her mom before leaving for Seattle.

    By the time, she stepped into the private jet, it was eleven in the morning. Getting bored on the ne, Leena poked Wilbur to pass her time.

    "What?" He asked.

    "I heard you broke up with your new girlfriend on the first day itself," Leena asked in a whisper.

    "She is the loudest eater I ever met. She constantly chewed with her mouth open and smacked her lips all the time while eating. I felt like I was dating a cookie monster. So, I broke up on the spot." Wilbur replied. All the girls he dated in the past had horrendous hobbies and they haven''tsted for more than three days. At this rate, Wilbur wondered if he was cursed to stay single.

    "You will never get a chance to date in this life." Leena put on her headphones.

    "The same applies to you," Wilbur muttered under his breath.

    ...

    Once theynded in Seattle, Francis straight away drove to a house he brought for Leena.

    "This house is so beautiful, Francy. I will be living here alone?" Leena asked in excitement. She could see the whole city from the floor to ceiling windows and she loved the view.

    "Two more will apany you." He smiled with fondness happy that she liked the gift. He wanted to gift a Vi but then again he felt t would be more secure since Leena would not be under his care. He doesn''t want guards to follow around her all the time which would wreck her privacy.

    "And who are they?" She asked.

    "You will meet them tomorrow." He said.

    "Fine. I will control my curiosity until then."

    The whole day, Leena did nothing except sleeping on her new bed. Francis and Wilbur came back at night. God knows where they were wandering and Leena did not bother to ask them.

    ....

    The next morning, instead of nervousness like all the teenagers feel on their first day of joining the university, Leena was stuck to the mirror.

    "How long will you look into that mirror?" Wilbur screamed.

    "Even mirror doesn''t want to part with me." She tilted her head and smiled at her reflection.

    "Lucky for you, mirrors can''tugh at you either." He said and pulled her out of the room.

    ...

    Leena was dressed in a simple knee-length dress on the first day, yet she was breathtakingly beautiful. Women were looking at her enviously while men couldn''t break eyes from the bewitching beauty. But no one dared to approach her when there was a powerful figure standing beside her.

    Unaware of their gazes, she was engrossed in studying the beauty of the university. There was a kind of miracle environment she found here.

    Just then, Leena''s thoughts broke when she heard a voice.

    "Francis! How are you, man?"

    "As usual busy, Louis," Francis replied.

    Louis looked at his nervous daughter. "Don''t get nervous, Reese. No one is going to eat you away."

    "I am not nervous dad." With a pout, Reese curiously looked at the girl standing next to Francis.

    "I_I am Reese and what''s your name."

    With a broad smile, Leena replied. "Can you ask an easy question?"

    Reese: " "

    "Hahahaa...I like her Francis." Louis remarked.

    Francis sighed. Leena started scaring people on the first day.

    "Where is Veronica?" Francis shifted the topic.

    "She must be_"

    "Are you talking about me" Just then a woman approached along with a girl? "Jane has taken a lot of time to get ready. So, I am a littlete."

    "She is my daughter, Jane." Veronica introduced Jane to Leena and Reese. The three did not talk much on the first day, but they did not find awkwardness while conversing.

    ...

    Once Leena got settled in the home, Francis and Wilbur was ready to leave. At first, Leena was happy when she started at home, but now she was missing Francis already. Her tank is about to burst open at any minute.

    "Now now. Don''t cry. I will visit you every week." Francis said caressing her hair. He was trying hard to maintain a smile. Only he knows how much he is suffering inside to leave Leena alone.

    "One phone call, I will appear in front of you alright, Crazy Leena?" Wilbur gently wiped her tears.

    "Hmmm..."Leena''s voice stuck in her throat.

    Without looking at her, Francis walked out.. Until the car was out of her sight, Leena kept waving her hand.

 Chapter 209 - Give It A Try

    Days passed, Leena, Reese, and Jane were getting close to each other. They belong to different departments but still make time for lunch in the afternoons. As Leena hoped, she was truly enjoying going on outings and sometimes treks with her friends. Life was fun with them around.

    On one weekend, Leena was still on her bed watching cartoons while Jane was reading a novel.

    "I heard you rejected another guy, Leena." Reese started. "It''s a talk in the university."

    "They haven''t yet learned lessons even after knowing about her?" Jane chuckled. She lost the count Leena has rejected the proposals until now.

    "They are boring candidates." Leena sighed. "What about you, Reese. How far you went in a rtionship with my brother?" Leena asked. She felt Wilbur is trying to court Reese with the way he was taking care of her.

    "Zero progress because I hate him," Reesezily said.

    "Don''t you have any other thing to talk about except your brother?" Jane shouted at both and walked out of the room.

    Leena and Reese: " "

    ....

    A group of friends gathered to have fun on the campus...

    "I heard that girl has rejected another one. She sure has guts." A man named Joergmented.

    "I like her attitude. A true beauty with the brain," Flynn added.

    "Even you are smitten by her, Flynn?" Luke, another one from the friend''s groupmented.

    "Aren''t you?" Flynn chuckled and turned towards his friend. "What do you think of her, Ethan?"

    "I haven''t seen her." Ethan shrugged lighting a cigarette. "But no one can match my Casey."

    "It''s because you haven''t seen Leena," Flynnmented. "Damn! Why is it hard to court that girl?"

    "Don''t worry, Flynn...I will make her fall in love with me," Luke remarked.

    "Impossible."

    "Let''s make a bet," Luke said. "If I don''t make her fall in love with me, I will run naked in the streets."

    "Then get ready to run naked."

    Everyone burst out into a fit ofughter...

    "Nothing works on her_"

    "Hold the bet. I am in." Ethan turned serious throwing the cigarette.

    "We were just joking_"

    "But I am serious." Ethan interrupted. He hasn''t seen her but everywhere on the campus, he would hear her name. Once challenged, he never loses bets, besides, he needs a little distraction from Casey''s thoughts.

    ...

    In the vast library, Leena was sitting with a book in her hand, and not before she flipped a page, she heard a voice.

    "Excuse me? Hello Leena!"

    Pressing her lips in irritation, she gazed at the man furiously. Another one! I can''t even have a peaceful life in the library?

    Her ignorance bothered Ethan and he hastily got an idea to bring her into his track.

    "Are you Jane Evans friend?"

    Leena stopped her work and looked at the man in front of him.

    "Your friend has hit someone in her ss and it is_"

    Leena dashed out of the ce even before Ethan has finished his thoughts.

    "Hey rx. She is fine, Leena." Ethan quickly followed and held her hand but she jerked him away. "Don''t touch me. Who the hell you_"

    "Ethan. Ethan Davies."

    That''s how she met him for the first time. After the brief conversation with him, Leena walked home in irritation. She got used to people confessing to her but the man she just met has over boarded this time. Without her willingness, he took her number and that infuriated her.

    "Useless fellow." Leena bbered everything that happened with Ethan to her friends.

    "He dared to use my name to talk with you?" Jane gritted her teeth. "I will kill him tomorrow."

    "Are you going to ept him, Leena? He is very famous around the university." Reese spoke up ignoring Jane''s irritation. She was more curious about Leena and Ethan now. She heard he is not an approachable man but he is behind Leena.

    "Not my standards." Leena shrugged.

    "I wonder there is a person who can meet our narcissist standards." Reese and Jane chuckled.

    "No one is born on this." She winked. She hasn''t met anyone who can bring sparks to her heart."By the way, ask Jasper toe on the weekend. We are going to empty his pockets."

    "That''s a good idea," Reese was amused with the idea and immediately made a call to her brother.

    "Aren''t you calling your brother, Leena?" Jane inquired.

    "He would eat my brain, Jane." Leena slumped on the floor thinking of her bathroom brother. But suddenly a thought entered her brain. Why does Jane ask Wilbur all the time? Does Jane like him? But he seems to like Reese. Whenever Wilbures to see Leena, he treats Reese with the utmost respect. Perhaps a love triangle? She brushed off the thought from her mind for now.

    ....

    A year has passed already and Leena has be a sensation on the campus for rejecting Ethan in a basketball match. But she did not care about thements behind her back.

    One fine day, Leena was lying on the bed and smiling like a giddy teenager looking at her mobile. All of a sudden, her mobile was snatched.

    "Reese," Leena screamed and tried to yank the mobile from her grip but Reese tricked her and held it higher. "Give it to me."

    "No!"

    "I will give the dress you asked for," Leena begged. "Please give it to me."

    Reese''s eyes twinkled with that thought and she immediately lent the mobile to Leena.

    "With whom you were chatting?" Reese asked in curiosity.

    "No one." Leena closed her mobile when Reese tried to peek into it.

    "Is it Ethan?" Reese asked again.

    "No." She cut off. Despite Leena didn''t have any feelings for Ethan but she would talk with him now and then. The first encounter was bitter but he bes a good friend to her recently.

    "You have been behaving weird recently." Reese pouted.

    Assuming that Reese will catch her, Leena shut her mouth and dragged her to the walk-in-closet.

    ....

    In a blink of an eye, three years passed, Leena, started designing applications forpanies. While she was busy performing some tasks on herptop, all of a sudden, she received a message from Ethan reminding her of the lunch. With a sigh, Leena got up to meet him for lunch.

    "Finally you have made time for this poor friend," Ethan spoke up the moment Leena entered the hotel.

    "I was super busy converting oxygen to carbon dioxide." Leena settled in the chair.

    "You are really crazy, Leena." He chuckled with her witty reply and ordered her favorite banana foods.

    Silence prevailed and both didn''t talk for the entire time. Leena knew he would start the topic. "Ethan_I_"

    "Can you give me a chance, please?"

    "You know I am not interested in love." She has rejected everyone without any guilt because no one could ignite the sparks in her until now. Maybe her heart is waiting for the soulmate.

    "Give it a try, Leena. You wouldn''t know unless you give it a try." He smiled and anticipated she would say yes this time.

    Leena has been thinking about it for a long time and she asked Reese and Jane''s opinion. Obviously, it was a no from Jane''s side but Reese has given a green signal.

    ''I am not going to lose anything. So, why not try for a couple of months. If it doesn''t work out, I will break up. ''

    "Fine. But if I am notfortable, I am going to call it off." There was neither happiness nor excitement when Leena epted to be his girlfriend. But Ethan was adamant to change the viewpoints and make her fall in love with him soon.

    "Thank you, Leena." Ethan got up and tried to hug her in a moment of happiness but Leena backed off.

    "I_I am not yetfortable." She awkwardly spoke up.

    "It''s ok. I will wait for you." Ethan was on cloud nine now. His four years of futile attempts in courting her didn''t go to waste. Now his goal was to make her fall in love with him.. Little did he know, there was a surprise waiting for him.

 Chapter 210 - One Of His Mistress

    Even after Leena epted Ethan, her behavior was normal. But Ethan was on another. He wanted to throw a party with his friends. After a brief talk, Leena wanted to leave but Ethan was reluctant to part away with her and he asked her to spend a little more time with him but she denied him with work as an excuse. The deadline for the project she has epted was approaching and she was more interested to work than going on dates.

    Leena reached home and the moment she opened the door, the loud snoring voices reverberated into her ears. "Can I ce a pillow tightly over her face and hold it till the snoring stops?" Leena muttered and walked inside Reese''s room.

    "Get up snoring tractor!" Leena looked at the girl sleeping on the bed like a dead starfish. She yanked the nket with one swift move to wake her up.

    "I am still sleepy..." Reese groggily replied and tried to pull the nket but Leena smacked her butt. At least, Leena was happy that her snoring stopped now.

    "Crazy Leena! I will kill you." Reese screamed before she opened her eyes. "Why do you feel hostility toward me_"

    "I said yes to Ethan." Leena interrupted Reese in the mid-sentence.

    "What!" Reese was wide awake with the news. "Then the great Leena Hayes is in a rtionship now!" Reese screamed at the top of her lungs. "Let''s go party."

    "It''s not an achievement, Reese." Leena pouted.

    "Well, it might not be one for you, but it''s the eighth wonder for the rest," Reese urgently spoke up in her excitement. "Did you tell, Jane?"

    "Not yet! But she would kill me." Leena huffed like a child. Now she regretted saying yes to Ethan. Can I back off?

    "Of course, she would not ept him easily. Ethan has indirectly be her enemy." Reese said. "How did he propose?"

    Leena exined the incident that happened between them.

    "He is boring. Who proposes in such a way?" Reesezily expressed her disinterest with a yawn. "I don''t want to hear anymore. Rest for a while. You have been working a lot on your new project as if you are deprived of money."

    "Because I am running out of dresses," Leena remarked.

    "Francis would bring stars if you want."

    "Dresses are cuter than stars," Leena winked.

    Reese pressed her lips in irritation. Leena would never stop this hobby of hers. Most of the weekends, all the three friends would be wandering in the shopping locations because they were forcibly dragged by a shopaholic and Leena would be as high as a kite all the time while shopping.

    "Since you asked me to sleep, the dinner is on you today." Leena left the room before Reese woulde screaming at her.

    Leena was lying on the bed but sleep was nowhere on the premises. Ethan''s proposal was mulling over her brain continuously. Did I make the right choice? Is he the one my heart is searching for? But something was unsettling in her heart. Leena grabbed her mobile to talk with him but before she typed a message, Jane entered her room.

    "Leena....." Jane screamed and jumped onto Leean''s bed. "You have epted Ethan''s proposal?"

    ''bbermouth Reese. She can''t keep up a single thing in her mouth.''

    "Well, I have." Leena awkwardly nced at her friend. "I know you don''t like him but he is not a bad person either, Jane. I have been talking with him for the past three years and he is good to me. The first impression often disappoints. You shoulde out of the zone."

    Jane neither epted nor denied Leena''s thoughts. She doesn''t like Ethan but for Leena''s sake, she has to endure. "Alright. Did you tell, Will?"

    "Can you keep it as a secret?" Leena pleaded. She wasn''t sure if the rtionship with Ethan would work out or not, so until then Leena wants to hide her rtionship status from Wilbur. Her Francy woulde for her life if hees to know about it because he has sternly dered no to dating.

    "No." Jane instantly declined. She felt it''s not a wise decision to keep a secret from Wilbur.

    "Didn''t you both hide your rtionship with me and Reese?" Leena countered. She was shocked when she saw Jane and Wilbur kissing in the home on one fine day. All the while, Leena thought Wilbur liked Reese but he gave an unexpected twist.

    "It''s different_"

    "You are neither telling Wilbur nor Francy." Leena sternly dered.

    "Fine." Jane exhaled a loud sigh.

    .....

    "You have been getting lots of calls from your executive assistant. Why don''t you go to the office and check?" Leena was in a shopping arena. She nned to go with her friends but Ethan tagged along. So, Reese and Jane reluctantly backed off to give more space to both of them.

    "I rarely get a chance to talk with you, Leena. What do you want to_"

    He broke off in the middle when he saw a woman swiftlying towards him and before Ethan realized what''s happening around him, he was imprisoned in a tight hug. He knew who it is. The touch felt familiar and all the memories of her flooded back. "Casey." He muttered.

    "I arrived in Seattle today and I straight away drove to your home. Your friend informed me you were here. I was searching all the floors frantically for an hour. Finally, I found you. I missed you, Ethan." Ethan dreamed to hear those words from her mouth in the past but he doesn''t feel anything now. He quickly released himself from the hug when he saw Leena''s curiously looking at them.

    "Hi, Casey!" He smiled awkwardly.

    "How are you, Ethan. I am sorry for leaving you. I am back now. I will not leave you_"

    Before Leena could misunderstand him, Ethan cut off Casey and introduced Leena to her. "This is my girlfriend, Leena."

    Leena studied the girl''s face and she could sense envy. Casey! She has heard the name. Ethan has shown her picture once and often talks about her. Which man doesn''t boast about their ex-girlfriends. Leena didn''t mind about his past. Her only concern was she is dating a leftover piece.

    "Oh! I am sorry for disturbing you. I didn''t know you have got a girlfriend already." Half-smiling at him, Casey turned to Leena. "Ethan is a very nice person. Please take care of him." With that Casey left.

    Leena wanted to puke listening to her thoughts. Green tea bitch. It was clear that Casey is trying to earn brownie points from Ethan.

    "Casey is my_"

    "She is your ex and I understand. Let''s go."Leena cut him off. Ethan would asionally talk about how beautiful Casey was but when she saw her in person, Leena felt like puking on his taste. Her pictures were a little better than her real self. Not all are beautiful like you, Leena. Instead of getting jealous of his ex, Leena was in her world of self-praising again.

    Ethan nodded his head with a half-smile. A huge burden lifted from his heart when Leena did not doubt him.

    ....

    Days passed, Ethan was busy with thepany affairs but he would always message Leena whenever he gets a free time. From the day, he met Casey in the shopping arena, she would visit his office. Sometimes, she would end up in trouble and with no other friends, Ethan has to support her. So, he rarely has time to spend with Leena. Finally, he has canceled all his ns and convinced Leena of a date. He actually nned for a romantic dinner at the beach but he has to settle for lunch.

    The moment Ethan stepped into a hotel with Leena, he saw a bunch of women getting out of the private room. He recognized all of them because they were his mom''s friends. If she sees Leena here, she would create amotion. Before he could take Leena to another ce, one of his mom''s friends spotted Ethan. "Lauren, look it''s your son, Ethan. He has a girlfriend?"

    Lauren nced in the pointed direction and walked towards them along with her friends. "Who is she, son?"

    "She is Leena, my_"

    "Is she your girlfriend, Ethan?" One of Lauren''s friends Nathalie spoke up.

    "Girlfriend? It must be one of his mistress, Nathalie," Laurence spoke up looking at Leena with a scornful gaze.

    "Mom!" Ethan''s voice raised an octave. "What''s wrong with you?"

    "You are talking as if your son goes and fools around every woman, Mrs. Davies," Leena threw a disgusting look at the woman."So, you didn''t you raise him well?"

    "You_"

    "Apply yourself as a parent first." Leena calmly responded and turned to Ethan. "I am going home and I don''t want to tell this but I want to. I don''t like your mom."

    "What did you say?" Lauren barked but Leena left the ce although Ethan tried to call her back.

 Chapter 211 - Alcohol Stench

    Reese Leena and Jane were ying the Warlords of New York game and in between, the three of them would gossip about the affairs going on in the university. Finally, Leena and Ethan''s topic came into the picture.

    "Speaking of him, I wanted to see his arrogant mother once." A spasm of irritation crossed over Jane''s face when Leena talked about an awful encounter with Ethan''s mom a month back.

    "I am not liking Ethan either. He is giving more importance to that arrogant cow." Reese snapped angrily.

    "Precisely." Jane threw her mobile when she got bored of the game. She turned her attention to the most interesting topic. "How can he leave you in the middle of the movie just because his ex-girlfriend was injured? He could have called his friends to take care of that shrewd cow." Jane spoke up brusquely. It''s because, of him, her friend has toe home alone.

    "And yesterday he med Leena for pushing that woman into the water. For god''s sake, I should knock some sense into him. He has a girlfriend already. He doesn''t even know to stay away from his ex?" Reese retorted. When the three friends went out to enjoy water sports, Ethan tagged along with them. They were happy to have him but to their annoyance, he brought his ex-girlfriend. When Jane and Reese were ying in the pool, Leena was just standing at the corner and Casey happens to slip into the swimming pool suddenly and became unconscious and the white lotus put up her damsel in distress act and Ethan med Leena that she was the one who has pushed her into the water. Although Caseyter told Ethan it was not Leena''s fault, it was clear that he didn''t believe Leena in the first ce.

    "Let''s resume the game." Leena was not interested in hearing about him anymore.

    "You guys continue. I am going for a walk." Jane grabbed her mobile, got up, and stepped out of the room.

    "She is enjoying with your brother." Reese giggled.

    "It''s not toote. We can also enjoy, Reese?" Leena winked.

    "Get lost_"

    Reese curtailed her thoughts when she heard a buzz and nced at the inte. Walking towards it, she peeped into the inte.

    Ethan was standing outside.

    Reese whisked towards Leena and spoke up in an urgent voice. "It''s Ethan. Why didn''t the security call us? Did you put him on the guestlist?"

    "He nagged until I added him." Leena sighed.

    "Anyway, I don''t want to talk with him. Send him away."

    "Do you think he is going to leave without talking to you? It''s all your fault." Reese yelled and walked into the living room to open the door.

    "Hi, Reese." Ethan smiled the moment the door was opened.

    Without speaking a word, Reese threw a cold nce at the man and made herself into her room. Ethan knew he has made a big mistake and he has angered everyone and that''s the reason he is here. To coax Leena.

    He straight away went into Leena''s room. His smile broader seeing her."Are you angry at me?"

    There was no response.

    "I am sorry! I misunderstood you. Casey and I have been together for a long time and suddenly when I saw her drowning in the pool, I got a little scared...You know what I mean_"

    "I understand she is very dear to you_"

    "That''s not what I meant." Ethan urgently exined."I don''t have any feelings_"

    "Let meplete my words first." Leena interrupted. "Before you assume, learn the facts. Before you judge, understand why and before you speak, think with your brain."

    "I know and I will keep that in my mind," Ethan ensured. He has made a bigger mistake ming her and he will never suspect Leena. They have fought a lot of times already and each time it is because of Casey. I have to maintain a little distance from her.

    "If you are still into your ex, I would suggest you reconcile with her," Leena muttered.

    "There is no way we are breaking up, Leena." Ethan''s face darkened at the mention of a separation. "I am telling you again. Casey and I have already broken up long ago. She is just my friend and I don''t have any feelings for her."

    "Fine." Leena was tired of hearing the same words from him every time and she also knew Ethan would again prioritize Casey when he has to chose between both. This rtionship is not going to work out. I have to put an end to it soon.

    "We will work out together if a problemes up. But don''t talk about break up." Ethan squatted in front of Leena and grazed her hand. When she did not refuse his touch, he leaned his body until he was only an inch away from her lips. "You look so beautiful Leena and the thought of kissing you has stuck in my head for a long time," Ethan whispered, and not before he covered the tiny distance and pressed his lips against her, Leena turned to her side.

    "I want to sleep." She muttered and pulled her hand from his grasp.

    "You are such a mood breaker." Ethan riposted and left the room in anger.

    Leena breathed in loudly when Ethan was out of her sight. She was in a different world to notice he was only inches away from her.

    "What''s wrong with your face?" Reese entered the room the moment Ethan left the home.

    "It''s not working out, Reese." Leena cried.

    "What do you mean?" Reese asked in confusion.

    "He tried to kiss me. But I backed off. I am not feeling anything even when he was an inch away from my lips." Leena propped on her arm as she exined Reese.

    "It must be because you don''t have feelings for him. You feel strong emotion when you have met the right one, the one you have been waiting for your entire life. You feel as if you have known him all your life and you connect with him on so many levels." Reese exined.

    "How do you know this? You don''t have a boyfriend, right?" Leena asked. Reese''s theory was in such a way that even Leena believed it. Will I meet such a person? No. There is no such man.

    "It''s because my EQ is exceptionally high." Rease proudly said.

    "That exins why your IQ is exceptionally less." Leena countered with a giggle.

    "Hey!" Reese screamed and threw a pillow onto Leena''s head.

    "Alright. Let''s go and cook. We have to enjoy our time now before the graduation." Leena said.

    "We are going to graduate soon, Leena." Reese beamed."I am so happy. What do you want to do next? Do you want to study further?"

    "Tired of studying for two decades. I want to earn lots of money and be a billionaire." Leena was excited to graduate and start apany on her own. She has dreamed of sitting in a CEO chair and order the employees.

    In a happy mood, Leena and Reese went into the kitchen to prepare food. Leena was cutting vegetables to experiment with a new dish, she received a message notification. She knew who it is. She has set a special notification tone for that person. She threw the knife and grabbed her mobile. A smile reached her eyes when she saw the content of the message. He has asked if she could meet him once. It''s a yes obviously. Even she wants to directly see him in person.

    "Who messaged you?" Watching Leena smiling like a love-struck fool, Reese tried to peek into the mobile but as usual, Leena locked it.

    "Are you secretly maintaining another boyfriend?" Reese growled.

    "No." Leena refuted.

    "Then tell me who it is," Reese bawled out. With continuous pestering, Leena briefly exined about the person she was chatting with.

    "What the fish? Four years? You have hidden such a big secret from us?" Reeseshed out at her friend. "What''s his name?"

    "I don''t know anything about him, Reese."

    "Then how did you meet him?" She asked curiously.

    "Enough with your questions, Sherlock Holmes," Leena interjected. "Let''s continue with the cooking." Leena doesn''t want to share much about him.

    ...

    Days passed and their finals were approaching. Jane, as usual, went to meet Wilbur when the weekend approached. Reese was leaving for New York to meet his grandfather and Leena has to stay alone.

    "I don''t want to leave you alone, Leena," Reese pouted. If not her grandfather hase back from a trip and pestering her toe home, Reese was not nning to go home leaving her friend alone.

    "For god''s sake. You will be back tomorrow."

    "Alright. Lock the doors properly." Reese said.

    "The security is top-notch here." Leena was moved by her friend''s concern.

    Reese hummed in reply and hugged Leena before she left.

    The whole day, Leena did nothing except eating and sleeping. At night, she had a long shower and was about to jump into the bed, the inte of her house buzzed. "Who is here to disturb my sleep at this time?" She nced at the wall clock and walked toward the inte. It was Ethan. Why is he here?

    The moment Leena opened the door, she covered her nose when the overwhelming alcohol stench nauseated her.

    A night she would never forget in her life.

 Chapter 212 - Worse Than Animal

    Bloodshot eyes, disheveled shirt, unkempt hair, body swiveling uncontrobly was all Leena needed to imagine the amount of alcohol he consumed. The overpowering smell of alcohol stench was exuding even from the pores of his skin. Leena knew Ethan is a terrible smoker but she did not expect him to be an inebriate also. Anyways, it''s not the time to think about his addictions. She has to send him away as soon as possible.

    "Is something important, Ethan? Can we talk tomorrow? I have to sleep." Cautiously, Leena asked but he did not respond. She took a glimpse of him, he was tightly holding an envelope in his hands. She doesn''t know what it is. People lose the capacity to think logically when drunk. Reese and Jane are not here to support if something happens. I have to stay calm and send him away first. "Stay here. I will call any of your friends to pick you up."

    "Are you desperate to send me away? Am I not allowed here, my dear cutie patootie?" Ethan yanked her and in one tug, Leena was in his arms. He grazed over her cheek sending shivers down her spine. "You are so beautiful today." He whispered breathing her fragrance. Freshly showered, her scent was intoxicating him.

    "What''s wrong with you today!" Leena yelled trying to push him away but he was too strong for her. She couldn''t overthrow him. She regretted not learning martial arts when her Francy forced her.

    Ethan is behaving differently today. He has never forced her in the past but today she was getting a different vibe from him. Every cell in her body was screaming to stay away from him. "Get out of my house! Now."

    He ignored her cruel words that were breaking his heart. "How much you charge per hour?" Ethan whispered into her ear

    "W_hat?" Her voice stuttered. She could sense a different meaning from his tone. No one has humiliated her until now.

    "Is that why you refuse my touch every time? Because you only trade with money." He spat out grabbing her chin forcefully. There was only disgust on his face for her. "Name your price. I will triple it."

    "You are speaking nonsense in your drunken state." With all her might, Leena pushed him away, releasing herself from his tight grip. "Get your senses_"

    Her thoughts ceased when he threw a file on to the floor, stacks of pictures toppled from it with the force impact.

    Leena''s gaze shifted to the pictures, a shiver ran down her spine the more she observed them. It was her in all the pictures. She was on a bed, naked, with a man she has never seen. In all the pictures, she was lying naked on the bed with a different man. Even she couldn''t distinguish if it was real or fake pictures because the photos were morphed wlessly. With today''s technology, there is nothing we couldn''t achieve. But who sent them? What pained her was, Ethan knows about her character but still chose to believe in the pictures.

    Her brain throbbed but she concocted with all her might and spoke up. "They are fabricated. You have known me for three years and you know what sort of person I am." She doesn''t know why she has to exin to him but her words came out before she could control them.

    "Let''s talk once you are sober," said Leena and held his hand to send him out of the house but he forcefully jerked her hand. What followed were the most disgusting words she has ever heard.

    "Does your mom knows you are a_"

    SLAP!

    A loud smack reverberated in the silent room even before he uttered the dreadful word. Leena smacked on his cheek tightly, her eyes appeared dead cold. It was the first time she has pped a man but she didn''t regret it. She didn''t like the way he was treating her tonight. "Behave like a man."

    Ethan was used to getting pped by his mother but he couldn''t tolerate it today, not from Leena. He let his negative emotions swallow him pouring acid into his soul. When he was in office, someone delivered him an Anonymous package and when he opened the envelope, he was heartbroken. The pictures of Leena lying next to the man was still evident in his memory. At first, he did not want to believe but the more he looked at the pictures, he felt miserable, betrayed. Leena never let him hug her but when she was fooling around with other men devastated him to the core. He was trying all the ways to curb her anger and she was in another man''s arms. After all the things she has done and she is asking me to behave like a man?

    "You want me to act like a man, right?" He gave a sinister smile. "I will show you what sort of man I am today."

    He roughly pushed her body against the wall without letting her escape. Leena winced in pain when her back mmed against it making a thud sound. "You are hurting me!" She screamed, tried to kick his inguen but it was futile to attempt to topple a drunkard. When she tried to resist his touch, a loud p fell on her cheek.

    SLAP!

    With the force Ethan used on her, Leena fell onto the floor. His errant p cupped her over the ear. A distinct st of pain emanated in her ear. The pain throbbed inside her skull, feeling numbness in her ear. For a while, Leena thought she lost her hearing sense.

    "What''s wrong with you today!" She screamed rubbing her aching ear. No one has hit her until now. When she identally tipped over a chair when she was a child and got injured, Francis burned it. Cupping her cheek, Leena tried to get up but Ethan pulled her hair aggressively and pped her right cheek again.

    "Let me tell you a truth, Leena." He sneered. "I have never loved you. To make you my girlfriend was the bet I made with my friends." He spat out.

    Her eyes grew wide open. She looked at Ethan expecting him to tell it was a prank he was ying on her but his mouth remained in an uncharacteristic grim line. Who has given him the right to bet on me? The physical pain was throbbing her and now he has dropped another bomb.

    "You have already slept with many men." His lips curled into disgust. "Let me also taste you." Ethan lifted her and carried her to the room putting on his shoulder. He threw her onto the bed harshly, her body shook when she thought of what is about to happen.

    "No...don''t do this..." She screamed when he climbed on to the bed and kneaded her. "Did it hurt you when every man banged you down there?" He whispered grazing her lips. The thought that she kissed all those men disgusted him. "Filthy. I am not going to kiss your filthy lips...." His alcohol has intoxicated him to the point that he forgot which is reality and which is an illusion.

    "No...Ethan...You are drunk...You are going to regret it tomorrow." Leena begged. She had no strength to protest him. He was far crueler. She never thought he would behave in such a way today.

    "Please...I beg you..don''t do this" She pleaded.

    His fists closed so tight that he could feel the sweat trapped inside of him. Her cries have almost stopped his heart but his brain has conjured him. She has betrayed him sleeping with many men and that is the only thing ringing in his mind.

    "How would my bet getspleted until I sleep with you?" With a manic smile, his hand reached for her shorts to pull them out until he heard a loud ring.

    He paused for a while.

    "Get lost bastard." When he has put his guards down, Leena pped his face right to put some sense into him. "Knock some sense into your brain."

    Ethan at once snapped back to reality. Although he was still in a drunken state, he came back to his insights. "Leena...." What have I done? He immediately removed his hand from her legs and checked her wrists. They were swollen red due to his tight grip.

    Her teardrops tugged his heart. "Leena...I am sorry..." He tried to touch her cheek to calm her but Leena dug her head deep into the pillow. She didn''t want to see his face.

    "I am sorry. I was drunk. I will never do this again. Shall I put an ointment on your hands?" He coaxed her. How could I hurt her? He wanted to cut his hands for pping her.

    "Get out of my home. You are worse than an animal." She whispered. It hasn''t got a phone call, what would be her state. She would get brutally assaulted by him today.

    "I wille back and talk with you tomorrow." He whispered but Leena did not hear anything.. There was only disgust for the man.

 Chapter 213 - Lose Her Hearing Ability

    Leena sobbed, tears dripped raining down onto the pillow. Her breathing ragged, strength left her body. Her sounds of wailing and suffering echoed throughout the house. There was no one tofort her now. She cried until no more tears came, but still emptiness and sorrow reminded. Even the first light of the day arrived, she remained unmoved. Eventually, fatigue kicked in and she dozed off in the morning.

    .....

    "I have never let you down, I am shining on sight

    In a sh like that, I am back...I am back my dear Leena." Singing to a song as if she was choir leader at a church, Reese keyed in the passcode of the house. Her grandfather has started business lectures even before she graduated. So, she started the early journey to escape from his boring sses.

    "I will pull a ghost prank on crazy Leena now." Reese giggled. She hasn''t informed Leena that she would be arriving. When Reese stepped into the house, she was surprised to see the living room all messy. Leena''s favorite nt was thrown on the ground, a ss vase was broken, pictures sprawled across the floor. Leena, being a clean freak, would yell at Reese and Jane even if it is a little untidy. What happened today? Is she not in the home? Reese wondered.

    Reese moved ahead and picked a picture lying on the floor. It scared the bejesus out of Reese''s mind like a shot. "What on earth happened? Why is Leena lying next to a different man in every picture?"

    Reese hurriedly made herself into Leena''s room. She was expecting something would have happened to her friend when she saw those morphed pictures, but the reality was worse. Reese was horrified to see the disheveled clothes on Leena''s body, bruises on her face and arms which have turned purple. Her face darkened instantly. Who did this to her!

    She drew a few shaky breaths to calm herself and touched Leena''s face.

    "Please...Don''t..." Involuntarily Leena shuddered gripping her nket tightly. Her heart race elerated and attempted to control her breathing rate thinking he hase to torture her again. Sincest night, Leena would smell his scent with no source either and scared she has woken up from her sleep now and then

    "Leena. Don''t panic...It''s me...Reese." Reese quickly exined and rubbed Leena''s arms to relieve her tensed body. Only when she heard the familiar voice, Leena loosened up a little.

    "What happened to my Leena! Who came here and harmed her!" Reese mumbled Other than the guest list, people have to have the consent of the t owner to enter the apartment and Francis made sure there shouldn''t be any outsider on the directory. Reese''s eyes glimmered with watery tears, it spilled over the sides of her eyes seeing the wretched state of her friend.

    "What do I do now? Should I call Wilbur and Francis? No. They would freak out..." Reese incoherently mumbled and grabbed her mobile. She hastily made a call to Jane and asked her toe home immediately without letting Wilbur know anything.

    Reese did not know what to do except to call Jane in a frenzy. She sat next to Leena, wiped the tears every few seconds that were flowing involuntarily even with Leena''s eyes closed.

    Within half n hour Jane arrived home and even she was mortified like Reese when she saw Leena lying on the bed like a broken doll. "Who...her bruises?" With a shaky hand, she tried to touch Leena''s arm but Reese swatted her hand even before that.

    "She is not in her usual self," Reese said.

    "Who has done this to_"

    "It must be Ethan. I have asked at the front desk. No one hase to meet Leena except him." Reese felt a stab of anger towards that monster. She has an inkling of the situation when she saw the pictures. Ethan must have misunderstood and pped her. Who has given the right to torment her?

    "Bastard! I am going to break his bones today." Jane had enough of him. She was brimming with hostility. Jane turned around to go to his office and beat the shit out of Ethan, but Reese gripped her arm tightly.

    "Let me go, Reese. He needs a lesson_"

    "Let''s take care of Leena first,"

    Jane calmed down when she thought of Reese''s words. She is right. Leena is their priority. Her eyes bleed with pain. "Did he vite her, Reese?" Her voice barely a whisper.

    "I_I still don''t know. We will take her to the hospital first." Replied Reese. She wished nothing would have happened as such. Leena would be heartbroken. She has trusted that monster and put her guards down but looks what has he given in return?

    "Fine." Jane walked towards the bed ming herself. If she was with Leena all day...Jane gently touched her arm and whispered into Leena''s ear. "Don''t panic...It''s me...Jane... I will take you to the hospital."

    "No." Leena instantly denied gazing at the ceiling. "I_I am fine...Nothing that you are thinking has happened."

    "Thank God..." Reese and Jane sighed in sce. Still, they wanted to make sure her bruises would not leave a scar on her face and nagged Leena but she did not sumb. Jane called a known doctor to treat her in the home itself.

    .....

    Reese and Jane were tapping their feet on the floor in fear while the doctor was checking Leena''s wounds. At least, Leena is cooperating with the treatment.

    "Any major injuries?" Jane asked in unrest. The doctor informed Jane not to disturb her, but her mind was in chaos.

    "No." The doctor named, Olivia smiled at the friend''s protective nature. "But the bruise near her ear is a little sensitive. I hope her tympanic membrane is not ruptured."

    "What does that mean?" Both asked in unison. They are not much aware of medical terminology.

    "To put it up simply, she would lose the ability to hear."

    Reese and Jane gasped in shock. Will Leena lose the ability to hear permanently?

    "But you don''t need to panic," Olivia said. "I couldn''t perform a full scan here. Let''s not dwell on assumptions and bring her as soon as possible to the hospital. A surgical repair has to be performed in case it is ruptured." Olivia revealed a reassuring smile. She gave a lotion for the bruises before she left.

    After sending the doctor, Leena and Reese arrived back to check on Leena. They are not aware of the things that happened in the night but they could practically assume Leena''s struggles.

    "Why did he do that, Reese?" Jane asked slumping on the floor. Jane doesn''t like Ethan but she felt his love for Leena was real and she was softening up a little towards him but he has screwed up.

    Reese did not speak a word.

    The whole day, they stayed with Leena looking after her.

    "She hadn''t had anything from the morning," Reese said.

    "I know." Jane turned to Leena and gently touched her arm. "Get up and eat something, Leena. You will fall sick at this rate."

    Leena didn''t respond.

    "Do you want to talk with your brother?" Jane asked.

    Leena denied shaking her head.

    "What do we do, Jane?" asked Reese.

    "Let''s give her some space," replied Jane. Wilbur and Francis called to talk with Leena and the two friends convinced them Leena was busy with some priority work. How long they could mask the lie, they don''t know. But right now they did what they felt right.

    .....

    Two days passed and Leena has stepped out of her room and straight away went to the kitchen when she heard her friend''s voices.

    Jane and Reese were engrossed in talking and they failed to notice someone has entered the kitchen and until they felt a tug on their dresses, they turned around.

    "Can you make Burrito" Leena whispered gazing at the floor? "I am hungry."

    "Oh, my dear Leena..." Reese and Jane embraced her in a tight hug. It''s been two days since she has spoken a word and finally, they saw a little spark in the lost eyes.

    "Take her to the living room, Reese," Jane said. She was happy that Leena started interacting with them a little. "I will make the breakfast in an hour."

    "Alright." Reese beamed and pulled Leena out of the kitchen.

    Although Leena did not eat like she used to gobble up, she didnot starve herself. Jane had to submit an important assessment and after breakfast, she was ready to leave, Leena also insisted oning.

    "Take rest for today. You don''t have toe." Jane said.

    "I_I am getting other thoughts," Leena replied in a whisper. She was beginning to have thoughts of ending her life when ever she remembers his touch.

    "I am sorry. We were not here to protect you." Jane muttered wiping Leena''s tears.

    "It''s not your fault." Leena released herself from the hug and wiped her tears. I have made a mistake and trusted a monster. She was beginning to hate men and she even felt that might be the beginning of her wisdom.

    Like a determined girl to change herself, Leena stepped out of the house, a little smile etched on her face.. Little did she know, there was another surprise waiting for her today which would break her again.

 Chapter 214 - I Am Here, Little Heart

    As Leena stepped into the university gates along with Reese and Jane, a trace of nervousness filled in her. With a positive perception, she came here to clear her mind from unwanted thoughts but that was slowly curtailing when the students gave her a strange leer. Like a chick that doesn''t get sufficient oxygen through the hard shell, her soul got trapped in a veneer of insecurities.

    Reese pulled Jane''s sleeve and whispered into her ear. "Get your assignment fast done ande back. I will be with Leena."

    "Alright. Take care of her." Jane muttered and went to get her business done toe back as soon as possible.

    "I_I am scared, Reese." Leena tightly gripped Reese''s hand in fear. She could feel people criticizing her. On normal days, she would not mind but today, she was feeling anxiety. Did Ethan spread the news of his assault?

    "Shall we go to your favorite spot, the library? No one would disturb us." Reese quickly added. "Don''t panic, Leena. I am here for you." Reese convinced, stroking Leena''s arm. Leena would strike back and shut everyone''s mouth if it was another time but all changed because of that bastard.

    "Okay." Leena nodded her head like a meek little kitten and headed to the library. She picked a book to pass the time and settled next to Reese. All of a sudden, a girl sitting at the same table got up and left the ce.

    Reese''s eyes glowed with savage fire. She didn''t miss the disgusted look on the girl''s face directed at Leena. What on the earth is that idiotic girl thinking? Does she have a death wish?

    Meanwhile, two other girls sitting adjacent to Leena were exchanging looks, their cues were palpable to Leena.

    Their conduct vexed Leena and she got up from the chair and approached the girls. She snatched the mobile from one of the girl''s hands and to horror, it was the pictures that Ethan has thrown onto her face. The parts of her body were blurred but her face was clear in all the pictures. Who is it? What did they gain from it? Tears welled up from deep inside and coursed down her cheek.

    "Who sent this?" Reese demanded.

    "A friend of mine from the business department." The girl choked on her breath as she exined. "It is spread to the whole university." She recited thest two words in a whisper.

    Reese snatched the mobile from Leena''s hand and threw it onto the floor. She did not mind if it was broken. Those girls deserve it.

    It''s not good to stay here anymore. Someone is deliberately potting against Leena. I have to inform Wilbur and Francis at any cost. Reese immediately messaged Jane to meet at the entrance.

    "Let''s go home," Reese held Leena''s arm, and before she pulled her out of the library, they heard ament.

    "I never thought she is such kind of girl." The library administrator snapped.

    "She brought a shame to the university!"

    Leena sharply gazed at him, her icy stares bored into him, making it hard not to back away. He was the same person who has praised her in the past for her outstanding aplishments. Sure, people change.

    "Don''t mind those street dogs," Reese''s voice was loud enough for the librarian to hear and shut his mouth. I will look after this dimwit library administrator tomorrow. If not taking care of Leena was her priority, Reese would have taught him a life lesson.

    Reese thought it was only the librarian that wrecked Leena but she was cornered by the people here. She has suffered enough with Ethan''s assault already and on top of it, this scandal broke her heart.

    "Woah! The great Leena is here!" A manmented. "I must say, you are damn hot in the photos."

    "One more word from your mouth, Mr. Tyson Fhal." Jane appeared and shielded Leena protectively. "Your family name will be in rags by tomorrow."

    Tyson shut his mouth with the threat. He knew with Jane''s status, it would yield no good to his family.

    "Those threats don''t work on me right, Miss Evans." Another person appeared in front of Leena to pry on her. "The badass Leena Hayes is a scared bunny after the truth is exposed?" Raiden snickered.

    "Raiden!" Jane threatened him. It was clear he is trying to take revenge on Leena for rejecting his advances.

    "Didn''t your mom and dad taught you manners when you were a child?" Leena calmly asked.

    "Arrogance is not a good sign, babe! Didn''t your boyfriend satisfy you?" He gave a sardonicugh. "Anyway, everybody has seen it all...Why don''t you show it to me_"

    A deep kick drove into Raiden''s gut silencing his thoughts. Raiden stumbled and lost the bnce and fell on to the floor.

    "Wilbur." Jane caught her breath in a startled gasp. When did hee here?

    "Do your mouth still speaks if I cut off your tongue?" Wilbur roared, his zing murderous eyes prated Raiden, lifting chills down his spine.

    "Did someone hurt you here?" Wilbur''s gaze turned to his sister and pulled her closer

    "No." Leena''s throat tightened at the sight of Wilbur. He hase! My brother hase! She felt a sense of security and warmth in his hands.

    "Who are you!" Raided snarled. "Son of a_"

    "It takes the son of a b**ch to change the habits, ratbag." Wilbur pushed Leena and swung his right fist into Raiden''s defined jaw, thetter growled as he tried to recover from the strong hit.

    A ss of shard protruded from Wilbur''s arm, the cut in his arms was flowing freely with the blood but the adrenaline within his body kept him going. Everyone who has hurt his sister has to face his wrath.

    Jasper who was watching Wilbur''s fury tried to pull him but it was his futile attempt. Wilbur is a Krav Maga fighter and each punch would be an impact of thousands of venomous des piercing into one''s body if he left him aside. "You are not a part of this university, Will. It will cause a huge uproar."

    Wilbur pushed Jasper and sliced his fist across Raiden''s gut, ripping open his shirt and pant zipper. In one swoop, except for briefs, Raiden was standing half naked in front of the whole university.

    With all the people starting, he covered his body, his face was red with shame. "Quite an awful body you have." Wilbur threw the shirt onto his face.

    Wilbur looked at the people surrounding him with his bloodshot eyes. It was not only a warning to Raiden.

    In the middle of themotion, they heard heavy footsteps and the crowd gasped when the chairperson arrived. The chairman of the university heard from one of the professors, a fight was transpiring on the campus. The students always end up in fights, so he did not bother but they informed him it is quite serious this time. His mood was already sour when he saw odd pictures of his favorite student and came here to disqualify the ungrateful little things but when he saw the person, chills ran down his spine and rushed towards him.

    "Mr. Brooks" Wilbur spoke up without lifting his head.

    "Yes, Mr. Hayes."

    "I don''t want to hear his name from tomorrow." With disgust, Wilbur pointed his hand at Tyson. "Don''t think I have forgotten."

    "I will take care of them." The chairman politely bowed.

    The stoic temper shifted when Wilbur gazed at his sister. He walked towards her and gently pulled her into a hug. "I am here, Little heart! No one will harm you."

    Leena''s hands hung by her side, she did not raise her hand to hug him like she always does. But her tears split over and flowed down her face like a river escaping a dam.

    ....

    Leena slept on his arms by the time they reached home. Wilbur straight away carried her to the bed. His heart was in pain seeing her brokepletely. "I will not let anything happen to you. I will bring the culprit in front of you." He whispered and strolled out of the room.

    He looked at the two girls shivering when he entered the living room.

    "What''s happening here?"Wilbur demanded. "Why is Ethan under the guest list of this house. What''s his rtionship with my sister!" If he was not here, Wilbur stopped imagining. Jasper informed him about a scandal in the morning and he immediately arrived in Seattle. Jane has not even talked about it even when they are in a rtionship. He was shocked seeing the events unfolding today.

    " I_I" Jane and Reese stuttered powerless in front of the man. There is no escape except to confess the truth.

    "Jane!" Wilbur''s voice lifted a scale. "You know about me. Tell the truth before I go berserk."

    "E_than is Leena''s boyfriend," Jane revealed holding the hem of her dress tightly.

    "W_hat?" Wilbur was stunned by the confession. Ethan and Leena in a rtionship?

 Chapter 215 - Meet Me At The Cafe

    Wilbur was bbergasted by the news. His face flushed in rage. He is not going to approve of this rtionship. Ethan''s mother is of evil grain and Leena will have to live in a toxic environment in case if their rtionship further progresses and he has to stop before that. "When did it happen?"

    "Two months ago." Replied Jane in a whisper.

    "And you haven''t thought of informing me once?" His voice rose hysterically. Ethan might be his friend but he doesn''t have trust in him and if he was concerned about Leena, by now he should have known about Leena''s scandal ande to her aid. All of a sudden, he remembered bruises on Leena''s face he observed while he was carrying her to the bed. "Why does she have bruises on her face?"

    Jane hesitantly exined the things that happened two nights back, Ethan trying to assault her when they were not in the home. Jane could sense Wilbur''s body shaking in a rage with each passing second.

    "How much she endured?" Wilbur slumped into the chair. Leaning forward, he ced his head in his hands and choked up.

    "I will go and see her." Wilbur strolled into Leena''s room again. He traced the bruise near her ear gently, involuntarily, Leena flinched and dozed off when he patted her head. "I couldn''t protect you, little heart. I am sorry." He whispered. "I will not let that bastard near you."

    He pulled the nket up to her chin and closed the door while he left her room. Just when he entered the living room, Jasper arrived. "The pictures are taken down from all the forms and sites and I made sure to double-check it."

    "Thanks, Jas."

    "Are you going to inform_"

    "No." Wilbur cut him off in the middle. "I will deal with it." Francis''s heart would shatter if he knows about it. It was a good thing that he went on a business trip to Germany.

    "What about the pictures, Will?" Jane asked. "Someone is targeting her deliberately." She had an inkling it is of Casey but at the same time, she wondered if her brain is capable of plotting without any catastrophes.

    "I will look into it," Wilbur said. There is nothing we cannot find through hacking in today''s world.

    "It''s not easy, Will." Jasper started.

    "Why?"

    "It is the work of a shadowy AI service. It is an artificial intelligent ck service. They are making fantasy into a reality transforming women''s photos into fake naked and they call it deepfakes." Jasper exined.

    "So?"

    "The requests are epted through a chatbot. It''s hard to search for the person behind it. The person targeting Leena must have picked her pictures somewhere from social media. In today''s era, finding anyone''s face is pretty simple. Deepfakes analyzes every pixel in Leena''s photo and it will be reced by the pixels of another woman or man.

    So, in each picture of Leena, theputer has generated new pixels I.e of another man/woman''s picture would be generated. When it runs a series of algorithms, it recreates the pictures. It''s not an easy task because it takes a lot of iterations to get the perfect picture. Someone must have thrown a hefty sum of money to make it."

    "It''s hard for the hacker to locate. " Jasper said. "Leena must be knowing about it. Perhaps, she can _"

    " Are you kidding?" Wilbur shouted. "Have you seen her state? She is not even recognizing me properly. No one is going to talk about it in front of her. We will take care of this matter."

    "Okay."

    "I have some urgent work. I will be back in a while. Take care of Leena." Wilbur informed and left the ce.

    They knew where Wilbur is heading to.

    .....

    "Sir, you can''t enter into the office without permission." A woman pleaded but there was no way she could stop the man from barging into the CEO''s room.

    Wilbur turned a deaf ear to the executive assistant and straight away strolled into the room. Ethan was sitting in the chair with his eyes closed while Casey Casey massaging his forehead.

    "I told not to disturb my_"

    Ethan opened his eyes to shout at the assistant, but he swallowed his words seeing Wilbur standing in front of him.

    "Did I disturb your quality time with your mistress, Mr. Davies?" Wilbur looked at the woman with disdain. His sister is grieving in pain and here he is, rejoicing with his mistress. Pathetic. The little empathy he had as a friend has left.

    Ethan turned to Casey and dered. "Leave us alone."

    Casey nodded her head and left the two men alone.

    "Wilbur, I know you are angry but let me_"

    Not before Ethan finished his words, a fistnded on Ethan''s face, he stumbled back and fell on the chair, blood rushing on his nose.

    "What right you have to raise a hand on my sister, bastard." Wilbur barked, picking Ethan from the floor. He had the urge to slice his neck with his bare hands.

    "Will, please. I am suffering equally from that nig_"

    "I am not here to listen to your bullshit story." Wilbur''s edge of impatience crept into his tone. "Never appear in front of my sister. It''s a warning."

    "You cannot stop me, Wilbur. Leena is still in a rtionship with me." Ethan roared. He is not going to ept the breakup. He would go and beg her to consider her again. Anything but breakup. She is the sunshine of his life.

    "Do you think you have a chance after what you did to her?" Wilbur mocked. "This is the beginning of your downfall. I am going to destroy you piece by piece."

    "Remember this." Wilbur stormed out of the room.

    ...

    Leena silently stared at the ceiling. It''s been three days, the scandal happened. All her ambitions have been crushed in a single day. What has she done to deserve this? The moment she closes her eyes, his face would appear to torment her. All three years he was behind her for a bet? Leena was happy that she did not invest in the feelings.

    Leena wanted to check the person who has morphed the pictures but herptop was taken away by Wilbur.

    "Can you give me myptop, Will?" Leena asked when Wilbur stepped into her room.

    "No." He denied. "You have to rest."

    "Did you find anything about the pictures?" She asked in a whisper. She wanted to know the person who has targeted when she was about to graduate.

    "I couldn''t find the person behind it because they would have made an anonymous request but the marketing service creator is behind the bars. The FBI has taken charge of him. The men in the pictures were fake and they work for thepany." Wilbur nned to hire a professional hacker to find about the dark secrets of that shadowy services, but even before that, he heard the good news. The FBI has caught hold of him. An anonymous person has provided the locations of them.

    "Are you happy?" Wilbur asked.

    Leena hummed in reply. Atst, the culprit is still not caught. Once, I get myptop, I will find the criminal.

    "Go to sleep." Wilbur pulled the nket and switched off the lights before leaving the room.

    ....

    A weekter, Leena was slowly trying to talk with her friends. Wilbur stayed with her all the time taking care of her. Ethan has been messaging and calling Leena continuously. Even when she ignored he wouldn''t stop.

    [Ethan: Please give me a chance to apologize. I will never drink]

    [Ethan: Please meet me once, Leena. I am not able to enter your house. Remember, we are still in a rtionship. I haven''t agreed to the break up]

    "What does he think of himself?" Leena''s blood simmered in anger. The malicious words he spoke on that night were still evident in her memory.

    "I will give him the proper answer today." Leena messaged him to send the location. She has to settle some with him. She packed a pair of scissors, a nail file, perfume squirt bottle, pepper spray in her purse. Getting up from the bed, she looked around the house. Reese and Jane were in their rooms busy with some tasks. Leena has alreadypleted and only waiting for her graduation ceremony. Wilbur was not in the home, he went out for urgent work. Grabbing the chance, Leena silently slipped out of the house to meet Ethan.

    The clouds have turned grey when she stepped into the car. "It''s going to pour down. I have toe back soon."

    While Leena was heading to the cafe, in the middle of the journey, she got a message from Ethan.

    [Ethan: Can we meet at some other location. My car broke down suddenly. I can''t make it to the cafe. I will be waiting for you at the Capsolen cliff]

    Why did he suddenly change the location? Leena wondered.

 Chapter 216 - An Angel Appeared

    A car break down or is there a hidden meaning behind his actions? Leena was a little scared to meet him but she has already decided to officially break the rtionship and there is no going back today. She doesn''t want Ethan to dwell in the fantasy of them being together. Besides, she has packed the tools for safety purposes in case he tries to do something.

    Leena took a detour, changed the direction of her path, and headed to the location Ethan texted and reached the spot in two hours.

    Stepping out of the car, she nced at the sky. Clouds began to gather in the sky kissing the mountain peaks. The beautiful ocean blue clouds began to change the color into gravel gray. Large pillows of shadows were forming hiding the sun underneath. The cool breeze caressed her skin sending shivers down her body. "I should have brought a jacket," Leena muttered as she scanned the ce and to her surprise, she neither found a car nor the man in question.

    A couple of people were heading back to their homes. They must havee here to witness the beautiful sight. Halfway down the cliff, a beautiful stream sshes through the trees and it curves gently into the forest. Many people are not aware of this lovely ce. Two years ago, Ethan brought her here and proposed to her for the first time.

    "Disgusting Bastard!" Her mood spoiled just by thinking of his name. Leena unlocked her mobile to text him and to her awe, there was a message from her mysterious friend.

    [I am in Seattle and we are supposed to meet today. Did you forget, Miss Narcissist]

    "OMG! I forgot about that part." Leena muttered. After the night of Ethan''s assault, she went into a depression and was not in her senses. Now that Leena remembered, she has agreed to meet him today.

    Hastily she sent a reply.

    [To: Mysterious friend: Are you angry, Mr.Rain?]

    She got an immediate response.

    [Another name? Let me guess. I texted you when you are watching the rain right?]

    [To: Mysterious friend: You are genius, Mr.Rain, but remember this. You can never outsmart me]

    [I wouldn''t forget you are a Narcissist. By the way, I was waiting for your text from the morning. Did you forget about me after you got a boyfriend]

    "Boyfriend?" She chuckled. "A thorn in my life which I am going to pluck it today."

    [To: Mysterious friend: Well, I did not forget our meeting. I was upied with some work. Can we meet tomorrow? I am at the outskirts of the city and I can''t make it today.]

    [Are you alone? Why did you go to the suburbs?]

    Suddenly, the first stter of rain fell on her mobile and she rushed to take shelter under a tree. What Leena didn''t know was, the edge of the cliff was exposed without any sort of fence or sign to alert people.

    She stood under the tree and resumed texting.

    [To: Mysterious friend: Yeap, alone at the cliff. I am here to meet someone]

    [It''s not safe at this time. Why don''t you go home and thene back tomorrow?]

    When Leena was about to text back to reassure him, she heard the sound of the car from the distance and thought it was another couple to enjoy the romantic night but when a woman slowly stepped out of the car, Leena was shocked. "Why did this womane here?"

    "I heard you were involved in a scandal, Leena." Holding an umbre, Casey slowly headed towards Leena careful enough to not let the mud stter on her dress. The rain became intense to the point of the sound blurred into the long whizzing noise. With a smile, she stood in front of Leena. "Did you slept with all those men for real?" Casey nced at Leena with mock innocence

    "Was it you? Did you spread the pictures?" Leena doubted this woman. She knew Casey likes Ethan but didn''t expect she would turn vicious and destroy her life.

    "Well, what if I am and what if I am_"

    SLAP!

    Leena smacked Casey''s cheek.

    "Why did you do that!" Screamed Leena.

    "If not you were a threat to my love life, I wouldn''t have gone far." Casey spat out rubbing her ached cheeks. "You are the reason Ethan doesn''t even spare a nce at me. Do you know how painful it is when the most loved person is looking at some other women with love and care?" Tears rained from Casey''s cheeks.

    "I have note here to listen to your melodramas. Why did youe here? Where is Ethan?" Leena was getting a strange vibe from Casey''s maniac smile that she is no good.

    "You still don''t know why he is not here?" Caseyughed. "The car break down was a trick to divert you here."

    "W_hat!"

    "Tell me one thing, Leena!" Casey slowly took a step forward. "Why does a person ask you to meet at the cliff? Looks like you have hurt his ego a lot."

    A chill ran down Leena''s spine. Did they n it together? To kill me?

    "Look Casey, you are making a big mistake again." As she spoke, Leena took a step forward, and in a frenzy to move out of the ce, she didn''t see a wedge-shaped stone lying in front of her on the muddy ground. When she took another forward step, her heel drove into the sharp gravel. Leena lost the bnce and gasped when her body dropped back abruptly. She tried to hold Casey''s hand for support but it was toote. There was nothing that could stop her from falling.

    She whimpered when her body hit the rock, it was a cry that was escaping the ears, speaking right into the heart when she tumbled down the cliff.

    As if luck was on the side of her bed when her body was ascending down, Leena happens to cross over a big rock that was several feet below the cliff and she held the rock tightly for her dear life.

    No one knows this ce and she has to rely on herself. Leena couldn''t see anything but it doesn''t mean she could not feel. Stroking the ces with her hands carefully and when she felt either a rock or tree to rely on, she carefully stepped onto it. Slowly Leena climbed up but not before she reached the top, her arms brushed past a giant hand.

    "Well, you are quite brave, I must say." She heard a bone-chilling voice of a man

    Heart pounded in her ears, her teeth chattered in fear.

    "You are not supposed to live as per our madam orders, girl.

    "W_ho are you?" She asked.

    "Rest in peace."

    The man shoved her brutally and nothing could stop her this time. She was shoved beyond her power of endurance.

    ...

    An hour before...

    Wilbur arrived home and he straight away walked into Jane''s room. "Did she eat anything, Jane?" He asked.

    "She did note out of her room," Jane said. "She is still sleeping, I guess."

    "Arrange the dinner. I will bring her," Wilbur went knocked on Leena''s door but he did not hear any response. "I am entering into your room, Leena." He unlocked the room and the bed was empty.

    "Are you in the bathroom, Leena?" Wilbur skeptically asked but there was no answer. His panic grew, he rushed and searched in the bathroom, balcony. But he didn''t find his sister.

    "Jane." He screamed and dashed out of the room.

    "What happened? Jane asked.

    "Leena is not in the room." Wilbur made a call to her but it was not reachable. "Where did she go. Did something happen to her again?"

    "I thought she was in the room," Reese whispered.

    Wilbur opened his mobile and checked thest location Leena was in. Cliff?

    "It''s the ce Ethan has to take her once," Reese shouted. But why did she go there?

    "I will go and bring her back."

    "We wille with you." Jane and Reese dered.

    "It''s raining_"

    "Don''t stop us, Will. It''s our friend." Despite Wilbur''s objection, Jane and Reese did not listen, and the trio headed to the cliff.

    ...

    Her body tumbled, hit the trees and branches along the way. Fear became a tangible force that crept over like a hungry beast. Amidst the chaos, she again heard a mysterious cold voice of a woman.

    "I have changed my mind. Killing her gives me no sense of satisfaction. Make sure she ends up in the hospital. I want her to be crippled for the whole life."

    Her loud cries reverberated to the sky, her silent sobs concealed the loudest screams. Watching over her helpless state, the angels in heaven covered eyes with their hands and sobbed loudly. A profound sadness settled over the earth.

    When would I stop falling? Leena wailed. All she remembered was arguing with Casey a couple of minutes ago. How could it have so quickly switched to this?

    ''Did he hate me to the point of cutting my wings?''

    She let herself carried away when she knew today would be the end of her life. Thest memory she had was her body lying beside a small stream. Leena had fallen into the stream and that must have saved her life. She was incredibly lucky to not have drowned.

    Her body was bleeding, blood oozing out from every part of the body and shey there semi-conscious close to the bottom end of the cliff, and thest thing before she closed her eyes was a voice.

    " Don''t close your eyes, little one."

    An angel appeared and held her hand.

 Chapter 217 - His Teardrops

    Gradually the rain stopped and her tears unleash the whispers in muted silence. The only thing Leena could hear was her heartbeat. Her breath came in ragged and shallow gasps. Pain felt like a sharp-toothed creature eating her from inside. There were bruises, cuts, scrapes. Her wounds were oozing with blood. The bones in her body might have snapped into pieces when she hit the rocks and trees while falling. I am going to die today? What did I do to suffer such a miserable death?

    She was begging gods to stop the heartbeat in her chest for she couldn''t endure the chronic pain that is eating her like a slow poison. She no longer dreamed of anything except for the graveyard doors to open so that she can rest in peace. Finally, gods must have listened to her pleas, ck was filling the edges of her vision and she was on the verge of closing her eyes, but at that moment, she heard a voice. A voice like an echo from the fairlynds.

    "I am here! I havee! little one." A trembling voice whispered into her ears which she could barely process into her brain "You are safe! Please don''t close your eyes." He slowly discarded the creepers that shrouded her body without letting his hands touch the wounds.

    Leena could feel her body lifted and carried by a strong pair of hands. Hisforting hands were holding her body as if she was the most fragile thing in the world. To her surprise, she could feel his teardropsnding on her forehead. His tears were rubbing salt on her wounds as they gushed down from his eyes. Who is he? Why is he crying when I am the one injured? That trembling voice, his wet eyes as if he is in a plethora of pain. She could feel his heart was palpitating with fear. Does he know me? How did he know that I am here?

    "You will be safe. I will protect you." All along the way, he was whispering to keep her mind conscious.

    A man was waiting along with an umbre at a little distance and he gasped when he saw his boss was carrying an injured girl. He could sense she was barely breathing.

    "Sir, who is_"

    "To the hospital!" His unearthly shrill voice pierced above the skies. It takes time for the rescue squad to arrive here and he can''t risk waiting here.

    "Y_es sir." The driver hastily opened the car door without asking a question.

    "Don''t heed to the speeding rules! I will take care of it." He stepped into the car along with Leena and gently ced her on hisp.

    "Alright, sir." The drive muttered without asking any questions and sped the elerator. The car was moving at an uwful speed not minding the speed restrictions.

    At the back seat, Leena was shivering like a child, lying semi-conscious in the arms of a man unknown to her. Her breathing was turning heavier each passing second.

    "Speed up the car!"

    "On it, sir."The driver spoke up in a pressing voice. He was already running at a maximum speed but when the car was entering the city premises, it hardly moved a hairsbreadth.

    "Are you riding a car or a toy!" The roaring voicenced.

    " Sir!" The driver muttered in a trembling voice "The city is throttled by traffic due to heavy rain. The roads are blocked and we are still far away from the city. We can wait here and call the rescue squad. At this rate, she may not make it before we reach the_"

    "Stop your fucking mouth!" The voice from the back seat raised an octave running chills down the driver''s spine.

    "Do you have a death wish!" He unlocked the mobile and opened google maps to look for a nearby hospital. It was a medical emergency center and it doesn''t perform major surgeries. Her bleeding but Leena has to have first aid to stop her bleeding before she loses her consciousnesspletely. "Take a detour and head to the south! There is a hospital in the nearby proximity."

    The driver nodded his head and drove a little distance to find ane to took a detour. He was driving as fast as he could to save the life.

    At the backseat, Leena''s state was in no good. She was bleeding profusely, her pulse was weakening. He held direct pressure on her arm to stop the bleeding and could feel Leena is about to lose consciousnesspletely. She is close to moving into a shocking state from excessive blood loss. If he elevates her legs above her heart, it will help to circte the blood to her vital parts until they get medical help but he can''t do it.

    "Don''t lose your consciousness, Leena!" He didn''t let her close his eyes. "You have to live life to the fullest. Fight with death by living your life."

    "W_ho a_r y_u." Her voice was barely a whisper. How did he know my name? She wanted to know the name of this man before she leaves this world. She made fun of her meemaw when she talks about guardian angel stories. They stay by your side to protect you. Is he my guardian angel?

    "You don''t need to know my name, little one." He smiled gently. "You will live the life of your dreams. I will not let anything happen to you."

    Her voice cracked hearing his reply. She tried to get a glimpse of his face but her vision blurred and she was not in her senses to discern anything. Someone I have trusted for three years wanted me dead and the man in front of her, she doesn''t know about him, but he hase to her aid.

    She was drawn to him in a way she has not experienced before. Like every part of her, that came from a dead star alive, she pressed her lips onto his when he was tending to the wounds She wants to have a memory of her first kiss before she dies

    The car screeched to a halt at the same time.

 Chapter 218 - Come Back! You Are Not Dead!

    The hospital was in mayhem attending to the sick and injured. The doctors and nurses were readily avable to admit the patients even atte hours.

    "Emergency! Need a doctor!" The driver screamed at the top of his lungs and stepped out of the car the moment they reached the hospital entrance. When he opened the car backdoor, the scene he witnessed wrecked his heart. It would be forever etched into his memory. Never has he seen his sir breaking down.

    "Leena! Open your eyes!" Holding her in his arms, at the back seat, he patted her cheeks to wake her up but there was no response. He gave a rescue breathing but still, shey in his arms, unconscious. "Please stay with me. Please stay with me. Come back." He begged as his tears whirled down from his eyes. With a heavy heart, he stepped out of the car and screamed for an emergency. "Doctor!"

    A nurse rushed towards the car when she heard a scream of emergency. She thought it would be another delivery case but her jaw dropped to the floor seeing the injuries on the patient''s body. "Jesus Christ! What the hell happened!" She eximed.

    "Please save her!" He pleadingly turned to the nurse.

    "We will give our best, sir!"

    "Emergency!" The nurse screamed as she checked Leena''s pulse. "Bring the gurney. The patient''s pulse is thready."

    Immediately, a group of people in uniforms emerged out of the hospital and rushed towards the car. The medics examined Leena and quickly picked her from the man''s arms. "Very gently everybody!" One of the nurses started the protocol. "Let''s transfer on my count! One. Two. Three."

    "We got her! We got her!" cing her on the gurney, a nurse jumped into the stretcher and examined her. "GCS 3! Unresponsive! She has no pulse!"

    "Start thepressions!" One of the doctors shouted. Immediately, Leena was pushed inside the hospital room while she was given continuous chestpressions.

    "Dr. Walter. We need your help." One of the doctors, Erica shouted. "We have a victim with crushed injuries, massive blood loss, multiple fractures, broken back. She needs to be operated quickly."

    "Take her to the trauma one!" Walter rushed to check Leena''s wounds. He assured her even when Leena couldn''t hear anything. "Hang in there dear...We are getting you to med."

    "Alright." Erica and the team wheeled her to the trauma room and cut opened her dress.

    "Oh, God! She is bleeding out into pelvis." One of the nurses shouted.

    "We will deal with it once she gets into the airway," Erica ordered. "Intubate her! Now!"

    The nurse tried to put on the bag-mask but he couldn''t open Leena''s mouth.

    "Damn it! Put the tube in, fast!" Erica shouted. "She has been with no pulse for a long time."

    "I can''t get a tube in. Her face is entirely ruined! She needs a crike." Her cricothyroid membrane was also hard to find. The nurse made a vertical incision and inserted the bougie to blow up the balloon.

    "Check! VENTILATOR EXPANDING!"

    Just then a team of doctors arrived and essed Leena''s injuries.

    "Thrown from a cliff and the high deceleration injury must have a torn her Aorta." Dr.Walter said wearing the stethoscope and checked her heartbeat.

    "We can''t be sure!" Another doctor said. "Give her asystole for twenty minutes."

    "Asystole for twenty minutes is not survivable. Put the defibrition and give her the shock!" Dr. Walter ordered leaving no room for discussions. "Now."

    Immediately the Electrocardiogram leads were attached to Leena''s chest and the nurse stopped performing the CPR. Checking her rhythm on the monitor, Walter said."check to 200 joules. "Stand Clear!"

    Leena''s body quivered unevenly when the shock button was pressed and Erica immediately checked her vitals. "No pulse!"

    "Check to 360 joules on monophasic." Looking at the rhythm of the monitor, he shouted. "Clear!"

    Her body shook again. Erica checked her vitals. "Not yet!"

    "Check to 360!" He shouted. "Clear."

    Even after the second trial, her heart did not pump. 360 joules is the maximum, it can deliver but even then if the blood is not pumped to her heart, the team concluded.

    "Is she de_"

    Taking a deep breath, Dr. Walter whispered. "Let''s give a final shot! Set to 360 again."

    The team held their breath and prayed she woulde back to her life.

    "Clear!" Dr. Walter shouted and Erica pressed the shock button.

    ...

    In a bright jungle, holding a pup in her arms, Leena was ying with fellow animals and the ce felt like heaven. A happy smile was marked on her face as she was finding peace in thepany with her fellow friends. While she was rejoicing with herpanions, she heard a voice. She knows who he is. Her dead grandfather.

    "Go back to your home, dear."

    "This is my home, grandpa. Aren''t you curious to know about meemaw? She is doing well even without you." She chuckled and gently grazed the adorable pup''s head."This cute pup is adorable, right?"

    "It''s not real! It''s your telepathy child, turn back once and go home."

    Ignoring his voice, Leena began ying with them. She doesn''t want to turn back because she was finding the ce beautiful. There was no betrayal. Her pain has gone. Her fear has gone, as if she was enveloped in unconditional love, she feltfortable in the jungle.

    "Pleasee back, Leena..."

    She heard another familiar voice this time. Her guardian angel. As if stabbed with daggers, her heart wrecked in pain when she heard his trembling voice. Why is he affecting me? I have met him only once, right? Is it because he has saved me?

    She tried to ignore the difort, but the voice was pulling her into his abyss. Finally, when Leena looked up, she found an image of shimmering crystal, light has shone through him forming a rainbow. With the sudden brightness, she covered her eyes for a second.

    "Come back, Leena. It''s not the time toe here. You are not dead."

    "But it''s so beautiful and peaceful here." She whispered and looked at the shilleoutte.

    "You will find it more beautiful in your home. Turn back and hold my hand. I will take you back. I will always protect you."

    "Promise?"

    "I promise."

    The voice repeated until Leena turned back and the moment she did, she felt her arms enclosed and a strong force pulled her back. The door behind her was mmed shut throwing into darkness.

    ....

    The monitor beeped and her body jerked with a start.

    "She is back!" Erica screamed. "I got her pulse. I got her pulse."

    Dr. Walter closed his eyes as relief flooded in his body. "Get a BP check and keep giving her blood. She needs to be operated on. We are going to transfer her to the main hospital."

    "Alright."

    The team beamed in joy. Saving a patient would give them immense happiness and it''s part of their world.

    Leena was wheeled outside after the necessary tests. While she was tugged into the ambnce, she got a glimpse of the person standing in the shadows looking at her. "A_ngel.." She whispered and tried to lift her hand but the door was closed shut.

 Chapter 219 - Tube Of Ketchup

    Wilbur, Jane, and Reese arrived at the hospital. They were halfway to the destination, Wilbur got a call from an unknown number, and his world was brought to naught hearing the news. It was from the hospital and they couldn''t reach Francis over a call. So, the hospital called him to get his consent to operate surgery on Leena.

    "My sister!" Wilbur wept until there were no tears. As if someone was sitting on his chest, he couldn''t breathe.

    "Stay strong, Will. Nothing will happen to our Leena." Wiping her tears, Jane encouraged him to not lose hope. Reese glued her face to the operating room with no expression dying to see her friend.

    Hours passed, all the three were waiting outside the O.R. Nearly, at the dawn, the doctors emerged out of the operating room.

    "How is my sister, uncle Roman?" In agitation, Wilbur asked rushing towards him.

    "Her fall has implicated major organs in her body. But we are trying our best." Depressed, he closed his eyes as his next statement would leave the family in shambles. "Prepare for the worst. There is less chance of her survival. Even if she survives, she may not walk."

    The doctor''s words not only broke Wilbur''s heart. Just arrived, Francis copsed on the floor hearing the shattering news. He was flying back from Germany a little early to see his baby darling and when he justnded in the morning, he received a call that Leena is in the hospital. Never in his nightmares, he thought to hear such disastrous news when he can hear. "Leena. My baby!" His voice sounded like gravel. His eyes closed, and the tears flowed down his cheeks. Why is God so cruel to take away the happy pill of my life? How would I live without her?

    Even when the doctors informed him that Leena''s survival rate is very low, Francis searched and reached out to the best doctors but he did not receive a positive response. Day by day, he lost the confidence and also hope to live.

    As if God showed mercy on him, a miracle happened after three months. All of a sudden, Leena reacted. Slowly, she started recovering and showed incremental progress, and not only her survival chances increases, but she was also even able to walk. Doctors called it a medical miracle. But he believed it''s the grace from the divine. Within two years, she waspletely healed.

    .....

    Present

    Except for the kiss with her angel, Leena confessed everything to Devin that happened in the past. She felt it unnecessary to bring that topic when she is in a rtionship already with Devin.

    The room was eerily quiet. Except for Devin''s heartbeat, Leena couldn''t hear anything when she buried her face on his chest. His silence was frightening her. She poked his arm to hear a word from his mouth but instead, a drop fell on her cheek. She gazed at their face, surprised to see his watery eyes. Did I make my babylicious cry?

    Devin opened his mouth to speak a consoling word but nothing woulde out. An assault, a scandal, and an ident. All happened one after the other. How much she has endured? How many times she was broken? No scar on his chest, no blood was shed. But his heart was ripped into pieces. There was no wound but he felt the pain within. He couldn''t withstand the pain Leena suffered in the past. Now Devin understood the reason she distastes men''s touch and doesn''t trust anyone easily. When he listened to the near-rape incident, the breaking point of his patience reached. The urge to slice Ethan''s neck was itching him but he has stayedposed.

    "You grew strong despite your fears." He meant it.

    "I sometimes feel ashamed whenever I think of his_"

    "You shouldn''t feel any shame for something you are not responsible for." He gently cupped her face. If at all, the shame is on the aggressor. He swallowed the anger and let it burn inside him. He needed it for the future. He has already started gauging Ethan''s downfall.

    "When Ethan informed I was a bet that he made with his friends, I was disgusted and vowed to never let a man enter into my life." Leena paused and peered at Devin''s face turning sour. "That was until you came." She smiled, her eyes twinkled when the smile was back on her babylicious face. "You changed my perceptions, Devin. You respect my feelings, you respect my attire without judging, you never disrespect my size."

    "If I don''t respect you, I don''t deserve you. I respect women. Someday, someone will give the same respect to our daughter." He gentlyid his head on hers wrapping his arms around her waist.

    "Cheesy fellow." Her face blushed crimson red. A daughter? It''s time to give his respect right? She giggled at the thought. "Don''t ever leave me, idiot. I will hunt you down and drag you back if you ever escape from my clutches."

    "I wouldn''t dare then!" He teased. Leave her? Not even in his dreams.

    Time passed. Both stayed for a while in each other arms. "Are you asleep, Leena?" Devin started.

    "Why aren''t you calling me sweetheart?" She yelled.

    "I am sorry, sweetheart." Replied Devin. He forgot she is still on period.

    "I am curious. What is your intention of saying sorry, babylicious?"

    "Naughty girl." He pushed her on the bed and began tickling her feet. He found her most sensitive part and he often does it to punish her.

    "Ah! Stop it, Devin." She coughed powerless to control herughter. "Oh my! It''sing a lot."

    "W_hat ising!" He stopped his activities and hastily got up from the bed.

    "A tube of ketchup."

    Watching his confused state, Leena giggled. Pulling him towards her, she whispered into his ears. "I am on period. Don''t ask in detail." Coughing and sneezing during her period is the best example of newton''s thirdw. Each action has an equal opposite reaction.

    "I_okay." With an embarrassment, he added and didn''t talk about the topic anymore.

    The sad past she shared with Devin was reced by their blissful moments.. Leena wished her happy life would be forever with her babylicious.

 Chapter 220 - DejaVu

    "How do you feel now? Do you often get pain?" Devin asked as he massaged her leg. When Leena was sharing her past, he felt a little familiar with some incidents but he doesn''t have any clue. Though he asked his brain, it was not showing up. It''s like a DejaVu all over again, boggling his mind.

    "Not anymore. I can walk and jump like normal people. But if I am under a lot of physical stress, I get easily exhausted." When Leena heard that she has to be confined to the bed for a lifetime, she wished death would be the better choice. While she was in the hospital, she stole a surgical instrument when the nurse came to tend to her wounds and tried to attempt suicide but somehow she was caught by her meemaw, and from then on she glued to Leena 24/7.

    "I am sorry you had to go endure a lot. I wish I was there to protect you." The despairing, dejected expression of Devin''s face caught Leena''s eye. Devin wished to stay by her side in her struggles. He wished to be there by her side, standing in silence tofort her.

    "Don''t me yourself." She tugged his shirt. "You were not part of my life in the past. It kills me to see you sad, Devin. I am happy that I have met you now. So, don''t. me. yourself. Understand?"

    "As you say, madam." He kissed the tip of her nose and then rained all over her face with butterfly kisses.

    "Can you find the person who saved me on that night, babylicious?" Suddenly Leena asked. "I have been frantically searching for that man, but like a spec of dust, he disappeared. I want to thank him for saving my life."

    "I will personally investigate." He assured her. Even he was curious about the person. He genuinely wanted to meet and personally thank him for saving his sweetheart''s life.

    "Thank you a bunch, babylicious. You are the best." Francis has be azy bum and Leena doesn''t want to rely on him alone. For five years, he couldn''t find a single man and he is branded as one of the most powerful men in the country.

    "My pleasure, miss narcissist." He mimicked in Leena''s tone. "Watch some movies. I will go and make dinner."

    "I will join you."

    "No." He declined instantly. "Isn''t your turn starting tomorrow?" Both havee to terms with cooking and every week, they would rotate the shifts. Once Leena helped him making dinner on thest day of his turn and the next day she came up with a stupid logic and dumped the kitchen duties on him for the entire week. "I know your tricks. But it doesn''t work on me." Devin left to prepare dinner.

    "His IQ has improved a little but I will not let him outsmart me." Getting bored, Leena opened her mobile and resumed the romantic series which she has watched in the morning before going to Devin''s office. Recently, she shifted to the romance genre but none of them piqued her interest because, in every movie, she would rte the male lead to Devin and she ends up finding faults in them.

    Just then, Leena received a video call from her brother. Immediately she lifted the call, and Carrot''s tilting face popped into the picture.

    "Carrot!" Leena screamed. "Are you missing me?"

    Carrot bobbed her head. "She is not eating anything. Perhaps, she is missing you." Wilbur said.

    "My baby! I wille and pick you tomorrow." Carrot has not met Devin and she was excited to introduce another family member to Devin. How would Devin react? I will give him a surprise.

    "Leena!" Jane snatched the mobile from Wilbur''s hands. "How are you?"

    "Can''t you see? Prim and proper." Leena proudly said. "What''s up Sister-inw?"

    "I need your help in picking a birthday dress for Cutie. Can we go shopping tomorrow?" Jane asked.

    "We still have one more month right?"

    "Will wants to make it grand for her fifth birthday. We have lots to purchase. Considering my hectic work, I doubt I can finish it if don''t start early."

    "Alright." Leena nodded her head. "Let''s do it then."

    "At what time_"

    Jane was interrupted when the mobile from her hand was snatched away.

    "Hawoo, eena" In a baby voice, Cutie spoke up.

    "Hawoo, Tootie! How are you?"

    "Bing me nepa poish."

    Leena sighed. She started again. "I am neither bringing nail polish nor eye shadows. By the way, I heard you are skipping school again."

    "And where do you think she learned?" Wilbur came into the picture.

    "I skipped only once." Leena pouted.

    "Well, I_"

    Cutie grabbed the mobile from her dad to talk with Leena again. "Come to my bday, eena. Dad will bing his fend." Cutie shyly remarked and cut the call.

    "Shy Cutie." She giggled.

    "Who is shy?" Devin asked strolling into the room.

    "It''s Cutie. Her birthday is approaching. Can you free your schedule?" Leena asked. She wants to show her crush is nowhere in front of Devin at the party.

    "Wilbur already informed." He smiled and picked her up in his arms and carried her to have dinner. "Bring a gift when you go shopping."

    "Okay."

    ....

    After dinner, Leena cuddled in Devin''s chest in the bed while he continued to pat her back while his mind was making calctions. As Leena stated, Ethan and his fiance were involved in the ident. But he has a gut feeling it''s not the truth. Ethan''s fiance met Leena before the ident. She must have known something. Target locked. She would enjoy her time with the girls.

    Picking up his mobile, he made a call to execute the n.

    .....

    The next morning, just ended with the meeting, Wilbur strolled into the office to rest when his executive assistant, Josie barked into the office.

    "Ethan hase. He wants to meet you."

    "Send him away." Wilbur went towards the book stand to grab a file.

    "He wants to talk about Leena." Josie gulped as Wilbur''s demeanor changed. "He has met her yesterday it seems."

    "Bring him in."

    ...

    The moment Ethan stormed into Wilbur''s office, the only question he posed was. "What happened to Leena five years back?"

    "Don''t you know it already?" Wilbur chuckled without lifting his head.

    "Had I known, I wouldn''t havee here."

    Watching Wilbur''s calm stance, irked Ethan. "I am asking you again Wilbur. What happened to her five years back. Please tell the truth." He pleaded.

    "Before I tell you the truth, let me ask you a question." Wilbur started. "Why did you ask my sister to meet at the cliff? Why did you send your fiance in ce of you? Why did you ask your fiance to kill my sister?" Wilbur''s voice raised an octave. Long before he doubted Ethan was not involved in the ident. But he was indirectly the reason for his sister''s misery.

    "W_hat?" Ethan''s mind went barren.

    "Aren''t you aware of it, Mr. Davies?" Wilbur scoffed. "My sister was barely breathing when she was admitted to the hospital. For two years, she mourned in pain." Wilbur''s heart ached in pain remembering her cries in the night. "You both have made her life living hell. If not my sister hadn''t stopped me, you would be..." Wilbur shut his eyes clenching his fists.

    "Leena was in an ident," Ethan whispered. That was the only thing reying in Ethan''s mind.. Casey met her before she disappeared. Did she?

 Chapter 221 - Hounds From Hell

    When Wilbur and Francis knew Casey and Ethan were behind Leena''s ident, revenge was seeping into their blood but Leena was intending for peace. Venting her anger and hostility does not decrease the hatred towards them. Life sometimes gives a second chance and it''s not worth wasting precious time on plotting, nning, and focusing the energy on the negative. If they want her to be paralyzed for a lifetime, she was determined to make them guilty by standing up and she did it.

    Ethan copsed on the floor hearing the shocking news. For five years, he has been searching for the answers to her disappearance, and now reality hit him real hard. His voice muffled suffocating him to even breathe. ''She suffered because of my imprudence. I brought her into the mess.''

    "I am leaving." Taking a deep breath, Ethan spoke up. "Before I leave, I wanted you to know. I loved her with my whole heart."

    "If you have loved her, you wouldn''t haveid a hand on her," Wilbur had nothing but scorn for Ethan.

    Ethan squeezed his eyes shut when the unwanted memory triggered again. He left the ce without turning back.

    ...

    "I am so excited for the wedding day, mom." Casey grinned tracing her wedding dress''s fabric. "This dress is beautiful."

    "You are going to look like a princess." Casey''s mom chuckled. "Until the wedding_"

    "Ethan!" Casey screamed as her gaze shifted to the man just arrived. She hurriedly approached him. "When did youe_"

    "Why did you meet Leena before she disappeared?" Ethan spewed the words with a malicious gaze. There was only disgust for her. Was he blind in the past to love this woman?

    Casey''s body went cold with dread all of a sudden. How did he know? Did Leena confess everything? Her hands went mmy thinking of it. ''But why would I get scared when she slipped and fell by herself? It''s all her fault.''

    "I_I did not meet her," Casey said.

    "You are still denying?" Ethan scoffed.

    "There is no proof_"

    "You delivered the pictures to my office, published the pictures in the university, diverted Leena to another location when she was supposed to meet me at the cafe. She was physically and mentally breakdown by that time. She was in no state to discern right from wrong. You seized the opportunity and pushed her from the cliff. I am such a fool to discover your betrayal for five long years. She did nothing wrong to you. Why did you do it?" Ethan grasped her throat and squeezed it tight. His voice turned thin and cruel. "Did you think I woulde back to you if you kill her?" Ethan yelled tightening his grip around her neck.

    "E_than lea_ve." Casey coughed unable to breathe.

    "Leave my daughter, Ethan. She is not such a kind of girl." Casey''s mom cried and tried to pull Ethan''s hand, but nothing was stopping him today.

    "Your daughter is the worst creature I have ever seen."

    "I am not going to kill you today." Ethan loosened his grip on her throat. "The torture Leena suffered, I will make sure you suffer tenfold. Mark my words today. I will ruin you."

    Harshly, Ethan pushed her away to the ground and stormed out of the house.

    "Ethan, wait," Casey screamed but he was long gone. "I will go and talk with him, mom."

    "Wait, Casey!"

    Casey left.

    Scared that Ethan would annul the wedding, Casey stepped into the car and started to his office without knowing she was being followed. Right when she entered a secluded area, Casey hit the breaks when a car cut into herne all of a sudden. "Who the hell was your driving teacher?" Casey yelled getting down from the car. She was already in the worst mood and someone is going to pay for it.

    Stepping out of the car, a man strolled towards Casey. With a chuckle, he added. "I will let you meet my teacher today."

    Casey''s fear spiked when two other bulky men stepped out of the car. Strangely, she sensed something wrong with the men. "Who are you_" Not before shepleted her words, Casey was knocked on the head and everything went nk.

    "Make sure we are not leaving any clues here." One of the men dumped Casey''s body into the car trunk.

    "Chill bro! No one will know about it."

    ...

    By the end of the day, Leena and Jane were exhausted from shopping. They nned to shop again on the weekend since they are still left with many things to buy.

    "How many days it''s been, traitor?" Holding Carrot''s leash, Leena opened the door and let her in. "Did you miss me?" Carrot gently wagged her tail slightly opening her mouth.

    "I know you can''t live without me." Leena giggled while Carrot ignored knowing that Leena will always act high when ites to her.

    "Hey Carrot!" Leena started. "You are going to meet someone special today. Are you excited?" She was thrilled to see Devin''s reaction upon seeing Carrot.

    Carrot furrowed her brows anxiously. Of course, as long as they are not apetitor in garnering Leena''s attention.

    "y with your toys. I am going to sleep for a while." Leena dragged her tired body into the room and checked her mobile. There was no text from Devin. He must be in a meeting. She jumped onto the bed and dozed off.

    It''s been a long time, Carrot was away from home, so, she made a mess in the house. She pulled the tissue papers from the bathroom, unrolled them, stuffed the papers into her mouth Carrot likes the game of having Leena chase after her because with that she can get more attention. Bored with the shredded tissues, Carrot tossed them and pulled the pulse toys from the cab, and started ying with them.

    A whileter, she heard the door unlocking followed by rough footsteps. She immediately threw the toys and rushed into the living room, and halfway, she halted when a man appeared in front of her. Who is he?

    If Carrot was scanning him from head to toe, Devin was shivering in cold as if he was thrown into Antarctica. Terror mounted with each step. Cold sweat creased on his face. "L_eena." He whispered, his voice was weak and feeble. When the World sees dogs as cute animals, Devin sees them as hounds from hell. He can''t understand how people go all googly woosh over them. To him, they are like sharks.

    Carrot stepped forward curiously while Devin stepped back, his heart skipped a beat.

    "Leena! Leena!" Devin screamed when Carrot came right next to him and started licking him. Devin wanted to run but even to take a step forward, he was frightened.

    Leena jolted awake from her sleep and made herself into the living room when she heard screams. She was shocked to see Devin''s face turned paler than usual.

    "Stop it, Carrot," Leena screamed and pulled her away from Devin. Is he scared of dogs?

    Devin hid behind Leena and shielded her body as a weapon.

    "Are you scared, Devin?"

    "No. I_I am just allergic." He muttered but Leena could sense panic in his voice. Oh my! Devin is scared of dogs. Finally, I got something else to tease along with Chiku''s name. He always calls me and Drew scared cats because we are afraid of ghosts. Now it''s my time.

    "Hiding behind a girl is shameful." Leena teased.

    "But it''s effective." He shamelessly said hugging her tightly.

    "Are you a masochist?"

    "No sweetheart. I am Buddhist."

    Leena clenched her fists in hostility. Putting her thoughts of kicking him down, Leena turned her attention to Carrot who was looking at her innocently. It was obvious, Carrot wants Leena to introduce the new person.

    "Just wait for a while, Carrot. He is a little scared."

    "Devin," Leena spoke up. "Carrot wants to meet you. She doesn''t hurt you. She is very friendly."

    Devin denied shaking his head. He doesn''t want anywhere near those jaws. After a little coaxing from Leena, he loosened up a little and gazed at her.

    "No licking him, Carrot?" Leena warned.

    Carrot nodded her head and extended her paw to Devin.

    Devin did not take it.

    He squeezed his eyes shut when Leena forcefully pulled his hand to shake his hand with Carrot. ''Scared cat! He is like a spider man tormenting people around but the mere sight of a cute dog was making him run tails between his legs. Did he kidnap Trent and tortured him for real? I doubt it.''

    ...

    "Don''t work when you are home." Leena threw the files Devin was reading aside and cuddled to his side.

    "Yes madam." He wrapped his arms around her. "I am curious. Why Carrot?"

    "It''s because I first saw her when I was eating Carrot. Sometimes, I name people and things weirdly."

    "What''s wrong?" Watching his zoned-out expression, Leena thought Devin was envious. "Are you jealous that I didn''t name you uniquely? You are very special Devin. I named you Mr.Adonis, babylicious..."

    Leena was babbling nonstop but Devin''s mind was running through a memory. A memory that triggered pain which he has never experienced.. ''Mighty Zeus because you texted me when I was watching a Real steel movie.'' Was it a DejaVu or something happened for real?

 Chapter 222 - Eleanor Catharina

    Devin''s head throbbed in pain the more he thought of the piece of memory that freed from his brain and it tortured without letting him sleep until he took a pill.

    The next morning, Devin dropped Leena at the office. It has be a part of his routine to drop her at the office unless he has an urgent meeting.

    As Carrot is back, she resumed going to the office. Devin was still scared of her but not to the point of the nervousness he had yesterday.

    It was in the afternoon, Leena finished recording a film for her channel. Exhausted with the heavy workout, she freshed herself, and not before she closed her eyes shut for a minute, Reese strolled into the office with the news. "Your step-mom is here to visit you."

    "Do you know the meaning of step-mom?" With still closed eyes, Leena asked in azy tone.

    "The one who marries their father after the death or divorce of their mother."

    "Wrong answer." Leena opened her eyes to enlighten her friend. "Step-mom is women that continues to love children while stabbing behind their back." Leena has experienced once with her father''s second wife when she was young. "I never considered him as my father and I don''t have a step-mom. So the conclusion from this story is_"

    "Better serpent than a step-mother." Reesepleted for Leena.

    "Good analysis. Your IQ is exceptionally improvedpared to our university days."

    "It''s because I am working with a phenomenally intelligent girl who knows ''how many beans make five''," was the sarcastic reply from Reese.

    "My intelligence is out of this world, Miss Allen." Proudly Leena said. "Coming to the point, why is Rosalie here?"

    "I don''t know. " Reese shrugged.

    "Bring her in. Let''s find out." Leena was curious about Rosalie''s unexpected visit.

    "Okay."

    Reese quickly escorted Rosalie into Leena''s office and left them alone to have a private talk.

    "How are you, Leena?" Rosalie smiled up at her sweetly.

    "I am good, Mrs. Hayes." With a half-smile, Leena asked. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

    "I wille straight to the point. Ourpany''s share prices are dropping, Investors are withdrawing and it happened all of a sudden. By now you know the reason." Rosalie''s face turned rigid when she recalled her stupid husband''s mistake. "Thepany is my sweat and blood."

    "What does it has to do with me?" Leena calmly asked.

    "There are only a few people in this city who can change the fates of the business with a flick of a finger. Unfortunately, your father has offended two of those big shots. Fortunately, Francis has no hand in it and there is only one person whom I could think of it."

    Wang Devin.

    Leena''s face morphed into a smile but she quickly concealed it. On the day she watched the news, Leena had a hunch that it was Devin and now it is confirmed.

    "I am not going to sit and watch mypany going to ashes," Rosalie dered.

    "You are barking up the wrong tree, Mrs. Hayes." Leena understood her hidden meaning. Rosalie wants her to talk with Devin and stop this y. But talking with Devin is like herding cats. Francis would agree to her wishes if she throws a single tantrum but it''s not the case with Devin. He spoils her to the core but she has no control over him when ites to Leena''s matters and Max Hayes has hit his bottom line trying to p her.

    "Please, Leena." Rosalie pleaded when the threat did not work. "We may go bankrupt at this rate."

    "You don''t need to worry about going bankrupt. Although he has an ulterior purpose, he will not keep the employee''s jobs at stake. He would retreat it soon." Leena calmly replied.

    "What are you trying to imply_"

    "Again I am telling, I will not be a help in this matter." Leena politely declined. "You can straight away talk with Mr. Wang. I don''t think it''s hard to find his office address. After all, he is a very well-known businessman. If you may leave, I have work to attend."

    Rosalie''s face grew hot and pinched with resentment but she curbed and left the ce in anger.

    The moment Rosalie left, Reese arrived back in her office. "What does she want now. I don''t like her,"

    "Were you eavesdropping?''

    "Yes." She shamelessly revealed. "Her behavior is unusual. Don''t you think so?"

    "She is a businesswoman, Reese, and such people are meant business. " Leena sighed and went back to her work. Leena could read the minds of people at a first nce but not Rosalie.

    ...

    Days passed and the day of grandpa Arthur''s birthday arrived. He asked for a crazy gift and Leena also prepared gifts that would blow his mind away. She dolled up herself because she is going to meet Devin''s family after a long time.

    "This dress is so beautiful_"

    Her words curtailed and her footsteps stooped in the midway when she caught a glimpse of Devin sitting on the chair like a king, talking over the phone. From the depth of his eyes to his gentleness, his hotness etched into her bones. He was dressed in a simple white shirt and pants but the suave, brushed up the hair on fleek in messy fashion like a quiff was tantalizing her.

    When hervender scent wafted into his nose, he quickly cut the call and gazed at her, his lips parted, awestruck by her beauty again. It''s not the first time he was acting like a lovesick fool around Leena. With a gentle smile, he covered the distance and pulled her into his arms. "Can we skip going to the party? I don''t want anyone to see you."

    "Can I wax your eyebrows? You are garnering too much attention." She whispered, entranced by his eyes, shining as bright as stars when they were lit with a smile.

    "You can even shave my head, sweetheart. I am all yours." Devin pushed upwards to lift her but Leena instantly ceased his hands.

    "I like the dress I am wearing. Once we start, it''s never-ending." Even she was craving for his kisses, but they are alreadyte for the party and once it starts, she knew both will end up in bed.

    "Tonight." She whispered into his ears and dragged him out of the room. A smile crept over his face watching her flushed face.

    ...

    When Leena stepped down from the car, Devin offered her a hand, with a gentle smile, she tugged her hand into his and walked along with him. Eyes drilled into the power couple and they garnered attention from everywhere.

    They were escorted inside the hallway and for a second, Leena''s mouth parted in awe watching the crowd. "Grandpa Arthur sure loves showing around."

    "Aren''t you?" Devin leaned down his head and whispered into her ear which did not go unnoticed by the crowd. Women envied Leena snatching away the nation''s throb.

    Resisting to scold him, Leena strolled towards the man, the show stopper of the day. "Happy birthday to the old man who is still not showing his age." Leena shed a smile that reached her eyes.

    "Hmph!" Grandpa Arthur scoffed. "I am not talking with you. You were supposed to visit mest week but you betrayed me."

    "I am sorry, Grandpa." Leena pouted. "I was busy with shopping. How about we go on a pic next weekend? You, me, and Meemaw?"

    "Are you leaving me alone?" Devin''s voice raised hysterically.

    "No, babylicious." Leena coaxed him wrapping her arms around his waist. "Half of my heart is with you. There is no way, I am leaving without you."

    "You are getting expert in flirting." He whispered.

    "I am learning from the best." She winked.

    "Hey! I am the show stopper for today''s event" Arthur shouted as she watched the crowd looking at the coupe intensely instead of him."Get out of my sight if you don''t want me to whip your backs"

    "dly." Devin dragged Leena from grandpa''s sight and just when he thought he got a little free time with Leena, he heard someone''s outcry.

    "Leena!"

    ''Another viin in my story apart from that Reese.''

    "Harley." Leena waved her hand and dashed towards the girl leaving Devin alone.

    "Long time, right?" Harley hugged her. "I missed you."

    "I missed you too. By the way, you look beautiful today."

    "Thank you." Replied Harley tugging a strand of hair shyly.

    "Do you want my help in searching for a boyfriend?" Leena winked and all of a sudden, a person appeared in her mind but she brushed the thought aside. He is also in a peculiar rtionship.

    "I am fine being single," Leena didn''t miss the broken expression on Harley''s eyes. Something is fishy. Does she like someone? I should find out soon.

    "I had the same thought until your brother appeared into my life," Leena said.

    "Is it_"

    Harley stopped her thoughts when whispers floated in the air all of a sudden. She looked around in confusion until her eyesnded on the elder woman apanied by a young woman holding her hand for support. Goosebumps formed on her arms as the elder woman threw a disgusting look at the Harley when she passed by.

    "Did I imagine or she threw a murderous look at you?" Leena asked in a whisper.

    "You are not wrong. She doesn''t like me," Harley muttered. The woman''s presence terrified her and she held Leena''s hand in fear.

    "Who is she?" Leena patted Harley''s arm to ease her anxiety and gazed at the elder woman strolling towards grandpa Arthur.

    "She is Grandpa Arthur''s wife. Queen Eleanor Catharina.. The royal family."

 Chapter 223 - Prince

    ''Queen Eleanor Catharina from Royal family.'' Leena repeatedly muttered under her breath. She has heard a little about the woman when she was young but never expected she is Grandpa Arthur''s wife. Leena looked around and spotted around ten guards standing by the entrance who escorted the Queen. Whispers from the crowd wafted in the air, the titter tatter birthday party was down in the mouth with the new guest''s arrival.

    Evelyn and Sharon sitting over the table were looking at the woman with a displeased expression. Leena gazed in the direction of Devin and she could feel the atmosphere around him turned chilly. As if her eyes bored into him, Devin immediately turned around and the smile on his face returned seeing her. Their eyes met for a brief second, his eyes conveyed the message she needed that he would tell about it after the party ends.

    Leena nodded her head in agreement and her gaze nownded on the young woman who was aiding Queen Eleanor. Dressed in a modest pale blue flowing long dress, a sparkling borated diamond ne on her neck was exuding royalty. The people looked at the woman as if she was a beauty descended from heaven. "No wonder these buffoons have a very bad taste. What is the use of that face when she has ugly neck wrinkles? She looks exactly like that wrinkled old goat." Leena muttered with a scoff and turned her gaze to the Queen.

    "You may stand here, Valeria." Eleanor''s voice was stern and low.

    "Yes, Your Majesty." The woman named, Valerie bowed and stepped aside.

    Eleanor slowly walked towards Arthur."The royal family wishes you the happiest birthday and great year ahead, Mr.Wang."

    "If my memory serves right, you are not invited here," Arthur monotonously said.

    "You are still ruthless as always." Eleanor chuckled. Her husband might be fun and crazy in the front but she has seen the fierce facade of this man.

    "What is your purpose ofing here, Eleanor?" Arthur knew this woman is up to no good when she appeared uninvited.

    "Patience," Eleanor''s eyes glittered with protruding wrinkles on her forehead. No one dares to call a Queen with her first name but Arthur was exceptional. She didn''t mind. He was the man she loved. "I want to meet the family in private. Arrange it. The party canmenceter." She said and her gaze turned to the aloof man watching her with cold-blooded eyes from the time she entered.

    When Eleanor stepped down the Dias, Valeria went in to support her but she raised a hand and signaled her to halt. She solely walked towards him, all the way with a smile."How are you, child?" Her voice turned soft as she spoke to Devin.

    "Why are you here?" was the only question, Devin posed.

    His words killed her with no blood but her love for Devin would not curtail. He is her favorite grandson.

    ....

    "She is talking fondly with Devin but why not you, Harls?" Confused, Leena asked Harley. Is that woman gender-biased?

    "Let''s go somewhere private," Harley muttered and dragged Leena to the secluded ce where no one could see.

    "Now tell me why doesn''t she like you?"

    "Because I_I am not a part of Wang''s family," Harley whispered looking down.

    "What?" Leena''s mouth turned into an O. "I_I don''t understand."

    "I_I am an orphan."

    "Are you not Aunt Evelyn''s and_"

    "That''s what I believed," Harley muttered, her face turned rigid. "Like every other child, I tried in every way to please Eleanor, but she would never spare a nce at me. I did not understand her animosity towards me because she would treat Devin and Adney with love and care and they hated her for it. When I was eleven, a big fight happened in the family and that''s when I got to know that I am not part of this family. Eleanor has almost sent me to the orphanage but at that time, the family supported me. Mom has even taken a hit from that woman while protecting me."

    "I confronted them several times about my biological parents but they would always smile and tells me that I am their daughter." Harley turned and faced Leena. With a choked breath, she said."I have kept it hidden because I was scared people will judge me. Will you also_"

    "No," Leena gently patted Harley''s hand wiping her tears. "It''s not your mistake, Harley. I am happy that everyone in the family treats you as their own. You should be proud to have such beautiful people around you."

    "Thank you." Harley wiped her tears that were threatening to flow down.

    "From now on, I will tear that old goat''s withering, body if she tries to humiliate you."

    "You are calling a Queen as an old goat?" Harley cackled at Leena''s witty reply.

    "She deserves that," Leena said in azy tone."But why didn''t I see her when I visited homest time? Are they divorced?"

    "No," Harley said. "They are still together byw but it''s been fourty years, she is living separately in her own country."

    "She is the queen of one of the prominent countries. Eleanor was the immediate heir presumptive when her father seeded the throne and became the king. From childhood, I heard she is a ruthless woman and she was loved dearly by her father. Grandpa Arthur and Eleanor studied at the same university and they fell in love. When she conveyed her love interest, her father did not agree because he wanted her to marry someone from the royal blood. But Eleanor was adamant about marrying grandpa, so, her father epted on the condition that grandpa Arthur should abandon his family and business and be the Prince of their country. Scared that grandpa Arthur would not agree, she concealed the truth from him. Only after the marriage whey, they proposed the idea to dere him the prince, the truth was revealed."

    "Grandpa did not want to be a puppet in their family politics, so he denied the proposal instantly. At first, Eleanor threw tantrums,ter she left the royal family and started staying with grandpa Arthur. But slowly he started to learn her true colors. When dad and aunt Sharon was needing her attention, Eleanor was busy plotting against her half brother from the second wife of his father. Finally, she seeded in executing the man, and since there was no man to take over the throne, she became the queen and from then on, she would rarely visit home and if shees, the day would be a disaster in our lives."

    "Grandpa Arthur suffered a lot," Leena felt sad for him. Until now, she thought he was a happy soul but he is safeguarding his heart exhibiting a happy front. "So, she was the one responsible for grandpa''s heatstroke?" Devin once told it was because of one woman but did not reveal the person.

    "She believes that he is the reason dad and Aunt Sharon hates her and she would_"

    "What are you both doing here?" Evelyn appeareding out of nowhere.

    "Enjoying the weather," Leena winked. "Perhaps you should join us."

    Evelyn exhaled a deep sigh. If it was any other day, she would happily chit chat sitting along with them but not today. "Maybe some other day?" Evelyn said and turned to Harley. "Let''s go. S_he wants to meet our family."

    "Mom, I don''t_"

    Leena squeezed Harley''s hand and whispered. "Say yes."

    "I_I am scared," Harley muttered.

    "Why fear when Leena is here?"

    "What are you both whispering to each other?" Evelyn asked as she looked at the two girls in a serious discussion.

    "Nothing. Let''s go, mom." Harley said with determination.

    "My girl is learning to be brave." Evelyn smiled and guided them to the ce. The moment Leena, Harley, and Evelyn entered the room, except Devin, everyone in the family was present.

    "Come here, Leena," Arthur gently smiled at her.

    "Mr. Arthur.Wang. I.want. to. meet. my family." Eleanor enunciated each word. "Send her out."

    "Then.you.must.also.send.the women.sitting.next.to.you.out.of.this.ce." Leena emphasized each word with the same velocity.

    "Childish tricks don''t work on me,"

    "Then behave like an adult." Leena countered.

    "You_"

    All the family members stifled theirughs as Leena tore Eleanor''s arse off in just one meeting.

    Eleanor gritted her teeth, wrinkles appeared on her forehead at the sight of the disrespectful girl. What can we expect from that Margaret''s granddaughter? She has watched the press meet of her grandson dering his love for this woman. She doesn''t understand what kind of poison this vixen has put on him.

    Just then Devin appeared and he straight away walked towards Leena without bothering about Eleanor and protectively wrapped an arm around Leena.

    "You are here? I was waiting for you, Devin." Eleanor smiled.

    "What do you want?"

    "I saw the press meet." Eleanorzily asked. "Is she your new girlfriend?"

    "One and only." Was the response from Leena. Did she think that I would suspect Devin with her provocative words? Use your brain a little old goat. Devin squeezed Leena''s hand. She has surprised him once again. Her response was enough that no hurricane can separate them how hard they try.

    "Whatever, I don''t care." Eleanor gazed at all the family members. "I am here to discuss Devin''s marriage into the royal family."

    "Princess Valeria," Eleanor gestured to Valeria toe forward.

    Valeria smiled and greeted everyone in the family but it turned awkward when she did not receive the response she wanted.

    "She is my cousin''s granddaughter. She was trained under me. She is the perfect candidate to seed in my position and I want one of my family members to continue the lineage. So, Devin will be part of the royal family."

    "In your dreams." Devin''s reply came heated. So, this is the reason for her visit

    All the family members were seething in anger but controlled their anger.

    "I knew you wouldn''t agree easily, child." Eleanor chuckled and turned to the family. "If I am not wrong, I have done a great favor to this family in the past and Mr.Wang agreed he would forever be indebted to me. I am here to collect my debt.. In return, Devin has to be the prince by marrying princess Valeria."

 Chapter 224 - Courthouse

    A deafening silence prevailed in the room. Eleanor''s words cut right through their hearts. If not the girl in his arms was holding on to his hand tightly, Devin would have thrown the old goat out of this ce.

    The silence was broken by Eleanor with her provoking words again."I will take your silence as a yes, Mr.Wang."

    "Eleanor!" Nettled, Arthur hollered at the woman. "Knock some sense into your brain. I am not going to agree to your foolish demands." He didn''t agree to be the Prince then. On what rationale did this woman think of pulling my grandson into her family politics. It seems she thinks Devin is an easy catch. If she had seen Venner behind it, she would know how ruthless he can be.

    "It''s your grandson whom you saved. Do you need to act tough with your own family?" Fredrick argued vehemently. The least respect he had for her haspletely vanished today.

    "What''s going on here, dad?" Devin demanded. "I am not understanding a thing you are talking about."

    "When you were three years old, you fell into a swimming pool and no one in our family has seen you drowning and it was Queen Eleanor who saved you on that day. If it was a secondte, we would have lost....." Fredrick''s voice choked at the thought of his son hanging the brim of life and death on that day. "We would have lost you forever if not for her. Your grandfather gave a word that the Wang''s would be forever indebted to her in case she needed help."

    "And it''s time you pack back. Devin has to take over the throne. My half-brother died when_"

    "You executed him." Arthur corrected her.

    Eleanor''s broad smile revealed every wrinkle on her face. "Indeed. I don''t deny it. I loathed him. He was a weed that I had to pull out by force because he was mypetition to the throne. If I had an elder or younger brother, there wouldn''t be any conspiracies. But my father married another woman the moment my mother died and produced offspring. Had you taken up the offer and became the prince, I would have at least spared my half brother''s life."

    "Due to ill health, my two other cousins died before producing a male heir. Now, I don''t have an heir to rule the empire after me. I don''t want to pass on this throne to a random person. So, I want my grandson to take over it. I would suggest the Wang''s give my grandson willingly or I will take him back by force." A malicious smile spread over her face.

    "I am not giving my son to you," Evelyn aggravated on Eleanor with all guns zing. She looked at Devin. He was sitting calmly as if he was not unnerved by that woman''s words.

    "Except producing healthy children, you are one good for nothing daughter-inw." Eleanor scoffed.

    "I am not asking for anyone''s opinions. My husband knows the way, I handle things."

    The rush of adrenaline passed over Devin but he didnot speak a word. He was silently calcting her mistakes.

    "I wouldn''t sit and watch while you throw dirt on my wife." Fredrick shook with rage. The mere sight of Eleanor disgusted him now. He got up and held Evelyn''s hand to leave from this ce, but Arthur signaled him to stay back.

    "What''s your whole point here?" Arthur asked.

    "Simple. Devin and Princess Valeria will have to hold the wedding as soon as possible." Eleanor turned to face Leena as if she has a final say in this family.

    "I pity the people in your country for having a heinous queen like you." Leena snapped at once. She had enough of this woman. "Now I understand why uncle Fredrick and Aunt Sharon despise you. Zero self-respect woman. You are not qualified to be called a human."

    "Dare to repeat what you said." Eleanor shrieked. No one dares to disrespect the queen but she was insulted by this girl for the second time today.

    Devin squeezed Leena''s hand and stopped her from talking. His muscles hardened ruthlessly. He had the urge to hold Eleanor''s throat and wreck the woman until she takes back the foul words she uttered. Had he knew, this woman woulde, he wouldn''t have brought Leena here. He grabbed Leena''s hand to take her out of this ce. While he was about to open the door, his footsteps halted when Eleanor spoke the most disgusting words he ever could hear.

    Eleanor took Devin''s silence as a signal that he is interested in the offer. "You can keep that woman as a mistress as long as she doesn''t bore a child with you. The Kings and princes in our lineage have a history of having mistresses."

    "My boyfriend doesn''t have enough wealth to afford a mistress Eleanor Cath or whatever your name is. If you think your words have induced me to leave him, you have mistaken. I am not that woman who will sit on the sidelines and watch him slip out of my hands."

    "What did you_"

    "Kicking a barking dog will make it bark more. You are going to eat your own words soon." Devin calmly replied. No one could read his thoughts. His voice sounded as if he was not irked by her words but only he knew. His blood was swirling internally. He came to a decision today.

    Devin wanted to pull Leena from this ce but she was not done yet.

    "Forgot to remind something. Don''t take my boyfriend''s silence as affirmative. Sometimes his greatest aplishment is keeping his mouth shut, after all, a lion doesn''t turn around when a small dog barks." Having said that, Leena turned to Devin extending her hand. Never she ceases to surprise me. He gently grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room.

    Eleanor dripped with spite as she watched Leena going with her grandson. ''No woman dared to talk back to me. I will make you pay tenfold.''

    After Devin and Leena left, without a word, everyone in the room walked out of the room leaving Eleanor alone.

    ...

    The atmosphere in the car was unwavering. Princess Valeria opened her mouth to talk but no word woulde out.

    "Do a thorough background check on that girl. Her past, her suitors, her ex-boyfriends. I want all the information as soon as possible."

    "Yes, your majesty." The subordinate politely bowed.

    ....

    Devin didnot speak a word all the way home. Leena was not used to this side of him and his silence was scaring her. Sometimes, she wished to read his inner thoughts. Getting down from the car, he opened the door for her without a word.

    "I am not offended by her words," She held his hand and tried to assure him. Devin knew she was lying. No woman would like to be called a mistress.

    "Are you sure you are not_"

    "I am sleepy, Devin." She clung to him like a Ko. This is the only way to divert his thoughts. Only when she is in his arms, he will stop thinking about others.

    "Alright, madam." He lifted her and before he reached the bedroom, Leena dozed off in his arms. He gingerly tucked her on the bed. Picking a tissue from the vanity, he removed her make up. He wanted to change her dress into somethingfortable but backed off. She may not like it.

    "Sleep tight." He kissed her forehead lovingly.

    .....

    It waste in the morning, Leena woke up when Carrot was continually licking her feet. "Hey! It tickles. Did you also learn from that idiot?"

    Groggily, she woke up and looked at her mobile. "OMG! Ten in the morning! have a meeting with a client in another one hour." She hastily got up from the bed and rushed to the bathroom. On usual days, Leena spends two hours in the shower but today she skipped all the body care routine.

    Getting fresh, she rushed into the living room to have breakfast but to her surprise, Devin was still in the home.

    "You didn''t go to the office?" Strange. Did he also get upte?

    "No. I am taking a leave today." Was his reply.

    "Why?" She walked towards him and checked his forehead. "Are you unwell?"

    "No, sweetheart." He pressed a kiss on her knuckles. "I am perfectly healthy. I am taking you to a ce."

    "But I have an urgent_"

    "I know you have a meeting with a client and I have informed Reese already. You don''t need to get worried about it."

    "Okay." Although she wanted to ask more, she restrained it.

    ...

    "Where are you taking me?" Her curiosity was now like waiting for the next episode of her favorite series.

    "Have patience, darling. You will know it soon."

    When the car pulled off at a certain ce, Leena looked around to see they were at a Courthouse? But why? When she thought of the possible ways, her lips parted in shock.. "Are we her for a Civil marriage!" Leena whispered in disbelief.

 Chapter 225 - Beautiful Love Story

    Leena blinked her eyes once, twice. She pushed the thought aside and turned to face Devin. She preferred to confirm with him before jumping to conclusions.

    A shadow of guilt trickled through Devin when he thought of the hasty decision he made by himself without talking with Leena. She would definitely think it''s because of yesterday''s event. "I_I it was not a spur of the moment decision. I have been thinking of it for a long time. I know you haven''t yet given a thought to the wedding and I suddenly dragged you to the courthouse to get our marriage certificate. Sometimes, if we don''t break the rules, the rules will_"

    "Wanker idiot! Moron. Why did you do this to me?"

    Leena pounced on Devin interrupting his thoughts.

    ''She doesn''t want to get married. She is mad at me.'' Devin was seized by a panic of fear for himself. "Don''t get mad, Leena! I will not force you_"

    "You should have at least informed while we were halfway to the courthouse, idiot. Now we can''t go back home." Leena med him for that one.

    "What?" Confusion crossed his features.

    "I am wearing a simple dress and you dressed prim and proper." She cried out in anger. "You have neatly groomed your hair and I did not even wash my hair due to an urgent meeting. This is not fair."

    Devin stared at her in an open-mouthed shock. "Is this the reason you are mad at me?"

    "Of course yes." At first, she had little confusion on why Devin dragged her to the courthouse and when he confirmed, she got worried about her beauty. Even hell would be the nicest ce, with Devin around. Honestly, she liked this sudden surprise of getting married. She long nned to take hisst name but the only saddening part was, he did not give a grand proposal.

    "Sweetheart, you are going to be the death of me one day." His sigh was a mixture of contentment and relief. "Honestly, you look cute in any form, darling."

    She shunned his sweet talks, opened the camera in her mobile, and handed it to Devin. "Cameraman of the day. Hold it properly until I get ready." With that, Leena opened her skincare products from her purse and it started. Along with it, his nagging also started.

    "Enough, Leena. It''s your fourthyer of toner."

    "Too much is not good for your skin."

    "Can''t you skip your essence today? You had it enough."

    "Stop with your nagging. All the products I use are lightweight. I have done a Ph.D. in skincare. I don''t need your advice."

    "Narcissist." Devin stretched his hands a little to get reprimanded by her because it made the mobile shake. She could have used a rearview mirror. He thought.

    Devin finally sighed in relief when she reached thest step of the process.

    "I am done," Leena said and something hit her brain all of a sudden. "OMG! I did not tell my_"

    "I got approval from France and aunt Heather already."

    "Sly Fox award goes to the crafty and willy Devin." She giggled stepping out of the car.

    "There is a reason I am called a sly fox."

    "What is it?" Curious, Leena asked.

    "Because I am sly." Devin winked pulling her towards him.

    "Ah!" Leena clutched her stomach. "Why is my stomach doing somersaults suddenly."

    "Will it still do if I punish_"

    Devin jumped when Leena tickled his waist and before heposed himself, Leena slipped away from him sticking her tongue out.

    At a distance, Leena spotted two familiar figuresughing and cackling like teenage buddies. She rushed towards them. "What''s up, old buddies. Are you both going to be the witnesses of my civil ceremony?"

    "Old buddies?" Francis twisted her ear.

    "O...Francy..leave my ear. I only have two..." Leena cried until Francis released her.

    "She is Heather''s replica, France," Fredrick said with a smile.

    "At least, Heather was a little tolerable in the past," Francis turned to the angry girl and gently held her hand. "Are you nervous?" He was reluctant about this sudden marriage butter agreed when Devin exined the situation. That old woman has not changed her vicious nature.

    "A little." She hugged her Francy.

    "Human body is 90% water. Think that you are a cucumber with nervousness."

    Leena: " "

    "Pfffttt.." Fredrick clutched his stomach. Francis''s reply made himugh quite hard. "A joke of the decade, Francis."

    "You better stick to your serious zone, Francy," Leena suppressed herugh.

    "Jealous people," Francis muttered and looked around for his soon to be son-inw. "Where is Devin?"

    "Leave about that brat. What about the wedding ceremony? Let''s fix it for next month." Fredrick beamed a brilliant smile. He did not see a close-up wedding after his sister. Now, it''s time to party and he was already imagining the events.

    "No." Leena refuted immediately. "I need seven to eight months at least. I have lots to purchase."

    "We can talk about the wedding ceremonyter." Impatient Devin pulled Leena into the courtroom, not caring about the other two men.

    Countless autographs to his fans, but for the first time, his hand trembled when the tip of the nib touched the thin paper. What an irony! Pen and paper. Two simple words pulling them together. Noticing his nervousness, Leena held his arm, and just like that, the tip of the pen scrubbed for the start of their beautiful love story.

    After all the procedures, the officiant issued the marriage certificate in less than thirty minutes and dered them as wife and husband.

    The moment they came out of the office, Fredrick pulled Devin a little away from Leena. "I am going to enlightened the two golden rules of marriage, son."

    "I just got married, dad." Devin cursed at himself for bringing his dad.

    "But it will be useful in the future." Fredrick started. "Always follow this and you will enjoy your marriage life to the fullest. Remember, your wife is always right. When you feel she is wrong, p yourself and read rule number one."

    "What if I send this recording to your wife?" Francis''s voice appeared from behind and Devin escaped.

    In one swift motion, Fredrick turned around. "Francis, you fabricator! Delete it." If Eve listens to the recording, he would be dead meat in her hands.

    "What do I get in return?"

    "I will reveal your secret to Leena." Fredrick looked around and there was no trace of Leena and his son neither.

    "Impatientds." He turned to face Francis."Let''s go and party. We are inws now."

    "Get lost, drunkard." Francis was about to leave but Fredrick pounced on him from behind and threatened again. It worked.

    .....

    From the time, Leena and Devin stepped into the car, an awkward silence lingered. Both were in their bliss.

    ''I am married to Devin.'' Leena was repeating those five words like a mantra. Devin is my husband. Leena Wang. Yuck! It doesn''t sound pleasing to my ears. I will use my surname alone.

    Happiness streaked through him like aet. Devin felt like his feet barely touched the ground. He can''t believe Leena is his wife now. He doesn''t know the reason, but all of a sudden, a different emotion swirled through him. Is it because I am married? Talk to her, dumb fellow. This is not good. Mustering up the courage, Devin spoke up. "Leena."

    "Hmm?" Leena looked past him, she was also under the radar, blushing on cue.

    An awkward silence prevailed in the car again.

    ''What''s wrong with you today, Leena? You croak like a frog all the days. Just talk with him. Marriage is just another day.''

    "Devin."

    "Leena."

    Both spoke in unison.

    "You speak," Leena said.

    "No, you continue." Devin retorted.

    "C_an you drop me at my brother''s ce?" She asked. Jane would be better to ask for tips to peel off this awkwardness.

    "Can we go together tomorrow?" He asked.

    "Okay."

    A whileter, they were in Devin''s private jet and Leena did not probe a question for she knew Devin''s reply would be his smile. Their awkwardness also eased a little.

    ...

    The royal house was exemplifying the monarchy. Eleanor was sitting in her study room examining the reports that she received today. "Is this all? It barely touched the surface. What happened to her two years of disappearance?"

    "Your majesty." The subordinate politely said. "We couldn''t get through that information. It''s tightly sealed."

    "Dig deeper. I want_"

    Eleanor''s thoughts interrupted when she heard the knock on the door and a maid entered upon her permission.

    "Speak."

    "Your majesty, your grandson hase along with a woman."

    Eleanor''s brows creased revealing the lines on the forehead. Never Devin visited this pce. "Ask all the security to clear the ce for a while."

    "Yes, your majesty." The maid bowed and took her to leave.

    "You may leave." Eleanor dismissed the subordinate. She did not expect Devin''s arrival would be too early. Nheless, she pulled the cane and clutched it with her mmy hand.

    As she stepped down from the stairs, her grip on the cane tightened at the sight of the woman next to her grandson."You are here, child? You even brought your mistre_"

    "It''s Mrs.Wang!" His ample voice deafened, tearing down down Eleanor''s soul. His purpose of getting Leena here was to shut this woman''s mouth. "I don''t care if you are the queen of this country. I dare you to disrespect my wife in my presence." He pulled Leena closer to his chest and embraced her protectively.

    Devin''s words echoed in Eleanor''s head filling the silence with burning mes. He got married despite my threats?

 Chapter 226 - Leave It To Your Imagination

    Leena''s heart pounded with the temerity of his voice, as gravelly and prating deep into her soul. She could feel his throbbing heartbeat at the proximity of being close to his body. Desperate to drink a ss of water to quench her dry throat lifted.

    She sped his waist tightly to tranquil the raging beast. She doesn''t want him to lose his control, for this ce is not their territory. This witch queen has executed her brother mercilessly for the throne and Leena has a gut feeling that Eleanor''s love for Devin was only because of power.

    The inner turmoil in his body calmed down and his gaze softened as he looked at Leena. "Stay here for a while. I will have to talk with her."

    "No. You are not_"

    "Sweetheart, I promise, it''s just a talk." He assured understanding of her concern. He doesn''t want Leena to hear the conversation that is going to happen between them.

    Half nodding her head, Leena let Devin guide her to the chair. She doesn''t want to be in this ce but can''t help it either. "I will be back in five minutes." He said and his gaze moved to the bodyguards. They nodded their head in understanding.

    Devin''s gaze then fell on Eleanor''s face and she instantly knew he is here with a purpose. She turned around and climbed the steps to let Devin follow her.

    The moment he entered the study room, his gaze fell on the report which Eleanor quickly closed.

    "What is the meaning of this, Devin!" Eleanor yelled. "You married her without my consent. I am still the head of the Wang family. I deserve some respect." She shouted. She is still legally married to Arthur and the reason she did not ept the divorce despite Arthur''s pressure was to have amand over the Wang family. But both his son and daughter married someone without her approval and now her grandson followed the same path.

    "Respect is for those who deserve it." He stated.

    "If you are here to showcase your marital status, I am least bothered by it."

    "Neither I am here for it." Devin chuckled. "I will tell you a small story. Listen carefully."

    "Once upon a time, a lonely man was wandering in the darkest roads to escape from the dark. One fine day, he was pulled into the abyss of a cheerful girl and from then on her soul became his moon. Her beautiful smile has stolen his heart from the stars. But the smile he always witnessed has gone one day. The man again became a shell without a soul and that day he understood how much he loved her. He wiped her tears away, and the same way, he has been wiping all the people who made her cry, and even now the people who have hurt her are begging for death somewhere in a rotten ce. I will leave it to your imagination what sort of state they are in."

    Eleanor''s face grew pale and her eyes turned wide.

    "You are right. The man is me and the girl is my wife. You might be the queen of this country but you can never outshine my ruthlessness. If you are thinking that you can easily control by making me the prince, I suggest you stop the cheap tricks else..." Devin''s sinister smile terrified Eleanor. "I hope you are smart enough to catch the wind."

    Devin looked at his wristwatch. "Oh! No. It''s already a secondte. I promised my wife I would take only five minutes. I will take my leave then, Queen Eleanor Catharina. Hope we don''t see each other again."

    As Devin left the room, Eleanor copsed on to the floor when her knees gave in. Beads of trickled molded on her forehead. She has got threats from the time she ruled as the queen. Nothing could shake her in fear but for the first time, she quivered today.

    ....

    From time to time, Leena''s gaze would wander to the stairs but the man in question has not shown up. The moment Leena heard his footsteps, she rushed towards him and hugged him tightly.

    "I missed you."

    "It''s only five minutes, darling." He wrapped his arms around her waist and inhaled hervender scent.

    "I don''t like this ce."

    "Me neither." He smiled Patting her head. "Let''s go home."

    ....

    When Leena stepped into the private jet, Devin picked her up and ced her head on his chest. The moment of awkwardness has gonepletely between them and Leena was back to her crazy self. Like a frog, she started babbling boasting about herself without thinking that someone is not listening.

    "So, what do you think of my achievements?"

    No response.

    "Babylicious?" When Leena didn''t receive praise from him, she looked up and was surprised to see he had fallen asleep.

    "Am I neglecting you? Why did you get dark circles?" Leena traced his dark circles, saddened by them. "I will order one good eye cream for you." Speaking of his eyes, a thought urred into her mind to decorate it colorfully.

    .....

    Devin groggily woke up from his sleep when he felt a prick on his eyelids. Leena yelped when she was caught red-handed and immediately retreated her arms.

    "What prank did you pull now"

    "I_I nothing."

    With one hand, he captured her hands, and with the other, he grabbed the mobile. Terrified to see the bright colors on his eyelids, he directed his anger on the culprit. "Last time it was pigtails, now it''s eye shadows. What_"

    "I was only trying to cover your dark circles." Leena pouted.

    "It''s been a long time I punished you, right?" Devin flipped their positions and climbed on top of Leena tracing his thumb over her lower lips. Like a seductress, she bit his thumb maintaining eye contact.

    "If you bite it again, I am not responsible for my actions."

    "What kind of actions?" She bit his thumb to annoy him.

    "Our clothes will probablye off within few seconds." His deep and husky voice was putting her into a wild imagination but if she doesn''t stop him now, they would end up doing it in the flight. Although it''s a private jet, it''s a big no for Leena and she knew Devin also doesn''t encourage it. A thought urred to divert Devin''s attention. "I have been thinking of it for a while. Why did you name this private jet as Raven?"

    Devin pondered for a bit.. Why did I name it Raven? Even his friends asked him and he has now answer then and now either.

 Chapter 227 - Prime Suspect

    Devin would have preferred the names Phenom 900E or Embraer 1000E and those are the first things that got into his mind. But why did I name it Raven? Nevertheless, he doesn''t want to say ''I don''t know'' today. Last time they fought for a week on this matter. Worried that forgetting things is a sign of aging, Leena has been making him eat brain power foods since then. So, he bbed whatever his brain has grabbed for the moment. "Raven, because it''s cute."

    "Don''t lie. I can see through your eyes, Devin." Leena knows he is fibbing to stave off the fight, unlikest time. She was not annoyed at him but Devin unable to remember things was worrying her. Leena asked Evelyn and Fredrick to confirm if he had an ident in the past and there is nothing as such.

    "I am sorry. I don''t want you to get mad at me."

    "I am not mad at you, babylicious." She hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him towards her. "Don''t you think you have forgotten some important things in your life?"

    "Sometimes I do feel it and at the same time, it doesn''t not making any sense. When I try to recall, it leads to a dead-end." Thest time, he tried to think of a mighty Zeus piece of memory, it gave him a severe headache

    "Don''t try. It''s not good for your health. You need to sleep on time from now. Too little restful sleep contributes to problems with memory."

    "As my sweetheart says." He smiled for no reason.

    "So what did you talk with that old goat for five minutes?"

    "It''s a secret." He whispered and picked Leena from the bed when theynded. It was still in the evening and Devin was nning to spend the night with Leena but he has to put an end to it when he received a text from Nick asking for his urgent presence. Unless something crucial, he wouldn''t text him. "Leena, I got some pressing matter to deal with. I will drop you at your brother''s house and pick you at night? Is that fine?"

    "That should be fine."

    Devin took a detour and straightaway drove to Wilbur''s house.

    "Why don''t youe inside?" She stepped down from the car upon reaching the vi.

    "Your brother will start marriage sses just like my dad. I can''t bear them."

    "Let me watch then, how long you are going to escape." Leena gave a quick peck on his lips before going inside. Devin waited until the door was closed before he started off the engine.

    ...

    Sara and ra were overjoyed when they heard Devin would be arriving today.

    "Go to sleep, Sara and ra." One of the men, Colton said. "Don''t you have sses tomorrow?"

    "We are waiting for our Devvy." Sara turned to her twin sister, ra. "I am bored Kadabra. Let''s go and peel off that Casey''s face today."

    "Let''s not, Abra. That stupid woman is very sensitive and if we torture her, she will copse again. Devvy might want to speak with her."

    "Such a weak girl. My mood gets dampened seeing her body," Sara sighed. It was the first time, a woman was brought to torture. Both the twin sisters beamed in delight and nned to tinker her before torturing but seeing the blood and the gruesome ce, Casey copsed on the first day alone.

    "I am eagerly waiting...OMG! Devvy...." Sara dashed to the man when her sharp eyes spotted Devin stepping inside.

    Devin ruffled Sara''s hair and instantly ra bent her head asking to do the same. "How are you both?"

    "Not good. The woman you brought for torture is very sensitive." Sarained.

    "Next time, I will try for a strong one. Bring Casey to the private room and also call Nick."

    "Okay."

    In less than a minute, the twins brought Casey into a private room and threw her on the floor. Casey wailed in pain. Her body was half-ruined by the torment of these two maniac girls already. Clutching her stomach, Casey looked up, goosebumps formed on her skin when her eyes snapped at the man. She had been thinking it was Ethan who kidnapped her on that day. Never thought it would be Wang Devin. Is he this cruel?

    "I will get straight to the point. Who else was involved in Leena''s ident along with you?" Devin picked a knife and twirled it before grabbing Casey''s hand. There is no way this weak woman would have nned everything on her own.

    "Please don''t.." Her cries turned weak, scared that he would cut her fingers. How did he know someone is involved with me?

    "I want answers."

    "W_ill you release me if I tell?" Casey whimpered stuttering with her words.

    "That depends on your answer and my mood."

    "I don''t know her name. Our c_ommunication happened only through texts."

    Her? A woman? If she did not mademunication through call, how did Casey know it''s a woman?

    "Are you still in contact with her?"

    "No. After Leena''s ident, she blocked my number. She morphed her pictures and delivered them to Ethan. It was her idea to divert Leena to the cliff. I am innocent. Please release me_"

    "Take her away, Sara," Devin didn''t intend to listen to her stories.

    "Nick," Devin ordered. "Ger that number as soon as possible."

    "Alright, Devin." Nick nodded and handed a file to Devin.

    "This is the list of ces and people Leena madam has visited from the time she started her modeling career. In most of the fashion shows she did, there is a man who frequently visited her shows."

    "Who is it?" Devin asked, flipping the papers and rounding off the person''s names when he found a suspicious profile.

    "Walter Adams."

    Devin''s brows creased hearing the name.

    "Dr. Walter Adams was the chief doctor assigned for Leena madam''s case when she was involved in an ident. Technically, he was with her for almost two years in the hospital and she must be knowing him quite well. That makes him our prime suspect. Should we abduct him_"

    "No. Wait for my orders" Devin refuted. "If he is not the suspect, we are paving the way for the stalker to get alert. Ask our men to keep a watch on him. I will make a personal visit to him." Dr. Walter! A doctor stalker or it''s again a misleading path. Who are you, bastard? Show up, fast.

    "I have already arranged them."

    "Thanks, Nick," Devin added. "You will be serving as Leena''s bodyguard from tomorrow. I will text you the address of my house. Be on time."

    "Umm...Devin...Can you take someone else from the team?" Nick asked scratching his forehead.

    "Why?"

    "I_I have lots of work here." Nick heard about Leena from the media and also from Drew and Wilbur. If he stays beside her all the time, he stopped imagining.

    "Tomorrow sharp at six.." Devin did not leave room for discussions.

 Chapter 228 - Rat Blood

    ying with Cutie, Leena''s eyes asionally flicker to the main door anticipating someone''s presence. Her thoughts were in the mayhem. What sort of urgent work did he get that he had to run on the first day of our marriage?

    "Are you missing, your husband already?" Jane teased and a giggle erupted from Reese''s lips.

    "All the time. Every second, every minute, every hour, every day." Leena crossed her arms, hugging herself thinking about him.

    "Gosh! You arepletely smitten by him," Reese eximed thinking back to the days of Leena''s behavior towards men. What a change in her and all credits go to Devin. "I can''t believe you are married, Leena. Now I am left alone in our zone." Reese wiped her tears.

    "First clear your name that you are not into women," Jane said.

    "It''s all because of this man-hater." Reese threw a pillow onto Leena''s head.

    Dodging the pillow, Leena ignored Reese and gazed at Cutie. "Hey, Tootie, you haven''t told your crush name yet."

    Shyly, Cutie started. "My Dad_"

    "Why do you keep asking about her crush, Leena?" Jane''s quick voice interrupted their thoughts. Just then Wilbur arrived with a snack for the three friends and they immediately snatched and dug into the food immediately. "Even malnourished doesn''t act like you girls."

    Wilbur then picked Cutie in his arms. "It''s time for my baby to sleep."

    "No!" Cutie struggled toe down from Wilbur''s arms. "I want to pay with my toys, dad."

    "So that you will get upte in the morning and you get the reason to miss your school, right?" Not listening to his pleas, he carried her to the bedroom.

    "Pomise, dad. I had somach-ache, in the moning." Cutie yawnedying her head on Wilbur''s shoulder.

    "You will have one or the other reason ready. If I hear you have missed the school again, I will throw you into one of those military schools." Sacred that her dad would put her into that den, Cutie did not argue more. asionally, Wilbur threatens Cutie that he would put her in military schools where she can''t write letters to her crushes and bully her neighbors. So, she would obediently listen to Wilbur for a week.

    Gently putting her on the bed, he wrapped her favorite spiderman nket and patted her until she fell asleep. "My daughter is so cute." He kissed her forehead and closed the door before going down. Wilbur messaged Devin but he hasn''t got any response. He can''t believe his sister is married and he no doubted she would be happy with Devin.

    When Leena heard the sound of a car, she threw the spoon and ran outside. There she saw, Devin stepping out of the car, as handsome as always. "What took you so long, babylicious?" Leena mped her arms around his waist.

    "Hectic traffic, sweetheart." He easily lied.

    She looked at him with a puzzled frown. Obviously, she didn''t buy his theory. As she inhaled his scent and unlike other days, it was not musky cinnamon she sensed. "I am smelling blood on your shirt. Where did you go?" She demanded.

    Devin''s body stiffed at the sudden question. I should have changed the shirt! Devin cupped her face and exined. "Perhaps rat blood. While returning from the work, I saw a man killing a rat, and being a kind and generous man, I saved it."

    Rat blood? He has no sense of humor at all. Atleast he could havee up with something that I could believe. "I am not buying your_"

    "Do you have to ask so many questions when I just arrived?" He shouted at the top of his voice. "Why don''t you ask if the traffic was hectic? Why don''t you ask if I had dinner? Don''t you care about your husband?"

    Leena exhaled a deep sigh. She did not want to argue with him on this topic anymore. She knew he is trying to avoid the topic. "Do whatever you want." She struggled to free herself from his arms but Devin cupped the back of her nape, pulling her forward. His gaze moved from her eyes to lips simultaneously sending jitters in her body. She thought he would kiss her lips but instead, he moved his lips to her ear and whispered. "You look fucking hot when you get angry."

    Her face turned hot urgently. Why am I turning on with just his words? "I_I" Devin did not let her finish her sentence as he turned her around and pushed against the car door. His arms tightened on either side of her, but Leena did not feel trapped. He trailed kisses on her neck, slowly, lightly licking, softly sucking. "We gotta stop here, Devin...." She whispered looking at the surroundings. They were still in the open space and if her brother caught her, it will turn out to be the most embarrassing moment in her life. Reluctantly, Devin pulled back seeing her wariness.

    "Let''s go." She pulled him into the house.

    The moment they went inside, Leena cleared her throat for attention but there was no reaction. Wilbur was watching TV while Jane was immersed in herptop plugging her headphones.

    "Wilbur Hayes!" Leena shouted all of a sudden startling everyone.

    "What?" Instead of looking at Leena, Wilbur gazed at Devin questioning him.

    Devin mouthed ''I don''t know'' with a shrug. It''s out of his mind to guess Leena''s behavior.

    "What''s your problem now?" Wilbur asked in azy tone.

    "My husband hase here for the first time after getting married to your sister and there is no one to receive in the family. Is this how your family treats the only son-inw of Francis Hayes? I am offended by your hospitality." Leena yelled.

    "Drama queen," Wilbur muttered and signaled Jane toe here to receive Devin formally. Otherwise, this brat wouldin to Francis and he woulde for his life.

    "Wee to our house, brother-inw," Wilbur said but Devin seems to be deaf to the world now. Husband! She called me husband and defending me in front of her own family.

    "Babylicious? Are you there?" Devin snapped out of her thoughts when Leena squeezed his arm.

    "Umm. I was a little out of my thoughts."

    "It''s okay." Leena smiled and her gaze turned serious when she looked at Jane and Wilbur. "Prepare the dinner for my husband."

    Shaking their heads, Wilbur and Jane left the ce.

    .....

    Throughout the dinner, both Devin and Leena were acting lovey-dovey which irked the rest of the three but they did not mind. Finally, when the dinner waspleted, they exhaled a sigh. As they were ready to go home, Reese joined.

    "I did not bring my car. I will join with you guys."

    Jane immediately pulled Reese by her dress. "She will stay with us, You guys continue." No wonder Resse still doesn''t have a boyfriend.

    "I have to go," Reese whispered.

    "Shut your mouth and stay here. I have work with you." Jane whispered back.

    "Alright," Reese said.

    Leena winked at Jane silently thanking her. Throughout the journey, the atmosphere in the car was heated. Leena was smiling, blushing like an idiot all the way. Are we going to do it today or he has some other ns? OMG! I am excited. She closed her eyes with her hands feeling shy.

 Chapter 229 - Phoenix Nest

    Warning: I know about my readers but I am still warning for formality. *wink*wink*

    Leena shoved him into the bathroom as soon as they stepped into the house.

    "I swear, I did not kill anyone, Leena. Believe me." He pleaded.

    "I would rather swallow a pillow than believing you." After she listened to Trent''s story in Seattle, she understood one thing. Devin has hidden the beast in him perfectly to the outside world. Pushing him into the bathroom, Leena turned around to walk away but suddenly she felt a breath near her neck and a pair of arms grabbed her by the waist, hugging her tightly from behind. "By the way, they are perfect. I like the way they are."

    "What?" She muttered holding his arms with hers.

    "Proof that men can pay attention to two things at once. You remember?" His hand slowly made towards her waist, stopping right below her bosom. She gasped for air when he gave a gentle squeeze on her breasts. The pleasure he was giving made her eyes shut, she leaned back onto his chest when his thumb grazed on her right perky bud through the thin fabric. Thest time when they were intimate, Leena was more sensual to his touch when he was tending to her right breast and it didn''t miss through his eyes.

    "Did you read my blog? D_o you really like..." Lately, she has been feeling insecure about her breasts thinking that Devin would only like them if they are bigger. All sorts of insecurities raise when ites to him. She wanted to ask if he really liked them but her words were muffled as pleasure was building slowly.

    "Sweetheart!" He breathed into her neck as he cupped the two apples in his hand earning a low moan from her. "They drive me crazy to the point that I wannay my lusty tongue on your cherries all the time."

    His words activated all regions of her brain, her body was aroused like never before, a rosiness passed over her cheeks. She held his hands from further moving and turned around as she looked into his passionate eyes. Leena doubted if she could control herself anymore today. "Shower.." She whispered.

    "We will continue after Ie back. Okay?" He gently asked, taking a peck on her lips.

    "Okay..." Leena shyly nodded her head, her gazended everywhere except on Devin''s face.

    "My shy Leena on to the surface?" He lifted her chin to see her expression.

    "Get lost, idiot. I am not shy." She released herself from his hug and rushed out of the room to take shower in the other bathroom, her face has be like a ripened tomato and he would definitely tease her if watch her expressions.

    .....

    By the time, Leena finished her long shower and went into the bedroom, her babylicious was neither in the bed nor the bathroom. Where did he go? She walked towards the mirror and stood in front of it, cursing at herself for not having many sexy nightgowns. ''I should shop a lot for our honeymoon at least. Speaking of honeymoon, where should we n? Italy? Mauritius? Bali? Let him decide.'''' As Leena was in her pool of thoughts, suddenly, her wet hair was pushed to the side. "I told you not to wash your hair during night times. What if you catch a cold?"

    "Onest time, babylicious. I didn''t wash in the morning."

    "You give the same excuse every time." Devin pulled her back into his chest, his hot tongue licked the water droplets on her neck sending shivers down on her wet skin. A low moan escaped from her lips rushing into his ears. "What are you doing_"

    "Practicing Licking on your neck." He said as hepped on to another droplet before moving down to her neck and sucked his favorite spot. "Let me show you sucking sweetheart." He muttered as he turned her around and in one swoop, he lifted her by her hips and carried her to the bed. Gently cing her on the bed, he climbed, straddling her thighs, keeping his deep-V-diver or rod whatever she calls, a little distance away from her in order not to scare her. "If you are notfortable, I will stop it." He asked, cupping her face. Devin knew if Leena is not at ease, she would have backed off early but still, he wanted her confirmation to move further, not after he learned about her sad past.

    His words deeply touched her heart. Why does he always care about me? With a smile, that reached her eyes, she hooked her arms around his neck. "You are my drug, my antidote, my cure which I can''t resist, Devin." She repeated the words he said when he confessed his feelings. Leena slightly raised her head and her lips imed him in a scorching hot kiss sucking and biting his lips, a growl escaped from the back of his throat and he took charge of leaping into her area. Both battled for dominance and soon Leena sumbed to him when she couldn''t outpower the beast.

    His lips moved to her nape, sucking and biting his favorite spot while his hands roamed everywhere before settling on her ample bosoms. She struggled for breath when he pushed the straps of her gown, exposing her possessions to meet his hungry gaze.

    Gently he cupped her breasts rubbing his calloused thumb against her perky cherries. "Devin..." Leena screamed whimpering under his touch. Before she could register the feelings running through her body, hepped on to her cherry with one slow wet tug, sessfully alternating between sucking, licking, and biting, moans after moans echoed into his ears which only deepened his desire for her. She was withering aimlessly beneath him as he kissed her underboob, going sideways while his other hand continuously squeezing the jealous peak. Her sulent breasts heaved up and down with the erection of her cherry buds as if they have been waiting for a long time to be squeezed and sucked by him.

    When he left her cherry slide of his mouth, Leena unconsciously pulled him back. She wanted more but he was more interested to see the wetness on her breasts which he made on them. His gaze darkened, a surge of possessiveness gripped him.

    Leena is his, his alone. Without further wait, he pulled the dress and tossed it somewhere on the floor. His fingers skimmed her body, slowly reaching her inner things, and traced the wetness through the thin fabric. "Leena_"

    "D_on''t stop." Her words came out before she could suppress them in her mouth. To dress in front of a girl alone, she would feel shy but Devin was her exception in everything.

    Her permission was all he needed, he pushed the barrier separating from her heart of feminity. Spreading her thighs wide apart, he buried his face and dived tongue into her entrance.

    "W_ha_t...." She cried, her body arched as his warm breath came inside of her, softly caressing her walls with his tongue. Moans upon moans, she couldn''t catch her breath as he was taking her to a paradise.

    The lust only intensified in his eyes with her pleasure moans. Her hips twisted uncontrobly making lewd sounds as he continuedpping on her Phoenix nest. His tongue was crawling like a snake inside her wet folds sucking and sipping the pool of moisture vigorously while his hands continuously teased her breasts while her moans were loudly repeated in echoes.

    Continuing with his wanton aids, he looked up to meet her tender eyes. He got lost in that amber pools again. The desire for her intensified and he swirled his tongue deeper, sucking and licking her pink petals. With everypping, he edged her to the brink of ecstasy, torturing her deliciously with his mouth. Leena could feel the strange thing happenings in her body for the first time and she came.

    She soared high, her body arched like a bow, waves of fluids sputtered out of her core. She closed her eye shut, gripping his hair tightly, her breath came in short bursts, her body melting under his touch but Devin was not done. A sense of depravity shed behind his eyes. Without dropping a spill, he sucked her sweet cane juices riding her into another heaven.

    "You taste so sweet." The whispered words heated her face. Devin wanted something to ride in her Nethends instead of his mouth alone but taking it slowly would make her enjoy it more. It''s not a rule that they have to go all the way on their wedding day.

    He slowly came on top of her. "Did you like it?"

    "I_I loved it." She whispered and suddenly remembered about him. Her gaze immediately traveled to his big tent. Is he holding back? Should I try it? Hesitantly, her hand reached for his pants but he stopped them before moving any further. "You are tired."

    "It''s not fair that only I enjoyed."

    "Did you think I would leave you just like that? I will have my fair share in double, sweetheart.." His words, his raspy voice, sent dangerous tremors down her spine but she loved it.

 Chapter 230 - Two Papers

    Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Devin was flecking kisses all over her face, not once his eyes went tawdry despite she was naked. He was rock-hard, throbbing in pain after the intense make-out session but Leena''s condition is also his top priority.

    Watching his eyes docked onto her face, Leena asked. "How long are you going to look at my face? Aren''t you bored of it?" Her voice sounded hoarse which was not a surprise to her now.

    "Even if I have the time of eternity, it does not suffice." He added on, her voice ticked his inner demons again, triggering the memory of her moans and lewd sounds making him breathless again.

    "Ahhh! My Devin has turned into a cheesy poet."

    "And you are the only one I want to write cheesy things about." He said.

    "That''s what cheese said?" She asked.

    "No." He said tracing her arms. Her body shivered under his feather-like touches. "It''s your husband."

    ''My Husband! Sounds so good to hear. I should thank God, for giving me this special person. I can annoy him for the rest of my life.''

    "Devin...." Leena called up, gazing at the floor. Her dress was lying somewhere her hand could not reach and she is too shy to get up under the predatory eyes.

    "Hmm...Tell me, darling."

    Leena muttered in a low voice. "I_I am not wearing anything."

    "Of course." His gaze moved to her body which was now covered with his strawberry bites, proud that he was the reason for them."It''s a shame to me if you are still clothed."

    "Don''t tease me." Leena hit his shoulders. "Get me that dress."

    "Sweetheart, your dress makes no sense to_"

    "Get my dress now!" Leena stopped his thoughts. He is turning into a bbermouth nowadays.

    Reluctantly, he got up, brought afy dress from the closet. While putting on her body, Devin could see, she was zoning off. "Did it hurt? Are you in pain? Let me get you_"

    Before Devin could get down, Leena held his arm and she assured him with a smile. "It did not pain at all." It felt so good but she kept the thought to herself.

    "Then what is bothering you?" Putting her head on his chest, he pulled her close. When he saw her twirling her fingers around the nket, he released them and entwined them with his. "What did I tell you before? If something is bothering you, ask me immediately."

    "With h_ow many women, you did it in the past?" Herst word was barely a whisper when she felt his muscles stiffened. Leena gulped in fear, cursing at herself for bringing the topic but she couldn''t help because it bothered her. What if he has pleasured another woman and she stopped imagining.

    All of a sudden, her body was flipped over and the tall frame towered over her body, his rough voice prated her ears. "You still doubt me! Didn''t I tell you, I didn''t love any woman in the past?"

    "I_I did not mean that." Leena quickly exined. "I am asking about the women you had sex with. I know you were not involved in any scandal and didn''t love anyone in the past but you might have physical needs also. With your status and money, you can have any women_"

    "Did that Reese pollute your mind again?" His voice was stern andmanding.

    Guilt trickled through her and without speaking a word, she gazed at him.

    "Leena." Devin sighed. "Sometimes your IQ and EQ are below the belt. You know that?"

    "I know. Call me dunderhead but I can''t think with my mind when ites to you. I get jealous, I get mad when a woman even looks at you_"

    "Shh..." He silenced her cing a finger on her lips.

    "You are right. I am not a monk. I do have physical needs." He added, taking her reactions from guilt to envy now. "I could have bedded as many women as I wanted, but more than physical needs, I wanted a genuine connection. I want to undressyers of the soul of someone I love before I feel the desire to tear away her clothes. My heart, my soul, the aching desire in my body belongs to you alone, Leena."

    "I am sorry...." She hugged him tightly listening to his confession. "I will never doubt you, Devin. Please don''t get mad at me."

    "I am not mad at you. I am happy that you brought this topic instead of holding yourself." He gently patted her back while thinking of the mastermind behind this. Reese Allen. I got you.

    "If you are still bothered about today''s make-out session, remove that from your brain. I have zero experience. I have read one of the crazy books you have given as a gift. I did not fuck any woman."

    Leena hit his shoulder with a pout. "You are speaking unparliamentarynguage."

    "You will only understand if I speak in yournguage."

    "Forgive this poor soul, babylicious." Leena looked at him with puppy eyes and when she didn''t receive his response, she poked his arm. "How do I make your mood better?"

    "You know it already." In azy tone, he added. "I want the ''formal'' apology in yournguage."

    "C_an I do it some other time?" She pleaded.

    "Then let''s talk when you are_"

    Devin was about to get down from the bed, Leena captured his hand. "I_I will do it."

    "I am waiting." He said, crossing his arms.

    Holding her ears with both hands, in a low whisper, Leena muttered. "I am sorry for being a little p_poop."

    Devin burst out into a fit ofughter and pulled her close towards him. "You are such a cutie pie, Leena. By that way, is it only little?"

    "Get lost, idiot." Leena shoved him away, turned to the other side, and closed her eyes but to annoy her, he pried open her eyes.

    "Wang Devin," Leena got up calling his full name. "If you annoy me again, I will pack all my bags and go to my Francy''s home tomorrow."

    Devin zipped up his mouth and did not speak a word. With a triumphant smile, she nuzzled closer and soon drifted to sleep in his arms as he patted her back in rhythm.

    ...

    Morning arrived, hugging a pillow, Leena was sleeping with her mouth opened without heading to the inte buzz that was continuously ringing.

    "Go and see who it is, Devin." Leena hit the pillow in her deep slumber but she heard no reply. Vaguely, she opened her eyes and kicked the pillow to the ground. "I thought you were my babylicious." She got down from the bed and looked at the inte where a man was standing in front of the door. Who is this new creature, I haven''t seen? How did the front desk allow him? Leena rushed to the bathroom and knocked on the door."Did you call someone to our house?"

    "Let him in, Leena." She heard Devin''s scream. "I will be in a minute."

    "Okay."

    Before opening the door, Leena checked her appearance in the mirror. The dress was barely covering her body parts. "No for others. Only my babylicious can see." She quickly changed her dress into something decent and went ahead to open the door and scanned the man from head to toe.

    "H_i...I am here to meet Devin." He greeted with an awkward smile. Why is she scanning like I am her prey? "M_y name is Nick."

    "Not bad! It''s my favorite cartoon channel."

    "Huh? Which cartoon?" He asked.

    "Nickelodeon," Leena said.

    "I don''t know much about cartoons." He scratched his forehead. "I like the action and horror genre."

    "Oh!" With disinterest, Leena opened the door and let him inside. ''Why do people like those fleshless creatures? All Devin''s friends are boring except Andrew.''

    Just when Leena was about to go into the kitchen to make something to the guest, Devin''s voice rang in her ears. "Stay here, Leena. I have to talk with you."

    "What is it?"

    "How about I assign a bodyguard to you?" Devin hesitantly asked. He knew her privacy will be impeded but with the current circumstances, he doesn''t have a choice.

    "Wow! Sounds good." She nodded enthusiastically.

    "Are you really okay with it?" Devin asked again. He has thought of many scheming ways to convince her but all went in vain.

    "Of course babylicious. I can show off to everyone and people also think that I am a mafia don if I have my own personal guard." Leena seriously posed like a gangster holding an imaginary gun in her hand pointing towards Nick.

    Nick: " "

    "You can practice itter on him" Devin held her hand and introduced Nick. "He will be your protecting guard from now."

    "I don''t want him." Leena declined. "Get a women bodyguard."

    "No! I am not okay with a woman" He stressed.

    "Devin..." She cried hugging his waist. " He doesn''t even watch cartoons. I can''t talk about my dresses, essories. If it is a woman, I can build a good rapport."

    "She is right, Devin." Nick quickly added not leaving the chance to escape. "She might get bored with men. Maybe we can assign Sara or_"

    "Not even in your dreams."Devin''s voice raised hysterically and Nick zipped up his mouth.

    Devin turned to face Leena and exined patiently. "Sweetheart, I will make him watch all the cartoons by this weekend and you will havepany. Is that fine?" Devin whispered into her ears but when he didn''t get a positive response, he lifted her and carried her to the bedroom. He knows a way to lure her into his trap.

    Nick prayed that Leena would not ept him.

    After an hour...

    Leena and Carrot were sitting in the car along with Nick cursing at Devin for luring her into his trap.

    ''How do I handle this woman from today'' Nick cried speeding the car.

    ....

    WD.

    "Research on memory impairment study." Devin flipped to another page of Dr. Walter''s report. Just then Harley entered the office knocking on the door. "You got a package, bro."

    "Is it Jurassic?" Devin asked without lifting his head. Who else it could be except her. After all, we fought in the morning.

    "You seem to be expecting a lot from that person. Should I tell your wife?" Harley added.

    "Well, she would be happy to know." He chuckled. "So, who is the sender?"

    "Anonymous. Sent using USPS."

    Devin''s hand stopped in the mid-air all of a sudden. He grabbed the package and tore the box open.

    Two papers were neatly stacked on the box.

 Chapter 231 - Visible In The Dark

    Devin peeled the two papers from the package and scanned them attentively. One was empty whereas the other paper had a hand-drawn picture.

    "What is this? Is someone ying a prank on you?" Harley asked as she peeped into the paper. "I will ask our security team to investigate."

    "Don''t. It will not yield any results. It''s a private package." Except for a package that is shaking or the one which contains hazardous chemicals, the anonymous retailers ship everything and they don''t keep a track of private information. With these remailing services, the sender remains as a ghost. What a smart y! Devin has a gut feeling that it is the stalker.

    "Handle the meeting by yourself today. I got some priority issues." In a serious voice, Devin added. "Not a word to anyone about the package especially Leena."

    "Alright." Harley did not probe further into it. If her brother wants her to know, he will not keep it hidden. "I will take my leave then. If you need my help, call me."

    "Okay." The moment Harley was out of the room, Devin picked the two papers and nced at the picture. It resembled the outline of an animal creature with an open mouth and to end, a twisted zebra tail jutted out. A picture and a nk paper. What is he trying to convey? Do they both have any connection?

    "Something is wrong." Devin twirled the half-sphere paperweight on the desk and as the globe began rotating, so, his thoughts in the mayhem. "Everything that is visible hides something that is invisible. What if he has applied this ideology in the reverse process? If I follow his process and if I am not able to see it now, it must be visible somewhere else. Is it dark light?"

    Devin quickly rummaged the desk and found an Ultraviolet light detector. To get a better insight, he closed all the curtains, and the moment he switched on the UV light, the hidden text appeared in the paper.

    [What''s up, Buddy,

    We meet each other again. If you are reading my letter, you must have decoded the logic by now because I have used a high-tech invisible ink and the data in the paper resides only for three hours. As expected, you have lived up to my expectations, Mr. Wang. By the way, I heard you are married to my sweetie honey pie and living happily. Brace yourself. Your happiness is going to be short-lived. I will take away my Leena soon. Don''t waste your resources on finding me. I am like a needle in the haystack. Until I make an appearance, you can never find me. If you can try, get a clue about me from the picture. Last but not the least, take care of my sweetie]

    Devin''s eyes glowed with savage fire. "Who the hell are you, bastard."

    "We meet each other again," Devin repeated the words to process the twisted meaning behind them. When and where did I meet him? Until now, Devin was thinking that the stalker knows only Leena but he has given a new twist today.

    He made an immediate call to Nick and it was picked up in the first ring.

    "Tell me, Devin."

    "Are you in Leena''s office?"

    "Yeah," Nick muttered pausing SpongeBob''s cartoon video. Happily, he was working in theher world yesterday, and here he is, forced to watch Nickelodeon cartoons by that woman.

    "Collect the entire data of the ads I have shot, the business meetings I have attended until now. Do not leave a single detail." He ordered.

    "Is there a problem?" Nick asked with concern.

    "I don''t know," Devin added. "Everything seems to beplicated. We will discuss itter."

    "Alright. I will be on it. If you need my help, let me know. I will be at your service always."

    "Thanks, man. Safeguard Leena and that''s the biggest service you can offer."

    "It''s my duty, Devin," Nick said with a smile. He was sure, Leena would turn him into one cartoon character soon. Why does she watch cartoons at this age? He sighed and removed the thoughts. "Is there anything you want me to do now?"

    "Get an appointment with Dr.Walter. I don''t mind if he is busy, arrange the meeting in an hour."

    "I will work on it right away," Nick said.

    "I will wait for your text then." Devin hung up the call.

    .....

    In a bright hospital, a man was pacing back and forth in the corridor. The moment the doctor emerged out of the OR, he rushed towards him.

    "Doctor...my wife.." The man huped unable toe up with the words.

    "The operation is sessful. She is out of danger."

    "Thank you, Dr. Walter. May God bless with a beautiful family." The man thanked him wiping her tears.

    Beautiful family? He shook his head and marched out of the ce with a bitter smile.

    The moment he entered the office, the dean of the hospital stepped into the room."You did well today."

    "It''s my duty, Annie," Walter said. "Why are you here?"

    "You got an emergency appointment in another ten minutes."

    "I hatest-minute appointments, Annie." He raised his head, a disapproval frown on his face.

    "I know." Annie sighed. "But I don''t have powers to refute him. Please...just onest time."

    "What''s his name," Walter asked.

    "Confidential. He doesn''t want to disclose his identity until the meeting."

    "Bring him in." Walter agreed and switched on theptop to work on his research paper. A whileter, a person was escorted into his room by Annie, a shock filled in his eyes as he saw the person standing in front of him. Wang Devin. Is he the one who wants to visit me personally?

    "Research on memory predictions in person with cognitive impairment." Devin read the paper that was ced on the table. "Not bad. Impressive."

    "I suppose you are not here for diagnosis?" Walter asked putting aside hisptop. "What''s your purpose, Mr. Wang."

    "I like it," Devin stated. "On to the point. I am here to talk about my wife, Leena Hayes."

    Walter stiffened at the mention of Leena and his heart pained with the way Devin was addressing Leena.

 Chapter 232 - A Kiss As A Greeting

    The change in Walter''s expression at the mention of Leena did not go unnoticed by Devin. He has a hunch that Walter has feelings for Leena and he got a confirmation and it''s the sole reason Devin visited him today. But is he the stalker I am searching for?

    "If I am not wrong, she is doing well with her health. What do you want to know about her?" asked Walter.

    "Your rtionship with her?" Quizzed Devin.

    "Sad to hear that you are doubting your wife." Walter propped his hands in amusement.

    "My love for my wife is unconditional, the same way that my respect and trust," specified Devin. Be it, Regina or Eleanor''s efforts to crumble their rtionship they stayed strong because of the trust they had for each other.

    "Then why do you want to know about my rtionship with her if you trust her so much?" Walter questioned back.

    "Because I don''t trust you," Devin added.

    "I beg your pardon, Mr.Wang?"

    "I don''t go beating around the bush. Coming straight to the point, you have been secretly attending every fashion show, every Ad shoot of Leena for the past three years. The question is what''s your purpose of it?" Devin''s voice remained calm as he spoke.

    "Did you do a background check on me?" Walter fumed.

    "If you hadn''t followed behind my wife like a stalker, I wouldn''t have gone this far." With scorn, he looked at Walter.

    "Just because I have followed her, it doesn''t make me the_"

    Walter''s words pared in his mouth when Devin threw a stack of pictures on his table. His eyes widened in shock. It was recently taken pictures where he was standing at a little distance from Leena''s office to catch a glimpse of her.

    "I don''t think you cane up with any excuses now." mused Devin. "Whatever your purpose is, I suggest you stop right now. Don''t let you see the monster in me." Devin''s voice was uncanny as he warned Walter. He got up and before he grabbed the doorknob to walk out, he heard a voice.

    "I loved her, no, I still do." Walter''s voice throbbed in pain as he spoke. He doesn''t know when it started but Leena has be one of the most important person in his life. The two years he has spent with her were the most valuable days of his life. Despite her hatred towards men, he confessed his feelings but as usual, received a tant rejection but he did not lose hope. He was confident that one day, she would reciprocate his feelings but everything got shattered when he saw her in the arms of another man. If it was any other man, he would have warned to stay away but he didn''t dare to trifle with Devin. Scared to confront her again, Walter been silently watching her in the shadows.

    "She is the star I could never reach in my life." Walter''s grip on one of the pictures tightened. "Treasure her, otherwise, there are many like me waiting for the opportunity to take her away."

    "I locked her in safe of my heart and threw the key away." was the reply, from Devin before he strolled out of the room.

    "Can I search for the key then?" Walter chuckled shaking his head. Wang Devin woulde for my head if it happens."Why is the road to love hard." He sighed before opening theptop to deviate his concentration.

    Right when he walked out of the hospital, Devin called Nick. "What is Leena doing?"

    "She is working with a client. How did the meeting go?" asked Nick.

    "I am still in dilemma about him." Devin added. "Ask our men to monitor Dr. Walter on a 24/7 basis from now."

    "We are on it."

    Speaking for a while, Nick quickly ended the call when the door of the room was pushed open and entered the witch. That''s what everyone calls her in the office. Why not? She is definitely one.

    "Hi, Nickelodeon." Waving her hand cutely, Leena walked inside the room. She doesn''t want to treat Nick as a mere bodyguard, so she arranged a room for him.

    "My name is Nick!" With gritted teeth, he corrected her again.

    "But I like Nickelodeon." With a pout, she peeped into hisptop where he was writing series of lines. "What are you doing?"

    "Ah! You don''t know much aboutputers, right? I am trying to create a phishing email to hack into an ount." Nick said in a mocking tone.

    Did this cartoon mock me? Writing cheap lines of code and using old technology tools, he is calling himself a hacker? "ck hat or white hat?" Leena asked.

    "Woah! You also know about terms in hacking?" Nick teased again taking the piss out of Leena.

    Leena tightly clutched her dress to control her hands in order not to strangle Nick. Did this halfwit asshat think that I am a foolish? One day, I will teach him a lesson which he would never forget in his life. For now, Leena put the thought aside. "I only heard some terms in hacking. Leaving that aside, tell me about you. Do you have a girlfriend?"

    "I had one but I broke up."

    "Why?" Curiosity piqued Leena.

    "It''s a long story." Nick sighed.

    "You can cut short and exin. I don''t have work now."

    "Alright." Nick was also bored of sitting in front of theptop for a long time. "Her name is Jessy_"

    "Musician Jessy J?" asked Leena interrupting him.

    "No. Swimmer Jessy James." Nick pressed.

    "Okay. Continue."

    "Her name is Jessy James. We studied in the same university_"

    "So you started dating from University right?" Leena interrupted him again.

    "If you interrupt me again, I am not telling my story." Nick red up in anger. "I am trying to exin the story in a flow and I have to start again."

    "Cool Nicky boy. I will not disturb you anymore." Leena gave a thumbs up.

    With a deep sigh, Nick started again. "Her name is Jessy James. During our final year, she proposed and she did not had any ws to reject. So, I started dating her and one fine day, she took me to her home, and the moment I entered, the whole family greeted me by kissing on my lips. It''s their way of greeting the guests it seems. I was at least okay if it was a forehead kiss or cheek kiss. That stupid woman didn''t tell about this weird habit in their family. Her mom even wore a lipstick which I have to wash it for the whole day and I broke up with her on that day itself."

    "So you even kissed the men in the family?" Eximed Leena sping her mouth.

    "I did not have a choice." Nick''s voice died down at the embarrassing scene he faced on that day.

    Letting out a gasp, Leena clutched her stomach as sheughed. "What a bizarre family. Didn''t she protest when you called for a breakup?"

    "She did." Remembering the time Jessy almost pulled his hair for initiating the breakup, he shuddered.

    "Then how did you handle it?" asked Leena.

    "I ran away."

    "You are such a coward," Leena frowned at him with disinterest.

    "But it worked." He cheekily said. "Don''t tell it to anyone. Even Devin doesn''t know it."

    "If you take me shopping, I will zip up."

    "Then let''s go. You even wanted to visit your mom right?"

    "Done!!" Both stepped out of the office in happiness. The awkwardness Nick had earlier had gone and he was starting to enjoy Leena''spany.

    ...

    In a bright office, a man stormed into the room despite the security try to hold him. "Where is my daughter, Ethan!" The man yelled looking at the calm figure.

    "You are holding the wrong end of the stick again," Ethan said. "Please file aint at the police department."

    "Casey is missing right after you threatened her. I will see your end if I don''t see my daughter by tonight."

    "I am telling you again, I don''t know about her whereabouts," Ethan answered without looking at him. He knew Casey would be tortured to death by Devin but he did not have an ounce of guilt towards her. The pain Leena suffered, she has to get it a thousand folds. Ethan pressed a buzzer and immediately the security guards entered the office.

    "Throw him out of the office." Disgust was only left for this pathetic family.

    "Yes sir." Despite the protests, Casey''s dad was dragged out of the room.

    Ethan tried to focus on his work but a certain happy face appears in his mind now and then. If he trusted her back then, Leena would have been in his arms by now. He put aside his thoughts when he heard a knock on the door followed by a man. "I am surprised you did not drink and came here, dad." Ethan smiled waving at him.

    "Is it?" Ethan''s dad, Stephan chuckled. "Perhaps I am changing for the better."

    "When did youe back from Irnd?" Ethan asked. "Did you find her whereabouts?"

    "No. She is not living in Irnd anymore." Stephan''s voiceced in pain as he spoke. "Can you try from your end, Ethan?"

    "What''s your rtionship with her, can you at least tell me that?" With the way, his dad''s eyes soften at the mention of her, Ethan knew she is someone important in his life. Perhaps his first love. As far as he knew, Stephan has been searching for that woman for two decades. "You told she is aunt Evelyn''s friend. Why don''t you try asking her? She might have known her whereabouts."

    "She doesn''t even want to see my face, son," said Stephan. Why would she? Being a brother, he has never guarded her against his evil mom.. He contended that she is living a happy life now.

 Chapter 233 - Synthetic Identity

    Ethan examined his dad''s expressions turning bitter at the mention of aunt Evelyn. His grandfather and grandmother are the worst people he had seen and his mom belongs to the same category. "Does mom knows about her?" Ethan asked.

    "No," Stephan said in uncertainty. If Lauren knew about her existence, she would have wiped her existence. He doesn''t want to think of that possibility. "Leaving aside the matter, I heard you cancelled the engagement with Casey. Atst, you did one good job."

    "I should have done it before. I feel a huge burden is lifted off my shoulders," said Ethan. His mom and grandparents threatened him but Ethan did not bend this time.

    "Marry someone you love, son. Don''t be a puppet in your mom''s hands and make the same mistake I did." Stephan If only he was not a coward in the past, he would have married the woman he loved.

    "I am trying hard not to follow your steps," replied Ethan with a smile. "So, had your lunch?"

    "Not yet. Wanna join with me?"

    "I would love to." Ethan got up and both father and son walked out of the office with all smiles.

    ....

    Twilight came as palpable murmurs for the stars toe. Dropping Leena and Carrot at home after their hospital visit, Nick went into his condo. He got shifted to Greenwyn vige to stay close to Leena.

    Getting fresh, Leena made a special dish that she found on a blog and gave it to Reese, Nick, and uncle Pumpkin. Carrot ate her food and went into her room to sleep. When she heard the main door opening, like a kid, she rushed."Devin...." She screamed and hugged him tightly.

    Caressing her hair lovingly, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Had your dinner?"

    "Not yet. I am waiting for you. I tried a new dish today. So, I want you to taste and click pictures of it." The moment their rtionship started, Leena turned Devin into her personal photographer for her blog ''holy banana pants''. She is getting more praises for the pictures than her content and as usual, Leena took the credit for it.

    "Just tell me you need a scapegoat." snapped Devin.

    Hitting his chest, she looked at him with a pretentious pout. "I made the dish with love and care especially for you. Do you have to be so harsh on me?"

    "Your never-ending dramas started?" Devin scorned. "Get the camera and arrange the dishes. I wille back after my shower."

    "You are the best, Devin" Leena pecked him on his lips and whisked away before he would catch her.

    "I will have my way when the timees." He grumbled touching his lips, a silly smile stered on his face as he went into the bedroom.

    Leena was carefully adjusting the angle of the bowls to get the perfect shot, then she got a call from Francis. Her face lit up and slid the green button immediately. "What''s up Francis Hayes. I have made a new dish. Wanna join?"

    "I would rather eat rat poison than your weird foodbinations," Nonchntly, Francis replied.

    "At least I am trying. You don''t even do that. You eat all the food uncle Caleb makes like a python." Leena scoffed.

    "Python? sounds good. Let me give it as a pet for your uing birthday."

    "Francy." Leena cried. "I am not talking with you anymore."

    "Thank God! At least for a while, your bbermouth will be locked." Francisughed when he could sense Leena''s vexation. Hearing the footsteps, Leena turned around and threw her mobile onto Devin''s chest, and stormed into the kitchen in anger.

    Looking at the caller ID, Devin spoke up. "What did you do this time?"

    "It''s fun to annoy my baby," Francis said. "Did you get the information?"

    "Yes." Devin walked to the balcony away from Leena. "I will call you once Leena sleeps. Come to greenwyn vige."

    "Fine then."

    Ending the call, Devin strolled into the dining room where Leena was capturing pictures of her dish. Without making a noise, he went near her and buried his face on the crook of her neck wrapping his arms around her waist. "Did you decide the ce for our honeymoon?"

    Leena''s mood brightened up at the mention of honeymoon. "I am still in confusion, Devin. Why don''t you decide?"

    "Alright. I will do itter." He grabbed the camera and clicked the pictures of the dish and settled down for dinner to try this weird dish. He wondered she would ever stop making them. Reluctantly, he finished the dinner and went into the bedroom.

    A thought urred in his mind as he thought of the picture sent by the stalker. Without nting a seed of doubt, he can ask Leena if she can crack the clue. Climbing on the bed, he pulled Leena into his arms and called her. "Leena."

    "Hm?" Leena looked up pausing the Dora the explorer cartoon she was watching.

    "Ourpany is celebrating its eighth anniversary in the next few months. To make it lively, employees are conducting fun activities."

    "Wow...that''s wonderful. " Beaming with excitement, Leena said. "Even if you are busy CEO, you should take part in it."

    "I nned to do so. I got a picture puzzle without a clue. Wanna help me in solving it?"

    "Bring it on. I love puzzles, babylicious. I got many awards in school for solving countless puzzles."

    Devin opened the mobile and showed it to her. Carefully observing the picture for a while, she made her own calctions. It has an open mouth at the front, so the front part must be a hippo and its back has white and ck lines in the tail, so its back part must be zebra. That''s it? "It''s very simple, Devin." Leena confidentially said.

    "I knew it. You can find solutions to the impossible also." Proudly, he patted her head. "What is the answer?"

    "Thank you, babylicious." Shyly Leena giggled. "So, the answer is a crossbred animal creature. It''s abination of hippopotamus and zebra."

    Devin: " "

    Massaging his temples, Devin smiled caressing her cheeks. "Never tell to anyone that you are a puzzle lover."

    "Is it wrong?"

    Pulling the nket up to her chest, Devin said. "Your brain has gone bananas again. Sleep."

    ''It''s definitely a crossbred animal. He will realize his mistake once the answer is revealed.'' Leena pouted and drifted to sleep.

    Hearing her even breathing, he got up arranging a pillow beside her. The moment Devin stepped into the elevator, a man entered with a file.

    "Monitor all the CCTV''s of greenwyn vige," Devin ordered. "If you find anyone suspicious, report me."

    "I am on it, Devin," replied Nick. "With the parcel you got today, the stalker is keeping a tight observation on even you. It''s not safe to stay in this ce."

    "I will slowly convince Leena to shift the ce." Stepping out of the elevator, he asked. "Are you getting along with Leena?"

    "One hell crazy girl but she treats me like a family, Devin." Replied Nick, a smile stered on his face when he received the dish she made. Although it did not taste good, he felt happy that she remembered him.

    "That''s a unique thing about my Leena." Spotting a car in the distance, Devin checked the surroundings and knocked on the car door.

    "Is my baby asleep?" Francis asked as he opened the door.

    "Otherwise she would unleash the detective Sherlock Holmes, uncle Francis," Nick said.

    "You have studied her in a single day, Nickelodeon?"

    "Woah! It reached your ears already?" Nick eximed.

    "Of course my baby doesn''t keep secrets."

    "Enough with your boasting, Francis." irked with his gloating, Devin handed a file to Francis angrily.

    Francis opened the page as a name appeared on it. "Wilson Norton? Didn''t Casey confessed it was a woman?"

    "I don''t know on what basis that dumb woman has assumed the criminal to be a woman when she never talked and met her. But the number we traced is under Wilson Norton''s name. Did you hear this name anywhere in the past?"

    "Not that I heard of."

    "Wilson Norton is living under synthetic identity. He has stolen some of the private information like names, date of birth, other crucial information from different people but he didn''t pretend to be the actual person because there would be a chance of serious threat living with a fake identity."

    Devin handed another file to Francis where a picture of the house was attached. "ording to the address proof we received, it is his own house but it''s been two decades, he rarelyes home and no neighbors have seen him. He rarely has used his bank ounts. So, we can conclude he is still using his old identity. To thew, he is Wilson Norton but the other identity? We don''t know."

    "Two decades?" Francis whispered connecting the dots. "Heather''s ident_"

    "Exactly France," Devin exined. "It must be rted to the Hayes family. Aunt Heather''s ident, Wilbur''s parent''s death, and Leena''s ident five years back. It must be done by one person."

    "ording to Casey, she left the ce the moment Leena fell off the cliff but Leena heard a woman voice when she was pushed for the second time but she was not in a state to discern whose voice it is exactly. In her fric state, Leena assumed it must be Casey."

    "So, Wilson Norton is doing all the work for that woman under the fake identity," Francis concluded.

    "Probably. That woman is ying a very smart game without dropping a single clue." Devin was amused by this woman''s antics.. She resembled the stalker as if they have connection.

 Chapter 234 - Is It Jasper?

    There was pin-drop silence in the car except for the asional leaves rustling due to the car window left opened.

    "Do you suspect Max?" asked Devin breaking the silence. "Or anyone else for that matter."

    "Max is a brain-dead dippy. As for others, Heather had shes with his mistress but I have been keeping eye on her ever since the ident happened. His third wife appeared in his life in theter years. So, both don''t know each other."

    "Even if they haven''t met, we gotta do a background check on her, France. I will try asking mom if I can get any information about aunt''s friends also." Added Devin. "Did you file a policeint after the ident?"

    "No. Arnold was secretly investigating the case and now Kurt has taken up the charge," Francis said.

    "I will talk with him then."

    "Keep her safe, Devin. I am scared. Leena is facing threats from two anonymous people. If something happens to her again...I can''t_" Francis''s breath tightened at the thought itself.

    "Don''t worry, France. I will not let anything happen to her." Devin reassured. Even the most intelligent are bound to make mistakes at some point in time. He is waiting for it to happen. "Have a safe trip, France. I have to go. If that monster gets up in the middle, I am dead meat."

    "Are you calling my baby a monst_"

    Devin and Nick have gone already. Francis sped the car with a heavy heart.

    .....

    The morning sun rays passed through the see-through curtains and fell on the girl''s side face radiating her beauty. Leena was innd where Devin was flying in the air like a spider man holding her in his arms. He then took her to the universe and just as he knelt on his one knee to propose her in the presence of stars, Leena jerked awake with a start when she felt a spank on her back followed by a voice.

    "Get upzy bum. Are you building castles in your dream?"

    "Ahhh...My dream...It''s weekend, Devin..." Leena cried opening her eyes. When her gazended on Devin, her throat ran dry at the sight and she even forgot the dream. Shirtless, sweatpants lying low at his hips, sweat trickling down from his face due to an intense workout. can this day get any better? Is he seducing me early in the morning?

    "I know I am handsome but you should stop ogling at my body. It''s creepy."

    "I am creepy!" Eximed Leena. "Says one who spanks my butt every chance he gets."

    "Butts are made for spanking." Winking at her Devin was about to enter the bathroom, a pillow hit his back. Fuming, he turned around and threw the pillow back towards her. "I will take my revenge in the bed one day." With that, he entered the bathroom.

    "I will take my revenge." Leena mimicked him grabbing her mobile. Her jaw dropped to the floor seeing the missed calls from Andrew. Twenty missed calls in an hour? He has beaten Devin''s record. She called back immediately and it''s not even ringed fully, the call got lifted. Is he waiting for my call? "What''s up Andrew Dawson?"

    "Section 1001 of title 18 of United States Code, you are used of being guilty of lying."

    "What?" Leena''s mouth opened and closed like a starfish. "My dear rented brother, I know that you are awyer but I don''t understandwyers''nguage."

    " If I am your brother, then why didn''t you inform me about your marriage? If not for Wilbur, I wouldn''t have known."

    Guilt tripped on Leena. Damn! I forgot to inform him. How to cover up my mistake now. "Actually, brother...It''s just a civil marriage. I thought of directlying to your home and invite you to the wedding ceremony."

    "Good then. Come to my home today," Drew said.

    "But it''s not my_"

    "No buts." Drew cut her off. "You areing to my home today."

    "Be on the line. Let me ask Devin." Leena jumped from the bed and knocked on the bathroom door. When she didn''t get any reply, she knocked on the door again. "Are you singing in the shower?"

    "I don''t sing. I Only perform."

    "Dirty fellow." Screamed Leena. "You are making me have filthy thoughts in the morning."

    "Are you wet then?"

    Leena pursed her lips kicking the door. "Listen up first, idiot. Andrew called me. Can we go to his home today?"

    "What do I get in return if I take you there?" The door opened and his warmth wafted into her nose shutting down her senses to the outside world.

    "What do you want?" Leena questioned back draping her arms around his neck. Half-naked, his taut muscles ignited her cravings and she forgot everything.

    "I want..." His arm moved down slowly towards the south rubbing her inner thighs. "Your dew ps on my lips again."

    Holding his hand before he esctes it further, Leena tiptoed whispering into his ears.."Not until I have my share."

    "You are turning into a naughty girl," Devin muttered holding her body intact with him.

    "I heard that wilder your naughty thoughts are, the hotter sex will be."

    Devin coughed listening to her straightforward reply. It''s time I should speed up things. "Tell Andrew that we wille together," Devin said gazing at the mobile in amusement. Now she will realize the mistake.

    "Okay then_"

    It hit her brain now. "Andrew is still on the call." Leena stared at her mobile open-mouthed in astonishment. Oh my God! I corrupted my good image. With pleading eyes, Leena looked at Devin for help.

    "Deal with it." Winking at her, he strolled out.

    "Andrew," Clutching her mobile, Leena muttered in embarrassment. "I_it''s not what you_"

    "Aha! Done with the flirting? I never knew you had such a wild side in you." Andrew eximed. "My ears are bleeding."

    "You should have cut the call then," Leena screamed ending the call. Pulling her hair in frustration, she went inside to get ready.

    .....

    Leena gave Carrot''s responsibility to Nick and stepped into the car. Until they reached the destination, Leena ate Devin''s brain with stupid questions. "Devin...Were my talks dirty? what would Andrew think of me?

    "What else. A pervert."

    "A pervert." She sighed. "I should have muted the call at least."

    Opening the car door, Devin held her hand. "Don''t worry, if he bullies you, I will back you up."

    "Of course, you should. It was started by you." Not before they reached the entrance of the house a woman appeared squealing. "Congrattions on your marriage, Devin." She turned to Leena and pped her hands. "You must be Leena right?"

    "You are right, Lily." Wrapping his arms around Leena''s waist, he said. "My sweetheart."

    "You have turned into a possessive husband, already." Lily grinned and turned to Leena. "I am Andrew''s mom. You can call me Lily."

    "Hello, Aunty. I am Leena."

    Pinching her cheeks, she squealed in joy." From the day Andrew came back from Austin''s marriage, there is not a day he doesn''t talk about you. I regret not having a cute daughter like you."

    "You can still try if your husband is in service," Devin scorned.

    Leena stomped on his feet making him jump and shriek in pain."Don''t mind him, aunty. Sometimes, his tongue is out of control."

    "I am used to these brats, dear." Lilyughed guiding them into the house.

    "Where is Drew?" asked Devin when he didn''t find him in the room.

    "He is in his room with Kurt," Lily said and gazed upstairs. "Andy! Stop ying those stupid video games ande down. Devin hase."

    Oh my! Mr. Swedish butler is also here? Leena''s lips twitched in annoyance.

    Andrew came running when he heard the voices. "Finally you got the time for others also, Miss Jurassic?"

    "At least I made time. You might not even bother us if that someone appears in front of you." Leena retorted.

    "Who is that someone?" Curiously, Lily and Drew asked.

    "No one. Leena is just making fun. Where is Kurt?" Devin diverted the topic. She is still thinking that something is going on between Drew and Jasper?

    "He is in my room," Drew said.

    "You guys can go and talk in Andy''s room until Leoes," Lily said. "I will have a chat with Leena meanwhile."

    Leena got eased in Lily''s presence. Just like Evelyn, she is also very sweet. She talked about all the six friends'' childhood until the marriage issue popped up.

    "When will my Andy get married? Wilbur, Austin, and now Devin is also married. Andy doesn''t even have a girlfriend until now."

    Leena felt sad for Lily. Why will Andrew have a girlfriend when he has Jasper in his heart?

    "Does he likes anyone?" Leena asked testing the waters. She wants to know if Lily knows about Andrew and Jasper''s rtionship.

    "He told me that he likes someone but he can''t be with that person because it''splicated."

    ''Poor Drew. His heart is longing for that stupid Jasper. Can''t he give a proper answer at least except fooling around with him? Why must he torture the poor guy.''

    "Did he tell you about the person, Leena dear? You must be close to him right?" Lily asked in sorrow. "I don''t mind even if he likes men. I fully support my son."

    Leena was muddle-headed now. She was not sure if she should tell and make things moreplicated or not but in the end, she chose to keep quiet. "Aunty_I know the person but it''s good that you know from Andrew itself."

    "You know it?" Lily hesitantly asked. "Perhaps I_s it, Jasper?"

    Watching Leena''s surprised expression, she got the confirmation.

 Chapter 235 - Graffiti Artist

    As Leena''s eyes widened in surprise, Lily''s confirmation of the fact that her son is into men also turned into reality.

    "So, it''s true that Andy likes jasper." Lily mused with a mock. Is this the reason both are living in the same vicinity? They are not even ready to part away from being next-door neighbors?

    "It''s not his mistake. Please don''t get mad at him." Holding Lily''s hand, Leenaforted her.

    "I am not mad, dear. I am only concerned about those two. It''s clear that they like each other but I don''t understand why do they fight always." Lily was contemting talking with her husband but

    then gave up the idea. That man will burst out if he knows the truth.

    "Maybe it''s their way of expressing love." Leena sighed. "Let''s wait until they open up."

    "I wonder when that day would arrive." Leaving the matter aside, both started talking about other stuff and they were so engrossed that they did not identify a man has arrived in the kitchen. When their talks didn''t end, he cleared his throat and spoke up.

    "The phrase, two women ced together makes the cold weather should be reworded after seeing your closeness."

    Leena and Lily snapped at once hearing the voice.

    "Leon," Lily approached him in excitement."We have got a guest here. She is_"

    "Her name is Leena. Devin''s wife." He turned to Leena and introduced himself. "By now you must have known me. I am that brat''s dad."

    "Don''t call him a brat," Lily chided her husband.

    "Ah! I forgot your son is a spoiled brat, Lily." Leon effused. "Right Leena?"

    "Well, I couldn''t agree anymore." Leena''s giggle turned into outrightughter.

    Finding him disturbance, Leon was thrown out of the kitchen and their chat resumed again.

    ��.

    Lily called everyone for lunch and waited for a while but as if they didn''t hear, none arrived.

    "I will go and call them." Leena instigated to bring them.

    "Okay, dear. Upstairs, first left is Andy''s room," Lily said.

    Upstairs, the door of Andrew''s room was not fully closed and before Leena knocked on the door to step into the room, she heard the voice of her enemy, a.k.a Kurt Weller. Intrigued, she stood there to find something against him.

    "Did you resume your work already?" Devin asked Kurt.

    "Not yet. Dad didn''t allow me to step into the office premises. Probably, I will resume back by tomorrow." Kurt said. From the day he arrived home, his dad has set him up with continuous blind dates and of course, he has ruined them all. This is the reason he likes to stay away from him. For Kurt, tackling missions is easier than dealing with women.

    "You really got transferred here to catch Elysian?" quizzed Devin. He doubted Kurt is here for another purpose but hiding it wlessly.

    "Of course yes. That bastard is escaping from our clutches every chance he gets but not this time." Catching Elysian is a pretense act to the public but he was sent here on a secret mission but even if Devin is a close friend, he cannot disclose it.

    "Good luck then." Devin dryly remarked with a smile. Kurt could try all the possible ways but he will never be able to see the face of Elysian in this lifetime.

    Standing outside, Leena covered her mouth to stop the giggle from breaking out. What a timeliness Kurt Weller. ''Did youe all the way to New York to catch me by solving that puzzle? Let''s also see how you are going to catch me.''

    With a victorious smile, Leena knocked on the door and walked in ring her murderous eyes at Kurt.

    Kurt was again in a state of confusion as to why Leena was looking at him with murderous eyes. Did I do something wrong to her again?

    "Aunty is calling for lunch," Leena said, approaching Devin.

    "Did you hear everything?" Devin asked in a whisper pulling her towards him.

    "I am not scared of him. He wouldn''t find me anyway." She whispered back.

    "What the hell you both are doing here?" Drew and Kurt yelled. "Get a room for yourselves if you are that horny."

    "Let''s go, Leena. They are just jealous of us." Ignoring the two singles, Devin held Leena''s hand and pulled her out along with him.

    ...

    The atmosphere during the lunch was very lively. Poor Drew was given extra attention by Lily throughout the dinner which he had no clue about it.

    Leena was d that she hase here to spend her time with this family. Right after lunch, Leena went into Drew''s room to talk with him, and seizing the chance, Devin took Kurt out of the house.

    "France told you are handling aunt Heather''s case. Did you get any breakthrough?"

    "They have crafted the n perfectly without leaving a single clue, Vincy," Kurt added. "I am trying."

    "I will wait for your updates then." Unlocking his mobile, Devin showed a picture to him. "What is the first thing thates to your mind when you see this picture?" Devin has guessed it to be an alphabet C but he doesn''t want any guessing. He needs confirmation.

    Kurt examined the picture for a while. Being an FBI agent, his training incorporated both physical and mental training. Puzzles are not new for him. He has seen this kind of riddles a lot. "It''s an alphabet C." He replied.

    "Are you sure?" Devin asked for confirmation.

    "Damn sure. This picture is a wild graffiti alphabet with stylized text. Only professional graffiti artists can develop this kind of style. Wildstyle pieces of graffiti are the mostplex masterpieces and it is difficult to read them if one is not familiar with the art. I have seen this puzzle when I was in training."

    "Did someone sent you?" Kurt asked suspiciously.

    "Nope. It''s a part of our office celebrations.." Devin doesn''t want any of his friends to know about it until he gets full answers to his questions. Professional graffiti artist! Alphabet C! Is this the clue? Does his name start with C?

 Chapter 236 - Leius

    Fidelity, bravery, and integrity, the FBI emblem was sitting high on the building. A group of people was waiting at the entrance of the bureau to greet the newly appointed assistant director of the FBI. When a car was pulled into the entrance of the office building, militantly, they marched forward.

    A six-foot-tall figure stepped out of the car, his tailored suit hugged his armored body wlessly. Attitude of a ruler, eyes of justice, he was the epitome of honor. His name was enough to put terror on the criminals.

    "We are delighted to wee you to the New York office, Agent Kurt Weller." A young man marched forward and stopped at a few meters distance, "Agent Kylen Alfred, at your service sir." His salute was fixed on to the man in front of him.

    "Thank you, Kylen" Replied Kurt authoritatively.

    "Did you assemble the team with the list I forwarded?"

    "Yes, sir."

    "Good job." Kurt walked inside as hemanded. "Gather up the team for a quick meeting."

    "On it, sir."

    ....

    The team held their breaths waiting to meet the newly appointed assistant director. Although they have seen him and heard of his impable achievements, they are thrilled to meet him in person and work with him. Interrupting the thoughts, they heard footsteps sounded down the hallway and the door was pushed open, an imposing figure entered the room in authority.

    "Good morning, gentleman." Kurt strolled into the rooms as he spoke. "I know you are curious to know why I have picked the five of you for the secret mission." Standing erect, propping his elbows on the swiveled chair, he half-smiled at the team before he resumed back to speak. "You have beenbeled as the best officers in the crime department ording to my survey. We don''t have time for our introductions. Let''s dive straight to the point. Alright?"

    "Yes sir!" The team said in unison.

    Pleased by the response, Kurt decreed. "Projector on."

    A corpse of a man propelled on the big screen. Body half-burnt, wounded legs, it was a terrifying sight to look at but the team did not flinch. Just like training their bodies hard, they have hardened their hearts also.

    "Nathan Jones, Chemical Pharma engineer." A man named Jacobmented. "He died in a manufacturing facility recently along with his team right?"

    "Precisely," Kurt added. "To the world, it''s an ident but was it an ident? No. It.was.a.cold

    blooded.murder."He enunciated each word.

    The team gasped holding their breaths unable to believe it.

    "Nathan works for Leius pharmapany. After he died, I have been secretly investigated the case and once contacted his wife for that matter. ording to the bits and pieces of information, she knows, the drugs they developed in Nathan''sb have potential risks. Instead of testing the drugs on non-humans, they are directly injecting it into patients for better and faster test results resulting in death and also increasing the iing patient count to Cross hospital. The evidence Nathan collected not even reached outside, he was murdered and the the evidence disappeared. To not put a seed of doubt, they have killed the entire team he has worked with and showcased it as an ident. Assuming that his wife would be a threat, they killed her and posed it suicide to the public."

    "So, Nathan''s chapter is closed," Kurt remarked.

    "My God! Unbelievable." A manmented in surprise. "Leius pharmabs is direct drug suppliers to the Cross hospital and they have a very good reputation across the world."

    "You are right, Clemence. Along with the good reputation, it has underlying procedures which didn''t appear on the surface because Leius CEO Landon is the medical advisor for many pharmapanies. His words speak in the country. They are using the power to their advantage and even transferring the non-approved drugs to other countries. I got a information they have made New York as a hub for their illegal activities. Our hands are tied down. Weck evidence to drag them behind the bars."

    "Any points you want to put on here?" Kurt asked.

    "Landon is just the CEO of Leius pharmabs. Another FBI agentmented. "The founder of thepany is still a mystery. What if he/she might be behind it?"

    "You are right." Kurt smiled. "Coming to the point, he/she is operating in the shadows ying the game using these two scapegoats. It''s not only that, these people are part of the underworld. Supplying guns, drugs, there is not one thing that they are into. Their money speaks to power." Kurt added.

    "We will be part of this secret undercover mission until we find the main criminal. From today, we will closely monitor their activities. Are you in with me?"

    "Yes sir!"

    "Meeting adjourned." Kurt walked out of the room and went straight into his cabin.

    "You have scared the New York office on the first day itself?" Marie entered knocking on the door. "You have not changed a little, Kurt."

    "I am executing my duty, that''s all." He said, pulling out a file.

    "By the way, when are you getting married? Your dad has asked if my daughter is single." Marie asked with a hint of mischief. "Want to try?"

    "I would rather marry a pig than your bratty daughter."

    "Bratty fellow." Marie reprimanded. "Why don''t you ept that you are still scared to approach girls?"

    "Why would I get scared," Kurt yelled. Speaking of that matter, that narcissist appeared in his mind. His mood even worsened now. He doesn''t understand why she always res daggers at him as if he has wronged her. I have toin about her bratty behavior to Wilbur. It''s of no use telling Devin. That man has be henpecked. "Women are just annoying."

    "Mark my words, Kurt boy. You will be a wife ve In the future." Marie said and walked out of the room.

    "Me? Wife ve?" Kurt dissolved intoughter as if it a piece of fun. "Not even in my dreams," Kurt grumbled. He vowed to not marry because he finds it a distraction to his career.. Little did he know, soon Kurt will take back his words.

 Chapter 237 - Ree And Rew

    A week passed in a blink of an eye. Finally, Cutie''s big day has arrived. All night Reese, Jane, and Leena decorated the house, the backyard and by the time Leena reached home, it was dawn. So, Devin made her sleep until evening.

    "Devin..." Leena screameding out of the walk-in-closet with two dresses in hand. "Can you help me choose the dress?"

    "Does my opinion matter? You would still wear the one which I don''t suggest. " Watching her pursed expression, he put theptop aside and called her. "Come here."

    Leena approached him and stood a little distance away from him.

    "Good that you are scared of your husband."

    "A joke of the century!" Leena scoffed. "I am scared my lipstick would worn out in case you start the race. Now quickly, tell me the color. Peach or Burgundy."

    "Burgundy."

    "Thank you." Leena strolled inside the bedroom and after a long stretch, she appeared in front of him wearing a peach-colored dress.

    "Why did she ask my opinion then?" Devin muttered with a sneer.

    As Leena looked at Devin, she felt something was a miss. Despite he looks good in any form, but today, she wants him to be extraordinarilicious. With that thought, Leena rushed inside and appeared in front of him with skincare products." I am going to apply texture cream to your hair and a little skincare to your face. For a while, brace yourself."

    "No way." In a fraction of a second, Devin rose from the bed to run away but Leena jumped on his back catching him before he could escape.

    "Why are you so adamant about my appearance today?" Devin carefully pulling her from his back into a stand position.

    "Cutie''s crush is arriving for the party." Panting she spoke up.

    "And what does it have to do with my appearance?" He questioned back.

    "That brat told she has not seen anyone as handsome as her crush." Leena''s blood boiled at the thought itself. "No one can beat my Devin."

    "Of course no one can beat your husband." He nuzzled his nose against her as he spoke. "And I want to be special only to you."

    "But_"

    "No buts. What if Savny shifts her attention on me?" Devin wanted to divert her mind to escape from the makeup.

    "No way." Leena snuggled into him closely. " You are mine. All rights are reserved to Leena."

    "Forever." Devinpleted pressing his lips on her hair. When Leena is jealous, Devin finds her very cute.

    "Your brother has called ten times. Shall we go now at least?"

    "Okay."

    The moment Leena opened the door, she saw uncle Pumpkin holding a big gift box. Donned in a blue sleeveless side cut jacket without wearing a shirt inside, he paired with blue loose pleated harem pants. A giggle escaped at his choice of dress. No one can beat him in weird dresses.

    "You arete, Leena dear." He said, scanning Devin from head to toe.

    Shielding Devin with her body, Leena spoke up. "I sleptte at night."

    "Why?" Uncle pumpkin inquired with a sly smile.

    Pressing her lips in annoyance, Leena asked. "Are you waiting for Reese?"

    "Yeah. We nned to go together. By the way, how do I look in this dress?"

    "Uncle Pumpkin..." Reese screameding out of her house. "You look fabulous today. A true fashion king."

    "Thank you, Reese." He sheepishly replied.

    ''Fashion king? He is a fashion disaster. I should call the fashion police for torturing me with weird dresses'' That''s what Leena felt.

    "Why don''t we go with Leena and Devin, Reese?" Uncle Pumpkin asked.

    "Quite a good idea. We can reduce pollution."

    Leena and Devin sighed stepping into the car. Reese and uncle Pumpkin settled in the backseat discussing the games they will y at the party.

    ...

    Therge house was dazzling with curtain lights, luminous bobo balloons. The birthday was supposed to happen in a hotel but to have a lively environment, it was shifted to home. Wilbur was busy tending to guests. Jane was readying Cutie for her big day. Children were ying in the backyard while asionally staring at the mouth-watering five-tier birthday cake.

    Devin dropped the three of them at the entrance and he went in to park the car. Leena spotted Andrew in the crowd at first. She screamed his name waving her hands fervently until he appeared in front of her. "When did youe?" Leena asked but he was looking elsewhere. She could feel the atmosphere turned awkward all of a sudden and he was not even attentive. "Andrew, are you here?" She pinched his arm to bring him out of the thoughts.

    "Oww..." He yelped and then stared at Leena. "Come again. What did you say?" His gaze slowly moved to the woman standing next to Leena. Watching her nervousness, he smiled. "H_ow are you, Ree?"

    "I_I am good, Rew." Clutching the hem of the dress tightly, Reese replied sheepishly.

    Leena: " "

    What! As if she has grown three heads, Leena stared at the two in surprise. Ree and Rew? Leena guessed Reese and Drew might have known each other already but are they this close to calling each other with nicknames?

    "You look gorgeous_"

    "Reese, when did youe?" Jasper''s voice interrupted Andrew''s thoughts instantly. Turning to her brother, Reese shed a smile. "Just now Jazz."

    "Some people need a high five in the face, do you want me to do it, sister?" Jasper asked ring at Andrew.

    "Ah! How many times I have to flush before this poop goes away?" Pressing his lips together, Andrew left in anger.

    "What did you call me, wanton idiot?" Jasper surged behind Andrew. Scared that her brother would fight again, Reese also followed him.

    Leena: " "

    "Uncle Pumpkin...Something is going on with Reese, right?" Uncle Pumpkin was also gone. At a distance, she saw him flirting with a man. Did he start here also? mming her forehead, she went behind the backyard to fill her stomach. Only then, her mind will process the event she witnessed.

    Leena texted Devin that she is in the backyard and put down her phone. She watched the kids ying and asionally sipping orange juice when all of a sudden, a silhouette blocked her view. When she looked at the loom of shadow, a popsicle stick entered her sight. Leena doesn''t need to see who exactly it is. Shameless woman. She was not even invited to the party but still arrived here?

    "Hey, crazy Leena." Slurping her lollipop, Wendy settled next to her. "I heard you got married. Why didn''t you inform me?"

    "Do you know?" Lazily, Leena turned to Wendy. "You inspire my inner serial killer."

    "But I only like serial killer podcasts. By the way, is Kurt Wellering to the party?" Wendy asked shyly tucking her hair behind Someone has anonymously sent his number after Austin''s wedding. From then on, she keeps texting him but that cold man doesn''t even reply. She wanted to try her luck today and that''s why shended here although she was not invited by that stupid woman Jane.

    "How would I know if hees or not?" Leena yelled, getting up, she escaped from Wendy''s clutches. Finally, she met Devin after her frantic search, and also, she spotted Francis, Fredrick, Evelyn, Lily, Leon, Jasper''s parents, Austin''s parents had a fun time. Only one person she did not recognize from their league.

    Leaning on her shoulders, Devin said. "If you are curious about him, he is Arnold Weller, deputy director of intelligent activities. Kurt''s dad."

    "Kurt''s dad is also an FBI agent?" Surprisingly, Leena asked.

    "You are right... Let''s go. I will introduce you to him."

    All the eyes turned to the dashing couple when they reached their proximity. "Oh My! Leena darling. I can''t believe you got married already." Jasper''s mom eximed.

    "When is the wedding ceremony, Mr. and Mrs.Wang? We are waiting." Daisy asked.

    "My Leena wants seven to eight months for shopping alone. So you gotta wait, Daisy." Evelyn winked.

    "So, I am the one left alone unaware of what''s happening here?"

    "Ah! Arnold brother. I forgot to introduce her." Evelyn said. "She is Leena. My daughter-inw. "

    "Hello, uncle. Pleased to meet you." Leena gave a sweet smile.

    "Damn it! I missed the chance. Had I known before, I would have asked my Kurt baby to court you, Leena." Arnold pped his thigh in frustration.

    "Teach your boy to stand in front of a woman without running away," Fredrick said in mirth.

    Arnold gritted his teeth ring at his friend. Indeed it is true. I should knock some sense into my son''s pig head brain.

    Leena''s mood further brightened up listening to their banter but a part of her felt sad. She was missing her mom in this crew.

    Watching her emotions go haywire, Francis patted her head knowing that she is thinking of her mom. "Your wedding will happen in the hands of your mom, I promise."

    "Thank you, Francy," Warmth filled in her heart at his pleasant words.

    Just then Devin got a call and he excused himself and went to take the call. As he was going out, a little girl blocked his path. He was about to walk away ignoring her but stopped when he heard her voice. "Handsome..."

    "What?"

    When Devin saw her dumbfounded expression, he shook his head and turned around to walk away but she called him again. "Handsome. My name is Elsie. Can I marry you?"

    Chuckling, Devin squatted to her height level and pointed his finger at Leena. "You see her, she is my wife. Go and ask her. If she is okay, then will marry you." He winked and escaped. He bet no one will dare to ask that question, Leena. Even kids are crushing me.

    "OMG! It''s Leena?" When Elsie''s gazended on Leena, scared, she ran into the house.

    In the brightly lit room, a little girl was sitting obediently in front of her mom wearing a pink petal princess dress. Pouting, she looked at herself in the mirror to see if the lipstick was done properly by her mom.

    "Heyyy... Cutieeee... A handsome man hase to your birthday party. He is your eena''s husband."

    Shrugging her shoulders, Cutie said. "My cush is more handsome, Elsie. I will show it to eena today."

    "Enough Cutie, Elsie. No more talking about handsome men. You should focus on studies first." Jane reprimanded putting a birthday cap on Cutie and Elsie''s head.

 Chapter 238 - How To Sell My Aunt On Amazon

    Freeing himself from the guests, Wilbur escaped for a while to see his daughter. He didn''t expect he would get a shock of life seeing Cutie in an adorable princess-style dress. "My Savny is so lovely today." Lifting her, Wilbur kissed her cheek lovingly.

    "Thank you, dad." Cutie giggled.

    "I can''t believe she has turned five, Will," Jane said, wiping her happy tears.

    "Thanks for giving such a beautiful daughter." Wilbur''s happiness knew no bounds today. He has built a happy family of three.

    "Well, don''t forget you contributed your sperm." She muttered in a low voice.

    "I have lots of_"

    "Alright, Mr. Hayes." Jane hushed him. "Let''s go. We are gettingte for the party."

    Wilbur grinned nodding his head and stepped out of the room along with Jane carrying Cutie in his arms.

    "I think she forgot about him," Wilbur whispered.

    "I hope she doesn''t create a ruckus after seeing him," Jane muttered smiling at the guests.

    "Happy birthday Savny Hayes!"

    "Happy birthday to the bullying Cutie!"

    "Happy birthday, bully girl."

    Once they reached the table, Cutie''s neighbor friends appeared in front of her wishing her a happy birthday. Of course, even all the guests surrounded her to greet the adorable little Savny. But Cutie''s attention was solely on the gifts. Seeing the gifts that were piled up on the table, Cutie''s eyes twinkled. She has nned to bunk the school tomorrow at any cost and unwrap the gifts.

    The kids licked their lips waiting to taste the mouth-watering cream as the candles were put in.

    "Wow! Yum yum, cake." A little boy screamed.

    "Blow the candles fast, Savny." A kid named Lisa said in excitement. "I want to eat the ceam."

    ps sted in the air when Cutie blew the candles. Wilbur and Jane held Cutie''s hand and helped her in cutting the cake. The guests came forward helping themselves with a cake while wishing her a happy birthday.

    "Happy birthday Tootie." Leena pulled the cake piece and put it into Cutie''s mouth.

    "Thank you Eena." Cutie giggled puffing her cheeks while eating the cake.

    "Where is Devin?" Jane asked staring at the crowd but she couldn''t see the figure.

    "He got an urgent call. He will be back in a while."

    When Devin did not appear for a long time, Leena got panicked. What''s taking him so long? She searched for him and found him standing in the garden staring at the sky as if he was in deep thought.

    "Is something bothering you?" Leena asked encasing her arms around his waist from behind.

    Devin got surprised at how quick Leena is in finding his whereabouts. He got a call from Nick about the people he met at the business events and time passed as he was on it. sping her arms with his, he said. "As long as you are with me, nothing matters."

    Laying her head on his back, she mumbled. "You are tied to Leena forever."

    "Eternally." He muttered. "Did the celebration ended?"

    "Yeah. You did not even wish her."

    "Let''s go then." Devin and Leena hand in hand went to talk with the birthday girl. While Cutie was ying with Andrew, her gaze unconsciously shifted to Leena and Devin, and all of a sudden, her expression darkened as if her heart broke.

    GLASS SHATTER!

    "Hey, Tootie." Leena smiled sweetly. "Where is your crush? Look, I brought my husband. Now tell me who is more handsome?" Leena possessively clinged on to Devin. Watching her dumbfounded expression, she knew Cutie will take back her words.

    "Happy birthday, Savny." Squatting in front of her, Devin ruffled her hair lovingly but Cutie was staring at him with her watery eyes.

    "What''s wrong, Tootie." Leena got panicked when the bbermouth Cutie was keeping silent all of a sudden. When Leena reached her hand to wipe the tears, Cutie swatted ring daggers at Leena. The dam finally broke.

    WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHWAAHHHHHHH

    Rolling on the floor, kicking her legs, her sobs echoed in the air. Thank God, the guests have already gone, and only the families were staying. If not, they would have med Wilbur and Jane for making the little girl cry on her birthday.

    Hearing the cries, everybody panicked. Wilbur and Jane talking with Francis and the rest others rushed to the spot.

    "Savny...What happened?" Wilbur tried to lift his daughter from the floor, but she was acting like a rampant beast kicking him, beating him. He knew she would feel sad but never expected to this extent.

    "Why is she crying seeing Devin?" Leena muttered and her gaze at Devin. "Did you fight with her?"

    "Of course no." Devin felt awkward when he was put in the spotlight. His mom and dad were looking at him as if he has bullied the little girl. He looked at Cutie and smiled. "Savny, don''t you remember me? You always call_."

    Her crying hysterically raised the more he spoke to her.

    ''OMG! What have I done to her? Last week alone, she made a video call and spoke happily.''

    "Eena....Eeena" Dripping with spite, Cutie drew a finger across her throat, showing a cutthroat gesture to Leena. Not only that she bumped her baby fists together, kicked her right leg in the air directing towards Leena. She repeated the three motions continuously. All the while, her crying did not stop.

    Although the people standing shouldn''t beughing, seeing Cutie''s state, the three gestures she was making continuously was not helping them either. They broke into fits ofughter.

    Leena opened her mouth, but not a word came out. She has taught the three gestures to Cutie to use on her dad but did not expect this brat woulde and bite the owner alone. When Leena connected the dots of Cutie''s anger directed towards her, she understood. Cutie''s crush is none other than Devin.

    "Savny Hayes..." Cracking her knuckles, Leena''s voice hardened ruthlessly. "You have eyed my husband? My property! " When Leena took a step forward towards her, Devin immediately pulled her back, holding her tightly in ce. "Release me, Devin..." Leena tried to break free from his clutches.

    "Wilbur, take Savny into the house," Devin ordered and lifted Leena onto his shoulder and carried her out. Until both were out of their sights, the crowd exhaled a loud sigh.

    "I sensed third world war, France," Fredrick muttered.

    "Even I thought the same but thanked God; it ended before the start." Francis retorted.

    .....

    "Cutie, don''t cry. There are many handsome men in the world." Lending a handkerchief to Cutie, Elsie spoke up. "Your dad will bring the best one."

    "Elsie is right, Cutie. Mom and dad will bring the best for you." Wilbur consoled the sobbing little one. His heart was in pain seeing her red face due to continues crying, but he could do nothing in this matter.

    "D_ad, bing me watel," Cutie struggled to voice through a hup.

    "I will get it." Jane nudged her husband, and both left the room to give some space to Cutie. Elsie was with her, so they were not much worried.

    "Essie, you have bollowed ten dols from me." Cutie started.

    "It was only yesterday. I will pay you back next month," Elsie pouted.

    "Don''t payback. Do you have a mobile?" Cutie asked the moment her dad and mom are out of her sight. She nned to give nine dors to Elsie as a bribe. The remaining one dor, she has a n.

    "Yeah," Elsie said. "I brought my mom''s."

    "Can you open googoo voice?"

    "Okay." Elsie opened the voice search. Since their spellings are not even at the toddler level, they use the voice search option when they want to find something in Google. Elsie''s jaw dropped to the floor when she listened to Cutie talking with google voice.

    "Googo. How to sell my aunt for one dol on Amazon." The moment she pressed the search button, Cutie''s mood brightened when it showed several links but little did she know it was all crap.

    Elsie: " "

 Chapter 239 - First Love

    "Essie, can you help me in selling my aunt in Amazon?" Cutie asked in mirth.

    Cutie''s wild imagination shocked Elsie. If she bes a cahoots in Cutie''s n, her mom and dad would spank her. Elsie slowly pulled her mobile from Cutie''s grip and spoke to Cutie. "I am sorry Cutie. I have to go now. My mom will get worried otherwise. Maybe tomorrow, we will do that."

    "Don''t go. I will give you ten mole dol." Despite Cutie''s tempting offer, Elsie did not sumb to her wishes this time.

    With nothing to do, Cutie pouted her lips and jumped from the bed to go in search of Andrew to aplish her mission. "Andew don''t even ask money."

    ....

    "Leena," Francis called her monotonously but only he knew how much he is trying to suppress hisughter. "Savny is just a kid. Just let her go this time. I will talk with her."

    "That brat threatened to cut my throat," Leena grumbled.

    "And who has taught those gestures? You are her teacher." Francis retorted.

    "But_"

    "End of the discussion." Francis dered. "Go and have dinner first."

    Wordlessly, Leena strolled along with Devin to have her dinner. I need to load the fuel to fight with that brat. Leena has a gut feeling that Cutie is up to something because she saw her talking sweetly with Andrew. It''s her trump card to lure people into the trap.

    "I can''t believe even kids are eyeing my son." Frederick sighed proudly looking at his friends. "What can I say? It''s all my genes."

    "Thank God! If your son had got Evelyn''s genes, you have to lock him in the room for eternity." Arnold added with a mock.

    "Well said, brother." Evelyn giggled giving a high five to Arnold.

    "Get lost, Arnold Weller. You are just jealous that I am more handsome." Frederick''s world turned into ashes, not because of Arnold''s provocations but watching Evelyn''s heckling expressions. ''It''s been a long time I bullied my eve. Today is the time.''

    ....

    The dinner was happening in delight and everybody settled in groups ording to their preference.

    As Leena was gobbling up her food, her eyes asionally would flicker to Reese and Andrew. From the time they entered, she smelled fishy between the two. When Andrew looks in Reese''s direction, she would immediately turn away and the same is happening with Andrew. Am I imagining or it is real? What are these two? I have to find out today.

    Finally, the party ended and one by one the guests started leaving. Cutie and Leena did confront each other after the fight. Devin and Wilbur made sure both were not in each other vicinities to avoid the war.

    Reese and Leena helped Jane in removing the decorations. When Leena went to the backyard to throw the trash, her soul left the body when she saw a silhouette hiding beside the trashcan. Since the light was not switched on here, terror has eaten her like a horse. "G_Ghost....ghost...." She screamed.

    "Shhh...shh.I am not a ghost, Miss Narcissist." Kurt hushed her.

    "Mr. Swedish Butler!" Leena''s eyes wide opened in surprise. Squatting down in front of him, she asked. "You scared the wits out of me. By the way, what are you doing here?"

    "Escaping...."

    "From_"

    "Hey, crazy Leena...What are you doing here?" Leena jerked awake from start and turned around hearing the voice.

    "Why are you here, Wendy?" Leena asked standing up from the ground.

    "Did you see Kurt Weller? That damn FBI agent is escaping from my clutches all the time." Wendy asked slurping a lollipop.

    "Hey, lollipop. Leave that poor guy alone. He doesn''t like you." Leena said, covering the man behind with her body.

    "For that matter, he doesn''t like any woman," Wendy grinned. "So, I got blessings from his father and I am permitted to court him."

    "Damn it! Arnold.." Kurt cursed at his father.

    "You spoke with him already?" Leena''s mouth turned into a big O. This girl is too fast.

    "Of course, His dad is fine as long as it is a woman." Wendy giggled. "Have you seen him?"

    Kurt was silently praying Leena would not tell about his whereabouts.

    "I have seen," Leena looked over her shoulders and was amused by his stiffened expression. Scaring Kurt Weller is her wish and it happened.

    "Is it? Where?" Wendy asked in excitement.

    "I saw him going into the garden."

    "Thank you, crazy Leena." Wendy winked and dashed outside in a flick of a second.

    "Thanks for saving me, miss Narcissist." Kurt came out of the shadows. "That lollipop is torturing me from Austin''s wedding. I don''t know from where she got my number. I will kill that bastard if I catch."

    Clearing her throat, Leena asked."You shouldn''t curse people, Mr. Sweetish butler. They just wanted to tease you."

    "Why are you so concerned?" Kurt asked suspiciously.

    "Because l am a human being. By the way, Is she torturing you a lot?" Should I delete the traces of his number from Wendy''s phone? No. Let him deal with it.

    "Sometimes she even calls in the midnight with unknown numbers." Kurt lifts the call thinking that it is case-rted but it proves otherwise.

    "Again, thanks for saving me." Kurt''s impression of Leena changed today. It was only him, even Leena saw a different side of him.

    "Where are you going?" She asked when she saw him changing the course of his direction.

    "Home. After all, I should make use of your help to the full extent."

    "He is not that bad." Except in Elysian''s case. Leena''s devil reminded her of the humiliation he gave it to her. "Leave it, Devil. His ego must have hurt a lot."

    ....

    By the time the four of them were back to Greenwyn vige, the sky has turned dark.

    "I will go and talk with uncle Pumpkin and Reese for a while." Changing her dress into afy one, she pecked Devin''s lips before going out.

    "I will spank your back if youe back drinking."

    "I am not a drunkard." Leena knocked on the door of uncle Pumpkin''s house until it was opened.

    "We need to find out," Leena said.

    "I am ready." Uncle Pumpkin retorted and knocked on the door of Reese''s house.

    "What is it?" Reese opened the door and allowed them inside. She knew they are here to interrogate her. What can she do? Her expressions were obvious at the party and to her bad, Leena saw it. Reese couldn''t control her emotions when it came to him.

    "Reese Allen, it came to our notice that your behavior was abnormal at the party. For that matter, we demand a reason."

    "I_I it''s nothing_"

    "I saw your nervousness when you were talking with that boy." Uncle pumpkin added.

    Reese has no escape except, to tell the truth. "I_I like him."

    "What?" Leena eximed. Do both sister and brother like the same person? "Why didn''t you tell me then?"

    "No one knows about it," Reese mumbled.

    "Since when? No. Tell us the whole story."

    "I know him from my childhood," Reese said, Andrew''s smiling face popped into her mind which made her smile. "We have nicknames also. He calls me Ree and I call him Rew. After school hours, he tags along with my brother to y video games. His smiling face, charming personality," Reese sighed hugging her knees recalling the days. "I can''t get enough of him. I like him a lot. He is my first love."

    "Woah!" Leena pped her hands in excitement. "Such a cute story. Is that the reason you didn''t show interest in dating?"

    "Yeah."

    "Traitor." Leena hit Reese''s shoulders."You threw all the me on me. Then why did you crush on my babylicious?"

    "Hey! crazy Leena, if I like someone it doesn''t mean, I shouldn''t crush on other men."

    "Quite a logic." Leena nodded in approval.

    "Why didn''t you express your feelings to him?" Uncle pumpkin asked. "You should be fast in these kind of things."

    "I_I am scared that he would reject me." Reese muttered. Besides, she doubts that something is going on between her brother and Andrew. Although her brother dated lots of girls from school days itself, he suddenly put an end to his casanova nature. The best friends turned into mortal enemies but both are living as neighbors despite their hate.

    Leena''s thoughts are in confusion now. The way Andrew looked at Reese, she could see the affection in his eyes are directed towards Reese but what about Jasper.. I have to find out.

 Chapter 240 - IV Drip

    Leena and Uncle Pumpkin stayed in Reese''s room for an hour before departing. She pulled out all the necessary details from Reese for further interrogations. "ording to Reese, Jasper dated girls in school. So, the sudden shift in his sexuality might be because he got to know that he likes Andrew. If Andrew also likes girls, then both must be bisexual. Now the question is should I route to Andrew and Jasper''s toxic rtionship or Andrew and Reese''s adorable rtionship?"

    With a loud sigh, she walked into the bedroom and jumped into Devin''s arms throwing hisptop aside.

    "What''s wrong?" He kissed her hair draping his arms around her shoulders. "Are you still mad at Savny?"

    "No. I will take care of that bratter." Leena let the matter of Cutie aside. "Can you wake me up at five babylicious?"

    "Why?"

    "Mom is getting discharged the day after tomorrow. I have lots of her stuff to pack. I doubt I canplete it in one day with my office work."

    "I will send someone to_"

    "I want to do it, Devin." She interrupted him drawing circles on his arms. It''s her way to act cute and get things done.

    "Fine, I will tell Nick to get ready by five." Devin grabbed his mobile and texted Nick about Leena''s n.

    Silence prevailed in the room for a while. Both were in a pool of thoughts. Leena was thinking to ask if Devin has decided on the honeymoon destination but at the same time, she doesn''t want to sound desperate.

    "Leena," Devin spoke up twirling her hair. It has be a habit of ying with her hair when he is in deep thoughts.

    "Hmm?"

    "Do you like countryside honeymoon?" He asked.

    Releasing herself from him, Leena turned around if really meant it.

    "It''s just a suggestion from my end." Devin quickly exined. "If you don''t want_"

    "No. I just love the idea, Devin." When she was young, her Meemaw would take her to the countryside pics to rx and rejuvenate. She enjoyed ying outdoor games. But the countryside honeymoon is such a brilliant and unique thought. "What is the ce name?"

    "Maine." Watching her squeal like a child, Devin''s mood lifted.

    "Ahhh! Maine!" Leena peppered with her kisses all over the face. "I have only seen in pictures and I love that ce. Are we going by flight or by road?" Leena couldn''t control her happiness. ''It would be two of us alone. Good food, natural beauty, outdoor activities, and most importantly my babylicious. OMG! I can''t ask for more.''

    "I will leave it to your choice. By flight, it''s an hour journey to Pornd then we can go by car. By road, it would take around five to six hours."

    "We will go by flight and whileing back, we can n for a road trip." She added. "But let''s not go by your private jet." Leena wants to recreate the memories of the flight journey she experienced with Devin during her trip to Seattle.

    "Alright." Devin agreed to it because he has his people monitoring them closely. "We will be staying in Maine for ten long days. Are you fine with next week?"

    "Can you push it to the week after next? I have to buy clothes."

    "You have enough clothes already!" Devinmbasted her, his eyes turned cold. "It looks like I have to build a separate mansion for your clothes alone."

    "Alright, idiot! Don''t scream. I will skip this time." It was just an act otherwise this annoying fellow will start another lecture to which she didn''t want to listen to. Leena nned to bunk the office one day without telling Devin and take Nick along with her to the shopping. That fellow is obviously in her control. How could the great fashionista wear old clothes on her honeymoon? Not even in dreams.

    "Good that you have be obedient after our marriage." Devin was delighted that he is controlling this brat but only if he knew. Pulling her closer towards him, Devin spoke up. "Leena.."

    "Hmmm.."

    "Leena.." He called her again.

    "Tell me, babylicious." She patiently asked. It''s the first time Devin is acting like a kid.

    "I am just happy today." It''s just another day but he was extremely happy for no reason. "Be ready. I will not let you sleep. We will onlye back with little Leena or little Devin in your tum from Maine."

    "Ah!! Don''t tease me, Devin." Smacking his chest, Leena buried her face deep into his chest turning beat red. "But I want to enjoy time with you for a while." She loves children but before weing the little happiness, she wants to spend quality time with Devin. "Are you sad?" Leena raised her head to see if he was unhappy but he was not.

    "No, at all. I am d that you told your viewpoint." He nuzzled his nose against her lovingly."Honestly, even I want to enjoy my quality time with my sweetheart."

    "Ah! You are so considerate, babylicious." Leena beamed in happiness for getting an understanding husband. "We will have a full performance for two years and then wee little Leena ''and'' Little Devin."

    "Where did my good girl go?" He asked in amusement.

    "Every good girl has a naughty side and I am your naughty girl." She was the shyest person among the three friends but her naughty side naturallyes out when Devin is around.

    Her words provoked his demons inside, Devin swiftly flipped her body and came on top to devour her but seeing her dark circles, he remembered she did not have proper sleep due to the party decorations. "Go to sleep, you did not have a proper sleep."

    Nodding her head, she closed her eyes before pressing a good night kiss on his lips. Listening to her even breathing, Devin also drifted to sleep.

    ....

    The rm was buzzing in the morning but Leena was in no mood to wake up."Turn of that rm, Devin..." She groggily said hitting on his chest.

    "I told not to keep continuous rms." Eyes closed, he struggles to find the mobile and turned it off. "Get up, Leena. It''s the sixth rm. You have to go."

    "Hmm...Five more minutes." She snuggled closer to herforter.

    Five minutes turned into an hour by the time Leena woke up. In her sleepy mode, she got fresh, came back, and pulled the nket up to Devin''s chin, before going out.

    "What took you so long?" Nick asked as he opened the door.

    "I forgot to wake up." She sheepishly replied feeling guilty for making him wait.

    With a sigh, Nick stepped out and Leena followed behind him scowling.

    ....

    Two security guards were standing next to Heather''s hospital room. Leena smiled at the two people and as they opened the door for her, a woman bumped into her suddenly.

    "I am sorry madam." She apologized bowing her head and quickly walked out of the room.

    ''Isn''t it nurse Mary. She is acting strange today.'' Leena brushed the thought aside.

    "Mom...I brought Nick again. Last time you liked hispany right?" Leena went towards her mom''s bed. Terror mounted with every step when she saw Heather struggling to peel off the IV drip needle from her arm.

    "What''s wrong, Ma." Fear spiked in Leena when she saw her mom''s struggles.

    "I think there is something wrong with an IV drip," Nick told when he observed a needle prick in the bottle.

    The second Heather nodded her head, Leena peeled off the bandage and the needle without a second thought. Heather was awake when the nurse came in to do regr check on her but she was toozy to open her eyes. An odd sense of danger triggered in her when Mary attached an IV drip because when she met Roman yesterday, he told he has instructed the nurses to stop putting on the IV drip. With eyes half closed, Heather peeked to check on her surroundings and her suspicion confirmed when Mary injected a drug into the IV drip. To not raise a suspicion to her, Heather closed her eyes silently praying she would go and as if her prayers were answered she heard Leena''s voice from outside and Mary immediately grabbed her stuff to go out.

    "Ask the security to call the doctor, Nick! Go and catch that nurse." Shouted Leena. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She checked the IV drip quantity, it was still full. Leena has no idea why her mom was striving to pull off the bandage but she sensed a danger from that nurse. "Don''t worry mom.. I will not let anything happen to you."

 Chapter 241 - Ruth Vaughan

    Pacing back and forth in the corridor impatiently, Leena waited as the doctors performed tests on Heather in the hospital room.

    "I am sorry mam. We couldn''t protect Heather madam." The two security guards apologized in fear.

    "It''s not your mistake," Leena retorted. Mary is her mom''s regr nurse. Considering her not a threat, the security let her inside. Who would have thought she is a wolf disguised in sheep''s clothing.

    When Leena observed Francis and Margareting, she rushed and hugged her meemaw. "Meemaw!..mom was almost_"

    "Don''t panic, Leena. We are here." Margaret consoled Leena stroking her head to ease her tension.

    A wave of fury crashed through Francis. Without a warning, he pushed the room door open. Heather was sleeping under anesthesia, a few other doctors were performing series of tests on her.

    "Roman!"

    Francis''s chilling voice echoed in the room, goosebumps raised in Roman''s neck, his mouth went dry, his bones turned to jelly.

    "F_rancis." His voice stammered watching his friend''s bloodshot eyes. "N_urse Mary has been serving Heather for a long time. I didn''t think she would betray me." Roman turned to Leena begging for her help. Francis would not even think to destroy him in his stilled rage.

    "Francy." Leena held his hand and gently spoke to him. "Please calm down. It''s not uncle Roman''s fault."

    "I am taking Heather with me. Start with the discharge procedures now!" That was all Francis spoke.

    "But we do have to run some tests before_"

    "I.am.taking.Heather.today." He enunciated each word crisply. "Do you have any objections?"

    "N_o," Roman whispered in a low voice. Damn that nurse.

    "How is mom, uncle? What kind of drug was that?" Leena asked.

    "She is out of danger, Leena," Roman said. "The drug''s name is Liycin. If absorbed, it will result in neuromuscr paralysis. The drug is not used in human beings anymore. Thanks to heaven, your mom identified the drug." Roman said. Despite Heather did not practice medicine for years, he was surprised that she still recognized the rare drugs also.

    "Neuromuscr paralysis!" Leena muttered in disbelief. Who is this person? Why do they have animosity towards mom? When she almost healed from the ident, it is now back to square. If not for her mom''s quick reflexes today, Leena stopped imagining the disaster that would have happened.

    "Paralysis."Wordlessly Francis strolled out in outrage. He was angry at himself for not able to protect Heather. He doesn''t know whom to trust and whom not to trust now. Heather would be safe only when she is in front of his eyes.

    "Was mom''s ident nned two decades ago?" Leena asked tugging the hem of Francis''s shirt.

    "I suspect it is nned but until now we couldn''t get any evidence." Francis knew Leena would not believe it if he fibs now that she has seen with her own eyes. Besides, it''s time Leena should know. The attacker has tried to kill Leena also and he wonders what exactly they are getting benefit from it.

    Just then Nick arrived carrying aptop.

    "Were you able to catch her?" Leena asked gravely.

    "No. She escaped the moment she injected the drug. We were a second miss." Nick opened theptop showing the CCTV footage to Leena and Francis.

    "I got her address from the hospital record and sent our men to check on her home. The neighbors informed them that Mary''s dad didn''t return home after work for the past three days and the same is with her mom. Both work on a construction site. They must have been secretly abducted while going back home and Nurse Mary might be forced to do this task to save her parents. I have hacked her call records also and the anonymous number is operating under a fake address."

    "What about the CCTV footage of the construction site."

    "Perfectly executed. Not a single trace."

    "If we can find Mary''s parents before they are killed, we can get the bottom of it." Leena turned to Francis asking him to check.

    "I will inform Arnold then." Francis made a quick call and gave the details for his investigation.

    But Something was not sitting well. Both Francis and Leena were in deep thoughts. The information inside the hospital is strictly protected and the criminal will not know if Mary is doing her job correctly unless someone tells. Either the criminal must be in the hospital to keep a close eye or

    Francis and Leena looked at each other as if they reached an understanding. "Another mole should be there in the hospital," Leena and Francis uttered in unison.

    "Nick, call Roman urgently," Francis ordered.

    Leena watched the CCTV cameras while Francis checked the list of hospital staff. Leena fast-forwarded the video and looked only for Mary''s footages. Of all the three days footage Leena observed, she could see a woman moving closely wherever Mary goes. If Leena was not suspicious of Mary, she would have brushed past this incident but now she has to get confirmation. "Uncle Roman, Who is this woman?" Leena asked pointing to the screen.

    "Nurse Lidiya. She belongs to the Cardio department."

    "Can you ask the in-charge to bring her here without any suspicion?" Leena asked.

    "Alright."

    "Meanwhile check on her background. I need every detail of this woman, Nick." Francis said.

    "On it."

    The in-charge arrived as she was called by the authorities. "Dr. Roman, Nurse Lidiya left for home."

    "What? She is in the day shift right?" Leena asked picking the roster from Roman''s hands.

    "Yes, but something came up in her home suddenly so she exchanged for the night shift at thest minute yesterday."

    "Okay. You may go." Roman massaged his temples in frustration.

    "Uncle France," Nick added getting confirmation from the men they have sent for Lidiya''s home. "Lidiya has not yet reached home."

    "I am not understanding what''s happening here, France." Roman''s mind was blocked seeing the turn of events.

    "It''s simple. By now, the attacker might have kidnapped Lidiya along with Mary." Francis was disgusted by that woman''s antics again. "Backtrack it. If injecting the drug onto Heather''s body was sessful, she should be paralyzed by now." Francis''s voice trembled at the thought of it. "But it did not happen because Heather saved herself from the danger. In either case, I will get to know that someone has tried to harm her."

    "The attacker has already foreseen we will begin the investigation from the two nurses and that''s the reason they have abducted the two women." Leenapleted. "If we cannot locate the two girls fastly, we can never find them."

    Roman and Nick were stunned at once.

    "Nick, call Kurt and inform about it," Francis said. His hands were itching to bring the end of that woman.

    ....

    In a shabby and greasy dungeon, two women were tied to a chair, eyes blindfolded, a piece of cloth was put on the mouths muffling their voices.

    In the midst of it, the rustic iron door was pushed open, as the footsteps drummed in their ears, terror also filled in their hearts.

    "Remove the blindfolds, Wilson." A woman''smanding voice boomed.

    The moment their blindfolds and cloth were discarded, both squinted their eyes to ustom the light before their gaze fell on the woman''s face. A woman!

    "Are you the woman who hired me for the job?" Lidiya asked studying her features. If looks could mask, the woman would be an example of an innocent maiden.

    "Of course my dear Lidiya."

    "Lidiya!" Mary sharply turned to her right, shocked to see her friend here. "You were monitoring me?"

    Ignoring Mary''s words, Lidiya turned to the woman. "Why did you kidnap me?" Lidiya shouted at the top of her lungs. As she was keeping a tight observation on Mary, she saw doctors running into VIP room in anxiety. Lidiya informed whatever happened in the hospital through a text message and then she was called to a ce to get the money forpleting her mission but not in her dreams she expected that she would get betrayed for helping. "My job was to see if Mary has executed her task or not."

    "Quiet both of you!"The woman''s voice boomed. "Get the gloves, Wilson."

    With a sardonic smile, she grabbed a pointed dagger from the table and pulled Mary''s hands. "You failed the mission, Mary. Heather is still alive. Leena is searching for your parents. What do I do with you?"

    "I_I don''t know anything about it. I did as per your instructions. Please don''t kill my family." Mary''s voice trembled as she spoke. She betrayed her profession for her family but still, she couldn''t save her family.

    "If I spare your family, who is going to save me from Francis?" In one smooth movement, she chopped Mary''s pinky finger watching in satisfaction. She wiped the thick liquid that sttered across her fair skin with a gruesome smile.

    "Ahhhhhhhh!" A strong yelp escaped from Mary''s mouth. Lidiya''s body went cold with dread as she watched the finger tossed on the ground.

    When the woman''s gazended on Lidiya, raw panic shrouded in her voice. "It''s not my responsibility if Mary failed her mission or not. Please leave me, I beg you. No one knows that I have been monitoring Mary. I will stay silent."

    "Jose hacked into the CCTV cameras of Lidiya''s area." Wilson came in and added. "A group of men is surveying Lidiya''s house. Since she is an orphan, we don''t need to get panic about her family."

    "See, they have caught you, my dear Lidiya." Grinning wildly with an evilugh, she said. "It has escted to Francis already."

    "Please don''t_"

    In a thrusting grip, a dagger has cut down Lidiya''s vocal cords silencing her voice. Blood squirted from her carotid until there was not enough to pump. Lidiya took gasping breaths gargling and coughing blood until she lost consciousness. Mary watched her friend die in a gush of blood. Is it that easy to take a life?

    Throwing the dagger to the ground, her gaze shifted to Wilson. "Finish her." And then she strolled out.

    ....

    Wiping the blood which bubbled across his face, Wilson walked into the room. "Chapter closed."

    "Good job, Wilson Norton. One more thing. Kill Mary''s family before Francis could get bottom of it. Bury all the evidence rted to Lidiya."

    "Already on it." We should stop this for a while. It was a close call today." Wilson said.

    "We were not careful. that''s all."

    "But_"

    "I, Ruth Vaughan, have vowed to destroy Francis Hayes. I will go to any extent to wreak havoc in his life. He has to grieve in pain while I wipe out his beloved''s one by one the way he did to me.." Ruth''s voice boomed like a violent windstorm in the chilly winter.

 Chapter 242 - Cherry Blossoms

    Wilson could feel nothing but blinded terror in Ruth''s voice. He slowly and carefully approached her and hugged her from behind. "Calm down, Ruth. It''s not good for your health. We are going to do this together."

    Releasing herself from his grip, Ruth turned around and looked straight into his eyes. "Thank you for staying beside me, Wilson."

    "You don''t need to thank me. I volunteered to stay with you." Wilson smiled. "Can you at least call my real name when we are_"

    "No." Walls have ears. Ruth Vaughan doesn''t trust anyone.

    "I will wait for that day you call me with my real name again." Wilson smiled gazing tenderly at the woman he loves and he also knew her heart has no ce for him. She has given it to someone who doesn''t even acknowledge it. "We will stay low for a while. I am asking you as a friend." She might not have feelings for him but he will protect her.

    "Wilson, we have no time to_"

    "Francis will immediately take Heather to his home after today''s incident. With the tight security around her, we can''t touch even a strand of her hair and Leena is under Devin''s protection. His men are watching like hawks from every corner. There is a chance we might get caught if we throw the next attack without a proper n. Let them put their guards down, then we attack."

    "Fine." Ruth agreed. Even she felt that taking the rash decision has a high chance of exposure just like today. If they have not predicted the worst conditions before attacking Heather, Francis would have caught her by now. "Go to Korea and stay there for a while, Wilson."

    "I can''t leave you alone_"

    "I will be fine," Ruth assured him. "Go to Korea. Call me only when necessary. Use public phone booth."

    "Alright."

    "I will leave now." Ruth strolled out while Wilson went back to the room again to the girls. He has an important job now.

    ....

    The discharge procedures werepleted at a faster rate than usual under Roman supervision. Leena dragged a wheelchair in front of her mom but Heather declined. "I can walk and_

    "You are still not healedpletely, Heather." Francis interrupted pulling the wheelchair in front of her but Heather stubbornly declined and looked at Margaret asking for help to deal with him.

    "Francis," Margarett called up her son.

    "Yes, mom."

    "Heather has received physiotherapy in the hospital. She can walk." Margaret shoved her son and slowly helped Heather to stand position. Initially, she felt a little tightness in her legs but that slowly eased as she walked.

    "If you feel even a little uneasy, tell me." Francis turned to Heather."I will_"

    "Drag your Francy to the car, Leena. He is annoying us today."

    "Okay, Meemaw." Grabbing the chance, Leena forcefully pulled Francis along with her despite his protests.

    While in the car, Leena turned into a bbermouth again. She was showing the ces she visited, the big skyscrapers to her mom. Along the way to their home, Leena''s office passed by and she screamed pointing towards the building."Mom, look there. It''s my office. How is it?"

    "I_t''s beautiful." Heather looked over her daughter with a proud smile. "Just like y_ou."

    "Of course mom, no one can beat your daughter in beauty. Devin tells that_"

    "Leena," Francis''s voice entered into her ears. "You are bbering like a frog from the time you stepped into the car. Give a break to your mouth and also to your mom''s brain."

    Leena''s lips twitched in vex. ''What is his problem now. He always finds some or other problems to start a fight with me.''

    Heather squeezed Leena''s hand and whispered. "Don''t mind him."

    "I don''t. He is just a paper tiger, mom." Leena giggled.

    "Paper Tiger?" Francis sharply looked back at Leena.

    "Leena did not mean it, Francis. Look straight while driving." Heather whispered with a half-smile.

    "O_h, yeah. I_I am sorry." He apologized and turned front.

    Leena covered her mouth to suppress her giggle.

    ...

    When the car pulled at the entrance, Grace and Caleb reached towards the car. "I am so d that you are back, Heather."

    "Thank you, sister Grace." Smiling, Heather held Leena''s hand and slowly walked into the house. It''s been almost two decades, she has stepped out of the hospital. The nostalgia of her youth took a tour through its memories as the fragrance of flowers from the garden wafted into her nose. She felt as if she has walked out of the door towards her freedom.

    Leena and Margaret helped Heather to a room and to let her rest for a while, Francis dragged everyone out of the room.

    "When will Devine back?" Francis asked.

    "Probably by night."

    "Go to your room and sleep. You look tired." Francis pushed her into Leena''s room.

    "I have to go to the office." She poured.

    "Look at your dark circles," This is the only way Leena would listen. "You look like an aged grandma."

    Leena scurried to the mirror and as Francis said, her dark circles are apparent. "I have to remove them before I go on my honeymoon." She jumped on the bed and while watching a cartoon program, she drifted to sleep.

    ....

    It was in the evening Devin arrived home. Leena has already told him about the incident when he called. Devin was ready toe back but she assured him that it was taken care of by Francis.

    "When did youe?" Feeling muzzy, she opened her eyes when she heard the footsteps.

    "Just now, did I wake you up?"

    "No. I had enough sleep already." She rose from her bed and rested her head on Devin''s shoulders.

    "I am scared, Devin. What if something happens like today?"

    "France will take care. Don''t worry." He said. Even Devin is worried about the next attack but he did not show it on the surface. "We can postpone our honeymoon for next month if you want."

    "So sweet of you, babylicious but I am fine. Mom will feel bad if we do it for her sake."

    "Fine madam."

    "Rest for some time. I will take mom for a walk in the garden. Then we can have dinner and go home."

    "Alright." He said.

    ....

    The sweet smell of flowers drifted into her nose calming her body. She held Leena''s hand and looked at her lovingly. "I am p_roud of you, Leena. Francis raised you well."

    "Thank you, mom." She sheepishly replied and watched Heather''s thoughts drifting. "Ma, Cherry blossoms ars your favorites, right?",

    "Hmm..W_ho told about it?" Leena was very little when she was in an ident. Unless someone tells about her preferences, Leena would not know about it.

    "Francy."

    Heather smiled shaking her head. That annoying fellow! He still remembers it. "What all he told?" She asked in a whisper.

    Watching Heather''s reaction, a sly smile spread across her face. "You like sweets, you used to be a bully in the school, you like gardening..."

    Leena list went on and on.. All the while, a sweet smile lingered on Heather''s face.

 Chapter 243 - HLips: Vlips

    The dinner was vibrant, and as usual, it turned into crazy and funny with Leena around. When she has to leave with Devin for home, Leena could see her mom''s mood dampened. Even she was craving to spend a little more time with her. As when Devin opened the car door for her, without entering, she tugged the hem of his shirt. "Can I stay here for today? I want to spend time with mom."

    "You don''t need to be so polite, sweetheart," Devin stated. "I will also go home. Grandfather hase back from his trip. You can stay as long as you want and apany aunty. Don''t forget to dream about your husband."

    "You are always indecent in my dreams." Leena winked with a teasing smile.

    "Did I shoot off?" He teased back.

    "Neither you shoot off nor made me wet. Get into the car now." Leena tried to push him into the car, but Devin turned her around and forced her onto the car door. "Remember this." His voice was a littlemanding this time. "One day, I will drown and surf on your dream, make you freaking wet until I blow you up with my lusty cravings." Not before Leena reacted to it, Devin was gone.

    Leena face reddened with his dirty talks. "He has turned into a big flirt." Dazedly she walked inside the home where her Meemaw was watching Korean drama and dragged Heather into it. "Meemaw, are you nning to turn my mom into a K drama addict."

    "It wouldn''t be a surprise if I turn into one, Leena. This drama is so good," Heather said with a smile. "Come and sit here. Let''s watch together."

    "That''s the power of Korean dramas." Margaret proudly retorted and turned her attention on the screen. "I find that man is suspicious. Don''t you think he is the viin, Heather?"

    "No, Maggie. He seems innocent. I smell something fishy with red cap guy." Heather told about her findings.

    "What a pity! I was rooting him for the second male lead, at least." Margaret wiped her imaginary tears. Her consistent heartbreak would happen because of the second male lead syndrome, and the only cure she has found is to watch more Korean dramas.

    Leena felt like an ignored baby around these two. With a pout, she tried to watch the drama, but her mind was drifting to something else. She opened the Bugs Bunny cartoon on her mobile and began watching it.

    The atmosphere broke when all of a sudden, a voice echoed into their ears, followed by a man. "Woah! What a beautiful sight. Three generations of beauties are sitting together."

    All the three pairs of eyes turned to the person at once.

    "Arnold," Heather eximed. It''s been a long time she has seen him. "H_ow are you?"

    "Uncle Arnold." Leena waved her hand, seeing him. She knew he must be here to meet Francis to talk about the morning incident. I will ask Francyter.

    "How are you, Heather?" Arnold asked, ruffling Leena''s hair. "Do you feel any difort in your body?"

    "I am fine. N_othing big has happened. My daughter saved me." Heather gently pulled Leena into her arms. With today''s incident, she confirmed her ident was deliberate, but none of the people she could suspect except her ex-husband. Speaking of that man, she doesn''t even remember his filthy disgusting face now.

    "All credit goes to you, mom," Leena said.

    "I am feeling jealous seeing your mother-daughter rtionship. Right, Maggie?" Arnold''s tall figure blocked the TV path to get Margaret''s attention because she is not bothered to greet him.

    "Goofy ball, get out my sight before I sh your neck," Margaret said in annoyance.

    "She has not changed at all," Arnold muttered and strolled into Francis''s room directly. "Are you waiting for me, Francis?" His lips spread into a sly smile. "Ah! Why would you wait now that someone is here?"

    "Shut your pie hole ande to the topic." Francis snapped.

    "Like mother like son," Arnold grumbled before turning serious. "Alright. I aming to the point. We found two corpses in the outskirts of the city with no footprints on their bodies. Both were cleaned thoroughly except for the area around their necks. Someone reported two burnt bodies in the evening, and we confirmed it to be Mary''s parents. We could not find any DNA traces at the ten-foot radius also. The killer knows to clean a crime scene effectively. Our team is still investigating to find evidence. I will keep posting you with the updates."

    Francis only hummed in reply. He expected this. "It''s been two decades since we started searching, but we are still running around the rings. I doubt we will get a breakthrough on this case, Arnold."

    "Let''s wait for them to put down their guards, Francis," That was all Arnold could say now. He has handled umpteen cases sessfully, but this criminal is way smart, thinking ahead of them without living a single clue. That woman has instigated his ego.

    ....

    Meanwhile, downstairs, afterpletion of an episode, Leena pulled Heather into her room to let her sleep despite her reluctance.

    Tugging her into the bed, Leena switched off the lights and went into her room to sleep. It''s not even two hours passed; she was starting to miss that idiot. Tossing and turning in the bed, she dozed off only when fatigue kicked in.

    ...

    In a blink of an eye, a week passed. On the day before they have to go for their honeymoon, Leena came back to see her mom and Francis. Heather''s health has drastically improved. She could walk longerparative to before and speak without getting tired, and all thanks to Francis. He made sure she followed the nutritious diet strictly. Lying on her mom''sp, Leena was ying a game on her mobile. All her dreams of getting spoiled by her mom are turning into reality now.

    "Carrot, don''t annoy my mom while I am away for a week." Carrot obediently moved her head up and down.

    "She doesn''t annoy me, Leena; in fact, I am enjoying herpany. Enjoy your honeymoon with Devin, and tell your turtle husband to fasten up. I am waiting for my grandchildren." Heather teased. It''s fun to annoy Leena.

    "Mom. Don''t tease me." Leena face turned red. Turtle? Mom doesn''t know that he is a wild wolf. She was d that Devin did not listen.

    ....

    The next day, Leena woke upte in the morning and got ready like azy cat since the flight is in the evening. She picked a modest blue top and blue jeans; it''s Devin''s favoritebination. She knew it would drive him crazy for the rest of the journey. As Leena suggested, both started separately to recreate the memories she had with him in the past.

    Nick dropped her at the airport, and the moment Leena entered in, she heard squeals of fangirls. Curiosity killed the cat, and when she looked in the direction, she could see the back of a tall, imposing figure. Leena doesn''t need to go and check who it is. "Should I also get his autograph?" Her face instantly lit up when an idea popped into her brain. Leena pulled lipstick from the bag and covered her face with a scarf.

    Pushing all the girls aside, she lunged forward and stood in front of him. A scowl appeared on her face when her babylicious neither recognized her nor sensed her presence. "Can I also get your autograph, Mr. Wang?" She asked to grab his attention.

    Devin''s eyes sharply moved in the direction of the familiar voice. Although her face was covered with scarf except for the eyes, with one nce, he identified her. Dressed in his favorite blue, she was ying him with her killer eyes; it is such a torment that he has to control.

    The fangirls scowled at the girl when they saw Leena handing lipstick to their prince charming. How dare this woman.

    "Where do you want?" Devin asked softly, his eyes trailed her body before settling on her bosom.

    ''Mama mia! Did he mean it?'' She quickly turned to her sides, and as expected, the fangirls were throwing des at her as if I am here to seduce their prince charming. Arrogant cows. He is my husband.

    "Where do I want? Do you dare to autograph on my H-lips? After all, you already have a girlfriend." Leena''s daring words evoked the beast in him.

    Hearing Leena''s bold words, the fangirls sharply snapped at her.

    "Hello, miss fangirl. Our Prince charming has a girlfriend. You are not even in reach of her gorgeous beauty."

    "Exactly, how dare you ask for a kiss as autograph_"

    Voices muffled, eyes widened in shock when their prince charming pulled the woman by her waist. With one forceful tug, Devin yanked off Leena''s scarf, exposing her. "How about I try on your natural V-lips also." His soft whisper made her face redden.

    At the sight of the woman''s face, the fangirls gasped in surprise.

    "OMG! It''s Leena." A girl jumped in excitement and pulled out her mobile to snap pictures of her favorite couple. "My favorite Leevin couple!"

    "How cute of her to ask for an autograph from her boyfriend!"

    "How cute of him to recognize her without seeing her face!"

    "Leena and Devin! We want a kiss!" Another great girl screamed.

 Chapter 244 - Hard To Hell

    Exposed and put in the spotlight by her husband, Leena felt awkward even to her. She was only testing him to see if he will go to extremes. Did he have to take it so seriously? Now that the fans are asking for a kiss in public, Leena was all fingers and thumbs.

    While Devin was enjoying Leena go butter-fingered and musing over the thought, All in, honest, he was waiting for this opportunity. To kiss her senseless and dere his im on her to the world was one of his fantasies and a chance to do so? dly, he will make use of it.

    "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" The girls screamed again.

    ''These girls are acting as if they haven''t seen a kiss. Just give him a peck, Leena. That will suffice.'' Giving a sweet smile to the girls, she then turned to Devin. Tiptoeing on her heels, she gave a quick peck on his lips. Before Leena relinquished from his arms, Devin lifted her by her hips onto his feet. "Your one-peck kiss doesn''t satisfy your beastly husband." He said softly, bending back her head and kissed her slowly, sliding his tongue inside her vetoed area savoring her juices. Her senses shut down at his gentle yet demanding kiss, and before she knew, her hands went back to grasp his hair, and she was kissing him back with the same ferocity. Once again, she stepped out from her mousy horizons.

    Devin let go of her lips only when she was short of breathing. He slowly pulled her to the ground from his feet while still holding her in his arms protectively. His eyes were gazing at her with love and tenderness, oblivion to the world.

    The fangirls stood there in awe, clicking pictures and watching their favorite couple go lovey-dovey.

    "Ah! They are so cute!"

    "Devin, tell us how and where you met Leena!"

    "Yes, yes! We want to know your love story!"

    At the same time, they heard an announcement for the passengers to onboard the flight. "Later! It''s time to leave." With a smile, he departed, grabbing Leena''s hand, and walked towards the boarding area.

    "Ah! Devin is so in love with Leena." A girl squealed in excitement. "Their first meeting must have been a romantic one."

    "Leena is one crazy, and with that, we can know how crazy their first meeting would be."

    Leena was giggling, hearing theirments behind her and thinking about their first official meeting. If only they knew.

    .....

    Once they stepped into the flight, Devin directly guided her to the seat. Although Leena intended to book the ticket separately to have the thrill of cat and mouse chase, Devin didn''t give in to her wishes on it. He doesn''t want to see anyone''s name next to Leena except him.

    "I want the window seat," Leena said.

    "What are you? Five?"

    "Five, Ten, or sixty, the window seat is my priority." She said and lifted a bag to put on the cabin when at the same time, Devin snatched it.

    "You can''t lift it. It''s heavy."

    "Did you forget that I am a fitness professional?" She yanked thr bag and pushed his body into the seat. "See my stamina."

    Leena tiptoed on her heels to put a bag on thepartment. Her top raised a little exposing her tiny waist baring her perfect midriff, entuating her curves, defining her waistline, and adding to his favorite sexy dressbination; Devin''s mouth went dry at sight. His face darkened, and he looked around the ne to see if any other person was witnessing the scene. There was none. A triumphant smile spread over his face. His fingers trailed over her smooth skin, and before Leena processed what''s happening around her, he squeezed her waist, making Leena jump.

    "Devin!" Pulling her dress lower, she kicked his leg and angrily went to sit in her ce. "You started already?"

    "I didnot do it.'''' He replied.

    ''''Then who?'''' Turning to his side, Leena barked at him.

    ''''Might be Lava ghost." He snapped.

    Pressing her lips, Leena turned her side to control herughter when she remembered the funnyva story she cooked up to ruin the date. ''''I always bullied you during Austin''s wedding. Didn''t you get annoyed by me for arguing with you?" Resting her head on his shoulder, she recalled the memories of Seattle. A smile spread on her face at how she was always finding a chance to fight with him.

    ''''I would only worry when you stop arguing with me." Entwining her hands with his, he kissed her hand, bringing it to his lips. "If we stop arguing, then there is nothing left for us to fight for."

    His words sounded in, but they held a deep meaning in them.

    "I am hungry, Devin," Leena said out of nowhere. "Can you get the snacks from the bag?"

    "The ne hasn''t airborne, and you have started?" He chuckled and rose from his seat.

    When he opened the bag, his eyes widened in shock, seeing the food Leena packed. Dry fruits, diced vegetables, and fruits, sandwiches what no and all are inrge quantities. Her size and her eating don''t even match.

    "Is it for a week?" He asked, putting the boxes in front of her.

    "No. It''s only for today." Leena contemted eating diced vegetables or fruits for the starters. In the end, she went for both.

    Devin: " "

    The ne took off, and after eating and drinking the foods, Leena''s dder was full. With a sigh, she got up for the bathroom.

    "Where are you going?"

    "Personal." She said and shoved his leg and went out.

    When she saw her moving in the bathroom direction, Devin quickly got up and followed her. He is hell scared from the time the washroom incident happened.

    Just when Leena finished her job and stepped out of the bathroom, she has pushed inside again. "What the hell are you doing? It''s a private area, idiot."

    "You purposefully wore this dress, right?" He was controlling hard from the time he has seen her in this dress.

    "What if I am?" She asked with a mischievous grin unbuttoning his shirt button. Holding her hand before he loses control, he pulled her out of the bathroom.

    Just when they stepped out, Leena bumped into an older woman.

    "Hi." She scanned Leena from head to toe and greeted her.

    "Hello." Leena greeted her back.

    "I heard it''s hard on hell to do it quietly in the bathroom. Is it true?" She asked curiously.

    "First time?" Leena asked.

    "Yeah." The older woman nodded her head fervently.

    "Ah! Don''t worry. Don''t dilly daily. Just do it fast because others will be waiting. Go to argervatory. You get more space and feelfortable over there." She replied.

    "Thank you." She shed a smile; her wrinkles protruded on her forehead. "You seem to have lots of experience, child."

    Experience? What is this granny talking about? Why would I need a background for that? But then, Leena nodded her head. At the same time, Devin was curbing hisughter at Leena''s misunderstandings. She looked so cute, and he didn''t want to miss that chance.

    "You misunderstood her, sweetheart? Devin said.

    " What kind of misunderstanding?" She asked.

    "She meant something else. Look at her." Devin pressed his lips watching her stunned expressions.

    "What!"Leena shouted; her eyes went wide in shock. She immediately looked around, and the same older woman was going in the bathroom''s direction with a young man. She didn''t expect she is in for it considering her age.

 Chapter 245 - Heartshaped Tattoo

    Not even half an hour since the flight has gone airborne, the sloth has already dozed off on Devin''s arms after fulfilling her stomach. A whileter, Devin felt his shirt dampened, and it was not a surprise that Leena was drooling, considering his experience with her. "She is not letting her mouth rest even while napping.''''Devin put on leftover diced carrots into the corner of her mouth and snapped a picture to annoy herter.

    Within an hour, the flightnded at the destination, and he has to wake her up by force.

    "I am still sleepy." Stretching her arms, she yawned, waking up from her slumber.

    "That is the only thing you do correctly." He grabbed a tissue from the box and wiped her drool.

    "Why did we reach so early? You could have told the pilot to go a little slow." ming him as if it''s his fault, Leena rose from the seat.

    "You are the reason this country has put directions on the shampoo." Covering her face with a mask to not let anyone see after they are out, Devin pulled her out.

    "Mr. Wang Devin. My IQ is exceptionally high, unlike you." Leena snapped, smacking his arm.

    "Of course, sweetheart. It''s a talk of the country, you know." He retorted with scorn.

    Ignoring his mock, Leena headed with him, thinking of ways to make Devin''s statement into reality. I should work on it.

    While moving out of the airport, a particr memory spiked into Leena''s brain as she passed by the lounge area. Guilt tripped over when she thought about her betrayal. "Did you get angry at me for tricking you on that day?"

    "Now you feel guilty?" Devin asked. He almost got a panic attack on that day, but this crazy idiot has run away the moment he is out of her sight.

    ''''You were still a stranger at that time. What if you have sold me off?"

    ''''Trust me, darling. Even if I sell you off, they will bring you back." Devin said, opening the car door for her. "To the Meadows Inn," Devin said to the driver. The driver nodded and started the car.

    While passing in the car, Leena rolled the window down and stuck her hand out of the window to feel Maine''s beauty. The stunning night sky, the swath of greens, felt like family that she wanted to put on the wall. Devin''s lips curved upwards into a smile, watching her happiness.

    ''''Devin," Leena called him out of the blue.

    ''''Hmm?"

    She rested her head on his shoulders and said softly. ''''Let''s go for a long drive before we go back.''''

    ''''Sure, sweetheart."

    There was a silence for a minute before Leena spoke up. ''''When did you know that you like me?" This question has been lingering on her mind for a while.

    "When was it?" He felt a strong surge of familiarity when he saw her at the park. Even though it was his first time seeing her, every single nerve in his body called out to her loudly on that day, and at that moment, he realized she is the one. His heart knew that the search is over. ''''Love at first sight." That was his reply.

    Leena: '''' ''''

    Can he stop giving me a heart attack? Am I his love at first sight? Leena was dancing inside in joy.

    ''''That exins why I got a mail from yourpany on the day you saw me at the park. You shamelessly did an extensive FBI search and came up with a business idea as an excuse?"

    ''''No, sweetheart. I didnot know your name at that time. After you entered the washroom like a pervert and saw my AK47, I decided to take responsibility for us." When their talking was getting a little intimate, Devin closed the partition of the front door.

    ''''I told you n number of times, it was not deliberate." Leena snapped at him angrily. ''''I thought of making you happy today.'''' Leena gazed at his jeans and then back to his face with a sarcastic smile. ''''But not anymore. You have angered the great Leena.''''

    ''''We are releasing a limited set of exclusive clothes for the next_."

    ''''Is it? What kind?" Leena spoke up without letting him finish his words keeping aside her anger in seconds.

    ''''Didn''t I anger the great Leena?" He questioned back.

    ''''What are you talking about, babylicious. You are my lovely husband." She coaxed him, kissing on his cheeks.

    ''''What about this?"He asked, pointing to his jeans, suppressing hisugh.

    Leaning forward, she pulled his ear and whispered. "I learned how to do it."

    "Did you watch any videos?" His face darkened at the thought of Leena looking at other men.

    "No, I read it." She repliedzily. Is he trying topete with me in jealousy? I will not allow that to happen.

    "Good girl. You shouldn''t cheat on your husband." Devin patted her head in approval. ''''It''s a deal then." Leena may br the upper hand, but Devin got her weakness.

    "Thank you, Devin. Remember, I want all the exclusive clothes."

    Until they reached the destination, did their banterings end. Leena gasped, taken away by the breathtaking beauty of the ce they are going to stay. Nestled in the lush green trees, ake surrounded the beautiful cottage. "Are we going to stay here alone? Only two of us?"

    "Of course, darling. Do you like it?" Devin asked, guiding her into the room.

    ''''It''s lovely.'''' Leena squealed like a child opening the curtains of the room. The moon cast a shadow in the still water turned theke into melted tinum. Nature is sure at its best.

    ''''Go and take a shower." He wrapped her in his embrace. "You must be tired."

    "Yeap."

    Devin strolled outside, making sure to lock the doors when his blue tooth earpiece buzzed,

    ''''Everything is clear.'''' Nick''s voice came in when he pressed the green button.

    ''''Good. Make sure my privacy is not disturbed for ten days."

    ''''I will take care of it. By the way, can you put Leena on the phone once? Her phone is not reachable.'''' Nick asked.

    ''''Why?'''' Devin chuckled. ''''Do you want to tell how much you are missing herpany?''''

    ''''Of course no, and you know the reason already." Nick ranted his frustration. He wanted her to hear how peaceful he is feeling now. She has been ckmailing him and even grubbed money for her shopping. "Betrayer! Every cat will get a day."

    "She is an opportunist, Nick. You need to be very careful while dealing with her."

    "Now I got to know why you have fallen for that crazy girl."

    Devin could go hours listening if someone talks about Leena, but he wants to use these ten days for Leena alone.

    He ended the call with Nick and strolled into the room. Freshly showered, hervender scent wafted into his nose. Her sexy dress that barely covered her body was pushing him to the brink of insanity. "You love seducing me, don''t you?" His legs moved in her direction, and in no time, he pulled her head back from behind; his tongue dived in teasing her with his kisses on her nape, while his hands expertly moved to every curve of her body in a slow rhythm.

    "Good know. I can seduce you without taking anything off." She retorted, shivering under his touch.

    "You have persuaded me into doing something naughty." He turned her around, and without giving her a chance to protest, he carried her to the bed. He tugged the fabric of her dress a little, and with one swift move, he flipped andid her on the bed.

    His lips trailed her back with his sensual kisses and continued roaming his lips up her spine; all of a sudden, his movement stopped when his lips brushed past a tattoo, a heart-shaped tattoo with a butterfly hedged to it. His breath hitched, he backed off closing his eyes, far away from Leena as if the tattoo meant something to him. He doesn''t know why a mere tattoo is affecting him without reason. His hands shook, and his vision disfigured. Without realizing it, he was pushing all his pain onto Leena''s arms.

    Leena winced in pain at his crude strength, her heart thumped so loud, but she endured. What happened to him suddenly? "Devin? What''s wrong? Are you all right?"She felt a rush of panic, seeing him struggling to breathe. Leena slowly released her hand from his arms; a prickling sensation shot up her spine upon seeing his state. His shirt was drenched in sweat; the forehead was sweating profusely.

    "I_I will take you to the hospital." Before Leena got down from the bed, he pulled her into his arms. "D_on''t go. Please hug me, Leena. P_lease." Leena''s heart pained as if someone was pricking with needles.

    "I am here; I am here." She pulled him into her embrace and patted his back until she heard his even breathing.. Her heart left the soul when she thought something might have happened to him. What did he see to the point of getting a panic attack all of a sudden?

 Chapter 246 - Marja Morevna

    It was dark in the night. The pitch-ck sky was turning into something more malignant, and the mists began to stir. Sizzling in turbid like a vortex of envy, they melded into massive clouds. Silence descended until the thunder roared, pouring the stters of rain onto Terrian like gigantic bullets.

    Amid a heavy downpour, a man was scurrying along the woods aimlessly. Neither he knew the destination nor the purpose. His bleeding feet were heckled by walking on the uneven road, but his sullen heart was in thirst, trying so desperately to find the traces of someone in every myriad soul he came across only to end up hurting. But still, in the hope of a weird miracle, he kept on searching until he caught a glimpse of a girl''s silhouette with her back facing him. Peace alleviated in her presence.

    He frantically moved in her direction, but he felt the distance farther away, the longer he walked. The unbearable pain of losing her pushed the barriers in him. Finally, it felt like an eternity when he reached to her, and before he turned her around to see the woman of his dreams, a strong force pulled him back, tying his legs and hands. Shortly, a thundering voice of a woman echoed into his ears. ''''I am not letting you see her. Did you forget that you shouldn''t approach her!"

    ''''Just once, I will_"

    "Go back and live happily with the present. The more you try to remember her, the harder your pain will be!'''' The voice roared at him cutting his thoughts. His ears were bleeding with pain, and he no longer knew where he was. Everything grew blurry as he watched the thick mist taking the girl farther away from him, blocking his path.

    ...

    Devin rose from the bed, thrusting his chest up and down. His body was drenched in sweat. The pain he felt in the dream was so real that he almost got a panic attack when he shot up. He looked around the surroundings; in the darkness of the room, he could only see a vague shadow of the moon seeping through the curtains. He fumbled with the covers and stumbled to the bathroom.

    Sshing the cold water onto his face, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. He then looked over the surroundings, and everything seems inappropriate to him. Then the realization hit him that he is not in the home. He hase to Maine with Leena!

    "Leena!" Devin screamed and dashed out of the bathroom. Flicking the lights on, he looked over the bed, and she was not in the room. Where did she go? Devin was about to rush outside to look for her when the door to their room was pushed open and entered the girl. ''''Devin, are you_"

    He rushed towards her and hugged her tightly, cutting off her thoughts. "Where did you go in the middle of the night, leaving me alone?"

    "I_I am sorry! I went to check with the front desk if they can bring a doctor." She said, her arms felt dampened when she wrapped her arms around his waist. Did he get another panic attack in the dream? She was frightened to death when Devin''s body went shivers all of a sudden in his sleep. She tried to wake him up, but he was battling with his inner demons to the point that her voice did not reach his ears. Another panic attack was thest thing she wanted him to suffer again. So, she went to bring the doctor. "How are you feeling now?"

    "I am fine." He whispered, nuzzling his head in her shoulders. Being in her arms was the only way to calm down his racing heart. "Did I scare you?"

    ''''No.'''' Leena released herself from him and brought him to the bed. "Lie down. The doctor will arrive in a while."

    "Call the doctor off." He said.

    "Devin!" Leena''s voice raised hysterically. ''''Don''t try to argue with me in this anymore.''''

    "Sweetheart, I am fine_"

    Leena hushed him cing her finger on his lips. Her eyes tingled to see the once bright orbs turning dreary in a single night. Leaning forward, she peppered kisses on his face as she ced his hand over her heart. ''I_t''s beating at a normal speed, right?'''' She stuttered with her words.

    He nodded his head despite the confusion.

    ''''It''s beating like that because of you. A while ago, I wouldn''t be surprised even if it stopped beating.'''' Her voice choked back in tears. ''''I_I can''t if something happens to_''''

    "Stop it, Leena!'''' Devin cut off her thoughts. He can''t think of anything happen to her, not even in his dreams. Bringing her to the bed, he rested his forehead against her as he stared into her watery eyes. ''''I am sorry for making you worry. Please refrain from speaking nonsense, sweetheart. I will not tolerate it if ites from your mouth again. Do you understand?''''

    ''''hmm...'''' She hummed in reply in a hup.

    ''''I will get treated with the doctor.'''' He smiled tenderly. ''''Don''t get worried about_"

    Their thoughts interrupted with a knock on the door.

    ''''Stay here. It must be a doctor.'''' Leena said, getting down from the bed. ''''I will bring the doctor in.''''

    ''''Okay."

    Leena stood in the room, running her fingers over the dress in restless as the doctor examined Devin. Once checked, she went along with the doctor to speak in private.

    ''''Is it the first time he got spasm?" The doctor asked.

    ''''As far as I have been with my husband, this is the first time I have seen him lost control,'''' Leena said. ''''Do you know what might be the problem?''''

    ''''Panic disorders sometimes ur when we see something that has caused us pain before. Did he see something or someone in the room?"

    ''''I don''t think he has seen any such kind of,'''' Leena replied. How can she tell that Devin suddenly went haywire when they were getting intimate. She has to strike off the possibility that Devin got snubbed of kissing her because they have long passed that stage.

    ''''It''s not a biggie since it is the first time. Stress also can cause spasms. Let him have enough Rest.''''

    ''''I will. I don''t want a word to go out of your mouth about today''s incident.'''' Leena voiced in a stern tone.

    ''''Rest assured, Mrs. Wang. I was sent by Mr. Nick Hale.'''' The doctor said. He is shocked by Leena''s sudden shift from gentleness to a cold aura.

    Leena nodded her head, made herself into the room when the doctor left. Devin was sitting in the bed staring outside as if he was in deep thoughts.

    ''''Words don''t work on this man anymore. I will have to babysit now.'''' Leena mumbled and strolled into the bathroom.

    Setting the water to lukewarm, Leena went back, and without speaking a word, she unbuttoned his shirt buttons and tossed the shirt aside. ''''Go and take a shower.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Like an obedient child, he replied and left. His body was gluey with the amount of sweat his body produced, and he was sure he hadn''t shred such an amount even in the gym like today.

    Leena '''' ''''

    "He is so cute when he is obedient. I should spoil him often.''''

    Devin let the cold water run his body while his thoughts went back to his dream. ''The more you try to remember her, the harder your pain will be.''

    He felt like he has heard those words in the past, but he has no idea of the person. Devin knew some parts of his memory are no in line with his life, and for that reason, he recently visited a doctor, but the result proved there is no concussion in his brain neither. Where did it go wrong? ''''I shouldn''t think about it. Leena will get worried.'''' He muttered and walked out.

    As Devin arrived back, he saw Leena was preparing the bed. Unconsciously, his eyes scooted to her wrists which has turned purple by now. He remembered he had almost crushed them a while ago. Cursing at himself, he went back and arrived into the room with a gel in his hand.

    ''''I am sorry.'''' Devin pulled her back into his arms. ''''Does it pain?'''' He asked, taking her wrists into his hands,

    ''''Not at all,'''' Leena assured him with a smile. It pained like hell, but if she tells him, he would feel guilty until they fade away.

    ''''Didn''t anyone tell that you are bad at lying?"He asked, applying the gel.

    ''''What can I say? I can mask anyone except my husband.'''' She turned around and looked into his eyes.''''Are you feeling better now?'''' She wanted to ask about the incident, but at the same time, she doesn''t want him to remember that dreadful thing again.

    ''''I am fine now." He threw the gel onto the table and carried her to the bed. ''''It''ste already. You need to sleep.''''

    As Leenaid in his chest, Devin yed with her hair contemting to ask about a lingering question that gave him the panic attack. ''''Leena, are you awake?"

    ''''I am counting my Devin''s name." She giggled.

    ''''Now, you have turned into a cheesy wife." He chuckled. ''''Do you like tattoos a lot? I found them one in your back.'''' Devin sounded normal; he doesn''t want Leena to know that he got a panic attack seeing a mere tattoo. She would definitely think he has gone insane.

    ''''I am not fond of them at all. My reason for getting a tattoo was different.''''

    ''''What is it?"

    ''''After my ident, one of the scars on my back didnot fade away. I didnot want to go for stic surgery. So, one of the doctors suggested me to go for a tattoo.'''' She added. ''''I have researched for several tattoos and finally came up with a broli one because you know right, I am at cat''s-paw when ites to fruits and vegetables, but that stupid tattoo designer has sketched a heart-shaped tattoo. I shouldn''t have gone to the ce the doctor has suggested.''''

    ''''I gave left and right to that tattoo designer, but that woman was not epting her mistake at all."

    ''''Ummm...What''s the doctor''s name?'''' He asked, his thoughts were in a jumble.

    ''''Marja Morevna,'''' Leena said.

 Chapter 247 - Happiness Lies In Annoying My Husband

    ''''Have you heard about her?'''' Leena asked, raveling her leg on Devin''s. Leena has be so habituated to sleeping in this position that she has to put on a pillow underneath her leg when Devin is away from her.

    ''''I heard.'''' He said, pulling her leg closer; it gives him a sense of rxation. Although Devin heard a little about the famous Neurosurgeon, Marja Morvena, the name felt very familiar in his memory, as if he had crossed paths with her before. He is slowly epting that his memories are in a mess with no treatment. ''''So, she was the one who treated your spine?''''

    ''''At first, I had another doctor, butter I heard she volunteered to be my Neurosurgeon,'''' Leena added. ''''You know what, babylicious...That tadpole face was treated as a beauty Diva in the hospital. Not only doctors but even the patients also tried to impress that woman.'''' Leena giggled, imagining that bullfrog''s personality. All men are blind except my babylicious.

    Suddenly, Devin got an idea to y with her for a while to make her jealous again. It would be fun to watch. ''''She is not a tadpole darling. I heard she is as pretty as a picture.''''

    ''''Oh, Mr.Wang is also interested in her?'''' She asked, sneering at him.

    ''''What if I say yes?'''' He tested her keenly, observing her mood changes, but to his annoyance, it was as still as water.

    ''''Then why didn''t you try?'''' As if she was not affected, Leena asked casually.

    Devin''s mood dampened listening to her words. Why is my n backfiring? Is she not jealous at all? Leena doesn''t like it if someone is praised in front of her. What''s happening here?

    When Devin didnot utter a word, Leena crushed theugh that was trying to escape from her lips. He has already seen her getting jealous over a mere kid, but still, he is not satisfied. I will give him a good wrap today.

    ''''Devin..are you there?'''' Leena slightly poked his arm.

    ''''Yeah.'''' He replied indifferently.

    ''''I thought you went into that woman''s imagination when I did not get a response. Anyway, it''s not toote. You can still try getting along with her since she is not married. For that, we need to divorce__hmphh...''''

    Even before thest word came out of her mouth, Devin flipped her on the bed and roughly seized her lips. He pried open his mouth and dominantly entered her mouth despite Leena''s protest. He pulled back to let her breathe for a second when she hit his chest only to pull back, thrusting his sleek tongue into her mouth again. He could taste the fruits from every inch of her mouth she had in the ne. He almost lost his senses when he heard Leena talk about divorce.

    ''''D_evin w_ait....'''' Leena pulled back for a breath, and she could only manage to utter two words when he mmed his lips again, roughly biting and nibbling them. He drew back only when Leena struggled for a breath. ''''Watch what you speak, Leena.'''' His voice had a rough warning in it. Remorse filled him watching her bruised lips, but that disappeared in a flick second when he recalled her words.

    ''''Y_ou started it.'''' She said stubbornly, and her mind was still effusive with his senseless kiss.

    ''''And I am ending it.'''' He said softly, his thumb caressing the bruised bottom lip. ''''In the process of making my sweetheart jealous, I didnot see through her tricks.''''

    ''''You know it already how envious I am when ites to you.'''' Leena wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him until they were an inch apart. ''''Don''t you dare go behind that woman, Devin.'''' It was a clear warning.

    ''''I want to live my life to the fullest with you. So, I wouldn''t risk.'''' Having said that, he stole a peck on her lips. He wanted to go a little into the action, but not today. She is tired, and his mind is messed up with that pain-killing dream.

    ''''What did you say? If I don''t kill you, then are you willing to go behind her?'''' She asked again.

    ''''What..no.'''' He immediately rejected. She should have been an FBI agent. ''''You can blindly trust me, sweetheart. Even if you ask me to go behind any woman, I will straight away reject it. I am one woman man.'''' Devin now regretted starting this conversation.

    With a pout on her lips, Leena hummed in reply embracing him. She was interrogating like a child because it was Marja Morvena. Leena doesn''t want to admit it, but she is really beautiful. Although Marja Morvena is one of her assigned doctors, she hated that woman. One day, she would speak nicely, and another day, she bullies Leena, not even thinking that she was a patient of her. She didnot tell Fry or anyone since she was good at what she was doing.

    ''''End of this conversation. Let''s sleep. We have already wasted one night. I want to make our honeymoon as productive as possible.''''

    ''''My exact thoughts,'''' She whispered, looking down at something. She pushed the naughty thoughts aside and spoke up. ''''If you get a nightmare again, don''t hesitate to wake me up.''''

    ''''Alright.'' He smiled and pulled the nket upon them. Exhausted, Devin slept the moment he closed his eyes.

    ...

    The next morning Leena woke up to the sounds of birds chirping. The morning sun rays, away from the pollution and their busy life and most importantly, waking up to see Devin''s face, was a type of paradise.

    ''''Leena propped her elbow on the pillow to watch him working seriously. The bright golden rays cascading from the see-through curtains enhanced his slightly bronzed skin. Shirt sleeves rolled to the turns, flexed muscles, arm veins protruding every time his rough hands move over the keyboard. What a delicious morning to start with. Babylicious is an adept nickname for this creature.

    ''''Are you done ogling?'''' Devin asked, lifting his head. ''''I can''t concentrate on what I am doing.''''

    ''''I want to file aint on you.'''' Leena''s words came out of the topic.

    ''''Why?'''' He asked in confusion, but a smile didnot fade away when he thought Leena woulde up with something crazy.

    ''''For stealing my heart.''''

    Devin burst out into a fit ofughter. He threw theptop aside and walked towards the bed. He pinched her nose yfully and whispered. ''''You are flirting with me.''''

    ''''When someone is flirting with you, you should cooperate,'''' Leena said.

    ''''If I start cooperating now, the bed will rock. Do you want that to happen?''''

    ''''Not now.'''' She muttered with a blush. She was sure it would rock today.

    ''''Then Go and brush your teeth.''''

    ''''Pull me up.'''' Leena red her hands like a kid.

    ''''You are a spoiled brat.'''' Instead of pulling, Devin directly carried her to the bathroom and pulled her to stand. ''''Take your bath.''''

    Devin was about to leave arranging the clothes, and his footsteps halted when she called him. ''''Devin.''''

    ''''What now?''''

    ''''I wanted to tell you a secret,'''' Leena whispered, looking down at the floor.

    ''''I am listening.'''' Devin sighed, waiting for her answer. What else it would be. She hasn''t had breakfast until now, and now she wants to eat someone''s brain, and he has turned into her scapegoat.

    ''''I always feel someone is getting turned on when I am getting naked to take my bath.'''' She said softly.

    ''''What! Why didn''t you tell me before? Who the hell is that?'''' Devin''s face darkened a shade of vortex. He swore he would kill the person without knowing that he was being yed.

    ''''Who the hell is it, Leena!'''' His voice raised an octave.

    Lifting her hand, Leena pointed it to the shower. ''''I have to turn on the shower when I have to take a bath. So, even the shower is getting turned on seeing me naked, right?'''' She blinked her eyes with innocence.

    Hearing her logic, Devin clenched his fist. He wanted to speak something, but not a word came out. In the end, he strolled out of the room, shutting the door loudly.

    ''''Happiness is annoying my husband.'''' Leena jumped and danced like a kid that got candy. Getting fresh, as she walked out of the room, a certain someone was ring daggers at her, but leena didnot mind him. While she was applying her skincare routine, a voice spoke up.

    ''''Isn''t the dress too short?" Devin asked, scanning from behind.

    ''''I purposefully picked short ones for honeymoon.'''' She said and resumed back. ''''Do you have a problem?''''

    ''''It''s better not to argue with her.'''' He grumbled. After Leena got ready and had a country-style breakfast, Devin brought her to a ce where outdoor games were yed since she likes those children''s games a lot. Devin captured pictures of her, watching Leena y in the water with kids she made friends with. By the time they were back to the house, and it was noon.

    The moment Leena had lunch, she hit the bed, and it was in the evening when she got up. To her surprise, Devin was not anywhere in the room.

    ''''Where did he go?" Leena was about to pick her phone to call him; her eyes unconsciously fell on a note. She skeptically opened the note and read the content.

    [Hey, Sweetheart. Finally, you are awake? I have nned a special night for us. But it''s not easy. You have to find me for that.. Get on your toes now. I am dying to see you]

 Chapter 248 - Walk With You In The Dark

    ''''Is he going to propose to me?'''' Just the thought of it made her heart melt, and her stomach filled with butterflies. Biting her bottom lip, Leena read the note again and again.[Come and find me at the ce where we had lunch in the afternoon]

    Leena was sheepishly smiling as she stepped out of the room but suddenly halted her footsteps when she remembered something important. ''''You crazy girl! Are you going to go and meet him wearing this nightdress? Go and get ready fast.''''

    Leena has taken very little time to get ready since she doesn''t want Devin to wait. She quickly grabbed a blue knee-length dress that Devin brought for her when he went to Boston on a business tripst week.

    Within half an hour, she dolled herself up and peeked at the mirror for onest time. ''''I look so cute.'''' She squealed and applied red lipstick to look super hot and sexy in front of him. Pleased with her appearance, she picked her mobile and left the room. Outside, a car was waiting by the pavement. The chauffeur opened the car and closed it when Leena settledfortably. To the outside, she was looking normal, but only she knew the nervousness she was going through.

    As the car pulled into the grand restaurant entrance, not a single soul came into her eyesight. ''''Did he buy this whole ce?'''' She let out a soft gasp shaking her head. It wouldn''t be a surprise considering his wealth. Leena exited the car and entered the restaurant but again, to her surprise, it was pitch dark without a single soul wandering.

    ''''Devin?'''' Leena called him, getting scared of the darkness. For Leena, darkness meant ghosts, and ghosts meant darkness. When she didnot get any response from him, she swallowed hard. She turned on her heels, ready to flee when a soft voice entered into her ears. ''''Leena, sweetheart, did you get scared?"

    ''''Of course, idiot. What if those bony creatures had gobbled me up?'''' Leena yelled at him as she looked around, but she couldn''t see the man in question to her fright.

    ''''Isn''t Lava ghost there to protect you?'''' He chuckled softly at her ''politeness.'' Amused by her frantic search to find him, Devin decided not to torture her. ''''Here..Look to your right.''''

    She sharply turned to her right, but again it was pitch dark. ''''Where are you? I can''t see anything here. Are you speaking to me through a microphone?''''

    ''''Yes, sweetheart.'''' He said with a smile. ''''Close your eyes.''''

    ''''I_I am scared_"

    ''''Just close your eyes. Every breath you take, I will be there with you. I promise.'''' His soft voice was mellow to her ears.

    Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes; her racing heart started to ease as the soft song, ''every breath you take,'' began to y in the background. Just like he said, every breath she took, every smile she feigned, she felt his warmth was holding on to her.

    Slowly, the music came to a stop, but her smile didnot fade away. ''''Are you still scared?'''' His voice entered into her ears again.

    ''''N_o.'''' She sniffled, shaking her head. She knew why he had done this. To rece her fear with his warmth.

    ''''No ghosts..No devils from now... When you get scared of darkness, you have to remember me. I will walk with you in the dark. I would be your light if nights were to never end.'''' In a tender voice, he said.

    ''''Are you proposing without showing up?" She shut her lips tightly to stop her rushing emotions. Why is he so sweet. ''''Can I see you?"

    ''''Not yet, darling. Until you find me, I am not going to show up. Do you remember the day you dragged me to a cartoon movie? Wasn''t that a horrible choice to bring a grown-up man to a children''s cartoon movie? Some even looked at me with a mock. But I endured the embarrassment. Now, my day hase. I am taking my revenge and torture you by ying hide and seek today.''''

    ''''Horrible choice? You were praising at the choice of my selection, idiot.'''' Leena humphed. ''''Wait until I find you. You are dead meat in my hands today.''''

    ''''I will be waiting for you then.'''' His voice cut off, and the room lit up brightly. Leena looked around, and except for a basket on the table, the brightly lit room was full-on empty. She went towards it and unwrapped it. To her delight, it was not some choctes. There were all sorts of her favorite fruits, especially her yum yum bananas. ''''I wish that idiot was here. I am missing him already.'''' Leena pouted, peeling the banana happily to fill her stomach.

    After eating, following the note she found in the basket, she started to the shopping area. As she went upstairs, a cute little girl appeared in front of her, handed her a package, and kissed her on the cheek before leaving.

    Leena peeled off the note attached to it. [It''s because you like my choice of dress, I am gifting you a dress again.]

    ''''Show off..'''' She smiled, unwrapping the package. A stunning rayon and crape knee-length dress came into her sight. ''''He sure knows my taste.''''

    Wearing the dress, Leena followed to the next destination, and she got a pair of ear pendants that exactly harmonized with her dress. The next stop, she guessed he would either present a pendant or bracelet but little did she know; Leena''s torture has just started now.

    The chauffeur dropped at the next stop, and it was a barren field where a group of men stopped in front of her. Bowing their head, they greeted and handed her a metal detector. ''''Why do I need it?'''' She asked, examining the stick.

    ''''To find the clue, madam.'''' One of the men said.

    ''''Oh! I love finding clues.'''' Leena happily grabbed the metal detector and went around the field to find the buried treasure. It was not an easy task, and to her annoyance, these annoying men just stood there watching her without aiding any help. Finally, the detector squealed, going wild at a particr ce. ''''I got it. I got it.''''

    ''''Please dig for the treasure, madam.'''' A man came forward, handing her a shovel.

    ''''I think you have mistaken. It must be your duty to dig the ground, right?'''' She asked calmly. What did they think of me? Can''t they see I have dolled up like a princess? Devin will kill them if he gets to know that these annoying guards made his sweetheart work on the fields. If it were any other day, Leena wouldn''t have minded dirtying her hands, but not today.

    "No, madam. You are supposed to dig it by yourself.'''' They wanted to help her, but at the same time, they are scared of their jobs. The men politely bowed and said, ''''Mr. Wang has instructed us not to help you.''''

    Handing her a shovel, the man walked out and stood at a distance. Holding the shovel and looking at her dress, Leena felt her world crumbled into pieces. ''''Damn it, Devin. Did you n and purposefully dolled me up for this purpose? I am going to kill you today.?'''' Leena looked around to see if any photographer was capturing her pictures. Although she could see none in her sight, Leena was sure Devin would have arranged someone secretly to capture her miserable state. ''''He is a devil.''''

    Letting out a cry, Leena began digging the area all alone, and finally, she found a wooden treasure chest box. She remembered it. ''''It was the same gift Devin and I got for the treasure hunt game. Where did he find them? I have kept it safely.'''' As Leena opened the box, to her surprise, she found only a single ring. She doesn''t need to guess where the other ring is. Letting out a chuckle, she pulled the note put on the box. [You remember how you got those rings? You took the credit to yourself when I was the one who has solved the full puzzle. I can''t believe I am married to that shameless girl. I still feel emotional when I recall back to that day. Although we were not together, the date has forever been imprinted in my memory. It was the first time I spent the whole day with you. Now, I can''t hold anymore. My legs are going numb waiting for you. Come fast and find me, sweetheart.]

    ''''He is such a cutie pie.'''' Without wasting a second, Leena rushed and approached the car. Giving the chauffeur the address, she stepped into the car. All the while, her thoughts are in haywire until the car reached the destination. Leena dashed towards the ce, holding the treasure chest box tightly. She has been dying to see him for the past one hour. The moment she stepped into the field, the lights lit up one by one with each step she took froward.

 Chapter 249 - Get On My Knees

    Jasmine scented candles hung from naked tree branches lit up one by one with each step she took. Spread down the walkway were petals of different flowers as far as she could see, slightly moist so that they wouldn''t make a crack sound when identally stepped on it. Her breathing momentarily ceased in surprise, awed by the grandeur of this ce. At a distance, she could see a tall and striking imposing figure, as radiant as the sun, spreading light in her world.

    ''''One hour seems like an eternity without seeing you.'''' His words, smooth and voice as vibrant and soft like melting honey, pulling her into his depths. ''''I missed you, sweetheart.''''

    ''''I missed you too.'''' She whispered, her eyes shone lodes of stars when she saw his face. ''''Was it hard to do it by yourself?'''' She asked, ncing at the surroundings. It was simply breathtaking.

    ''''I can bring the mountains at your feet if I could see a smile on your face.'''' He emphasized, walking towards her with a smile that could even distract the angels.

    Not a word came out of her mouth. Leena felt like she was swimming in his love, weightless. The second he appeared in front of her, she jumped on his feet, throwing her arms around his neck, taking him by surprise. ''''I have no words to express how happy I am. This is beautiful.''''

    ''''I am d you like it.'''' Devin smiled, pressing a kiss on her cheek. Gently pulling her to the ground, he guided her towards ake that was glimmering with the bright moon shone upon it. Leena''s mouth wide opened at the sight of it again. Rose petals arranged beautifully in heart-shaped, and to its left, a marquee of an umbre was sitting with two chairs underneath. It was exactly opposite to the ''proposal under stars dream'' she imagines in her dreams. Her fantasy paled inparison seeing the beauty of it. Everything was custom-made ording to her taste. How long has he been preparing this? ''''Have I stepped into heaven atst?''''

    ''''Drama queen! You should be voted as number one on drama creating.'' He chuckled, cing his head on the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent; his arms automatically went to her waist.

    ''''If I were a drama queen, I would be on clouds sprinkling rains.'''' She replied with levity.

    ''''So, I can conclude my sweetheart is impressed?'''' He asked. His warm breath fanning her neck under the cool breeze was making her hard to resist his charms.

    ''''You know the answer already.'''' She tilted her head, ncing at his eyes.

    ''''I want to hear from your mouth.'''' He added, turning her around.

    ''''I don''t have words to describe this breathtaking beauty,'''' Since the smell of food was wafting into her nose, Leena tried to take a peek at it, but Devin grabbed her chin to bring her sole concentration on him alone.

    ''''Leena...'''' Grabbing her hand into his, he breathed in and out. He doesn''t know what''s scaring him, but he was feeling quite nervous today. Not even when he expressed his feelings to her for the first time in his home, he felt anxious, but today, he felt highly strung.

    Seeing his state of agitation, Leena was confused. ''''Are you nerv_''''

    ''''You are right. I am nervous. An hour back, I was standing here alone thinking of so many things to say to you, but now I am speechless when you are standing in front of me. This is what you have been doing to me. You make me feel nervous and excited at the same time.'''' Holding her hand, he breathed in deeply and started.

    Leena was on tenterhooks as she bit her lips timidly on what was about toe.

    ''''I never believed in love at first sight, but you happened. As soon as you walked into my life, I understood why I have been single for my whole life. The day you stepped into my life, there is not a day I think about you. I won''t mind losing my sleep if I have to take care of you. I am significantly less talker, but I don''t get tired of listening to your stories. When I am in the middle of the meeting or eating your favorite food, you cross my mind, scratch that... you cross my mind throughout the day. I can''t exin with just words how much you mean to me, but you are the only one I am afraid of losing.''''

    He squeezed her hand gently to soothe the anxiety when he felt her suppress her muffles. ''''Let me finish my speech, sweetheart. I will allow you to cry after it.''''

    ''''Hmm...'''' That was the only thing Leena could manage to say.

    ''''I don''t want to have a fantastic couple of months or years with you and then call it over in a sh. I want to be with you forever. I want us tost. I will stick to you together like glue no matter how hard life gets. No matter how many times we fight, I am never going to stop loving you, and I promise you this."

    "I cannot read stars or converse with the fates, but I do know this. Until I am dead in the dirt, I will love you. No matter how difficult it gets or how desperately someone tries to tear us apart, I will love you, and protect you with my heart."

    Devin paused taking a deep breath before continuing.

    "The day I will go on my knees for a girl is the day I decided to tie a shoce for my daughter, and I have long decided that day and the girl.'''' All of a sudden, Devin kneeled in front of Leena and grabbed her hand. ''''And the girl can be no one other than you. I love you, Leena. I have fallen for you, truly madly, deeply before I knew what love meant. Just say yes.''''

    The barrier broke with hisst words, and not a word came out of her mouth. Leena wiped the tears with her sleeves. She has been trying her best to keep her emotions in check, but it has reached the pinnacles.

    ''''As long as I am alive.'''' She couldn''t stop her sniffles. Who wouldn''t fall for this idiot? One of the best moments in her life has happed today, and she swore she would forever cherish this moment. Without further ado, Devin slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed on top of it.

    Getting up from the ground, he brought Leena to his feet and kissed her forehead. ''''I wanted to make a custom-made ring, but this holds a special ce in my heart. If you don''t like it, I will_.''''

    ''''I loved it. Devin.'''' Leena''s eyes twinkled as she traced her hand on the ring. True to his words, the ring holds a special ce in her heart, also. She has kept it safe, and nothing is an excellent asion than this day to wear it. Speaking of the ring, Leena looked at the small chestnut box she was holding in the other hand. She released herself from him, maintaining a little distance.

    ''''Devin....'''' Leena called him.''''Do you remember our first encounter?''''

    ''''I would never forget that.'''' He smiled

    ''''When I first met you, I honestly wanted to run away, scared that you would sue me.'''' She smiled, remembering their first bizarre encounter. ''''But I found myself falling harder for you. If I know what love is, it''s because of you. Reese once asked me what''s my favorite thing in the world is, and you obviously know what answer I would have given.''''

    ''''What is it now?'''' He asked in a low whisper. It would be obviously clothes.

    ''''I would close my eyes and say, my favorite dress would be wrapped in your arms like a cocoon.'''' She held his hands when she felt them tremble lightly. ''''You are the best thing I have ever nned, and I am lucky to have met you. Thanks foring into my life."Opening the box, Leena traced out the ring and gently took it out. ''''May I?'''' She asked like a prim and properdy.

    ''''Of course.'''' He chuckled at how serious she has turned.

    The moment Leena slipped the ring into his finger, Devin lifted her by the hips and spun her around until her head was spinning. ''''I love you,'''' Devin whispered, bringing her to the ground.

    ''''I love you more. No, I love you to infinity,'''' Leena pecked his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck.

    ''''Aren''t you hungry?''''

    "There is no space in my body. You are filled in it'''' Leena giggled at her cheesy pick-up line. ''''I also wanted to get down on one knee and propose you. But you know, why I didn''t do it?''''

    ''''Even if I don''t ask, you will not sleep without vomiting. What is it?''''

    ''''Cheeky boy. You know me very well. '''' She pinched his cheeks as if he was a kid. ''''I was scared I would unzip your pants when I get on my knees. So, I skipped the idea of getting on my knees." Leena covered her mouth suppressing her giggle, watching Devin''s dumbfounded expressions.

    Devin: '''' ''''

    ''''Crazy idiot.'''' He muttered under his breath.. I have to put work to her mouth today.

 Chapter 250 - Longer And Harder

    Both stayed in each other arms, and the world went astray until a growl escaped from the stomach. Leena was sure it was not hers this time. When she lifted her head and took a peek at Devin, she was stunned to see his bashed face. It would be her turn to get embarrassed each time, but today, it was his turn. The culprit got red-handed? Leena mused. ''''Do you want to eat?'''' She asked with a mischievous glint.

    ''''I_I no.'''' He awkwardly replied.

    ''''Your stomach growled like a dying Walrus.'''' She mocked suppressing a giggle.

    ''''It''s not my stomach. My phone must have vibrated.'''' Devin replied, turning around and looked at theke instead. Damn it! Nothing is more embarrassing than getting caught by Leena. He wouldn''t be surprised if she would shout it to everyone just like she did with his stupid nickname Chikoo.

    ''''You don''t keep your phone in vibration.'''' Leena interrogated turning him around.

    ''''I have put it on vibration today.'''' He stubbornly replied. ''''Do you have to interrogate me every time? You have be an FBI_.''''

    ''''Fine. I didnot hear any sound. Happy?'''' Leena yelled and walked towards the table under the canopy. At the sight of the delicious dishes, her mouth watered, and she forgot about Devin. Before Leena could take her seat, Devin pushed her away and perched on it. He then pulled her onto hisp. ''''Are you angry?'''' He asked, hugging her stomach.

    Leena ignored him and grabbed a fork to try the starters, but it was snatched away by the devil in the next second. ''''My darling has started a cold war already?''''

    ''''What if I say yes?'''' She askedzily. Getting spoiled by Devin when she is angry is the best feeling, and she ys it often.

    ''''We should settle these kinds of arguments in the bedroom, sweetheart.'''' He whispered, feeding the mushroom stroganoff. ''''Where do you want to start? H-lips or V-lips?''''

    ''''Go away, idiot.'''' Her face immediately blushed like a moonlight igniting his passionate feelings. Swallowing hard, he concentrated on feeding her with the food for now. Grabbing another fork, Leena picked crispy tofu and stuffed it into his mouth. ''''Don''t tempt me when I am eating food.''''

    ''''You can eat my_''''

    ''''You haven''t eaten much in the afternoon. Eat more.'''' She stuffed another piece into his mouth. She can''t stand his poetic flirting.

    ''''Only if you feed me.'''' He said, his heart warmed at sweet gestures.

    ''''My spoiled husband.'''' She giggled, pinching his cheeks, and throughout the Dinner, Leena spoiled catering to her man. After dinner, they got into the car, and when Devin was driving in another direction, Leena gazed at him in confusion.

    ''''I am taking you to a special ce.'''' He said, entwining her hand with his. His other hand controlled the steering, a silly smile on his face looking at his wedding band. It will remind the rest of the world that he is reserved for Leena alone. When the car reached to stop, Devin got down and opened the door for her.

    ''''You don''t need to open it every time. I have hands.'''' She smilingly held his hand, stepping out of the car.

    ''''It''s not because you are helpless or unable to.'''' Devin slowly pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. ''''I want to show to the world that you are worthy of respect.''''

    Leena''s eyes twinkled, and her hands went to hug his arm possessively. True to his words, when she looked back to the past, not once has he disrespected her, even when he was angry. For Leena, Devin is the rarest gem found in the deep earth''s crust. ''''You are such a gentleman, Devin.''''

    ''''Your gentleman also knows when to pull your hair and hold you down.'''' He whispered against her ear, a smile of satisfaction lit up, watching her flushed face.

    ''''Stop teasing me.'''' His raspy voice and his words excited her more, and her dirty mind started picturing uncensored images. Stop it, Leena. To get the thought out of her mind, she concentrated on something productive. ''''Devin.'''' She called him seriously.

    ''''Hmm?''''

    ''''I have framed a poem on you just now. I want you to hear it.''''

    ''''No.'''' He instantly declined when he recalled a toddler poem of some red and violet roses.

    ''''Please...Please...Pretty please....''''

    Seeing her pout, Devin exhaled a deep sigh and weekly nodded his head. She sure knows my weakness.

    Like a child, Leena pped her hands, wrapping her arms around his neck. ''''A Roaring lion in Vehemence, and an eager tiger in calmness, A wild fox in romance, yet he is my gentleman.''''

    When she didnot get any response, she pouted, hitting his chest. ''''Speak something. Isn''t it good?''''

    ''''You don''t know how much your words are inciting me.'''' He muttered, staring into her eyes in a trance. No gun, no sword made powerful to him than her words now. He expected it to be another toddler poem but never knew Leena hold such a stalwart image of him in her mind. Of course, he is proud of getting praises from his Sweetheart, which rarely happens. He has to relish such moments. ''''If you keep teasing me, I cannot hold_.''''

    Leena yanked him by his shirt and stared at his eyes as if they were a reflection of her spirits. She tiptoed and nipped his lower lip, a half-groan escaped from his throat. ''''The longer you make me wait, the harder I am gonna make you work for it.'''' Leena released herself and walked away from him with a mischievous glint. She only hoped he would take a hint.

    Realization hit him. So, she wants him as much as he wants her? Along with her words, his insatiable hunger consumed him thoroughly.. There was only one thought running through his mind, to feel him inside her, deep inside her, and hear her moan his name when he made love to her, and he was determined to make it happen today.

 Chapter 251 - Heaven Of A Mouth: Hell Of A Tongue

    rm bell: Children, read at your own risk. Wear a warningbel when you read this chapter in the public.

    Not before Leena took a couple of steps forward, Devin yanked her by her wrist and in a spur of a moment, he turned her around. Without a second thought, he pushed her body upwards and lifted her, cramming his lips against her, and she responded fervently, with the same tempo as his. Her legs instinctively went to wrap around his torso, and her arms curled around his neck for support. Shivers of pleasure shot through her as he dominantly deepened the kiss, sucking and biting them deliriously.

    He strolled towards the house, and with one hand, he unlocked the doorknob while his other hand was holding her body firmly, but their lips remained engaged, thirstily drinking each other juices. Both have been waiting for this moment, and the build-up tension was bursting into a pool of pleasure, and there is no turning back today. Devin closed the door shut with his back leg and reached over to the beautiful garden where a bed wasid in the middle.

    When she looked over his shoulders, Leena''s eyes thrived open when she got the view of the beautiful sight. It looked like a wilderness with ample of trees, and the night sky looked brilliant from above. The moon cast a light illuminating the ce that nestled in the groves like glitter on a fairy tale. It was such a romantic spot to call for, and she loved it. When did he be a Romeo?

    Seeing her havering in thoughts, Devin assumed it must be because of the open ce. He wanted their first time to be unforgettable and should stay in their memories forever, so he went for a romantic outdoor, but it''s Leena''s choice if she doesn''t want to do it here. ''''Not even a single being can trespass here without my permission.'''' He whispered in a throaty breath as heid her on the bed. ''''But if you don''t want_"

    What else should I do with him? He would always put my opinions at the front when ites to me.

    Instead of answering back through words, Leena pulled him towards her and kissed him while her hands reached his shirt to unbutton them. An impatient growl escaped from her lips when she was messing it up instead of unbuttoning. Seeing her clumsiness, he chuckled and helped her pull off the shirt and tossed it away.

    Not before his hand caught up with her shoulder des to undress her, Leena pushed him onto the bed.

    ''''What are you_.''''

    ''''Shhh.'''' Pressing a finger on his lips, she went on top of him, looking at him with her most seductive eyes, she whispered into his ears. ''''Just lie back and let me take care of the business today.'''' Tonight, she was determined to make him enjoy the pleasure like it is the only thing he is living for. Her nubile voice cuffed him, flowing through his veins into his blood, taking his breath away, and he has nothing to do except surrender to this little vixen.

    Leena gently slid her tongue into his mouth, sucking it in slow swirls, asionally biting his lower lip. Hearing his half-groans, was a add on that he is enjoying.

    She was teasing him with her prolonged sensual kisses without letting him take control. Her lips made way to his nape, biting the flesh deep down his neck making him groan in pleasure. ''''Leena...you are torturing me!'''' His throat was raspy, and he wanted to take control, but at the same time, he was anticipating where her next touchnds.

    ''''I long wished to torture you.'''' Her fingers slid across his firm V tracing his firm abs on the abdomen with her feather-like touches. Sure, God must have take time to sculpt him.

    When her eyes traveled lower, her face burned as she saw therge tent in his pants. It seems to be huge even when he is clothed. Taking a deep breath, she moved further down. When she tried to unzip his jeans, she struggled to pull them off again, just like with his shirt.

    ''''Are you sure?'''' He growled in a low throaty voice, helping her in pulling off his pants and briefs.

    She nodded her head enthusiastically until the mighty Python entered into her sight, then she paused her actions. What the hell! Did he grow this along with his height? How does he hide it in his pants every day if it is this big? All the time, Devin was the one pleasuring her and she didnot had the chance to look at his deep-V-diver, and now that she was looking at it, she has no words on how he is going to put it inside her, but it''s not the only thing that she is worried now. She swallowed hard, scared for her mouth. Can I back out now? When she raised her head to look at him, he was staring at her with lusty desire, silently threatening to take care of the business she started. He will dly kill me if I say no now.

    Biting her bottom lip hard, she curled her fingers across his rock-hard erection. It was her first time touching it and she doesn''t know what to describe except warm and hard. Taking a deep breath, Leena gently moved up and down as she read in the article and she could feel it is growing bigger with each stroke. Her actions resulted in a sharp grunt from him. It was a sign that he enjoyed, and she started giving him the deep strokes sending him to euphoria.

    When Devin felt her pace quickened, his breathing went raspy, and the desire in his eyes was burning her. When he was lost in her senses, Leena lowered herself, savoring the first connection of his hardness with her mouth, earning a deep groan from the back of his throat. She gagged and struggled to breathe when she couldn''t take his entire length.

    ''''Slow down...you will hurt your throat.'''' In a hoarse voice, he muttered. Holding her head, he guided around his rod slowly at first, then pushing her mouth more profound each time she drew her head into his rod. He grunted wildly, each time her head dipped deeper. Her tongue swirled over his length as her hands continued to tease, taking him into another heaven. The cinnamon scent of his arousal filled her senses, and for some reason, hearing his wild grunts turned her on. She was thinking nothing except remembering to breathe and pleasure him.

    ''''You gotta stop, Sweetheart.'''' Devin hissed, but his actions proved otherwise as he pushed her head deep into her throat to take his hardness fully.Her soft mouth, covering his hardness deep inside,pping like a soothing sucking machine, from his soft tip to his hard stick, his juices running down from her mouth as she sucked his stiffness, drinking every little juice sprouting, she was calming the storms that were rushing through the veins of his hard erection. He was feeling an eight-wonder in her mouth.

    ''''Leena!! You got a hell of a tongue!'''' It aroused her more when Devin began calling her name in his sheer pleasure. He was almost there. She continued her onught until she felt him stiffening deep in her mouth. Gripping her head tightly, he grunted, shooting deep into her throat with a powerful release. Breathing in deeply for a while, he pulled her up and put her on the bed. ''''Are you fine?'''' He patted her back when her body started shivering and trembling. ''''Take a deep breath."

    Breathing in and out, the first thing she utter was aint ''''It tasted so salty.''''

    Deepughter escaped from his throat at her cuteint. ''''Well, you volunteered for it.'''' He has no words to describe the satisfaction he felt. He was d that he didnot stop Leena when she initiated. otherwise, he would have missed the magic of her addictive mouth. Her mouth was sweet, as sweet as he''d imagined to the point that he could have fallen over the edge of the lighthouse and thought the sensation was just from her touch.

    ''''Did I do it correctly?'''' She asked in hesitation. Although she has only read the theory and implemented the practicals for the first time, she was still unsure if Devin has enjoyed it to the fullest.

    ''''Fuck, Sweetheart! Your mouth feels heaven.'''' He kissed her hard, just hungry kisses that sent her mind spinning. Even his traces tasted sweet in her mouth, and in no time, he was rock hard, and her moans are inviting him to make love for her frantically. Leena could feel his hardness poking against her stomach already. Is he that depraved? It was not even a couple of minutes ago, I have taken care of his business, right? Her thoughts were cut off, and a gasp escaped when he ran his fingers up and down her arms, biting and nibbling the soft area of her neck, sending a shiver to travel down from her spine into her legs.

    The night was still young and it was his turn.

 Chapter 252 - Jackhammering In And Out

    A word to the wise: My phone''s battery is the only warning I take it seriously. Kidding..This is going to be sizzling hot. So, read at your own risk.

    The night was still young and it''s the time that the beast has began the show.

    ''''I love this spot.'''' He whispered. ''''I love the noise you make when I kiss here.'''' He kissed the spot again, and she moaned in response exactly, he enjoyed and liked. His hands worked on undressing her while his lips remained engaging. Impatience spread to crowns when he couldn''t find the zipper of her dress.

    Leena saw a warning when she foresaw his actions. ''''Devin!! NO!!!'''' She screamed, but he has already ripped her dress and tossed it aside. Her words didnot enter into his ears, for he was eager to see the nakedness of fire.

    ''''My baby!'''' Leena screamed, helplessly looking at the new dress lying on the floor. ''''You could have asked me to remove it, idiot.''''

    ''''Now, now, don''t cry. I will buy a load tomorrow.''''He gently said.

    ''''I will sell you on Amazon for a euro if you back off.'''' She threatened.

    ''''I wouldn''t dare for it.'''' He muttered, nibbling her earlobe and pushed her upper body. His hand reached behind to unsp her bra without breaking eye contact with her for any protest. The moment he tossed it aside, he half-closed his eyes, imagining those protrusions entering into his lips, getting sucked by his hungry mouth and he did not waste a second. Opening his eyes, he greedily grabbed her right breast in one palm, squeezed it gently, andtched on it, neglecting the cherry buds, which he did the same with the other breast. He hovered over them, alternately blowing cold air and puffing hot air.

    ''''P_lease, Devin.'''' Leena wriggled underneath him, letting out a frustrated moan when he did not give attention where she wanted the most.

    ''''What, Sweetheart. Tell me where you want?'''' His eyes were oozing with sexiness with a heinous smirk.

    ''''You know where I want.'''' Her voice was a breathless whisper. When he continued the torture, her hands reached the back of his head and pulled him, directing his mouth towards the buds. She let out a whimper when he flicked his tongue and began to run his tip around it until it was covered in saliva and did the same with the other neglected bud. Satisfied they were teased enough, he lowered his head andpped on to the bud, licking and sucking it. He was exploring those lotus-like buds and making them bloom with his tongue and mouth. Leena would feel a new sense of pleasure every time his mouth roamed around them. She could feel the fire burning inside her stomach, and her growing moans only emphasized to continue his assaults.

    Satisfied that he has given enough attention to his treasures, he went lower and settled below her navel, fondling the ends of the fabric that separated him from her. In one swift motion, he yanked it, earning a gasp when the sudden cold breeze touched her sensitive area. His lips moved down, taking time in kissing her toes, feet, and legs. If he was a devil, she was the goddess he was worshiping her body like a devotee.

    Slowly, his hands and lips moved upwards, covering every spot on her body, and teased her inner thighs, warming her wet entrance with his thumb. She writhed, and her breath grew louder when he parted her legs and settled between them.

    ''''Ah!..'''' Leena let out a scream at the sudden surge of pain when he slid his finger inside her wet entrance.

    "Take a deep breath, darling. It will go away soon.'''' He gently said. He wanted to ease her pain a little with fingers first before he straight away scares her with his mighty dragon. When Leena rxed a little, he started pushing his one finger in and out gently, and when the pleasure began to build in, her moans turned louder. Wrapping her legs around his neck and shoulder, he held her body in one ce. Through this way, he can have better ess and devour her more.

    Pressing his hand over her navel, he continued licking andpping her gates of heaven and sucking her luscious rosebud with his lusty tongue, igniting her passions. She was going insane in a wave of twisters; her moans escaped beyond the earth. His actions grew fast while his finger twisted the folds in and out, taking her to a sly of delight. ''''Devin...I_I.."

    Knowing that the time hase, he stroked her cherry bud with his fingers fastly while he flicked his tongue deeper simultaneously. And she came. Soaring high, her back arched like a hunter''s bow when she released. Her thighs trembled, freeing spurts of juices from her cave that he deliciously savored. As if his scorched tongue has discovered a deep well, he drank each drop of her elixir without leaving a single drop.

    Not before Leena rxed for a little, Devin grabbed the safe from the bedside table. Peeling the wrapper, he rolled it on his hard erection.Leena''s body quivered as she watched his actions and the memories of how she pleasured that Python surfaced.

    ''''Are you scared?'''' He asked,ing on top of her and kissing her forehead. He could feel she is tensed over what''s about to happen.

    ''''A little.'''' She said, nervous. She was excited a while before but seeing his giant dragon now, obviously, she was scared.

    ''''I will be gentle, darling. Let me know if it pains you, and I will stop it.'''' He looked into her eyes and kissed her with a passion beyond exnation to distract her. When she was engrossed in the hot kiss, seizing the chance, he pushed the tip of his rod into her entrance.

    ''''Ah!" Leena flinched, breaking from his kiss and pushing his hips away with sudden aggression. Tears flooded from her eyes. It pained beyond her imagination.

    ''''Sorry, Sweetheart. I am sorry.'''' With tears running down on her cheeks, it was breaking Devin''s heart. He didnot want to hurt her, but it has to happen at some point in time. He only hoped the pain would wear off soon.

    ''''I_ I am scared, Devin.'''' She held his arms tightly. She didnot imagine it would be this painful. To put it tantly, it felt like she was being stabbed with thousand knives.

    ''''Leena, Sweetheart, my sweet baby. Can you trust me? I will go very gently. We are almost there.'''' He peppered kisses on her face waiting for her confirmation. Almost there? It was not even the tip of the cier has entered into her, but he didn''t dare to tell her. The more tensed she feels, the more pain she has to undergo, which he didn''t want to.

    ''''Hmm.. okay'''' She calmed down and nodded her head, and urged him to continue. With each small thrust, she gasped in pain, and he paused for a few seconds before continuing. ''''Rx your body. We are almost there.'''' He coaxed her each time, he pushed a little, and at a point, Devin felt a slight intrusion which must be her hymen. When he went deeper, breaking the barrier, it burst out, and he could see her face loosened up a little. But he waited for a while until she was ready.

    ''''Don''t hold yourself anymore,'''' Leena whispered. She could see sweat trickling from his face because of his resistance to move. ''''I am fine. You can move.''''

    ''''Why are you so considerate?" He whispered into her ear, pulling his erection out swiftly. Leena whimpered holding on to his shoulders with the sudden emptiness of his length. Not before she knew what''s going to happen next, he shoved it inside again, earning a gasp from her.

    Holding her hips, he rocked in and out of her cave gently. She was so tight that it was difficult to pull out and onerous to slide in back. Devin started slow and steady until she adjusted to his length, and when she began to rx and enjoy the sensation, he increased the pace and reverberating moans of her echoed in the air. ''''I_I you are making me go crazy.'''' She dug her nails deeper into his skin, dragging long scratches down his back as her body cries out his name while he thrust into her deeper and faster.

    Two hearts wildly pounded together as one, merging their two souls into one.

    "You are so beautiful, Leena." Her moans were like fuel to his fire. Like a goddess, her gorgeous body drove him towards the edge of insanity. Their lovemaking was no longer gentle now. Her moans went stronger while his groans went wilder. He kept looking at Leena as he jackhammered in and out of her, shaking the headboard off the bed with each of his shove. ''''Where do you want it?'''' His voice sounded like a wild animal now, but it didnot scare her.

    ''''Right here?'''' He repeatedly hit her sacred spot when he earlier witnessed Leena squirm in pleasure under him when he pounded into that spot. He could feel her nails leaving scratches on his back, and he went wilder. The calm atmosphere turned into a sparkling battleground. Leena breathed in, pushing her hips closer, giving her a silent answer. ''''Answer me, Leena. Is this where you want me?'''' His voice wasmanding yet gentle at the same time.

    ''''Y_es.'''' That was only words, she managed to say. His voice was dominating, but even then, she liked this roughshod of him.

    That''s it. His raging desire burned hot as he pumped voraciously into that corner. Leena cried in pleasure, digging her nails deep into Devin''s back, screaming his name, lost in passion, pain, and pleasure. He could feel she is almost at her pinnacles.

    Bncing her hips with one hand, he leaned his head and captured her breast with the other, sucking her hard bud. ''''I love you, Leena. You are mine. Only mine.'''' No one will take her away from him. Tugging her bud with his tongue, he released it and reached for her sweet spot, and yed with his fingers while maintaining deep and fast strokes in and out of her cave.

    She loved when he was whispering those words, and as if her mind and her body responded to his aggressive talks, she felt something rising like a wave building inside and ready to crash on her. Her breathing came hard riding to the end. She was wildly excited by the searing pain and the ultimate pleasure, causing every nerve in her body to erupt in a gasp. ''''D_evin.'''' She repeatedly screamed his name on the verge of stairs to heaven and fell into ecstasy, releasing herself. Her eyes closed, and her head tilted back as a wave of pleasure flowed from her core.

    She was shivering and trembling after her great release and could feel his rigid member convulsing inside. His veins in his neck bulged and groaned, exploding inside her likeva. Even after his release, he continued moving in and out of her with gentle strokes. After a while, he copsed on Leena, burying his head on her shoulders, supporting his body with his hands on the bed. Leena grabbed a fistful of his hair and rubbed his head until he was breathing evenly. Sweat dripping from his body, and with his hardness still inside her, there were no words to describe his handsomeness as if he was sculpted and pared to perfection.

    After catching his breath, he rolled up. When he discarded the safe, he saw a trace of blood on it. His Leena has given him her most precious gift, and he vowed never to break the trust she has put in him. Her happiness face when he was making to her, he would never forget it in his life. Slowly moving on top of her, he peppered her face with his sweet kisses, gazing at her face lovingly. ''''There is nothing more beautiful than you in this world.''''

    ''''There is nothing more wonderful than you in this world.'''' Leena smiled, cupping his face with a loving gaze. A while ago, she was shivering and trembling, but she never imagined that Devin would melt her body away. Had she knew sexual intercourse would give such a great pleasure, she would have urged him to do it long ago.

    ''''I love you, Leena.'''' He said, tucking her damp hair behind her ear.

    ''''''How much you love me?'''' She asked, blinking her eyes in innocence.

    ''''How could I exin the infinity when the great mathematician can''t?'''' He kissed her forehead. Sometimes, he would use actions for unsaid words just like he did now.

    ''''Woah! what a logic you havee up with. I have better logic than you. Quickly ask me how much I like you.'''' She said, shifting her body on his chest.

    ''''Do I need to ask, knowing your craziness?'''' He asked, pulling a sheet upon her since they are still outside.

    ''''Don''t forget that you have fallen for my craziness also."

    "l can''t disagree with that. Now tell me, how much my sweetheart loves me?" ying with her hair, Devin began thinking of her weird answers.

    "Hmm..." Leena pondered for a while and answered. "My love for you is inversely proportional to clothes.''''

    Devin was not surprised by her answers anymore but still he found it cute. If Wang Devin''s name would turn the world into Frenzy, Leena''s name would alone set his world on fire.. That is the power she holds in his life.

 Chapter 253 - I Will Be Gentle

    Leena rested her head on Devin''s chest, drawing imaginary chemistry orbitals on his tight abs. It''s her long-time habit whenever she is in deep thoughts. Their passionate moments were ying in her mind continuously, and her face turned scarlet red when she recalled them. She would never forget this day in her life. Finally, she has be one with Devin. Her body and soul solely belong to him, and of course, the same applies to that beast.

    A while ago, Leena almost thought the bed would break with Devin''s vigorous moves. As if the sleeping monster in him awakened, he unleashed infinite strength like a roaring beast today. Even she was no less. Never in her dreams, Leena felt she had such a wild side until today, and Devin sessfully brought it to the surface. She doesn''t want to admit it, but his dominance in the bed was a huge turn-on, and she thoroughly enjoyed every second. The cool breeze should have chilled her because of staying outside, but considering how steamy their lovemaking was, it was an add-on warmth. Brushing the thoughts from her mind, Leena looked around her surroundings and the mess they made. Wrinkled sheets, her ripped dress, their messy clothes, a discarded protection. Speaking of that, how did it appear? Did he already know that it would happen today? Shaking her head, she snuggled closer to her human quilt.

    ''''Sweetheart, are you tired?'''' Devin asked, softly caressing her shoulders to slowly ignite the passion in Leena again.

    ''''What are you saying? Do you think I am a delicate little thing?'''' She bragged about herself without knowing Devin''s intentions until his hand reached over to the bedside table to pick the rocket socket. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, watching his erection standing tall and erect, pointing at her. It was not even a while ago it entered, and it is already hungry? Before Leena snapped out of her thoughts, Devin picked her up in his arms swiftly, and with no support to hold on, she has to wrap her legs around his torso.

    ''''In that case, let''s go for round two." He pushed her against the wooden wall. Watching her dumbfounded expression, he gave a throaty chuckle as he spoke. ''''I will be very gentle, darling.'''' Her lips seized in for any protest. Pulling her right leg high above, he ced her foot on his left shoulders and thurst his already hard erection into her cave, making her cry in pleasure. Unlike her first time, it only pained her a little, and very quickly, the pleasure started building in.

    He was banging into her cave like a drum with deeper and harder thrusts. Once again, she was under his control, and he was traversing through her hidden secrets. Her breathing started softly, then heavily, then a soft moan, then a louder moan, and it turned into loud screams. It''s what happened in the end when she climaxed. Is this called gentle? He should be called a bully boy.

    ...

    Not before Leena rested for a couple of minutes, breathing heavily after her heavy climax, Devin came on to of her and folded her knees until they touched the side of her ears, "Let''s go for another round, sweetheart. I will be very gentle this time.''''

    ''''Ah! Freaking devil! What the hell is gentle in yournguage! Where did you learn all these poses?'''' Leena cried, holding his arms tightly as he hammered into her again. She thought he would stop with the three, but he went on and on until there left no climax to get-go.

    ''''Where did I learn? Did you forget the books you gifted?''''

    ''''I made a mistake gifting those to you. Just you wait. I_I will take my revenge on you one day.'''' Leena made a note to slow torture him one day. She wished she would have also read those books so that she could have dominated him. In all the positions they did, she didnot get a chance to overpower him.

    "I will be waiting for the day. For now, let''s go for another round, Leena baby. I promise,I will be very gentle.....''''

    Leena: " "

    And his Gentleness went on and on...

    ...

    Leena neither had the energy nor strength to get up by the time Devin showed mercy on her. When she would almost reach her climax, Devin would stop and tease until she begged him and then pound into her senseless until she repeatedly screamed his name. He has tortured her senses and made her body explode with anticipation. For once, she thought he had be a depraved carnival. Even she works out, her level of energy didnot even touch an iceberg of his cier. But she enjoyed every moment of their passion. His love bites on her body and her nail scratches on his back were their exclusive love signatures.

    ''''Are you taking revenge on me?'''' She asked, her eyelids were fluttering shut. Devin listed out all the pranks she made on him while he made love to her senselessly. He didnot even forget the airport incident.

    ''''I am toozy for revenge, Sweetheart. I am a man of productiveness'''' He leaned down and scooped her into his arms. ''''Do you want to go for another round. I will be gentle_"

    ''''Gentleness? Remove that word from your dictionary, idiot. '''' Leena yelled, hitting Devin on the shoulder with the tiny amount of energy left in her body. ''''You are worse than a bulldozer.''''

    ''''I was going gentle in the third round as I promised, but you were screaming at me to take you roughly. You even asked me to curse and talk dirty_''''

    Leena covered his mouth with her hands before he would spout nonsense. In the sheer pleasure he was giving, she hadn''t remembered the stupid things she said to him.

    ''''Now that you are caught redhanded, you are acting like the miss modesty?'''' He asked with a mischievous glint strolling into the bathroom. Heid her in the bathtub and joined along with her. Massaging her shoulders and back, Devin cleaned her body thoroughly. ''''You are massaging expert, babylicious.'''' Leena dazedly replied and dozed off on his arms while he slowly massaged her body.

    ''''Why are you so cute?'''' He smiled, wiping her body dry, and carried her to the bedroom. He then slipped her into afortable dress, tugged her in the bed, and climbed next to her. Kissing her forehead, he patted her back in rythm like a luby. Although Leena was deep asleep, it has be his everyday habit. Slowly his heavy lids closed shut.

    ....

    Lying on her stomach, Leena''s right leg was on his waist, while her arm was on his neck, holding him tightly, like a child as if he would leave her. Devin woozily opened his eyes when he felt suffocation around his throat. He very gently removed her arm andid her back on the bed.

    Propping his elbows, he got up and gazed at her, thinking how innocently she was sleeping. Devin kissed her forehead and felt it was not enough. He kissed the same spot again and lost the count. As if Leena knew he was making silent love to her, she grabbed his hand and put it on her waist and slept again with a smile on her face.

    ''''Why are you so cute?'''' He spoke in a low voice to not wake her up. Kissing her forehead for onest time, he tucked her in the bed properly and got up from the bed.

    Getting fresh, Devin climbed on the bed again and sat at the edge of the bed, attending an urgent meeting. When he felt a slight movement in the bed, he immediately turned to the side ''''My sweet Leena is up?" He asked, turning off the meeting video

    ''''Are you driving the meeting?'''' Rubbing her heavy eyes, she lifted her head and rested her head on hisp.

    "Not me. Harley is running.'''' He disconnected the call and brushed her hair with his fingers. ''''How are you feeling? Are you sore? How is your jaw?'''' When she gagged yesterday while pleasuring him, he knew she would be in pain

    ''''Hug me,'''' Leena threw a sweet smile, ring her arms.

    ''''I am d for that offer.'''' Devin pulled her closer to him and hugged her tightly. Throwing her arms around his back, Leena buried her face in his chest, inhaling his cinnamon scent. Being in his arms, she felt warm on the outside and inside also.

    ''You didnot answer my question, Sweetheart. How are you feeling? If you are notfortable, we can go to the doctor and_.''''

    ''''I am fine.'''' She released herself from the hug and pinched his cheeks for looking so adorable in the morning.''''I feel a little sour, and my jaw is also aching, but it''s bearable,''''

    ''''Goo then.'''' He nodded. ''''Do you want to eat breakfast?''''

    Breakfast? Isn''t it in front of me? But Leena didnot dare to voice her thoughts. If it were some other day, he would flirt back, but now, he would directly jump into action.

    ''''I am indeed hungry. Let me take a shower first.'''' Not before Leena stepped her foot on the ground, Devin scooped her into his arms and walked into the bathroom. Once entered, Leena brushed her teeth and waited for a while, thinking that he would go out of the bathroom, but when he started removing his shirt, Leena widened her eyes in shock. ''''You just had a shower, right?''''

    "My mind has turned dirty imagining you in dirty thoughts. So, I need a shower again.'''' Devin replied in a serious tone.

    Leena: '''' ''''

    She was looking at him as if he had grown three heads. When did he be this shameless?''''You are not a prince charming that people call. A wolf.''''

    ''''Your Wolf can see you better, hear you better, and eat you better, Sweetheart.'''' He winked and slowly pushed her against the ss wall. ''''Let me show you how dirty we can get under the clean shower.'''' His words aroused her in the morning, and in no time, their clothes were lying on the floor. Leena moaned when his finger spread apart her legs, teasing her sensitive area. Nibbling her sensitive spot, he turned her around, exposing her back to him, but he immediately flipped her when he saw the tattoo on her back. Since night, he did try to take her from the back, but the moment he saw the tattoo, certain shes of memory would trigger him. Right now, this position has turned into a fantasy. Even Leena felt strange of his behavior, but soon he made her forgot everything except his name.

    ....

    The water kept flowing, and he kept exploring her body with his big wet hands, bathing in her juices.. Her soft moans were like a luby while his giant serpent sniffed her flower doing magic things inside her.

 Chapter 254 - Russia

    It was almost lunchtime, Devin carried Leena out of the bathroom, freshly showered, andid her on the bed. All the energy she ramped up by resting during the night got entirely depleted in the bathroom. One thing that boosted Leena''s spirits were she doesn''t need to go to the office to work. She can happily rest for the whole day. Lying naked on the bed, she neither had the energy nor bothered to get dressed. What''s the use when he had already seen everything?

    "Where are you going?" Leena asked when Devin was leaving the moment he put her on the bed. "Devin!" She screamed again, but there was no response.

    Tiredly, Leena stared at the ceiling waiting for him and a momentter, he came back. ''''You are sleeping without drying your hair?'''' Although she was naked now, his thoughts did not linger anywhere. He slid afy dress on her body, dried her hair, and carried her out of the room again.

    ''''Where are we going? I am sleepy.''''

    ''''You need to have lunch first.''''

    During lunch, Devin made sure Leena had healthy, nutritious food to replenish her energy. Seeing how wearily she looked, he cursed at himself. He has been eating herpletely dry sincest night.

    ''''Are you tired?'''' He gingerlyid her on the bed, and set the temperature to her liking, not so warm and not so cool.

    ''''Hell tired,'''' Leena replied, pulling the nket up to her chin. When he told, he wouldn''t let her leave the bed, Leena thought he was making fun of her. She has underestimated his stamina indeed. Even now, she is sprawling in the bed like a lizard, and he is standing steadily, as strong as an Ox.

    ''''Aren''t you sleeping?'''' Leena pulled him to the bed. ''''I know you have great physical vigor, but you need to rest your mind also. You are under a lot of stress, Devin. Do you know that? You got two panic attacks on one day. I am getting scared of your health.'''' She knows worrying doesn''t take away her troubles, but it took a toll on her peace.

    ''''Sweetheart, I am fine. Don''t worry and exhaust yourself.'''' He slipped into the covers and pulled Leena closer to his chest. ''''If that makes you a worrywart, I will rest. Is that Fine?''''

    ''''Such a good boy,'''' Leena smiled and talked about some random stories lying on his chest. Devin attentively listened to all her bbering''s, patting her back in rhythm until she dozed off. Surprisingly, his lids fluttered shut, and he soon followed her to the deep slumber.

    ....

    Once they had dinner in the night, Leena pulled him to the bed again. Although Devin was not sleepy, he didnot have the authority to object to it since the highmand ordered it.

    The following day, fully energized, Leena had her breakfast and began ying with two rabbits roaming near the ce they were staying in. She wanted to spend quality time with Devin alone, so she didnot n to go anywhere.

    ''''Are you happy?'''' He asked, sitting next to Leena. The smile on her face was a sign that she indeed enjoyed it here.

    ''''Thanks for bringing me here.'''' She rested her head on hisp, relishing their happy moments. She wished they would stay happily without any intrusions.

    Devin didn''t speak a word. He smiled, brushing her hair tenderly.

    "Devin?'''' Leena spoke up, shifting her gaze to him.

    ''''Tell me, sweetheart?"

    ''''Can we for a hike? I want to go inside those woods.'''' She said, pointing her finger towards the forest.

    ''''Alright. First, I will take you to an amusement park tomorrow, and then we will n ordingly.'''' The honeymoon trip was all hers, and she has to say a word he will fulfill without a second thought.

    ''''Thank you, babylicious.'''' She kissed his cheek and ran away before he would catch her.

    ''''Leena, don''t go far away. Stay in my watch.'''' Scared that she would miss the route since it was not a crowded area, Devin got up and caught her. He tagged along with her to all the ces she roamed on the premises.

    ...

    Late in the night, Devin got a call from Nick. If it were anyone else, he wouldn''t have lifted, but Nick would only call him when he has something important to tell.

    Devin slightly shook Leena''s body, and with no response, he confirmed she would be building castles in her fantasy world. It was a relief that Sherlock Holmes is a heavy sleeper. He freed his arm from Leena''s tight grip, and sneaked out of the bedroom like a cat.

    ''''What''s so important that you had to call at an odd hour?'''' Devin asked.

    ''''You have be utmost busy than when you are working.'''' Nick''s voice reflected with a mock.

    ''''It seems Leena has not tortured you enough. Do you want toe here for_''''

    ''''Alright, let''s get into the business.'''' Nick cut him off in the middle.

    ''''That''s the power of my wife.'''' Devin''s lips curved up proudly. Without doing anything, she can scare people.

    ''''Power my foot? She is a big fat bully that he had seen in Korean dramas.'''' Nick grumbled before turning serious. ''''I have a piece of news.''''

    ''''I am listening," Devin said.

    ''''A week back, Regina got released from the mental hospital. She sneaked out of her house with the help of her minion, Victor, and tried to contact your grandmother. Your threats seemed to have worked on Elinor Catherina, and she refused Regina to enter the pce. Since then, I didn''t concentrate on her until I heard her father file aint that she has been missing.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' Devin asked in a calm voice.

    ''''It was executed perfectly without a single w, the way we do. Why aren''t youmenting anything on it?" Nick quizzed.

    ''''I don''t have anything toment on here. It must be him.'''' Devin replied, his fists tightened around the wooden railing to stay calm. Why did he abduct Regina when he could have done it long before? What''s his purpose?

    ''''What about the information I asked?'''' Devin asked, changing the course. His mood only worsens when he thinks about him.

    ''''Man, I was on tenterhooks to collect all the past data. I lost the count of shoots you have done.'''' Nick sighed, thinking about the three hectic days. ''''I have sent a copy to your mail.''''

    ''''Hold on for a second.'''' Devin quickly opened the mail, and, true to Nick''s words, the list was huge. ''''Go ahead, Nick. I am listening."

    ''''I have checked the history of all the listed, and I did not find any suspicious background, but it''s your call now.''''

    ''''Alright. I will have a thorough look over it when I am free.'''' Devin quickly brushed past the file to check if anything was missing, and to his surprise, there seems to be missing information of him dated to five years back.

    ''''I didn''t meet a single person for a year-long.'''' He asked in confusion.

    ''''Sorry about that part, Devin. I couldn''t get any information during your one-year stay in Russia. Probably you should try remembering." Except for Devin''s arrival and departure to that ce, there is nothing that Nick found about him.

    "Russia?" Devin was baffled by Nick''s statement. "Why did I go to that ce?''''

    ''''Are you freaking kidding me?" Nick eximed. "You stayed there for a year, and you are asking me why? You wanted to spread WD''s roots in Russia, right?"

    ''''I_I Yeah! I do remember now.'''' Devin quickly covered up and diverted the topic. He talked with Nick regarding some crucial matters before ending the call. He then strolled into the room all the way, Nick''s words reyed in his mind. "Why did I go to Russia, and why don''t I have any memory of it? It seems none close to me has an idea that a crucial part of my memories is missing."

    No one can answer his questions. He has to rely on the juggling memories thate around announced. "What havoc have I created in the past to forget my memories?" His mind was in a mess, and the only cure was his sweetheart. Devin climbed on the bed and pulled Leena close to him, and in her presence, his body and mind instantly rxed. Soon, fatigue kicked in.

    ....

    The following day, Leena quickly freshened up since Devin promised to take her to the amusement park in the morning. Like a child, she made Devin ride all the stupid child games. When she made friends with the kids and started ying with them, seizing the chance, he slipped off and stood there at a distance away from Leena to watch her. He was smiling all ears when all of a sudden, a voice ringed into his ears.

    ''''Devin."

    Dumbfounded was Devin for a second when he turned around. A woman, gorgeous to be called for, was standing in front of him in a sexy dress, her curves entuating with how tightly the dress hugged her.

    ''''OMG, Devin! It''s you." The woman was close to hug him, but Devin backed off before that.

    "Goodness lord! You are still the same. How are you? I can''t believe I am meeting you for the first time after our University days."

    "Yeah, it''s been a long time, Valen. How are you?" Devin awkwardly replied, and his gaze immediatelynded on Leena. He thought she was ying with the kids but no. Her eyes were on the woman standing next to him.. He do not expect such an unexpected encounter with Valen today and it happened in Leena''s presence.

 Chapter 255 - Halfday Relationship

    Although Devin was listening to the woman''s rattlings, not a word made a hole in his brain. Like a wife caught by the cheated husband red-handed, Devin was heebie-jeebies imagining the worst consequences. He has forgotten to confess one crucial matter to Leena. No, he deliberately ignored it since he knew Leena would make fun of him instead of getting angry. If Valen brings the topic of a half-day girlfriend, he will be dead meat in Leena''s hands today. The only thought that came into his mind was running away. ''''Umm..Valen,'''' He started. ''''I have urgent work. Can we meet next time?''''

    ''''Can''t you postpone for a little while? Let''s go for lunch. I feel like it''s been ages since we met.''''

    ''''I have a business meeting to_

    ''''Running away without introducing your friend to me?'''' Devin''s words got stuck in the mouth when the familiar voice from behind sounded in his ears. Chills ran down his spine as if was thrown into the cold waters of Antarctica.Swallowing hard, he turned around to meet Leena''s wooden eyes.

    Valen''s eyes also snapped at the woman right away, and she was awed. Leena''s beyond beauty has taken her breath away. What shocked her more was that the Robot Devin showing emotions which she had never witnessed before.

    ''''When did youe back, sweetheart?'''' Devin asked, his mouth went dry, watching Leena''s murderous gaze.

    "Why? Did I spoil your happy time?'''' Leena asked with a mocking tone. She was keeping an eye on Devin, albeit she was ying with the kids. It''s not that she suspects him, but her husband is too handsome to everyone''s liking that even kids are eying him. When she saw a woman approaching him, her eyes immediately went high alert. As usual, Leena thought it was another woman fallen for her husband''s charms, but the woman seems to know Devin with the confidence she posed while speaking to him.

    ''''You know it''s not true.'''' Devin pulled Leena by her waist and gazed into her eyes attentively to see if she meant. True, he could sense envy spiting from every inch of her bones. A smile spread across his face to see her jealousy.

    ''''Hello, Hello, Hello, did you forget that a person is standing here?'''' Valen interrupted.

    Both retreated at once and turned around. Leena scanned the woman and giggled internally. ''Her face looks like a duck'' Truth be told, Valen was beautiful, but she didnot even get a score of average beauty in Leena''s eyes. Leena''s jealousy sprawled for no reason, and she possessively linked her arms with Devin''s.

    ''''It must be your girlfriend, right, Devin?'''' Valen asked, excited. The way Devin was looking at her with love, Valen knew it.

    ''''My wife, her name is Leena.'''' Devin''s eyes lovingly gazed at Leena.

    ''''What the! Are you married?'''' Valen bellowed in shock. Lately, she has been busy with the work to check on gossips around media. Had she followed them, she would have got an air of his dating status. After all, Devin is a public figure.

    ''''Yes.'''' His gaze shifted to Leena to clear her mind from questions first. ''''She is Valen. We studied at the same University. She is a very good friend_''''

    ''''What do you mean by a friend. I am your ex-girlfriend also.'''' Valen snapped at Devin.

    ''''What!'''' Leena''s heartbeat drummed in her ears, hearing her words. Devin had a girlfriend in the past? But he said I was his first love.

    ''''Don''tplicate things, Valen! Your words might mislead my wife.'''' Devin squeezed Leena''s arm to assure her before she imagines things. ''''Don''t mind her words, sweetheart. She is joking. As I said, I haven''t dated anyone.''''

    ''''How am I misleading your wife? It''s the Truth that I was your girlfriend, and we were in a rtionship once.'''' With a mischievous glint, she looked at Leena. All she could smell was jealousy from the corners. ''''Half a day rtionship is also considered as rtionship right, Leena?''''

    ''''Half a day rtionship?'''' Leena stared at Devin, her eyes demanding an exnation. Such an important matter, he tantly avoided.

    ''''It''s not what you think, Leena.'''' Devin''s anxiety eclipsed his thoughts. He cursed Valen internally for deliberately bringing the topic. She is definitely taking revenge for what happened in the past. ''''Leena, I_we_''''

    ''''The great Wang Devin is stuttering now? I will take the opportunity to exin to your wife then.'''' Not even in her dreams, Valen imagined Devin would turn into a henpecked husband. She has dated and dumped countless men, and atst, Karma has given her a fair share in the name of Devin. One fine day, Valen yed the Truth and dare game with her friends, and when she lost the game, she got a dare to kiss a man. That was not even a big task, for she was a pro in flirting, but her friends have chosen this Robot for the game. For a month, Valey has to go behind Devin. She has no idea what possessed this man, but he epted her. Like a kid who got candy, she was overjoyed. When Valen was in to finish that stupid dare, this Robot pressed his lips at the crucial moment and ran away from that ce. Never she felt such a humiliation. Her friends mocked at her. Now, it''s time for her revenge. Suppressing her smile, Valen looked at Leena and spoke up. ''''Breaking up within half-day, your husband has broken the record. Trust me, it''s not the funniest part. He ran away when I tried to kiss him.''''

    Leena''s mouth wide opened, listening to Valen''s words. She should be angry at Devin for concealing such a big secret, but imagining Devin running away, Leena couldn''t help, but burst intoughter.

    ''''It''s not funny, Leena.'''' The more Devin tried to speak in a serious tone, the more Leena made fun of him.

    ''''Did I miss the chance to witness that scene?'''' Leena was grinning like a Chesire cat.

    ''''That was one hell of a scene to witness,'''' Valen added.

    ''''Did he do any other mischievous things?'''' Leena was curious to know more about his life. If she asks Wilbur, he will talk about the same old story. The number of beers Devin chugs without stopping.

    ''''I haven''t done any mischievous thing, and it''s time to leave, Leena.'''' Devin interrupted. ''''Didn''t you want to go for a_''''

    ''''We can go tomorrow also.'''' She suspended his thoughts and looked at Valen to proceed.

    ''''Why don''t we go to my house? I am staying with my grandparents here. She is one hell of a cook. You get the chance to eat the best countryside food while I tell the stories of your husband.'''' Valen suggested.

    ''''That''s amazing.'' I love the idea." Not before Devin voiced his thoughts, Leena epted the offer.

    ''''Let''s go, Devin. Please.'''''' Leena pleaded, looking at him with her puppy eyes.

    ''''Killer you are, Leena.'''' He gave a frustrated sigh and reluctantly agreed.

    Giving a deathly stare to Valen for onest time, Devin stepped into the car. He dropped Leena at Valen''s house and left to the home. Leena will not let him listen to their conversation. At least, he can do productive work by studying the information that Nick has sent.

    Leena was mesmerized by the art structure of the house. It was a modern-style wooden house surrounded by greenery��the typical country-style home with a backyard vegetable garden. She happily clicked pictures to show them to Devin. If he takes a hint, he will build such a cute house for her birthday.

    Meanwhile, Valen brought Leena to her room while her grandmother prepared lunch. After a long time, she got goodpany, and they talked about a lot of stuff, especially Devin.

    "My husband is a show stopper wherever he goes.'''' Leena proudly boasted about him with a smile. ''''By the way, can I ask you a question, Valen?''''

    ''''Ofcoruse.''''

    ''''By chance, did you like him?'''' Leena asked hesitantly. If Valen had feelings for Devin, she would have acted like a white-lotus bitch at the Amusement park, which didnot happen. But, Leena wanted a confirmation to move on freely with her.

    ''''I would rather die than have feelings for that Robot,'''' Valen winked. ''''Except for that dare, I wouldn''t have dared to approach him. Honestly, I got pissed off, when he eluded the kiss and ran away, but his poetic words touched me."

    ''''He must have been a poet in the past life.'''' Leena giggled. ''''What did he say?'''' She asked curiously.

    "I am not a poet like him, so bear with it." Valen continued. "His soul and body belong to only one girl, and he will not love or marry anyone except her. That''s what he said. I thought he bluffed to escape from my clutches on that day, but I once saw him staring at a picture with so much love and adoration with the same way he was looking at you today.$

    "I was close to take a peek, but Devin''s movements were like a hawk, and he hid the picture. I was wondering who was that lucky girl, and my question got an answer today. The girl was you right, Leena? Obviously, it will be you with the love and devotion, Devin has for you." Like a fangirl, Valen giggled, pping her hands.

    Leena''s color drained from her face. Adrenaline crashed through her as if her breathing stopped. The girl is not me. We don''t share a past with each other. Leena wanted to scream, but her words tongue-tied.

    When Valen did not get a response, she looked up to see Leena''s face turned pale. "Hey, are you ok? What happened_"

    ''''Umm...Nothing. I_I am hungry.'''' Leena replied, keeping a smile.

    ''''Ah! I forgot about it. Let''s go down for lunch.''''

    Nodding her head, Leena went along with Valen. By the time the lunch was set, Devin hade back. To not worry him, Leena maintained a smile throughout the lunch. Once they reached home, Leena went straight away into the bed without talking a word.

    "Leena, What''s wrong?'''' Devin climbed on the bed and massaged her forehead. He could feel she is worried about something. ''''What''s bothering you? Did. Valen talked about something_.''''

    "No. She is a nice girl. It''s just that I have a headache.''''

    ''''I warned not to take showers in the evening.'''' Gently Devin put Leena''s head on hisp and started massaging her entire forehead and scalp.

    His fingers worked like magic, and it should have eased her tension, but it was only intensifying. Leena''s thoughts were reflecting on Valen''s words. It was clear that Devin has no memories. She could ask him, but he will get another panic attack if he tries to remember them. Leena wished he was a Robot so that she could hack into his brain to know about the girl he loved.

    Who will answer my questions? What is this deadlock situation? What if his past lovees back? Will he go back to her if he regain his memory of her? Her heart pained to imagine Devin sharing his love with some other woman.. Without knowing, a tear trickled down, followed by another, onto hisp, and his hand halted.

 Chapter 256 - Pathetic Actor

    Devin felt dampness on his arms while applying pressure to the energy meridians in Leena''s forehead. For a second, he was nonpulsed to see tears welling from her squeezed eyes. His hands halted in mid-air, his mind went shambolic. ''''Leena, are you crying?'''' He franticly asked, wiping the pooled tears flooding from the corners of her eyes.

    ''''Sweetheart, are you awake?'''' He gently patted her cheeks when he didnot get any response.

    Leena jolted awake with a start and frantically looked around. As she watched Devin''s panic, Leena felt like she was thrown into a blue funk. Getting up, she wiped her tears with her dress sleeves and jumped onto hisp, straddling his waist.

    ''''What''s wrong, Leena?'''' Devin went in fright. Her behavior was odd during lunch also, but she screened it cleverly from him. Devin wanted to ask then and there but held back since they were not in private.

    Without replying to Devin, Leena buried her face on the crook of his neck, embracing his body tightly as if he would leave her if she doesn''t hold him tightly.

    ''''Sweetheart, don''t scare me. Can you tell me what exactly happened?'''' Devin stroked the back of her head gently. He could feel his neck dampening with her tears. His heart grieved as if a sharp dagger stabbed his heart. "Did Valen hurt you?'''' He asked. It was the only possibility he thought in his mind.

    Leena shook her head.

    ''''Did Wilbur call to tease you?'''' He patiently asked.

    ''''No.''''

    ''''Take your time and answer. I will wait until you calm down. Don''t stress yourself.'''' Who the hell made his sweetheart cry? Devin embraced her tightly to make her feel secure in his presence to open up. He patted her back gently, waiting for her to speak.

    Devin was hugging her so tightly that Leena could hear his thumping heartbeat. For a moment, everything felt so calm and safe, like nothing can hurt her. ''''I_I watched a movie in Valen''s house.'''' Leena started.

    ''''I am listening. What happened after?'''' He whispered and continued rubbing her head. Like a child, he was tending to her attentively.

    ''''The movie''s main lead loved a girl dearly since childhood, but he got into an ident and lost his memories. He forgot everything, including his childhood love, and after recovering, he begins a new life. Yearster, he stumbles upon a bright and cheerful girl, and slowly, he falls in love with her. Even the girl couldn''t resist his kind, sweet nature, and the girl falls for him hard. When everything was going smoothly in their life, he wille across his past love, and slowly, his memories even start toe back. His past love wants to reunite with him. Now, he is torn between the present and past...'''' Leena held back, for she couldn''t continue the story further. Her tears rolled down from her eyes to her cheeks when her future dreaded in front of her just like the made-up story.

    ''''Then what happened next?'''' Devin gently lifted her head and wiped her tears away with his thumb. Has she turned into a crybaby for a mere movie?

    ''''I_I was scared to continue the movie.'''' She struggled to talk through a hup. ''''I don''t want the main lead to end up with his past love.''''

    ''''You have be emotional over a movie?'''' Devin chuckled softly as he pulled her closer, his hands gently caressing her back. He now wished Leena would watch only those toddler cartoons.

    ''''I got connected with the characters,'''' Leena replied in a whisper. Devin might not have an idea, but the lead character she was talking about is him. Maybe if hees across his past love, her story would make sense to him.

    ''''Artist''s job is to make the audience cry, sweetheart.''''

    ''''But isn''t it wrong? What if that lead goes back to his past love? What about the girl? Won''t she get hurt? She equally loves that man.'''' Leena asked, impatiently waiting for Devin''s answer because their future lies in his reply. Although he doesn''t know it''s his story, his opinions matter here.

    ''''In my view, the movie is bullshit,'''' Devin added. ''''If that lead had really loved the first girl, he wouldn''t have fallen for the second one.''''

    Devin''s words hit the chords of her strongly. His words made sense. For a second, Leena looked at him in bewilderment.

    ''''It''s not his mistake, right? He doesn''t have memories. How will he know that he had loved a girl in the past?''''

    Devin held Leena''s back and inclined forward that made her body push onto the bed. Maintaining eye contact with her, he smiled and said. ''''Why are you so intrigued by this story?''''

    ''''Didn''t I tell you, I got connected to the story. What do you feel about that lead?''''

    "With or without memories, the heart will beat only for one person hard. That lead is a pathetic soul.'''' Before Leena could speak further, Devin ced a finger on her lips. ''''Don''t think about it anymore. Go to sleep.''''

    ''''Okay,'''' Leena didnot argue with him anymore. For a moment, her face lit up when Devin was scolding himself. Closing her eyes, Leena analyzed all possible ways that could have triggered his memory loss.

    Devin had no ident. None of his family members has an idea about Devin''s messed-up memories. This stupid fellow has secretly kept everything to himself that even his friends don''t know that he loved someone. How much love he had towards that girl to devote himself to her for years? Leena was jealous, mad that some other girl has made him happier, but it''s all in the past.

    Call her selfish, but she wants Devin to herself. Had Leena known about Devin''s past love before, would she have still fallen for him? She would close her eyes and say yes. Who wouldn''t fall for this idiot? Losing a rare gem is the biggest loss. Devin is that rarest gem. I will not let that woman enter into his life at any cost. She made a firm decision.

    Valen had caught Devin seeing a girl''s picture. May be if he had her pictures in his mobile also,I can get past that girls photo. Without nting a doubt on him, I have to carry this n.

    Snuggling closer to Devin, Leena put her right leg on his waist. Unbuttoning his shirt buttons slowly, she drew orbitals on his chest. ''''I like your fashion sense, Devin.''''

    ''''Don''t forget that I am a model and way senior to you.'''' He kissed her hair, a relief flooded in his heart to see Leena back to herself.

    ''''Go and change your shirt. You are in formals today.''''

    ''''I will go a littleter.'''' He doesn''t want to part away from Leena. Hervender scent was triggering his spirits, and he wants to get buried deep inside her, but Leena has spent her energy crying. Absurd movie and Dumb-witted lead, and this crazy idiot have connected to those brainless characters. It seems I have to take care of my business in the bathroom for today to cool his member down. While he was in thoughts, Leena called him.

    ''''Devin,'''' Leena called him.

    ''''Tell me, sweetheart,'''' He asked sweetly.

    ''''I want you,'''' Leena whispered. Just like Devin, even she couldn''t resist him. He had buried himself deep inside her that she is feeling hollow when he was not with her. Leena''s hand moved down, and not before her fingers reached to unzip his pant, Devin flipped her on the back like a shot.

    ''''Desperately, I want you even.'''' His hands snaked inside her dress and squeezed her breast gently, earning a gasp from her. Their clothes discarded and their naked bodies explored each other.

    Soon, the steadfast headboard rocked along with his powerful moves, and the silent house turned into a battleground with moans and groans.

 Chapter 257 - Cacti+CactU

    When the day was glowing radiant, Leena ckly opened her eyes with a sore body and ached jaw. For the entire night until dawn, that mighty dragon was either inside her mouth or deep insider her. ''''He is a beast in the bed, but I like that side of him.''''

    Leena raised her head, and to her surprise, Devin was also in a deep sleep, his arms wrapped around her back protectively. Slowly, she released herself from his tight grip and lifted the nket. Like a poet, Devin has written poetry all over her skin with his lips, covering her naked body with bite marks. It was enough to know how wild their lovemaking wentst night. ''''If I am fully naked, then Devin....'''' With a tenuous smile, Leena went into the nket to take a peek, but all she saw was darkness. ''''Argh!'''' She frustratingly cursed and lifted the nket without causing any disturbance to his sleep. It was the first time she has seen his dragon in a normal state without pointing up, ''''I love it when I am the reason for your erection,'''' Leena spoke in a low voice, slowly tracing her fingers over his lips, and just then, a hand caught it. Her eyes went wide in surprise.

    ''''I love it when I am the reason for your orgasm,'''' Devin whispered back and rolled upon Leena. His hoarse voice tinged her senses, reminding her of his wild groans at night. Just when he copied Leena''s actions, Leena bit his finger impishly.

    ''''Do you know the end of your consequences?'''' He muttered, trailing kisses at the soft spot of her nape. A smile spread on his lips when he saw the love of his marks imprinted on her body. ''''Battery desperately needs charging.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' Leena suppressed a smile when she could feel his hardness poking her stomach already. To further provoke him, Leena grabbed his finger and moved in and out of her mouth, earning a deep groan from his throat. ''''How are you going to charge it?''''

    Her actions aroused him. Impatiently, He reached for something on the bedside table, and in a moment, he thrust into her deep inside. ''''By inserting my charger into your charging socket.''''

    The morning ritual started.

    .....

    Devin continued his ventures till Leena was hungry. Having her breakfast and nothing to do, Leena slept for the entire afternoon to replenish her energy. She felt a little sore, but it was negligible. Devin brought in the best chefs and made sure Leena ate well. Maybe, one of the reasons she was able to endure his stamina. Since Devin promised her to take fora long drive, Leena got up and went to look for him where he was sitting in the living room with aptop.

    ''''It must be hard to drive twopanies. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for us.'''' A smile worked across her face. Twinkling her eyes, Leena walked in, thinking to wear a long dress for the drive, but the moment she opened the wardrobe, a beautifulvender floral mini skirt with a matching puff sleeve sweatshirt came into her sight.

    Her happiness knew no bounds. ''''Love you, Devin!'''' Holding the dress to her chest, she squealed, looking at herself in the mirror. ''''This is so cute.But why did he prepared such a short skirt? He was sulking like a child when I got short dresses for the trip.'''' In her sheer delight, she let the matter aside and got into the bathroom to get ready.

    Devin had finished two meetings, yet Leena didnot arrive. He threw theptop and strolled into the bedroom. ''''Leena! Open the door.'''' Kicking the bathroom door, his tone raised a scale as he spoke. ''''It''s been two hours since you went into the bathroom. How long are you going to take a shower?''''

    ''''Five more minutes.'''' He heard her scream from the bathroom.

    ''''You better stick to your words, or I will have to open the door_.''''

    ''''No!'''' Leena screamed without letting him finish his words. If he enters the bathroom, she has to forget the long drive. ''''I wille back within three minutes.''''

    ''''At least, I got the upper hand in this matter.'''' He grumbled and walked out.

    True to her words, Leena stepped out of the bathroom in time. She quickly finished her skincare routine and dashed out before Devines back and starts his nagging. As she watched Devin engrossed in talking, Leena tip-toed towards him and hugged his back tightly from behind.

    ''''Is it my Bathroombrother? Ask him how many times he boarded potty train today.'''' Leena cocked an ear, hoping to hear a yell or scream.

    A small chuckle escaped from his lips before he could suppress it. Instead of being a mediator, Devin switched on to the loudspeaker to have a direct conversation and led Leena to the couch.

    ''''Did I piss you off, brother?'''' Leena asked again.

    Gritting his teeth, Wilbur calmly said. ''''Forgot to tell you, Vincy. Savny wants to see you. Anyway, Maine is an hour journey. I wille there_.''''

    ''''Along with Savnny, bring your wife also. I have got a juicy matter of yours to share.'''' Leena brought their old memory.

    ''''I have met many pricks in my life, but you are the Cactus of my life. No, you are not a Cactus. Deadly cacti.''''

    ''''Rx, brother. Even if I am a Cacti, I will endure all the pain to hug you.'''' Leena shamelessly said.

    ''''I wonder how you are enduring this brat, Vincy.'''' Wilbur keened in annoyance.

    ''''If she is a CactI, I am cactU. We together form a Cactus. Problem solved.'''' Devin replied and looked at Leena only to see her dumbfounded expressions. She must be thinking that I have turned into crazy like her.

    Wilbur: '''' ''''

    ''''Ah! Devin. How did youe up with such a cute catchword.'''' Leena kissed his cheek. ''''You are the msses to my banana smoothie, my sweet little Cutie pie.''''

    Devin: '''' ''''

    ''Hahaha. It''s your turn to get dumbfounded, brother-inw..'''' Wilbur grinned and ended the call in high spirits.

 Chapter 258 - Devin: The Poet

    Coming out of the daze, Devin grabbed Leena''s hand and led her out of the house. As Leena walked towards the car, she was astounded to see her favorite car standing on the porch. ''''Pagani Huayra Roadster B.C.'''' She loved this sleek sports car for its fabled style. When Devin asked about her favorite car, Leena thought he was asking it casually. Who would have thought he would bring it in front of her today. ''''My eyes.'''' Leena hugged Devin tightly. ''''It''s so beautiful, Devin. Is it my wedding gift?''''

    ''''Of course, no, Sweetheart. Am I that poor in your eyes?'''' A car as a wedding gift? Leena has to say a word, and he is ready to give her his everything.

    ''''Ah! I forgot that my husband is rolling in money. Then what are you going to gift me?'''' She asked, hoping that Devin would gift shares of her favorite clothing brands.

    ''''That''s a secret for now.'''' He kissed her forehead and held the car key in front of her. ''''Do you want to drive?''''

    ''''''No. Valen told you were a stock car racer, but I haven''t seen you racing. Can you do it today?'''' Is there anything this idiot didnot master?

    ''''You can evenmand me, sweetheart.'''' Racing was a hobby, and Devin never considered it gravely. But today, he will have to be one. With a smile, he opened the car door for her. As if Leena forgot something, she dashed into the house. ''''Wait a minute. I will be back in a second.''''In a minute, she came back with baggage.

    "What is that?'''' He grasped it from her hands and put it in the back seat.

    ''''Food and clothes.'''''' Leena said and stepped into the car. Goosebumps sprawled across her, watching the interior of the car.

    ''''Why did you pack clothes? We areing back tonight.'''' Devin said, stepping into the car.

    ''''Because I don''t trust you,'''' Leena added nonchntly.

    Devin didnot speak a word, for he understood her words. While Leena was cautious, Devin was one step ahead of her. He took her wary as a green signal and checked the car space and his legs for onest time. ''''Manageable.'''' With a satisfied smile, he started the engine.

    It was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed merry weather, a perfect romantic ride to get lost together with Devin. Leena wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed his temples. With one hand, he pulled her close, while the other hand controlled the steering. His eyes asionally wander to check on Leena.

    The way Devin was driving, and the way he was handling the car, Leena felt like he was looking like a man from hell who is not afraid of hot ashes. ''''Why is it so hot here?'''' Leena muttered under her breath. She looked out of the window to divert her attention. Breathing the fresh air, she began listening to the songs.

    A whileter, Leena grabbed the food box she packed and fed grapes to Devin. Pouring a mouthful of grapes into her mouth, she spoke up. ''''I have a serious question, Devin.'''' Her mouth expanded like a balloon filled with grapes.

    When Devin''s eyes darted to her inted cheeks for a split second, memories of Leena moving in and out of something shed. Swallowing hard, he turned to the road to focus on driving. ''What do you want to ask?'''' He asked, his voice hoarse and raspy.

    ''''Why are we not kissing? This supposed to be a romantic drive, right?'''' She googled in the search engine, and in every article, a kiss was mandatory. Since Devin is a hot-hot romantic, she expected a lot of hot kisses.

    ''''Any man who can drive safely while kissing a girl is not giving the attention the kiss deserves.'''' He turned to her and winked.

    Leena: '''' ''''

    ''''Do you know the meaning of your name?''''

    ''''Meaning? I haven''t given a thought to it, darling.'''' He added.

    ''''I have given a thought,'''' Leena added. ''''Devin means ''Poet'' in Irish, and the title well deserves to you,'''' His poetic confessions always y at the back of her mind.

    ''''I wil take it as apliment, then.'''' He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles lovingly, feeling giddy with her praises. The car screeched to a halt at a specific ce. He got out and opened the car door for Leena.

    ''''This is the best view to watch the sunset.'''' He lifted her, put her on the car bonker, and jumped next to hers. Leena is very fond of sunrises and sunsets, and to make time for the things that make her happy is his priority. They stayed for hours watching the beauty of the ce.

    ''''Thanks for everything.'''' She pushed herself towards him to hold his arm.

    ''''Silly girl. Do you need to thank your husband also?''''

    Sunsets are lovely when you see them on your own, but they''re even more special when you have someone you love by your side to take in the breathtaking sight with. The sky transitions into a cotton candy pink color, and the re of the golden hour, Leena wished time would stop for a while. ''''It''s beautiful, right?''''

    ''''Indeed. Lovely.'''' All the time, Devin''s eyes were on Leena alone. He turned her around and looked straight into her eyes. ''''I forgot to tell you. You look very beautiful in this dress.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' With a sheepish smile, she buried her face on his chest. His praise would always make her feel shy, like a teenager.

    ''''Are you feeling shy?'''' Devin chuckled and lifted her face. Indeed, Leena''s face has turned a shade of pink. He leaned forward and kissed her slowly, enjoying the beauty of the sunset. Gradually, it led to desire. He jumped down and lifted Leena towards the backseat door and gingerlyid her on the seat without breaking the kiss. Her skirt was an added advantage that he deliberately selected for today, and it didnot take much time to discard it. Leena pulled back from the kiss, panting when she remembered the car was still open. ''''Close the roof.'''' She whispered, working on unbuttoning his shirt buttons.

    ''''No one will see you expect me.'''' None could trespass this ce, but still, he pressed the switch, and behind the closed car doors, his crafty hands and skillful mouth inscribed the love notes on her skin, making her scream in pleasure. As the tip of his hardness was close to her wet entrance, Devin leaned forward,'''' You want it?'''' He asked, rtively in a teasing way.

    ''''After teasing me, you are asking such a stupid question. Put it inside, idiot.'''' Biting her bottom lip, Leena yelled in a whisper.

    Rubbing his hardness up and down her cave, Devin gently circled the are with his fingertips without touching her buds. ''''Not until you answer my question.''''

    ''''W_hat question?'''' Leena tried to raise her body, but Devin held it in the ce. Although the car was not convenient like in the bedroom, Devin was wielding it skillfully without hurting her.

    ''''''Who was your first kiss.'''' He slid his hardness along her entrance and withdrew it in a split second.

    ''''Devin!!! You bastard. I_I willin to my Francy that you are bullying me.'''' Leena gasped with the sudden emptiness of his length. She can''t believe he is torturing during such a momentous time.

    "You can curse andin to himter, Sweetheart. Tell me who is your first kiss.'''' He demanded, slicing an inch into her and then stopped further thrusting. He was dripping in sweat and was desperate to bury deep inside her, but he wants to know that bastard''s name, which he frantically asked her, and she casually avoided it before. But not today. ''''Who is he? My sweet Leena?''''

    ''''M_y savior.'''' Leena gave in. She heaved her breath when he slid in further. ''''T_he man who saved me in the ident.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' The corner of his lips leveled into a devilish smirk as he mmed his entire length inside her, giving it to her this time. He pushed his hands around her butt and squeezed them tightly around his hardness. Pumping into her voraciously, he made her squirm in pleasure. He has been trying to find that person from the time Leena told about her ident, but that man has disappeared like a speck of dust.. Now he is desperate to find after knowing the truth of her first kiss.

 Chapter 259 - Monster Lurking In The Shadows

    The drive to the home was eerily silent. Devin turned on the music to ease the atmosphere, but in the next second, Leena turned it off. Laughing to himself, he focused on driving. Not every time, he gets the chance to see Leena''s angry bird face. Atst, he seeded in his mission. Upon reaching home, Leena shot out of the car before Devines to open the door.

    Wordlessly, Devin also stepped out of the car and followed her behind. ''''I am sorry, Leena.'''' Devin apologized, but it was no use. Leena stomped into the bathroom and shut the door not before throwing a deathly re at him.

    ''''Let me see if you keep your stance if I get your favorite drink.'''' He strolled out of the room, thinking of a way to suppress her anger.

    While in the bathroom, Leena deliberately extended her time to annoy Devin, but that beast didnot even knock on the door. Frustratingly, she stomped out of the bathroom, but to her surprise, Devin was not in the room. ''''He is not even coaxing after his shameful act.''''

    Leena walked to the bed to get her beauty sleep, at least today, but something on the bedside table caught her attention. A sad-faced emoji ball with a frowning mouth and disappointed eyes conveying a sense of sorrow. Along with it, there was a note and a ss of banana smoothie on the table. Leena looked around to see if Devin was watching her. When there was no trace of him, with a smile, she picked the note. [I am truly sorry for my incessant behavior earlier and know that you still love me a lot, please take me back into your life]

    Although the note was drawing a curve on her lips, she was seriously looking into the handwriting. ''''This writing feels familiar. Where did I see it?'''' Leena raked her brain, and she got nothing in the end. Even when theymunicated through sticky notes during their fight, Leena felt familiar, but she brushed that thought off. When she was pondering over it, she felt a pair of hands encircling her stomach. "I told not to take hair wash during nights. Will you ever heed to my words?'''' Devin chided and led her to the chair. Handing her a banana smoothie, he went inside the room and returned with a dryer.

    ''''Backstabber, stool pigeon, double-crosser.'''' Leena cursed loudly as Devin dried her hair. ''''Shameless idiot. How could you bring that matter when we were...'''' Leena pressed her lips edgily and cursed at herself when she couldn''t think of anything except desire at that moment.

    ''''If you had told about that bastard when I politely asked_''''

    ''''Don''t call him a bastard.'''' Devin received a sharp rebuke from Leena. ''''He is my angel.''''

    ''''You are worshipping some other man in front of your husband?'''' Devin felt a sharp pang of jealousy hearing Leena''s words. He should be grateful to that man for saving Leena, but he would throw all the logic out of the window when ites to her.

    "I don''t even remember that man, Devin. Forget about the kiss.'''' Leena cried in exasperation and turned to Devin, throwing the dryer away from his hands. ''''Can we stop arguing about it?''''

    ''''Why? Are you embarrassed? Anyway, I can''t believe you kissed a man when you were not even in a proper conscious state.'''' Like a nagging wife, he grumbled. ''''Unlike you, I didnot go and kiss a random woman.''''

    Awkwardly, Leena scratched her forehead with her forefinger. Did I make a mistake kissing that stranger or talking about my first kiss with Devin? But one thing was sure. Devin got a topic to taunt, and until Leena feels guilty, he would mock her. It''s time to rattle him.

    ''''I am sleepy, Devin'''' Leena raised her arms in front of him to distract him.

    ''''You will have ways to divert the topic always.'''' Devin lifted and carried her to the bed.

    ''''Because I know your weakness.'''' She cheekily added and snuggled closer to him. ''''What time are we starting tomorrow?''''

    ''''Late in the afternoon,'''' Devin said. Due to urgent work at the office, he has to cut short the trip. He wanted to spend the whole ten days with Leena alone, but she force told him that the work is equally important, and he has to agree to it unwillingly.

    "Sweetheart, are you sleeping?'''' Devin slowly grazed her arms, and not before his hand reached inside her dress, Leena swatted it away.

    ''''I know your tricks��no more for today. I am tired.'''' A while ago, they did it in the car, and this deviant is ready for it again? Eating and love-making are the two duties she has been doing for the past five days perfectly. At some point in time, Leena stopped counting the number of times.

    ''''Am I tiring you a lot?'''' Devin asked as he pulled the nket up to her chin.

    ''''No, babylicious.'''' Leena pecked on his soft lips and pulled his ear to whisper. ''''If you could read my mind, I am pretty sure you know it already.''''

    ''''Don''t tempt me, Lenea.'''' Devin pulled himself away from her when he was getting hard on already. It''s better to stay away from this drug for today. With high self-control, he has to sleep for the whole night.

    .....

    The next day, Leena put on her drama act of cry when they reached Maine''s borders. ''''Hope to see you again.'''' She waved goodbye wiping her tears.

    ''''Attention Queen.'''' Devin muttered, shaking his head.

    Devin dropped her at home and started to the office. While driving to the office, he made a quick call to Nick. ''''Did you find anyone suspicious when Leena was in the amusement park ?'''' He got a strange feeling that someone was watching over her, but it''s hard to pinpoint a suspect in the tightly packed crowd.

    ''''Just let it go, Devin. You are overreacting. We are closely monitoring Leena, and nothing is going to happen.'''' Nick added. He is already frustrated that Leena hase back, and to his further annoyance, Devin talked about her as soon as he called.

    ''''Fine.'''' Hearing Nick''s words, even Devin felt he is overreacting a little. But true to Devin''s intuition, Leena was in someone''s observation range even with the tight security Devin had ced for her. He was counting the time when that man would appear in front of him. Little did Devin know, he is soon going to appear back into his life to create havoc.

    ....

    In the dappled light, an enormous space arrayed with equipment where group of people carrying the experiments diligently.

    Outside the ss doors, a group of men stood in fear, wiping the dripping sweat from their foreheads as they waited for their boss.

    ''''It''s been a month sir is not responding to our calls.'''' One of the men said. ''''Do you think he will meet us this time?"

    ''''Jonathon got a hand of our secrets, and he is currently hiding away from us.'''' Another man replied. ''''Before he informs the FBI, we must let sir know_.''''

    Just then, they heard a man''s loud scream to the point where the voice even prated through the ss doors. Swallowing hard, they gazed at the ss door to catch a glimpse of the sinister act happening inside the closed doors, for they knew it would be another head falling tonight.

    Shrouded by mist, the silhouette of a man''s back twirling dagger with his right hand effortlessly sliced it into a skinny man''s abdomen. Blood sttered across the floor.

    A gasp escaped from outside as they watched thenky many on the floor, dead through the haze. ''''J_onathon!" The men screamed in horror.

    As the mist wholly disappeared, the man turned around, his lips curved into a devilish smile as he gazed at the floor.. Handsome from the depth of the soul, Eyes as ck as inky pools, face soaked with fresh blood, he was the epitome of a monster lurking in the shadows.

 Chapter 260 - Deadly Nightshade

    Enger Cassius Lennox!

    Monsters don''t lurk in the shadows. They hide in in sight, and Enger Cassius Lennox was nothing less than that. He can''t be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. The man can keep the heads of the world awake at night, only to watch it burn. If people adapt to darkness when they are born, Enger was born into darkness.

    The ss door opened, with each decisive step he descended, his sinister power echoed in his footsteps.

    The men downstairs held their breaths with a bundle of nerves with each approaching footstep of the ruthless monster. For a week, they have been hunting the entire city for Jonathon, but not even in their dreams did they think Jonathon would be dead today, and the ripples he was about to cause have also died along with him. But there was one question running on their minds. How did Enger manage to abduct Jonathon? Little did they know, hiswork always runs on a 24/7 basis. He is a man in sheep''s clothing, only those who had experience with him will see the monster in him.

    ''''What''s so urgent you wanted to talk with me?'''' A grave sneer overcast the sinister gravity on his face. Just like him, his voice was smoky, attractive in a mysterious way. ''''Is it about Jonathon?''''

    ''''S_ir.'''' One of the men stuttered as he spoke. ''''We didnot foresee Jonathon was prying on ourpany_''''

    "''I don''t want this issue to get repeated.'''' Enger cut them off in the mid-sentence. ''''You very well know how my strategies work, right?''''

    ''''Y_es, sir.'''' The three men replied in unison, gripping their lives at the edge of the zenith, for they knew it would be their heads rolling off on the ground just like Jonathon if they were not careful next Time.

    ''''Dismiss.'''' Without sparing them a nce, Enger strolled inside the room.

    As if a huge burden has been lifted from their shoulders, the three men walked out of ce with a sigh of relief.

    He was no less than the hottest human being sitting inside the ss doors. His concentration all of a sudden paused when the door was pushed open. Without looking back, Enger chuckled as he spoke. ''''Been a long time, right Nash?''''

    ''''Of course. You have turned more handsome." Nash strolled towards Enger while his sight fell on the dead man lying on the floor. He shook his head at his friend''s vicious nature. He is the most mysterious person unknown to the world, with an exception tag of a ruthless destroyer and hides it effortlessly.

    ''''Is it? I should be honored to get praise from my friend.'''' Enger chuckled again. ''''Thanks for seizing Jonathon at the earliest.'''' Be it professional or personal, there is only one person Enger blindly trusts, his friend Nash. Decisive and efficient, Nash is his right-hand man.

    "You saved my life, Enger. It''s nothing in front of the help you did in the past. I am always at your service.'''' Nash said, with a smile on his face. ''''Alright, it''s been ten days since I have abducted that woman. Do you want to see her?''''

    ''''Ah! Regina Herera! The one who tried to hurt my beloved.'''' Enger''s demeanor entirely changed at the mention of Regina. He was trying to finish his work as soon as possible to concentrate on his beloved Leena, but now that Nash mentioned it, his hands are itching to teach that shrewd woman a lesson. ''''Time for some action. Let''s go.''''

    Engen and Nash headed out, drove to a sequesteredke, then rowed in the boat until they got sight of a dense forest. As they walked inside the thick groves, a house was nestled between two trees, more likely to say it looked like a haunted house. No one even knows such kind of ce exists except for Enger and Nash.

    The moment Enger flicked on the light, his eyes immediately shifted to the woman. Eyes closed, with head slightly tilted, resting against the pole, while her hands tied to the back of it, and with a tape gagged to her mouth, Regina looked as if she had aged ten years older than she was.

    ''''Pathetic woman,'''' Enger muttered as he strolled towards her, and without any mercy, he kicked right into her stomach. Regina jolted awake with a start and gasped for air as the intense pain spread throughout her body. She clutched her stomach and coughed a mouthful of the food she ate in the afternoon with the powerful hit she experienced. ''''W_ho are you?''''

    It''s been ten days since she is away from her parents. She was every day hoping her dad woulde and rescue her, but it never happened.

    Death would be a better choice; that''s what Regina felt. A man woulde to give her food every day, and right after she eats, he would brutally kick her stomach until she pukes. She better hoped they didnot feed. Her days in the mental asylum wereparatively better. Regina looked at the man with her hazy eyes. ''''W_ho are you?'''' She neither had seen him before nor offended him.

    ''''I hate being questioned,'''' Enger sighed and squatted in front of Regina. Looking at the woman trembling at the mere sight of his eyes, his lips curved into a smile. What a pity! Did this weakling really try to poison my Leena? He knew Regina would be no good after she got released from the mental asylum. So he had Nash follow her secretly, and true to his intuition, Regina hasn''t changed. She and her minion has contacted an illicit drug trader and brought a powerful drug that can kill a person. Enger has asked Nash to execute Victor on the spot. He could have less cared if Regina infects the drug on Devin. At least, with that bastard not around, Leena would be his effortlessly.

    ''''W_hy did you abduct me?'''' Regina asked with quivering lips. His face and actions were pure contradictories. He looked more sinister than the psychos she has seen in the movies.

    ''''Because I was bored. I do crap things when I am bored, and right now, I opted for serial killing.'''' Grinning wildly with an evilugh, Enger leaned forward and patted her cheeks. ''''Do you think my face looks like a serial killer?''''

    Regina''s tears rolled down the cheeks as she shook her head. ''''I_I don''t know.'''' She wanted to scream, yes, you look like one but frightened to the core.

    "What do you mean by you don''t know?'''' Tilting his head, Enger posed like a psychopath to scare Regina shitless.

    ''''I_I_''''

    ''''You think my face looks like a psycho?'''' Enger asked with interest. " Tell me?"

    ''''I_I_ I didnot mean that,'''' Regina replied promptly. She got scared the man would kill her this instant if her answer offends him. ''''Can you please release me. I am scared_''''

    Enger broke into augh and pped his knee. ''''I scared you...I sacred you... I scared you.'''' Enger began humming the song as he looked at his friend. ''''Nash, did you see that? I scared her.''''

    Regina: '''' ''''

    Just who is this man? Does he have a fetish for murder and death? Who opts for serial killing out of boredom?

    ''''Enough Enger.'''' With a sigh, Nash dragged his friend out of the room forcefully. ''''Stop with your childish acts, Enger Cassius Lennox.'''' Nash chided him starting the car. ''''You behaved like a real psycho today.''''

    ''''I like psychotic things,'''' Enger replied with a malicious glint.

    Ignoring his friend''s remarks, Nash asked. ''''What will we do with her?''''

    ''''Inject this poison and send her home,'''' Enger turned severe as he handed a vial bottle to Nash.

    ''''It''s not a good idea to send her home. What if she_''''

    ''''The poison is no ordinary. Atropa Bedonna, called as deadly nightshade. It can cause paralysis to various body systems if consumed.'''' Enger stated as a matter of fact.

    Nash gulped and nodded his head without objection. When ites to that woman, his friend can go to any extent.

    ''''A_lright, I will do it,'''' Nash said. ''''Where do you want me to drop? Back to theb?''''

    ''''Home,'''' Enger stated. ''''It''s been a month I haven''t seen my wife. She must be missing me..'''' His voice had a sarcasm as he spoke about his wife.

 Chapter 261 - War

    While driving home, Nash suddenly remembered he forgot to talk about something important with Enger ''''Kurt is in New York.''''

    ''''So?'''' Enger asked, raising his brow.

    ''''His purpose is to catch a Hacker, but I think he didnot disclose the actual purpose of getting transferred to New York. My wild guess, he is after us. A new resident has joined nexttoLandon''s house. Although nothing strange has happened with the Cross hospital CEO,I feel trouble brewing. It''s not a mere coincidence, Enger. If a small clue slips into Kurt''s hand, he will pull out all the strings. We were lucky to get the hands-on Jonathon before he reached the FBI.''''

    "He wouldn''t know. But for safer side, ask Landon and Mason to be a little careful.'''' Enger thought for a while and then added. ''''Also ask them to run a campaign around the city. Conduct a free health check-up on behalf of Cross hospitals. Even if Kurt tries to throw dirt to pull some strings, he will have to bite his shoe.''''

    ''''Good idea.'''' Nash nodded.

    ....

    It was dark in the night when the car reached the entrance gates, and the mansion was brightly lit up. Enger and Nash stepped down the car and strolled into the house. Heavily guarded, not a single soul can trespass into this ce quickly, and Enger made sure of that. ''''I am going into Winter''s room. Ask aunt Mna to bring dinner to her bedroom.''''

    ''''Fine.'''' Nash nodded and straight away walked into the kitchen to inform.

    Enger opened the bedroom door and paused his footsteps as his gaze shifted to the woman lying on the bed. A bright, cheerful girl once has turned into a woman he can''t recognize now. Enger knew he is solely responsible, but he doesn''t have a choice.

    With a sigh, he walked towards the bed and gently caressed her cheeks. Winter shot open her eyes at the familiar touch. ''''Why are you here?'''' She spat out, swatting his hand away furiously.

    ''''I thought you were missing me,'''' Enger replied with a shrug.

    ''''Get out of my room.''''Winter turned her head, disgusted by his face. A lone teardrop fell descended from her temple and to the pillow. There is only hatred for this monster. Loving him was a mistake, and forcing him into a marriage was the biggest sin shemitted. If only she had listened to her cousin and didnot made that deal five years back, she would be flying free like a bird. Winter thought she could make Enger fall in love with him at least after marriage, but she was wrong. He has long given his heart to someone else. The irony was that a monster capable of falling in love. Enger didnot even take into ount that he has grown up with Winter since childhood. He has ruined her life. Escaping from this ce was long forbidden. Enger Cassius Lennox does what he wants until he gets what he wants. Winter has epted the truth that he would never reciprocate her feelings.

    ''''Are you chasing me_''''

    He ended his thoughts when a woman knocked on the door and entered the room with a food trolley. ''''Hello, Mr. Lennox.''''

    ''''How are you, aunt Mna?'''' Enger asked as he grabbed a spoonful of soup and put it close to Winter''s mouth. Without a word, Winter opened and gulped it. She doesn''t have a choice. She has spent her entire childhood with him, but still, she cannot understand his character fully.

    ''''I am good, Mr. Lennox.'''' Mna smiled, but internally, she cursed him with the ill-spoken words she learned on the inte. Monsters are not made. They are born. The definition is well suited for Enger Cassius Lennox. But Mna didnot dare to voices her thoughts. If she does, her head would be his breakfast for tomorrow.

    ''''Aunt Mna, are you scolding me again?'''' Enger asked, wiping the stain on Winter''s mouth with the tissue.

    "''I__I No. Mr. Lennox. I want to live peacefully.'''' Mna muttered, taking a guilty peek at him. ''How did this psycho know that I am scolding? Whatever! If not scolding, should I praise this bummer?''

    ''''Good that you know.''''

    Brushing off her evil thoughts to kill him, Mna arranged the emptied dishes onto the trolley. ''''Do you want any other thing, Mr. Lennox?'''' Mna asked before leaving.

    ''''A peace of mind,'''' Enger said.

    ''''Sure, Mr. Lennox. I will leave right away.'''' Mna hurried away in an instant. Who would like to spend time with you, psycho? She pitied Winter from the depth of her soul. Since Mna has been catering to Winter, her condition is getting worse day by day, although she has been feeding her well. God knows what happened to that child.

    As Mna walked out, Winter looked at Enger and spoke in a whisper. ''''Are you feeding me slow poison?'''' As healthy as she was, suddenly turning sick, Winter can only guess it is something to do with Enger.

    ''''What made you think that?'''' Enger chuckled with curiosity.

    ''''Even if I die, Leena will never be yours,'''' Winter said.

    ''''She is already mine, just that I need to bring her home.'''' He calmly replied. Enger was brewing with spite butposed himself. Although he tried to act nice towards this woman, she is waking up the monster in him, touching his bottom line. ''''Sleep tight.'''' Enger rubbed her head and walked out before heshes out on her.

    Winter looked at the retreating back with a smirk. Did he overlook whose hands Leena is in, or did he forget about the past events? He would chop him into pieces if hey a finger on her.

    Closing her eyes, Winter drifted off to sleep.

    ...

    Standing beside the door, Nash waited for Enger to arrive.

    ''What''s with Winter''s status.'''' Enger asked, closing the door. ''''What did the doctors tell?''''

    ''''She can survive hardly for a month,'''' Nash replied with a heavy heart.

    ''''Good.'''' Enger nodded. He has been waiting for the day.

    ''''It''s been three years you have been feeding her. Aren''t you concerned about her at least once? She has been with you since your childhood, and Winter''s father raised you.'''' Nash asked. It pained him to digest the news of her ill health. Winter is the only friend he has other than Enger. If he has to choose between Enger and Winter, he will close his eyes and say, Enger. He has given him a life. So, he didnot object to anything he asked for.

    ''''Everything is fair in love and war, Nash. Winter forced me into marriage because she loves me. I am forcing her to the cessation of life because I love Leena. There should be no traces of Winter by the time I meet Leena.'''' Enger sternly dered and walked into his bedroom.

    He opened the walk-in-closet and unlocked another door where the chamber was filled with graffiti. It''s his passion, and painting Leena on his walls has be a part of his life since childhood. The stoic face he put in front of everyone eased up. ''''How are you, Leena? I missed you.'''' With a smile, he touched the painting of a little girl he solely painted.

    Enger then opened the pictures that he got from Nash. His blood boiled to see her smiling at the person he loathed. The girl of his dreams was so close yet far away. When he thought he could reach her finally, he was tied up to Winter in the name of marriage, and before he got rid of this woman, Leena tied a knot with that bastard.

    "Wang Devin, even if it meant war, I will take my beloved away from you.. You cannot stop me.''''

 Chapter 262 - Juicy Butt

    Since Leena didnot have to go to the office today, she slept soundly until the evening. Only when she heard the door opening sound, she stirred from her sleep, but herzy body didnot permit her to get up. Devin already informed her that he woulde homete, and there is only one shameless person who knows her house password except for Leena and Devin. ''''Is she that eager to know about my honeymoon?'''' Leena grumbled.

    ''''Leena! How are you!'''' As usual with her high pitch voice, Reese screamed, stomping into the room.

    ''''Even thezy neighbors will brush their teeth and get dressed hearing your loud voice,'''' Leena muttered, getting up from the bed.

    "Woah. Your face is radiating like a brilliant twilight now,'''' Ignoring Leena''s remarks about her voice, Reese scanned Leena''s body until itnded on her slender neck. Reese gasped, ncing at the purple bite marks, which are yet to fade away. ''''Is my prince charming that great in bed?''''

    ''''Brother for you.'''' Hitting her shoulder with a pillow, Leena stomped into a walk-in-closet to wear a dress that could cover that beast''s bites.

    ''''I will rather die than call him my brother.'''''' Reese screamed to annoy Leena.

    ''''Get ready to die in my hands.'''' Wearing a dress that at least covered fifty percent of his nips, Leena walked out and settled in the bed.

    ''''Did you guys do it?'''' Reese asked in excitement.

    ''''Lost the count also.'''' Leena winked at Reese. Her face turned scarlet red when she recalled their first time.

    ''''Ah! Why I am so happy.'''' Reese giggled, pping her hands in excitement. ''''How was it? Did you enjoy it?'''' Except for reading novels and hearing from Jane about it, Reese has no hands-on experience in that matter. Now, Reese got another friend joined into the list, but she remained the same.

    Leena pulled Reese''s ear and whispered. ''''You should seriously try experiencing it.''''

    ''''You know that I only like him, right?'''' Reese pouted. She doesn''t want to have one-night stands with escorts when someone has upied her heart entirely.

    ''''Ah! How can I forget your first love?'''' Leena sighed, shaking her head. Brother and sister have set eyes on only one person as if there are no male species in this world. ''''Ummm.. Reese, can I ask you a question?''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''What if Andrew already likes someone close to you?'''' Leena probed.

    ''''Is that someone my brother?'''' Reese asked in a whisper.

    ''''You know it?'''' Leena''s head started spinning. Almost everybody seems to be aware of their love-hate rtionship except for her dumb husband.

    ''''I have seen them moving intimately once.'' Reese asionally goes to her brother''s condo to meets him, but it was an excuse so that she gets to see Andrew since he lives by the next door. Once, she visited him unannounced, and her heart shattered on that day when she saw Andrew and her brother in a bed fighting with each other intimately. From then onwards, she stopped going to that ce. ''''What do I do, Leena?'''' Reese slumped on the bed with a hopeless sigh.

    ''''Even I caught them in the bed redhanded once. But I am getting a hunch that Andrew is not into men.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' Reese''s hopes raised again. ''''But we are not sure.''''

    ''''To find out, he is into men, or women, we have to execute a mission,'''' Like a detective, Leena voiced her opinions and picked the mobile from the bedside table.

    ''''I don''t understand?'''' Reese keenly looked at Leena''s mobile to see what crazy Leena is up to, and to her surprise, she started messaging a number. Although Leena saved the contact with a weird name, the number will be at the back of her mind. Always!

    [Mowgli: Are you free tomorrow at 7 in the evening?]

    Not before Leena put her phone down, the screen blinked with an iing notification. ''''He is pretty fast,'''' Leena muttered, opening the message.

    [Jurassic: Not essible. I got a client. Why do you ask?]

    Leena quickly sent another message.

    [Mowgli: I want to have dinner with my brother]

    [Jurassic: If my Jurassic asks, I can even bring bananas from heaven. Text me the address. I will be there in time]

    [Mowgli: You brought glory to our bananas, brother. I will call you tomorrow evening. Bye.]

    While they were chatting, looking at the names they call each other, Reese scratched her forehead. Mowgli, Jurassic? What kind of weird nicknames they are calling each other.

    Leena put down her phone and looked at Reese with a triumphant smile. ''''He ising tomorrow.''''

    ''''But what are you going to do?'''' Reese still didnot understand Leena''s n.

    Leena exined her secret n to Reese on how she is going to aplish the mission tomorrow.

    ''''Do you think it will work out?'''' Reese''s face brimmed with happiness, hearing Leena''s n.

    ''''Trust me. Leena will not fail in her missions.'''' She winked.

    ''''Thank you, Leena.'''' Reese hugged her friend and talked with her for a while before going to her condo.

    In the meantime, Leena prepared dinner for Devin. By the time he arrived home, Devin was exhausted to the core due to hefty work at the office, and right after dinner, he hit the bed. ''''He looks like dead tired.'''' Leena copied Devin''s action, kissed his forehead like he always did, and slipped into the nkets. The moment she snuggled closer, his hand automatically wrapped around her waist despite he was in deep slumber already ''''He is super cute while sleeping also.'''' Leena yed with his hair without disturbing his rest and sailed the sleep boat after her tiredness.

    ...

    The following day Leena woke up, and to her surprise, Devin was not in bed. She checked for a note, and as expected, there was one at the bedside table. [I got urgent work at the office, sweetheart. Don''t skip your breakfast. I have made all your favorites, along with the banana smoothie. Along with ingredients, I added my love to it]

    ''''Hugs and kisses for my cutie pie.'''' Leena kissed the note and shot out of bed to get fresh. Dressed, she strolled into the kitchen to savor the breakfast Devin made.

    .....

    Twilight started, and Reese was pacing back and forth in Leena''s office room, biting her nails and asionally checking time. ''''Leena, can you start already. He might havee.''''

    ''''For God''s sake, he hasn''te yet! Can you stop bugging me, Reese? I am working.'''' Leena yelled, getting back to work

    But Reese''s pestering didnot stop. Cursing at her friend, Leena got up and left for the hotel. As she walked towards the reserved, Leena spotted Andrew at the table.

    "Andrew.'''' Leena greeted him with a cheerful smile.

    ''''After a long time.'''' Andrew shed a smile at her. ''''How are you?''''

    ''''Crazy and getting crazier,'''' Leena replied and settled in the chair.

    ''Right, normal is boring for you.'''' He muttered, and both chatted for a while before the dinner was served. While eating, Leena looked around frantically, and at a corner, she found a woman sitting along with a man. Start of n A: Test Andrew if he gets a reaction when he sees a woman.

    Without further ado, Leena jumped into the action by kicking Andrew''s leg under the table.

    ''''��ww. Why did you_.''''

    Leena silently signaled him to look at the woman, her eyes pointing in a specific direction.

    ''''Who is she?'''' Andrew briefly gazed at the woman and turned his attention to the food again.

    ''''No idea. But that woman looks sensuous,'''' Leena was keenly observing Andrew''s reactions not to miss any of his expression. ''''Stop eating and look at her, Andrew. She is leaving now.''''

    Andrew turned his attention to the woman for a second and retreated his gaze onto the food.''''I saw her. Now what?''''

    ''''Did you look at her sexy back? Her day must be as lovely as her bigger butt. Can you handle it if it is big, brother?

    Andrew choked a mouthful of food, hearing Leena''s blunt question. Did she really mean that?

    ''''Do you like them bigger or smaller?'''' Leena questioned him again when she didnot receive any response from him.

    Andrew: '''' ''''

    ''''Stop talking, and eat your food, idiot.'''' Andrew shoved a broli piece into Leena''s mouth when he knew only food could control her. What''s wrong with her today? Did she hit the wine bottle beforeing here?

    Done with n A without satisfactory results, Leena shifted to n B, and that is to see if Andrew is interested in men. Leena quickly looked around, and she found a scapegoat again. She kicked his feet under the table again and pointed her eyes towards a man sitting adjacent to them. ''''Look at him, Andrew.''''

    ''''What is it this time?'''' Andrew sighed and nced at the fatty. He is not able to understand what''s wrong with Leena today. Well, that is out of the question. Her behavior is never predictable at all.

    ''''He is sexy, right?''''

    ''''What?'''' How did that ugly fatty look sexy in her eyes. If Vincy had listened, his butt would be as ck as a frying pan. As if he remembered something, Andrew cursed at himself for thinking about butts.

    ''''Look at him, Andrew. His round butt is protruding even from the pressing seat. The man must have sat in sugar. That''s the reason he must have got a sweet and juicy butt.'''' Leena''s eyes twinkled as she looked at Andrew''s expressions. ''''Which one do you like? Big and round or t and square ones?''''

    Andrew threw the spoon on the te furiously. He had enough with butts today. ''''Why did you ask me toe here?''''

    ''''To have dinner with you,'''' Leena replied innocently.

    ''''Then why the hell are you talking about that butts? If you like that fatty''s juicy butt, go and squeeze them. Why are you torturing me?'''' Drew lost his temper and screamed at Leena without knowing the fatty man furiously looked at Andrew in his fury.

    Clenching his fists, Andrew apologized to the man and dragged Leena out of the hotel before that fattyes to his head. ''''I can''t believe you have described that fatty''s butt so poetically. Your husband would be thrilled to hear this. Let me call Vincy.''''

    Before Andrew could dial Devin''s number, Leena snatched it in fear. ''''I_I was joking, Andrew.'''' If Devines to know about it, he will chop her into pieces. She was trying to test Andrew but didnot think the n would backfire on her. ''''Please don''t tell him.''''

    Cooling Andrew''s temper, Leena bid goodbye, making sure that he would not slip his tongue. Not before Leena stepped out of the elevator, Reese came rushing towards her. ''''What happened? Is he_.''''

    ''''I need to make a deep analysis about him, Reese. Give me some time.'''' With a sigh, Leena keyed in the password and walked into the home, leaving Reese in puzzles. She wished Andrew would not tell about the butt story to Devin. She would be a dead meet today if it reaches his ears.

    A box was lying on the bed as Leena entered the bedroom. All of a sudden, Leena remembered her mom asked to order books rted to Cardio. To escape, Leena called Nick and went to meet her mom.

    The moment Leena walked inside the house, she saw Margaret sitting on the floor with a big bowl of popcorn on herp as she watched the Korean drama ''''Except watching dramas, are you doing any other work, Meemaw?''''

    ''''Eating,'''' Margaret replied without leaving her sight from the T.V.

    ''''Yeah, you do that in time.'''' Nodding her head, Leena looked around. ''''Where is mom, and my Francy?''''

    ''''Your mom went to Francis''s study room to check the books collections. As for your Francy, I didnot care to check on him.'''' Margaret pulled Nick to the floor for apany.

    ''''I will go and check on her.'''' Leena stepped upstairs before casting an evil grin at Nick.

    ''''Soon, I will turn insane,'''' Nick muttered.

    Leena held the box with one hand, and with the other, she pushed open the door of the study room. ''''Mom, I brought the books you asked_.''''

    Her thoughts halted in the middle when she looked at the sight in front of her.. Her mouth parted like an open fish, watching the beautiful picture of a man and woman in each other arms.

 Chapter 263 - His Secret

    A while ago.

    For two decades, Heather has no connection to the outside world, and though she felt strange all of a sudden aftering home, she was slowly adjusting to this lifestyle. Lying on her bed, Heather pouted and took a selfie on her new mobile and send it to Leena. She loved this kiss and click expression, or pout selfie, whatever the inte calls. Leena gifted a mobile when Heather got discharged from the hospital. It was her first time using a smartphone, and she loved the inanimate object. From then on, even while eating, Heather doesn''t put down her phone. Mobile is thest thing she sees at night and the first thing she woke up to every morning.

    While she was browsing on the inte, Margaret came into her room and reprimanded for overusing the mobile. Reluctantly, Heather put aside her mobile and went into Francis''s study room to read a book at least. The moment she entered, Heather''s mouth gaped at the sight of his book collections. She knew Francis is an avid reader but didnot expect to turn the room into a library. All the books were raked tidily on the bookshelf.

    At first, Heather checked the bottom selves within her hand reach. "History, philosophy, crimes, thriller....'''' Heather stopped listing. ''''Boring man. As expected, there is not a single love genre book in his collections.''''Heather is at cat''s-paw when ites to love and romance genre books. While studying medicine, she and Evelyn would binge-read and wakes up with panda eyes in the morning. By chance, Francis sees her, he would give a big ss for neglecting her health. She would attentively listen to his rantings and ignore them when he is out of sight.

    A smile lit on her face when the old memories surfed. Putting aside her thoughts,Heather dragged the chair towards the bookshelf and slowly climbed to check the top shelves, unaware of the upshot about to happen.

    ....

    Meanwhile, downstairs, Francis direly walked into the house and wordlessly strolled into his room. He rummaged his entire room for a project file, but nowhere his eyes spotted it. Furiously, he walked into the living room and shouted at Margaret. ''''Mom, where did you throw the file Ikept on the bedside table?'''' Except for his mom and Leena, no one enters his room.

    Margaret''s concentration was solely focused on the TV, and Francis''s words did not physically enter her ears. Feigning her ignorance, Francis forcefully grabbed the remote from her hands and turned off the TV.

    ''''Francis! Switch on the TV this instant.'''' Margaret screamed, ring at his son. It was almost the time the sparks floating between the lead pair and her son disturbed the sweet moments.

    ''''The file,'''' Francis asked, not heeding to her words. Romantic dramas? Does she ever act ording to her age?

    ''''Absent-minded fellow. Didn''t you workte at night sitting in your study room? Go and check there,'''' Margaret yelled, grabbing the remote from his hands.

    ''''I am not absent-minded. My head is quite busy,'''' He whined, climbing the stairs. The moment he pushed the study room door open, his eyes fell on the woman''s back, her slender hands reaching over the bookshelf. ''''Why do you strain yourself, Heather? You could have asked Caleb.'''' Francis walked towards her and picked the book from the self. When his hand slightly brushed past her, a surge of electricity passed on to his nerves at the sudden frail touch.

    Hearing the familiar voice from behind, Heather inclined her body to get down. But in her clumsiness, she lost momentum, and her leg slipped. She instantly pressed her eyes shut, letting her body take the hit, but not before that, a firm hand caught her forearm. In the next moment, she was pulled into his arms.

    Heather''s heart was wildly beating, and she will not be surprised if Francis caught her red-handed. If only she knew of Francis state. He was already lost, looking into her captivating eyes sparkling from inside out.

    But their moment short-lived when the sound of something falling on the floor drummed into their ears. Following the sight, Francis and Heather internally cursed themselves for getting caught by the person they least wanted to see. The person was none other than Leena!

    ''''Leena_I _we.'''' Heather started, but not a word came out of her mouth on how to exin this situation. Heather was scared that her daughter would misunderstand her.

    ''''I_I am sorry. Please continue. I didnot see anything.'''' Grinning from ear to ear, Leena picked the box from the floor and disappeared from the room like Usain Bolt.

    ''''Wait, Leena. It''s not what you think.'''' Heather struggled to release herself from Francis''s tight grip, but his grasp was so tight that she couldn''t overpower him. ''''Francis, you are still holding me,'''' Heather whispered.

    ''''I_I am sorry.'''' Francis distanced himself with an awkward stance.

    ''''I_I have urgent work at the office. I will leave.'''' Before Heather uttered a word, Francis whisked away.

    ''''What? Is he running away without clearing the misunderstanding? How do I face my daughter now?'''' Heather cried in frustration and left the room. She needs to cook up a story before she confronts Leena. Her daughter is worse than an FBI agent in pulling information, and careful dealing is a must.

    ....

    Francis wanted to go to the office and think appropriately before talking with Leena, but here he was, standing in front of Leena''s room. Taking a deep breath, Francis knocked, tapping his foot on the floor impatiently. The moment the door opened, Francis closed his eyes and started. ''''Whatever you saw in the room is not what you think. Heather slipped her leg, and I was scared she would get hurt. So, I caught her in time, and you happen to be open the door at the same time. So, you have misunderstood us.''''

    There was a moment of silence before Leena burst out intoughter hearing Francis''s exnation. ''''Why am I finding my Francy super cutesy today?''''

    ''''Leena, I am serious,'''' Francis stated stoically

    ''''Then you better seriously answer my question, Mr. Francis Hayes,'''' Leena questioned, locking the door before taking a peek at the outside to see if her mom was roaming on nearby premises. ''''Why are you so nice to my mom and me?'''' Leena knew her tone sounded like she was keeping Francis at arm''s length, and she could feel the instant pain in his eyes. Her heart troubled to see him hurt, but the time hase to take the matter into her hands and knock some sense into his wooden-headed brain.

    ''A lump formed on his throat when Leena''s chilly words reverberated in every corner of the room. ''''W_hat are you talking?''''

    ''''My mom''s father turned his back when she got into an ident, yet you have taken care of my mom when you don''t have any rtionship with her. Why?'''' Leena questioned again. She hoped he would at least open up his buried feelings.

    "Heather is my best friend. We grew up together.'''' Francis replied dryly. He is getting a hunch that Leena is up to no good today because he had never seen her speaking harshly to him.

    ''''Then what about me? I am a mere rtive, but you treat me like your family. Why didn''t you throw me into the orphanage when my mom got into an ident? I can understand you shouldering Wilbur''s responsibility because he is uncle Calvi''s son, your own brother. I am nobody to you. I should be living in rags, but I lived like a princess in the castle under your care. Why?'''' She screamed at him, her tone on the verge of breaking. ''''Leave all that aside. Why didn''t you marry when women literally threw at your feet.''''

    ''''I am afraid she would not take care of you_.''''

    ''''Liar! You are a big fat liar, Francy. You give the same excuse every time, but I am not listening to it today,'''' Leena cut him off, her harsh tone scared Francis to the wits. ''''You didnot marry because you loved someone and still love her.''''

    ''''No. I didnot love anyone.'''' Francis declined, his gaze moved in all the directions except Leena. How did she know about that I had feelings for someone?

    ''''If you didnot love anyone, why did you keep my mom''s pictures in your locker safely?'''' Leena calmly asked.

    Francis widened his eyes at the divine revtion. When did this brat see it? He has kept the locker safe, afraid that Leena would identally open because by chance she sees it, hacking it would be like a duck soap for her. Caught red-handed, Francis shut his mouth, for he doesn''t have any alibi to cover the truth. The question is, when did she found it?

    Leena gently held his quivering hand. ''''Don''t deny your feelings anymore, Francy. I long knew you loved my mom.''''

    The secret he has buried deep in his memory, atst, surged out.

 Chapter 264 - Shattered Heart

    Heather is his secret. His beautiful little secret. She took his heart away long before he knew, but he can''t call her own. There is never a day he doesn''t think of her and wishes she was by his side. When Leena brought the topic unexpectedly, Francis was afraid Leena would misunderstand, thinking he is treating her well only because he loves Heather. It is the very reason he denied his feelings earlier, but atst, Leena had noticed his feelings long back.

    ''''Leena, child, if you have misunderstood my intentions of taking care of you only because of your mom, push those thoughts aside.No word can describe how much you mean to me, nothing that could lessen my love for you, as you have it now and for all eternity. You are the answer to every time I looked up at the skies and asked for a miracle.'''' Francis gently said, taking Leena''s hand. Leena tightly grabbed his hand when he first took her into his arms. Even it was for a while, she had Francis''s heart forever.

    ''''I would never doubt your unconditional love towards me, Francy. If all the children get a father like you, their future will surely be perfect.'''' Leena nced up at him with a smile that assured him. No matter how much she loves Devin, Francis would always be her number one superhero in her eyes,

    ''''Now I can sleep peacefully,'''' Francis said with a sigh of relief. Little did he know, Leena is not done with him yet.

    ''''It''s alreadyte. Stay back tonight. I will inform Devin.'''' Just when Francis was about to dial Devin''s number, Leena cut him off.

    ''''Don''t call him. Francy. He will throw tantrums at you.'''' Devin has turned into a possessive wifetely, and like a kid, hepares with Francis in everything. ''''Let me message him first.'''' Leena unlocked her mobile and quickly texted him. ''''I have informed him to stay alone for today. But we both know the moment he sees the message, he will rush here.''''

    ''''Selfish, ungrateful brute. Is he starting a war with me? He should be thankful that I have given my precious princess.'''' Francis muttered. He is regretting not torturing Devin like a typical father-inw.

    ''''What did you say, Francy? I didnot hear properly.'''' Leena asked curiously.

    ''''Nothing,'''' Francis dismissed her thoughts. ''''Had your dinner?''''

    ''''Yeap. I met Andrew and had dinner with him,'''' Leena added. ''''If you are free, let''s go for a walk.''''

    ''''If Heather sees me, she will assume I have lied about _.''''

    ''''I never thought you are such a scared cat, Francy,'''' Leena yelled, startling him. ''''Meet me at the backside garden.'''' Having said that, Leena unlocked the door and stomped out of the room, leaving Francis in bafflement.

    ''''Trouble is brewing. Leena will definitely investigate me until she got all the information,'''' Francis muttered and reluctantly strolled out of the room.

    ....

    While waiting for Francis, Leena rxed, sitting on the garden bench, enjoying the night sky. Francis arrived, making sure that Heather didnot notice him and spoke up. "Someone wanted to take a walk in the garden?''''

    ''''Ignore that little bird, Francy.'''' Leena giggled, clearing the withered leaves that have fallen on the bench, and invited him to sit. ''''You know why I called you, right? Quickly spill the beans.''''

    ''''You already know about my feelings. What more you want to know?'''' Francis asked, settling on the bench.

    ''''My investigation only reached the tip of the iceberg.'''' Replied Leena with a mischievous smile. She asked her Meemaw about the past events, but she would only tell that her mom loved Max and married him. She tried to pry more details from her mouth, but Margaret is way smarter.

    "When did you both meet?'''' Probed Leena.

    ''''We know each other since we were kids.'''' Francis smiled, recalling their first fighting encounter over a backpack that his dad brought to him. Heather beat the shit out of him and snatched it from his hands.

    ''''Your grandmother and Heather''s mom were good friends. Unfortunately, your grandmother died due to ill health at a very young age. Your grandfather is always running political campaigns, and he rarely pays attention to Heather. So, she would spend almost her entire day in our home except when she goes to school. We have got very close to each other, but everything changed when she went to study Medicine. I got busy withpany affairs, and I hardly had time to meet her, and Heather distanced from me,'''' Francis exined. Although he doesn''t meet or see Heather, Francis kept an eye on her, taking care of the people trying to harm her. Shortly, he got information that Heather moved close to Max. To his surprise, then after, Heather rarely spoke to Francis and avoided him when he tried to initiate a conversation.

    ''''You have been close to mom for a long time, but why didn''t you confess your feelings to her once?'''' Leena asked in a whisper. If they both were close to each other, why did Mom allow Max into her life?

    ''''I didnot get the chance to confess my feelings,'''' Francis added bitterly. His thoughts went back to the past all of a sudden. Although he got information that Heather moved close to Max, he didnot see it with his eyes. That was a huge relief. After Heather graduated, she went to Germany to pursue higher studies. Positive or negative, Francis decided to confess his love for her. He was nning to go to Germany, but at the same time, Evelyn told him she ising to New York for Devin''s second year''s birthday.

    It happened in a luxurious fancy cruise ship. Those three days were the best moments in Francis''s life. Heather talked with him like the old times. On the night before they returned, Heather got drunk and started flirting with him. Getting one step ahead, she boldly kissed him. In that heated moment, Francis grabbed the wine bottle Heather was carrying and followed her moments. Soon after, everything went nk.

    Within a month, Heather''s father announced her marriage to Max. Francis confronted her if she was forced into this, but her reply shattered his heartpletely. ''No one has forced me.. It''s because I love him, I am marrying him.''

 Chapter 265 - Heacis

    Watching Francis zoning out of the thoughts, Leena patted his shoulder. ''''Francy?''''

    Leena''s slight hit brought Francis back to the current world. His gaze shifted to the surroundings at once, then to Leena again. ''''I am sorry. I got carried away for a while. Where were we?''''

    ''''You were telling mom distanced herself from you. Why? How did she get close to Max_.''''

    ''''Leena,'''' Francis stopped her. ''''It''s better if you don''t know some things. It''s all in the past.''''

    ''''I am sorry if you are hurt,'''' Leena whispered with a downcast face.

    ''''Silly child. I am not mad at you.'''' Francis chuckled, shaking his head. ''''Tell me when did you know about the locker?''''

    ''''When I was fourteen.'''' Leena sheepishly replied. ''''I was checking your room if I can get anything valuable, but then I found a small stamp size picture fallen close to the safe. I was curious to know why mom''s picture was in your room.''''

    ''''And you hacked into it?'''' Francis added to her.

    ''''Had I hacked, you will not be able to key in the same password, and I would be caught red-handed. I am not a dumb girl to do that.'''' Leena continued. ''''I know you are curious about the hands I yed, but I will not answer it,'''' Leena added. She has got tricks under her sleeves to find impossible to possible, which she keeps to herself.

    ''''Good! You have turned into a sly fox,'''' Francis proudly said. He has taught Leena to make more tracks than necessary, and some in the wrong direction. Before striking her, one has to think of her tricks at first.

    ''''Speaking of the fox, I have recently written a poem. Do you want to_?''''

    ''''Stop right there. I want to sleep peacefully today.'''' Francis shuddered at a certain memory. Once when Leena was young, she has written a poem on some hello poetry and red cow. She then forced him to send it to a newspaper channel, and Francis still regrets doing so.

    ''''Okay. I will tell it to Devin then.'''' Leena pouted, and the atmosphere turned silent for a while. ''''I want to see you happy again,'''' Leena whispered, looking into his eyes.

    ''''Am I not?'''' He questioned back. He constantly asks himself how his life would have turned out if Heather was by his side. He obviously knows the answer, but still, he does that because he can at least dwell on that fantasy for a while.

    ''''I want you and mom to get together_.''''

    ''''That''s never going to happen!'''' Francis rebuffed instantly. Not before he confessed his feelings, Heather gave a tight face p by admitting her feelings to some other man right in front of him. He doesn''t want to soar any heights and then gets drowned in depths of sorrows. He will spend with her memories alone in this life.

    "Why? If you are scared of confessing, I will help you both_''''

    ''''End of the discussion, Leena. I am going inside.'''' Francis left the room, signaling her to follow inside after a while.

    ''''Argh!'''' Leena frustratingly kicked her legs into the air in frustration. ''''Francy deserves all the happiness in the world. He has given up his life taking care of mom and me. The time hase to take care of him.''''

    "Ugly Devil and Lovely Angel. Leena is requesting your presence_''''

    Not before Leenapleted her words, her minions flew on her shoulders.

    ''''It''s been a long time, Goddess Leena,'''' Devil said.

    ''''She has been enjoying with her husband. Why would she remember us?'''' Angel replied.

    ''''Alright, I will hear your rantings when I am free, angel. But now we got a task.''''

    ''''What is it, goddess?'''' Devil asked.

    ''''We are going to unite Francy and my mom.''''

    ''''Yay! We are in.'''' Both Devil and angel replied in unison.

    ''''That''s the spirit.'''' Leena nodded her head. ''''Hail to Heather, Francis. Let''s give them a name.''''

    ''''FranHea?'''' Devil said.

    ''''Yuck. Not good.'''' Angel replied. ''''HeaFra? How is it?''''

    ''''I want to puke.'''' Devil replied.

    ''''What about Heacis?'''' Leena added but dumbfounded when she repeated the familiar name. ''''OMG! It''s Heacis mansion. My poor Francy. How much love he had for mom?'''' With a heavy heart, Leena went inside the home, thinking of ways to couple these two.

    .....

    Laying on the bed, Heather groaned in frustration when the memory of Francis holding her was continuously reying in her mind. Even now, her heartbeat was echoing in her ears. ''''Stop it, Heather. You have a grown-up daughter already. You shouldn''t be thinking of him.''''

    Heather closed her eyes to get rid of his images, but to no avail. She grabbed her mobile and clicked the images icon, and opened a picture. Tracing her fingers, Heather smiled. She had taken his pictures secretly when he was stepping into the car or going into the garden. ''''It feels like you haven''t aged. You are looking more mature and handsome. Even after two decades, my heart still beats the same for you.'''' She whispered with a faint smile.

    Francis is her secret. Her beautiful secret. Everything was going smoothly until she went to study Medicine. Francis rarelyes home and talks with her. Heather thought he got busied withpany affairs, but she was wrong. Her heart broke when she learned he is seeing someone. But, she was determined to confess her feelings even if he epts or not, then life took a strange path after that cruise ship incident. She doesn''t regret the incident because she got adorable baby Leena.

    Heather''s thoughts interrupted when she heard a knock on the door. Closing her mobile, Heather got up to open it. As expected, it was her daughter.

    ''''Hi, mom. Had your dinner?''''

    ''''Not yet, Leena baby. What about you?''''

    ''''I had outside,'''' Leena replied, and silence prevailed for a while.

    ''''Leena.'''' Heather started. ''''I_me_Francis in the study room_.''''

    ''''Francy already exined, mom'''' Leena held her arm and smiled assuringly. ''''You don''t need to worry about that.'''' For now, Leena doesn''t want to put her mom in an awkward situation. After listening to Francis''s story, she had a gut feeling that someone has interfered in their lives without them knowing.

    ''''Francis is in home?'''' Heather asked in a stupor. ''Didn''t he run away telling me that he has urgent work at the office?''

    ''''Yeap. Let''s go and have dinner. Everybody is waiting for you.''''

    ''''Leena, I am feeling a little tired. Can you ask Grace to send it to my bedroom?'''' Heather pleaded. She can''t face him today. No, at least for a week until her heart calms down.

    ''''Alright, mom,'''' Leena said before walking out.

    Heather closed the door and slumped on the bed in frustration when he appeared again. ''''Why are you torturing me?''''

 Chapter 266 - Heart Screaming Of Danger

    While walking to the dining area, Leena checked her mobile to see if Devin has replied to her text. To her wonder, there was none. ''''Is he that busy?'''' She muttered, her face turned gloomy.

    ''''Where is Heather, Leena? Is she noting call for dinner?'''' Margaret asked

    ''''Mom is a little tired today, Meemaw.'''' Leena gazed at Grace serving food for others. ''''Send dinner to mom''s room, Aunt Grace.''''

    ''''Alright, child.''''

    ''''Hey Leena,'''' Nick called her, putting a grape into his mouth. ''''Next time you are staying here, at least give me a heads up. At least I will pack clothes for the next day.''''

    ''''No worries. I will give you one of my dresses. Although it might not fit_.''''

    Not before Leena''s thoughts ended, a grape flew over her, and in time she caught it with her two hands. Putting it into her mouth, Leena stuck her tongue at Nick. ''''That''s one sweet grape, Nicky boy. Can you throw one more?''''

    Ignoring her, Nick turned his attention over the food.

    Margaret, sitting next to Nick, pped his knee under the table. ''''I said not to mess with her.''''

    ''''Not to mess? She is asking me to wear a girl''s dress.'''' Nick shouted. Laughter filled soon with Leena, Margaret, and Nick''s banterings.

    Although Francis was eating, his thoughts were moving to Heather. ''Why did she get tired suddenly? She was fine before. Is she not eating well? I should go and check on her after dinner.''

    ....

    Leena had a second round of dinner when the aroma of food tempted one of her sense organs. Tiredly, she copsed on the bed and checked her mobile. Still, her babylicious hasn''t replied. Leena wished he woulde home today. ''''Is he not missing me?'''' Leena instantlyposed a message and sent him.

    [My Deep-V-Diver: Have you reached home?]

    Leena received an immediate reply this time.

    [Yes]

    ''''What the F!'''' Leena screamed, seeing his message. ''''Just one word?''''

    [Deep-V-Diver: Why didn''t you reply to my first message?]

    [Busy]

    [Deep-V-Diver: Are you fine staying alone?]

    [Yes]

    ''''What is this single word answer? Is he mad at me?'''' Leena texted him another message, but this time she didnot receive a reply. ''''His mood swings are fluctuating as if he is undergoing menopause.'''' Leena irritatingly muttered and closed her eyes.

    ...

    Francis knocked on Heather''s room and pushed open the door when he received a response from inside. While Heather thought it''s Leena, her face morphed into a blow, seeing Francising into the room.

    ''''How are you? I heard you are tired.'''' Francis asked, pulling a chair towards the bed.

    ''''I am fine.'''' Heather lied, forcing a smile. How she wished to tell him the actual reason but held back. With an internal sigh, her gaze shifted to the envelope Francis was holding. ''''What is that?''''

    ''''Open it.'''' Saying that he handed the envelope to her.

    Impatiently, Heather tear opened the cover, and as she read the content inside, her whole face lit up into a pleasant smile.

    ''''You appointment letter at Langone University Hospital as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.'''' Francis could feel her face blossoming like a morning flower. ''''I know you don''t like rmending, so I have forwarded your resume to the Director-General Health office, and one of your mentors working over there referred to Langone.'''' Heather was one of the tops Cardiothoracic surgeons back when she was practicing Medicine. The hospital head personally contacted Francis to invite Heather to join their hospital.

    ''''Thank you, Francis.'''' Heather meant it. She didnot expect Francis is one step ahead of her.

    ''''You deserve it,'''' Francis said brightly. ''''Alright, it''s alreadyte. Go to sleep_.''''

    ''''It''s been a long time we talked. Can you stay for a while if you are not working?'''' Heather asked, hoping she would get a positive reply from him. Her condition didnot allow him to speak during her stay in the hospital, but she was happy that she could see him at least.

    ''''Sure.'''' Francis was internally bursting with joy.An opportunity to talk with Heather, he would dly ept it. ''''Even if I have work, I don''t stretch when Leena is around. I will not wonder if shees to beat me.''''

    ''''She is concerned over you.'''' Heather smilingly added. ''''Does she torture you?''''

    ''''I would be disappointed if she doesn''t.'''' Replied Francis. Leena''s presence would lit up even if he is in the worst mood.

    ''''Can I ask you a question?'''' Heathe asked, and without waiting for Francis''s reply, she inquired. ''''For almost one and a half year, you didnot bring Leena to the hospital. Did Something happen to her?''''

    ''''Didn''t I tell you she went for higher_.''''

    ''''She cannot stop herself from meeting me for a week, Francis. I can tell you are lying when I look into your eyes.'''' Heather continued. ''''At least tell me now. I have the right to know.''''

    Francis knew Heather will not stop until she gets her questions answered. She has every right to know the truth. Taking a deep breath, Francis exined the whole story that happened five years ago. The more Heather listened, her heart broke utterly, tears flooded from her eyes. Until now, she thought her ex-husband had a hand on it. But it seems someone has an immense hatred towards her and her daughter.

    "She is a brave girl, Heather. She fought against all the odds and survived.Francis reassured. ''''Sorry, I couldn''t protect her at that time.''''

    ''''It''s not your fault. Thanks for taking care of Leena, Francis. I will be forever grateful to you.'''' Heather said, wiping her tears.

    ''''You started with your philosophies?'''' Francis asked to lit up the atmosphere.

    ''''Don''t forget the said person is one philosopher.'''' Heather retorted, and their banterings continued for a while before Heather brought a topic of marriage. ''''Why didn''t you marry Francis?'''' Before her ident, she would always think about what sort of woman Francis would marry, but that didnot happen. After her ident, Francis would visit her alone or bring Leena with him. Heather hated to admit, she can''t bear to see some other woman next to Francis.

    ''''I was afraid Leena wouldn''t be treated well,'''' Francis replied monotonously. He is getting frustrated telling the same reply to both mother and daughter. Is it that bad to stay single?

    ''''Oh.'''' Heather doesn''t know if she should be happy that Francis saved the best for Leena or should get sad that he has sacrificed his entire youth.

    Sensing Heather zoning out, Francis diverted the topic and talked about Leena''s childhood tantrums to cool the atmosphere. Seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours, their chattings continued.

    ...

    The next day, Leena left home early in the morning to see Devin before going to the office, but he has already left. Reluctantly, Leena went to the office, and for the whole day, Devin did not reply to Leena''s messages.

    "What''s wrong with him? What did I do this time to start a cold war?" Leena muttered as she keyed in her house password. Getting fresh, she made dishes of Devin''s liking. The moment she heard the footsteps, she rushed to the living room.

    "I miss you, babylicious." Leena embraced him into a tight hug. "I made all your favorite dishes. Get yourself fresh."

    "I had dinner with the clients. You carry on." Devin released himself from the hug and left the room.

    Leena: '''' ''''

    "Stupid fellow, do you know how long I struggled to prepare the dishes?" Leena screamed, following him.

    "Go and feed to the juicy butt man." Ignoring her remarks, Devin replied. His fists clenched at the mention of a story he heard from Drew.

    "Juicy butt? Where did I hear this name?" Leena realized at a shot. "Andrew Dawson! You are dead meat in my hands." Leena ran to the bedroom and hugged Devin from behind. "It was all acting, Devin. I was testing if Andrew was a friend of Dorothy or not. That wanton idiot can''t keep a word in his mouth."

    When she did not get any response, Leena turned Devin to face her. "That man''s butt is as ugly as worn-out cab-horse." Still, when Devin was not talking with Leena, she kissed all over his face. That''s it! The stoic pretense he has put on for the whole day broke. Devin lifted Leena and carried her to the bed. Gingerly cing her on the bed, he tickled her most sensitive parts until Leena couldn''t take them anymore. "S_top it, idiot.''''

    "If you talk about other men_."

    "Never," Leena replied, clutching his arms while gasping for a breath. Devin came on top of her and tantalized, kissing her face, except her lips. His teasing turned more serious, and in no time, both buried deep inside each other, forgetting the dinner.

    ....

    While Enger was working on his research, Nash came rushing into the room, his face anxious.

    "Enger." He called up.

    "Yes?"

    "W_inter passed away." His voiceced with panic today more than pain.

    ''''Didn''t doctors tell it would take a month? It''s only two weeks has passed now.'''' Enger asked, looking at his friend in uncertainty. He doesn''t want to admit but losing Winter pained him. She has been with him since they were children.

    ''''Perhaps she couldn''t handle,'''' Nash replied, forcing a smile. ''''Do you wish to see her onest time.''''

    ''''No.'''' Enger closed his eyes when Winter''s smiling face popped up causing him flinch a little With a sigh, he said. ''''I trust in you, Nash. Bury all her evidence."

    "Alright.'''' Before leaving, Nash threw a question at his friend. ''''You could have divorced her. Why go to the extent of killing?"

    Enger looked at the retreating figure with a stoic face. ''''You doesn''t know anything about the past, Nash. Winter is alone enough to crash everything, including my Leena."

    Enger strolled into a room where a cut-out of a person made of cardboard was put on a stand. He picked a dart and threw it onto the board. It straight away pierced into the chest. ''''It''s time you enjoyed with her. I will now torture you before taking her away.''''

    ....

    In the middle of his sleep, Devin woke up with a start clutching his chest. He breathed in and out to calm his raging heart. ''''I didnot get any dream this time. But why is my heart screaming of danger around.'''' He gazed at the sleeping Leena next to him.. Pulling her closer, he kissed her head and closed his eyes.

 Chapter 267 - No Secrets, No Lie

    At her office, Leena ended a joint live Yoga session with one of the influential yoga practitioners, Riveria. She chatted with the woman for a while, and sending her off, Leena entered her office room. Her head brewed in pain, seeing Reese waiting for her. It''s been almost two weeks, Reese is pestering about Drew''s condition. ''''Reese, you better confess your feelings to him.''''

    ''''If I had the courage, why would I ask your help?'''' Reese yelled as she got up from the chair. ''''I hate you, Leena.'''' Reese left the room before cursing Leena. If she confessed her feelings to Andrew, Jasper woulde flying to kill her.

    ''''Then better stay single, dingo.'''' At first, Leena thought to help Reese, but her mind changed after Andrew vomited everything to Devin that happened at the restaurant. The next day, Leena called him and gave left and right, but that milksop was all feigning innocence. No wonder Jasper didnot ept that sissy.

    After the intense workout session, Leena got a fresh shower and walked out to talk with Devin for a while. Just when she entered thewn around her office, Leena heard Mandy''s voice. ''''She doesn''t have any work except prying on celebrities.'''' As usual, Leena would ignore her, but her footsteps halted suddenly when she heard Regina''s name. After Regina was sent to Mental Asylum, Leena didnot hear much about her. Curiosity piqued in Leena, and instead of calling Devin, she eavesdropped into the conversation.

    At first, Leena thought either Regina would have gone to WD or that stupid queen Elinor Catherina putting up with her crocodile tears after getting released from the hospital. But listening to Mandy''s conversation with the other person, her hands be icy cold. A sickening wave of terror welled up in her stomach. ''''Regina was kidnapped and poisoned to paralyze her organs?'''' Leena whispered, her heart in palpitations. There was only one person she could think of. ''''No, he wouldn''t do that. He doesn''t go to such an extent, but what about Trent? His condition was worse than her.'''' Leena called Devin''s number, desperate to know if he has a hand in it. Leena didnot care if he was in the meeting or some urgent work, but she repeatedly called his number until he picked up.

    ''''Did something happen, Leena? I had almost ten missed calls of yours in my inbox.'''' Devin spoke up urgently and opened theptop to check Leena''s office''s CCTV footage. His mobile was in silent mode during the meeting, and right when it ended, Devin picked up his mobile to call Leena, but panic and worry grew as he saw the number of missed calls from Leena.

    ''''Can we meet up for lunch? I want to talk with you regarding one urgent matter. I will text you the restaurant name.''''

    ''''Sure. Bring Nick along with you_.''''

    ''''I can''t bug him for all the silly matters. I will be careful.'''' Leena assured him.

    ''''No.'''' Devin refused the idea instantly. ''''Let mee to your office and then pick you up.''''

    ''''You are as stubborn as a mule, Devin,'''' Leena added with a sigh. ''''Fine. Come and pick me up.'''' Leena doesn''t want to talk about this matter with Nick.

    Devin picked her at the office, and until they reached the restaurant, Leena didnot speak a word. The waiter served the food, but Leena didnot touch a single dish.

    ''''What''s bothering you, Leena?'''' Stroking her cheek, Devin calmly asked.

    ''''By any chance, did you do something to Regina?'''' Carefully studying his facial expressions, Leena asked. To her surprise, his face was as calm as water.

    ''''Why do you ask?'''' Devin quizzed. Thest time he heard about Regina was when he was in Maine. With the busy office schedule, he had not had the time to talk about that woman.

    ''''I heard she was beaten and poisoned to paralyze her body organs. Was it your doing?'''' Leena tapped her footstep, silently praying that Devin shouldn''t have a hand on it. She doesn''t want Devin to taint his hands with sin unnecessarily.

    ''''You know that I am even scared to see a mosquito blood_.''''

    ''''Stop with your rant, Devin. Don''t try to fool me anymore. I heard your exchanges with Kurt at Leah and Austin''s wedding.'''' Leena red up at once. Did he think I am a kid to believe everything? Before, it was rat blood, and now he has shifted to mosquito.

    Wordlessly Devin put on a broli piece into her te. ''''Are you scared of me, Sweetheart?'''' He never wanted to show her the dark side of him, but Leena would know about him by coincidence or ident.

    ''''If that were the case, I would have run away long before.'''' With a smile that spread to her eyes, Leena held Devin''s hand. ''''I am not judging you, Devin. I understand you have to be equally ruthless in the business world, but I love it when you share everything with me. A true marriage rtionship is when you can tell each other anything and everything, no secrets, no lie.''''

    Although Leena has a childish side to her character, her maturity reflects through her actions and decisions when needed. They are married for less than two months, but she is already acting like a thoughtful wife.

    ''''I was responsible for Trent''s state,'''' Devin revealed, grazing her hand with his thumb. After listening to Leena, he wanted to get transparent with her.

    ''''So, Regina also_.''''

    ''''No, Sweetheart. I have no hand in it. If I wished to torture her, I wouldn''t have long abducted her when she tried to break us.''''

    Devin''s words made sense to Leena. But who held animosity towards that woman? ''''Then do you know who might have abducted her?''''

    ''''Let''s not talk about her, Leena. We have already wasted an hour for her unnecessarily.'''' Devin halted Leena''s thoughts. He knew that the psycho is responsible for Regina''s state, but it''s not time to talk about him. Leena would spoil her health thinking about the matter.

    ''''Alright.'''' Leena nodded her head. Indeed, it''s of no use to talk about that woman. Soon, the atmosphere eased with Leena''s sweet talks. Forgetting the matter, both walked out of the restaurant.

    Devin opened the car door, and as Leena was about to step into the car, she heard someone call from behind. ''''Leena!''''

    A surprise was filled Leena''s face as she turned around. ''''Hi! Ste, what a pleasant surprise. How are you?''''

    ''''I am good. Long time, right?''''

    ''''Indeed. A very long time.''''Ste and Leah were very supportive friends while Wendy is a troublemaker enemy. Leena turned to Devin to introduce the woman. ''''She is my friend, Ste. We have coborated in many fashion shows.'''' Turning to Ste, Leena introduced Devin. ''''He is my husband_''''

    ''''Wang Devin,'''' Ste added. ''''Who doesn''t know him?'''' Ste looked at Devin and said with a smile. ''''I have been your fan for a long time, sir.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Devin smiled as a greeting gesture.

    When Leena and Ste were conversing, a voice echoed into their ears.''''Ste, what is taking you so long?''''

    Devin''s gaze slowly shifted to the person behind Ste, and his face frowned upon seeing the man. ''Dr. Walter Adams! Didn''t you take my warning seriously?''

    Looking at Devin''s grim expression, Walter knew Devin had misunderstood him again.. ''He will indeed think I am a stalker now.''

 Chapter 268 - Her Saviour

    Leena looked at Walter with an awkward silence. What do I do now? Should I greet him? It is the first time Leena is seeing him after she rejected his confession. Also, she hadn''t told much about her suitors to Devin since the list will go on and on if she starts.

    ''''Hi, Leena. How are you?'''' Walter greeted with a smile. It''s been almost four years, he has talked with her face to face. Walter was feeling kind of nervous with the sudden unexpected encounter, but he is happy at the same time. He could feel Devin''s brooding eyes boring into him, but Walter didnot care. It''s not his mistake if Devin imagines him to be a stalker. Isn''t Devin over-possessive? Can''t I have a crush on her even? Ignoring Devin''s icy stares, Walter spoke up again. ''''''How is your health now?''''

    ''''Hello, Doctor Walter. I am doing well.'''' Leena replied with a pressing smile when Devin''s hands dug deep into her waist. He is turning into a possessive brat. Indeed, she can''t say it applies only to Devin. She is one step ahead of Devin in this matter.

    ''''What! You already know each other?'''' Stell eximed in delight with wonder. ''''How do you know Leena, Walt?'''' Ste probed.

    ''''Well, let''s say we know each other,'''' Walter said, not intended to talk about Leena''s ident. It was a strict order from the hospital head to keep her ident secret to the outer world. Leena silently thanked him for keeping it a secret. ''''What''s your rtionship with Doctor Walter, Ste?''''

    ''''Ah! He is my cousin.'''' Stell added. ''''I got to know the food is delicious. So, I dragged him here.''''

    ''''Yes, yes, Mrs. Foodie.'''' Leena said.

    ''''You are no less, Leena.'''' Ste retorted with a giggle.

    ''''I second that,'''' Leena said, suddenly remembered she hasn''t yet introduced the two men. ''''Dr. Walter, he is my husband_''''

    ''''I know.'''' Walter looked at Devin with a mischievous glint. ''''We know each other very well.'''' Pausing for a while, Walter added. ''''Right, Mr.Wang?''''

    ''''Do you know him already?'''' Leena curiously looked at Devin.

    ''''When you got injured in Seattle, Micheal felt sensitivity in your right leg. I visited the hospital you got admitted, and I happen to know Doctor Walter.'''' Devin''s exnation was so smooth even Walter bought his theory

    Leena squeezed Devin''s hand with a smile. Leena''s heart welled up with happiness watching how cautious Devin moves when ites to her.

    ''''Alright. It''s time to leave_''''

    ''''It''s been a long time I spoke with you, Leena.'''' Ste cut her off. ''''Let''s chit-chat for a while.''''

    Before Leena denied her request, Devin spoke up. ''''There is a garden in the hotel. You can go and talk over there.''''

    ''''What about your work? Don''t you have a meeting?'''' Leena asked.

    ''''I can manage that,'''' Devin said. ''''Come back in an hour. I will be waiting here.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Leena nodded her head and went along with Ste.

    The moment Leena was out of sight, Devin''s gaze shifted to Walter, his face turned serious.

    ''''I came along with my cousin, and it''s a pure coincidence that I met Leena today,'''' Walter exined to clear the misunderstanding. He can''t believe the great doctor isbeled as a stalker in Wang Devin''s eyes.

    ''''You better do that if you want to live.''''

    Ignoring his remarks, Walter asked. ''''Why did you assume me as a stalker? Is there anyone following around Leena?''''

    ''''It''s none of your business,'''' Devin responded, opening the car door.

    ''''I know you are still skeptical about me, but trust me, I meant no harm to her. Even I got a hunch that someone follows Leena. When I attended a fashion show, I saw someone following her from a distance when Leena went along with her friends to a shoppingplex. I thought he was a fan. So I ignored on that day.''''

    ''''Have you seen him?'''' Devin demanded. If he can get a breakthrough, he could easily reach the stalker.

    ''''No chance. He is fully covered.'''' Walter added. "Anyway, I informed in case you need it. If you want my help, you can contact me. Since it''s rted to Leena, I will help you.'''' Walter said before leaving the ce.

    ''''I don''t need your help.'''''' Devin clenched his fists at his provocation. Furiously, he opened the car door and stepped inside to wait for Leena.

    ....

    It was evening, Devin picked Leena by himself since he had only one meeting, which he could take from home.

    ''''Doctor Walter was looking at you with an exceptional gaze.'''' Embracing her into a hug from behind, he whispered.

    ''''So?''''

    ''''Are you throwing the question at me?'''' Devin whispered, nipping her earlobe. ''''What''s his deal.''''

    ''''He confessed, I rejected��big deal,'''' Leena said as a matter of fact. The definition of love was only shown to her by Devin.

    ''''Why was I exception of all people?'''' Leena has lots of suitors. Ethan chased her for four years, but she didnot reciprocate his feelings.

    Leena turned around and, gazing into his eyes, she said. ''''You are the reason behind my happiness.''''

    ''That''s all? I want to hear more.''''

    ''''It''s because y.o.u. you are exceptional'''' Leena has lots of reasons to give. Her smile lits up when Devin is near; her heart skips a beat, or two, or three. Her soul got connected with his. But all connected to Devin.

    ''''You are turning into a_.''''

    Just then, a phone ring echoed, halting his thoughts. When his gaze shifted to the contact name, he knew it is private. ''''I will be right back, sweetheart.

    ''''Okay.'''' When Devin was out of Leena''s sight, Leena pondered over her thoughts. ''''What''s with Francy and Devin? They would always speak for hours like love birds.''''

    Tired of going into the kitchen to cook dinner, Leena copsed on the bed. After more than an hour of speaking, Devin was back in the room. His nces were darting rather than focusing on anything particr.

    ''''What took you so long? Did you had another fight with my Francy?'''' Leena asked, propping her elbows on the bed.

    ''''We got the address of the man who saved you..'''' Closing his eyes tight shut, Devin replied. He should be happy right now, but why does he feel envious of the man?

 Chapter 269 - Sworn Enemy

    Leena''s joy flooded like a flower, and her spirits bounded higher, hearing the extraordinary piece of news. For four years, she has been searching for her savior, and atst, today, she got a breakthrough. Like a child squealing in delight, Leena raced towards Devin and hugged him tightly. ''''Thank you so much for finding him, Devin.''''

    Devin lifted his hand to pat Leena''s head, but his fists clenched in the middle. His heart seared in pain, witnessing Leena''s happiness directed towards the other man. Pain ripped through his chest, poking his heart with tons of sharp needles. When he promised to find the man, Devin did not feel sad, but there was an immense sense of oppression in his heart today.

    Leena released herself from the hug when she felt something suddenly went wrong with Devin. True to her intuition, his facial expression hardened. ''''What''s wrong, Devin? Are you not happy?'''' Extending her hands towards his face, Leena pinched his brows to loosen up his tight muscles.

    Grasping Leena''s hand, Devin kissed her knuckles. ''''No, Sweetheart. I am happy.'''' He shouldn''t get disappointed over this matter. The man has given a second life to his Leena, and he can''t drown in his jealousy. If not for him, he wouldn''t have a chance to meet Leena. He should genuinely thank him for that matter. Leena is in his arms, and it is all that matters. No one can take her away from him. ''''I got a little envy seeing you smile for some other man. I heard from a little bird that only her husband can make her happy?'''' To not sound serious, Devin yfully teased her. Leena has been searching for that man for four long years, and he doesn''t want to upset her with his foul mood.

    ''''Don''t tease me. I only wanted to thank him for saving me.'''' She pouted like a wiry cat. Not only thank that man, Leena wanted to ask how he knew about her. The day he cried, calling her name, was still fresh in her memory. Despite her injuries, she felt his heart palpitating with fear.

    ''''Alright, I am not teasing you anymore.'''' Devin turned serious. ''''When do you want to meet him?''''

    ''''Tomorrow?'''' Leena eagerly looked at him for Devin''s reply. The quicker, the better because Leena was not able to control her curiosity.

    ''Impatient brat.'' Devin muttered under his breath.

    ''''Fine. I will arrange it then.''''

    ''''Thank you, babylicious.'''' Leena kissed Devin''s cheek; her face lit up with a bright smile. ''''By the way, what''s his name, and how did you find his address?''''

    ''''France asked the hospital group heads to check with the staff. The first time you got admitted into the hospital on that night, the doctors and nurses were tending to your wounds, and they haven''t got a glimpse of the man who brought you to the hospital. So, they couldn''t help us. It was not yielding any results. So, two months back, we made a special request to try with the patients. Lucky to us, a patient sitting outside has seen him.''''

    ''''But how did the patient know the address? How did they know about me?'''' Leena quizzed. ''''Do you think we got a fake call? What if the patient is a fraud money-grubber?'''' Leena doesn''t want to soar heights until she receives urate information. She doesn''t want to mistake her savior for some other man. He holds a special ce in her heart. Of course, no one can rece Devin.

    ''''I had the same question initially, but the patient we are talking about is none other than Carlos Ellison, one of the most influential business mas. He stayed there for a while to treat his appendix.'''' Devin exined.

    ''''Carlos Ellison?'''' Leena pondered. ''''I think Francy knows him.''''

    ''''You are right,'''' Devin replied.

    Leena''s facial expression hinted to Devin that she is still skeptical and not epting the reason. He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. ''''You still not believing?''''

    ''''I don''t know, Devin. I feel there is a loophole here.'''' Leena exhaled a deep sight before she voiced her concerns. ''''Carlos Ellison is an influential business magnate. Why was he admitted to the suburbs hospital? The hospital was not a famous one, for that matter. My case was different. I was on the verge of life and death, and getting first aid was in dire need.''''

    Devin expected Leena would ask this question. Even in her happiness, Leena didnot throw the logic out of the window. He appreciated that. ''''Let me exin to you clearly then.'''' Devin pinched her nose and started. ''''Ten years back, Mr. Ellison got a first heart stroke when he was traveling to Seattle. So, in urgency, the driver has to take him to the nearby hospital. Probably, he wasfortable and satisfied with the hospital staff, from then on for any health issues, he would visit the same hospital.'''' Devin continued. ''''Mr. Ellsion once saw him at a hotel again and followed him to the home since it''s a special request from France.'''' There was one more thing Devin didnot inform Leena. Even after five years, Carlos couldn''t forget the man''s memory because he has never seen someone grieving so hard.

    ''''Alright.'''' Leena nodded her head. ''''Let''s meet him tomorrow then.''''

    ''''We haven''t contacted the man. Let''s visit him tomorrow directly.'''' Devin added. ''''It''s your call now.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Leena hugged Devin''s waist and buried her head into his chest. ''''Thank you so much for everything.''''

    ''''Sweetheart, what did I tell you? You need to thank me correctly if you meant it.''''

    ''''Hungry beast.'''' Leena smacked his chest. ''''I am tired of serving you every day in the morning.'''' Her morning ritual starts with either mouth or hands, if not deep inside her. On infrequent asions, Devin would set her free.

    ''''You have a heavenly mouth, Leena, and I can''t part with it.''''

    ''''I am bored of the same repeated story.'''' Indifferently, Leena replied. ''''I am hungry, Devin.''''

    ''''Even I am hungry. Isn''t it your week? The kitchen is all yours.''''

    Untucking his shirt from the pants, Leena slowly slipped her hands into his shirt. ''''Can''t you make it for today?''''

    ''''You give the same excuses every day.'''' Devin grasped her arm before this vixen starts her tortures. He doesn''t understand when his self-control began to wane. Her touch alone was enough to make his hardness stand erectly. ''''How about you eat me for dinner?'''' Not before Devin lifted Leena, she pushed him and dashed out of the room.

    ''''You can''t escape tonight.'''' Devin went into the kitchen and helped Leena in making the dinner. He could have appointed a renowned chef, but they both opted to do it themselves, to find happiness in doing sweet little things.

    Right after dinner, Leena climbed on the bed. As usual, she sent a message to Francis. Since the day Leena confronted Francis about his feelings, Leena started bugging him whenever she finds free time. After all, she made a firm decision to unite Francis and her mom.

    [To: Dumbledore: Did you think about my offer? I have lots of ns drafted]

    Leena received an instant reply.

    [Then open one agency]

    [To: Dumbledore: Of course, it would be a hit, and I would be grateful if you could be my first client]

    [Can you let me sleep peacefully at least today]

    [To: Dumbledore: Okay. I will text you tomorrow when I am free. Good night. Heather dreams]

    There was no reply from Francis the after.

    ''''He must be on high seeing mom''s name.'''' Giggling to herself, Leena pulled her nket with nothing to do. Her babylicious was in a meeting, and it may take time before he hits the bed.

    ...

    The next day morning, Devin took Leena to the address provided by Francis. Once they reached the destination, Devin signaled Nick. There was no security around the house, and Nick doesn''t need to use extra force to trespass.

    Nick buzzed the inte, and right when the door was opened, Leena raised her head and nervously gazed at the man standing in front of her.

    When Leena saw the man''s curious stares, she quickly exined. ''''I got to know that you saved my life five years back. I wanted to know if it was you_

    ''''OMG! Leena, it''s you? I can''t believe you havee to my home finding my address.'''' The man was about to hug Leena, but Devin pulled back leena, throwing a deathly stare at him. Does this man doesn''t know basic manners? Just because he saved her, he has no right to hug Leena.

    With an awkward stance, the man stepped back. ''''I am sorry. I got excited to see Leena after a long time. How are_

    ''''May I know your name?'''' Devin cut him off. He is getting a serious danger vibe from this man, which he couldn''t pinpoint.

    ''''Enger Cassius Lennox, Pleased to meet you.'''' Having said that, Enger nced at Devin. An evil glint passed across his face, which disappeared in a split second.. Finally, he has confronted his sworn enemy after a long time.

 Chapter 270 - Mysterious Friend

    The name triggered an automatic physiological response in Devin''s brain cognitively, the same familiar feeling he felt when he first saw Leena at the park. But it was all bits and pieces which disappeared in a flick of a second. Although one doesn''t see or face each other in a business world, Names would keep their stance in the industry. But Enger seems to be an ordinary person because he has not heard of the name. Devin couldn''t understand one question. How did he know Leena?

    ''''Pleasee inside.'''' Enger wide opened the door.

    Leena squeezed Devin''s arm when he stood like a statue without moving. ''''Let''s go in, Devin.''''

    ''''Yeah,'''' Devin replied, knocking his thoughts aside.

    Enger led them to the living room as he spoke. ''''I live a minimalistic life. So, don''t mind if my house is small and not to your liking.''''

    ''''No worries.'''' Leena stated, looking over the surroundings. It was very simple and small to her liking. ''''We don''t mind.''''

    Just when Leena settled on the couch along with Devin, she studied the man in front of her carefully. But still, she couldn''t understand how he knows about her. Why are you breaking your head, Leena? Let''s find out.

    ''''I want to know if you were the one that saved me five years back. Sorry if the question bothers you because I was not in a state to recognize anyone. I have been searching for my savior for a long time. Are you the one that saved me on that night?''''

    Enger nced at Devin and Nick before his gaze shifted to Leena. ''''Can we talk in private over that matter?''''

    Devin signaled Nick, and he immediately got up to leave, cursing Enger under his breath in the process. ''''Dramatic bastard. What''s so secret if he shares it in front of me?''''

    The moment Nick was out of sight, Devin spoke up. ''''You can talk now.''''

    ''''I want to talk with Leena alone.'''' Enger sternly dered. It clearly meant that Devin should also leave the ce. Just when Enger thought he got the chance to talk with his beloved freely, this bastard was not leaving her hand at all as if she is his possession.

    Not before Devin wouldsh out, Leena squeezed his hands to control his raging temper. Leena took the initiative and spoke up. "Mr. Lannox, he is my husband. We don''t keep secrets between us. My husband will stay with me. You can freely share your thoughts.'''' Leena spoke up in a calm voice. Devin''s lips curled up into a smile at her crisp reply. Leena would always amaze him with her thoughts. She will never tolerate it when someone tries to look down on him.

    ''''Was it you who saved my wife?'''' Looking deep into Enger''s eyes, Devin asked.

    There was a pause before Enger responded an affirmative nod. ''''Yes.'''' He replied with clenched fists. Is he that happy that Leena is taking his side? Soon, Leena will change the image on you, bastard.

    ''''H_ow do you know that I was at the cliff?'''' Leena asked. She made sure no one saw her when she stepped out of the house on that day. If at all, her brother should be the one to look for her. But how did he get there? ''''I still have some unanswered questions.''''

    ''''Are you doubting me?'''' With curiosity, Enger asked.

    ''''It''s not that we doubt you, Mr. Lennox,'''' Devin spoke up. ''''My wife hasn''t seen your face, and we cannot rely on your words alone.''''

    ''''Then go ahead and ask.'''' Enger leaned his head back, crossing his arms.

    ''''I don''t remember seeing or talking with you. How do you know my name?'''' Questioned Leena.

    Enger smiled, then chuckled, and nced at Leena. ''''Did you forget the names Mr. Rain, Mighty Zeus, which you have given me, Miss Narcissist?''''

    Leena''s eyes widened in surprise at the revtion. Those names! She has given it to her mysterious friend. How did he..No wait.. ''''You are my mysterious friend!''''

    ''''Well, it took five long years to meet you officially,'''' Enger said, his gaze softened as he looked at Leena.

    While Leena and Enger were conversing, not a word heed into Devin''s brain, he remembered Leena talked about a mysterious friend, but she didnot probe deep into the details. Devin also left the matter aside at that time. But now that he heard about Mr. Rain and Mighty Zeus''s names, his head throbbed in pain when the memory hit his brain again. Even he remember one of the listed name. Did I meet Leena before? or do I imagine some other person''s memories? He doesn''t understand why he gets a shock when he tries to remember the missing pieces. Devin closed his eyes, putting an ear to Leena''s conversation, letting the matter of his memories aside.

    ''''We were supposed to meet each other in Seattle, you remember?'''' Enger questioned.

    Leena nodded her head and urged him to continue.

    ''''When you texted me that you were alone on a cliff, I felt something was wrong. So, I traced your location and reached the destination. I felt my soul left the body, seeing you in such a state. There was only one thought in my mind, and that is to save you.''''

    Leena could see uncontroble emotions surging from Enger. She can''t believe her mysterious friend and the person who saved her are the same. Indeed, both decided to meet each other face to face, but many things happened in Leena''s life simultaneously, and she forgot about him until Leena got a text from him when she was on the cliff while she waited for Ethan.

    ''''My mobile crashed during the ident. After a year, I retrieved all the contacts, and I texted you many times, but I didnot get a response.'''' Leena said.

    ''''Sorry for that. Even I lost my mobile during an ident, and I got busy with the work.'''' Enger started casually not to put a doubt on Leena.

    ''''No worries.'''' Leena awkwardly answered. So, I was the one desperate to meet him? But in person, Leena felt Enger''s persona contradictory to what she envisioned. It''s been five years already. Sure, people change, but Leena could not move freely with him as in the past.

    ''''Thanks for saving me on that night. I will be forever grateful to you.'''' Leena meant it. He has given her a second life, and she has is living a happy family now.

    ''''I am d you are living happily, Leena. But I must say, I missed our chattings. It was always fun to hear your crazy talks.'''' When Enger saw Devin''s dampened expression, his heart brimmed with happiness.

    ''''I don''t remember much of it.'''' Leena awkwardly replied, pressing her lips into a thin smile. She could feel Devin seething in anger. A torture would be waiting today, that she was sure.

    ''''By the way, when did you get married?''''

    ''''The question seems a little personal, Mr. Lennox,'''' Devin cut him off.

    ''''Sorry if that sounded too personal.'''' Enger turned to Devin, extending his hand. ''''I forgot to introduce myself, Enger Cassius Lennox.''''

    ''''Wang Devin.'''' Devin shook his hand. ''''Thanks for saving my wife''s life. I will be forever grateful to you. If you need help, you can always reach out to me."

    ''''Leena is alive, that''s all I wanted..'''' Enger stated.

    Ignoring the man''s rantings, Devin squeezed Leena''s hand as he spoke. ''''Let''s go.''''

    ''''I will take my leave,.'''' Leena rose from her seat, holding Devin''s hand.

    Not before Leena and Devin stepped out of the house, Enger called leena again. ''''Wait, Leena.''''

    ''''Yes?'''' Leena asked, turning around.

    ''''Do you still use the old number?''''

    ''''Umm..Yes.'''' She replied hesitantly. ''''Why do you ask?''''

    ''''In case if I want to text you_''''

    ''''My wife is too busy to reply." Devin cut him off. ''''If there is nothing around to talk, we will take our leave.'''' Having said that, Devin pulled Leena out of the man:s sight.

    ....

    Once Leena was out of his eye, Enger kicked a flower tub standing next to the door furiously. In a fit of fury, he strolled into the house. Just as he sat on the couch, massaging his temples, Nash entered from one of the rooms. ''''I was assuming you will be happy seeing Leena.''''

    ''''Indeed, I am happy.'''' Enger''s anger disappeared when Leena''s smiling face popped into his mind. ''''But I hate his nerves, Nash.''''

    ''''We could have abducted her directly��big deal. No one will find our private home." To the outside world, Enger is an ordinary citizen. Very few people know his mysterious identity. Even if they kidnap Leena, no one can find the ce until Enger discloses.

    ''''I loved her since childhood, Nash. I want Leena''s love. She will forever distance herself if I force on her. I have sessfully entered into her life today. Now, I should work on breaking her trust in Devin."

    ''''Let''s celebrate for the first victory then.'''', Nash suggested.

    ''''You do that part. I am going to Mexico.''''

    ''''What''s there in Mexico that you go alone always?'''' Nash asked. Enger is his best friend, and he shares everything he asks except an incident that happened five years back and then about the Mexico secret.

    ''''Every person will have at least one secret that could break others hearts,'''' Enger said, and before strolling into the bedroom, he shot back, ''''Make sure that my travel remains confidential.''''

    ''''Alright,'''' Nash replied with a sigh.

 Chapter 271 - The Letter C

    The atmosphere in the car was eerily silent. Leena attempted to ease the stoic mood of Devin''s by cracking jokes with Nick, but like a graven image, Devin was sitting there unaffected. Once the car pulled into the entrance of Leena''s office, without stepping out, Leena tugged the hem of Devin''s shirt.

    ''''Get inside. We will talk in the evening.'''' Kissing her forehead, Devin extended his hand to open the car door of her side.

    Still, unmoving, Leena bit her bottom lip waiting for Devin to speak something. His distant voice earlier sounded a little harsh to her ears.

    ''''I am not angry at you, sweetheart.'''' Devin pulled her into his embrace and petted her hair. ''''Don''t overthink.'''' He was not mad at Leena, but mood off for no reason like his happiness has no reason sometimes.

    ''''Then why did you sit like a graven statue earlier?''''

    ''''Ah! My sweetheart isparing a heavenly model with the great Wang Devin?'''' Ignoring Leena''s rantings, Devin chuckled lifting her chin and spread butterfly kisses around her forehead. Nobody can change his mood in seconds, except Leena.

    ''''You are turning into a narcissist.'''' Giggling herself into a fresh bout, Leena sighed internally seeing Devin back to his cheerful persona.

    ''''Not in my hands. Leenavirus spread faster.'''' Devin teased, earning a sharp punch on his chest.

    ''''You are a big fat bullier. I am leaving now.'''' Before Leena stepped out of the car, Devin pulled her into hisp. ''''Did you forget my goodbye kiss?''''

    Leena peeked at the front seat nervously and was well pleased with Nick''s behavior. Unlike Andrew and Reese, he respects privacy and steps out as soon as Devin and Leena are alone, and gives them space.

    Instead of a peck, Leena started with a slow kiss, further deepening, and when Devin''s groans turned more profound, she pulled back with a pant. ''''This is enough. I am going in now.'''' Not before Devin came out of Leena''s ardent caress, Leena was out of the car.

    ''''What the!'''' Devin looked over his protruding bulge and then at Leena over the car window. ''''She has done it purposefully.'''' He muttered a string of curses.

    As Leena stepped out of the car, she saw Nick a little distance away from her.

    ''''Even during daylight, you are draining your poor husband?'''' Nick questioned as he walked towards Leena.

    ''''Unlike you, I opened only one ount.'''' Leena burst intoughter, as she remembered swimmer Jessy J''s weird family habit.

    Clenching his fists, Nick raised his hand to knock her head but backed off when someone''s brooding eyes were boring into his soul despite the distance. Nick swore to never share any of his secrets with Leena, but he knew his tongue would automatically slip in front of her.

    ''''Aren''t youing inside?'''' Leena asked.

    ''''I wille in a while. I have to talk with Devin.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Shrugging her shoulders, Leena made herself into the office.

    ''''Okay.'''' Nick mimicked copying Leena''s actions strolling towards the car. Stepping into the car, Nick settled in the backseat and spoke up. ''''How was my performance?'''' He asked referring to the imitation which he just pulled on Leena.

    ''''You would be dead meat if she catches you,'''' Devin replied pressing his lips when a smile threatened to break up. Nick pulled out Leena''s walking style way wlessly that he wanted to make a video to spice up her anger.

    ''''That''s the reason, I pull stunts behind her back.'''' Nick cheekily replied. For a while, they talked about cool stuff, until Nick handed hisptop to Devin with a piece of fine information.

    ''''When did you dig his information?'''' Devin asked as he looked over the profile of Enger and his bio.

    ''''When he asked for a private talk with Leena, I had nothing to do for the whole time. So, I thought of digging up his information since I knew his name. I called up Kurt and sent Enger''s details. Within an hour, he pulled out Enger''s entire bio from the database.'''' Replied Nick. Nothing is faster than Kurt''s database andwork in finding any person they needed.

    Devin carefully studied Enger''s profile and his bio. There was nothing specific about him. Twenty-seven years orphan, self-employed, holding US citizenship by birth. Runs a small-scale business. ''Nothing impressive about him.''''

    ''''Yeah! I wonder how Leena made friends with him.'''' Nick added. ''''She is always in for the extraordinary or crazy stuff.''''

    Nick''s words reyed in Devin''s mind. It was the right question at the right time. How did Enger meet Leena? It can be asked when shees back from the office.

    ''''Get into the office, Nick. We don''t need to press into him anymore.'''' Leena''s long-time wish of meeting her savior is fulfilled. End of his story. Little did Devin know, it has only started now.

    Nick stepped out of the car but paused when he suddenly remembered something. "Devin." He called up.

    "Yes?"

    ''''You remember the day, you got an anonymous package from the stalker?''''

    ''''I do." Half nodding his head, Devin urged him to continue.

    ''''When you decoded the logic, you got a letter C as the result.''''

    ''''So?''''

    ''''Enger Cassius Lennox,'''' Nick revealed. "Is it a coincidence or not?"

    For a second, Devin froze. In his frenzy state where he was battling with his memories earlier, and Devin didnot take Enger''s name into ount. Now that Nick has brought that into the limelight, he is giving a second thought over the man.

    ''''Give a thought over him,'''' Nick added.

    ''''I don''t know. I can''t be sure by assuming his name." Devin continued. "When Francis couldn''t locate the stalker with all his resources, I assumed he is quite an influential man. When I smelled a chemical drug in the letters he sent to Leena, I assumed he works in the medical field. When I thought we got a little breakthrough, we are back to square again, and he belongs to a simple background." If Enger was the stalker, why didn''t he approach Leena in the past when they were friends during her university days?

    ''''What if he is hiding his identity?'''' Nick asked.

    "Probably. If he is the stalker, he would definitely make an attempt to meet Leena again. Let''s wait and confirm.'''' Since doubt is nted in Devin''s mind, he can focus on that matter alone. Enger Cassius Lennox! Is it you bastard?

    "It''s time you shift the house, Devin. Dew Gardens is highly secured, but it''s not hard to trespass inside." Nick suggested.

    "I will talk with Leena today." He has given a thought of shifting to a new home long back for better security. The time hase. If Enger is the stalker he is searching for, Leena is in grave danger.. After all, Enger has sessfully paved into her life today, gaining her trust.

 Chapter 272 - Detective Sherlock Holmes

    As Leena walked into the office, her mood dampened to watch the number of people sitting in the reception waiting for their training. Without going into her office, Leena directly barged into Reese''s room. ''''I told not to ept any more clients. Don''t you know we only train celebrities in Bliss?''''

    ''''Inform the same thing to your mom! The people sitting over the reception are all from Langone hospital.'''' Reese freaked out. ''''My head is aching to manage this sudden load. If the trend continues, we need to hire the trainers in bulk, and also an ''additional executive assistant''.'''' Reese pressed in such a manner that Leena would take a hint.

    ''''What''s my calendar schedule today? I will visit the hospital.'''' Leena slumped on the bed holding her head in distress. It''s been a week since Heather started working in the hospital, and from then on Bliss is filled with the doctors, nurses, and people connected to Langone hospitals. ''''Did mom think I am in short of money, Reese?''''

    ''''Go and ask yourself.'''' Reese snickered. ''''You are free after four O clock,''''

    ''''Alright.'''' Leena was about to go out of the room, Reese halted her.

    ''''Did you meet the person who saved you on that night?'''' In the morning, Leena texted Jane and Reese about meeting her savior today, and since then Reese was waiting for the gossip.

    ''''Ah! I forgot to tell you about it.'''' Leena rushed towards Reese and spoke up. ''''Do you remember the friend I talked about when we were studying in Seattle?''''

    ''''Your mysterious nameless friend?'''' Reese questioned, propping her elbows on the table.

    ''''Yes, and he is my savior,'''' Leena beamed pping her hands in tion.

    ''''What!'''' Reese eximed in disbelief. ''''But how did he know that you were on the cliff?''''

    Leena then exined everything that happened in Enger''s home to Reese.

    ''''He seems to be a nice person, Leena.'''' Imagining Devin''s face frying out of jealousy, Reese internally giggled.

    ''''I guess so.'''' Leena nodded her head in consent. She thought Enger will ask forpensation seeing his living condition was, but he didnot. He was genuinely concerned over her.

    ''''How does he look? Is he handsome?'''' Eagerly Reese asked.

    Putting an index finger on her pout lips, Leena pondered giving a thought over his image. ''''Not bad, maybe I can give a nine score.''''

    ''''Out of 10?''''

    ''''Out of 100.'''' Leena retorted as she rose from the chair.

    Reese: '''' ''''

    As expected, no one can get a passing score in Leena''s eyes. Reese will not be wondered if Leena gives a below-average score to Devin.

    ...

    After finishing her afternoon scheduled session, Leena and Nick drove to Langone hospital. While Leena was searching for the cardio department, she suddenly found a familiar face at a distance speaking with a patient.

    ''''Can you go into mom''s cabin, Nick? I wille in a while,'''' Leena stated.

    ''''Fine. Don''t get lost.''''

    ''''I am not a kid.'''' Replying, Leena walked towards the woman and waited until the patient left. ''''Hey, lost buddy! Long time no see.''''

    The woman instantly lifted her head, a shock filled over her face. ''''Leena!''''

    ''''How are you, Kyle.''''

    ''''I am good, How are you?'''' Kyle was thrilled to see Leena after a long time.

    ''''You never told me you were a doctor,'''' Leena asked.

    "Well, you never asked me.'''' While they were in Seattle, both were cats and dogs until the incident happened with Trent. Although Kyle hated Leena, she helped her erasing the video from Trent''s hold. She doesn''t want to remember that memory anymore.

    ''''Because you never gave the chance to ask.'''' Leena shrugged her shoulders shifting the me on Kyle.

    Ignoring Leena''sints, Kyle asked. ''''Why did youe here? Appointment?''''

    ''''My mom works here as a doctor. I am here to meet her.'''' Leena stated. She could have gone home to reprimand her mom, but her patience has reached the limits today seeing the herd in her office.

    ''''Your mom is a doctor here? What''s her name?'''' Kyle questioned.

    ''''Heather.''''

    ''''What! Doctor Heather is your mom?'''' Kyle burst out.

    ''''Yes. Do you know her?'''' Curiously Leena asked.

    ''''Of course! I do. I studied in the same medical university. Although two decades have passed, Doctor Heather''s achievements are impable. She is my idol inspiration.'''' Kyle said, with delight, and her happiness knew no bounds seeing Heather here.

    ''''Ah! My mom is fabulous.'''' Leena brimmed in happiness feeling proud of her mother''s achievements. ''''Fine then! I will go and_''''

    ''''Dr. Kyle, we need your presence here.'''' One of the nurses shouted breaking Leena''s thoughts.

    ''''Go and look over the patient, Kyle. I will go and meet my mom.'''' Just when Leena was about to leave, Kyle held her hand. ''''Give me your number. I will callter. We can catch up if you are still in the hospital by the time, I finish my rounds.''''

    Both exchange the numbers and then Leena stormed out of the ce to deal with her mom.

    ....

    In a brightly lit cabin, Nick and Heather were cackling talking about random stuff when the door was pushed open, the furious Leena barked in. ''''Mom, do you know what you have done today?''''

    ''''Leena! I was waiting for you.'''' Heather waved at Leena fervently.

    ''''Didn''t I tell you not to send your patients and colleagues to my office?'''' Leena yelled at her mom. Her energy seems to be drained out already, she picked an apple from the basket.

    Heather rose from her seat and marched towards Leena. ''''I am making you earn more money, Leena baby.'''' Massaging Leena''s tensed muscles on her forehead, Heather hugged her daughter. ''''Now, now, don''t cry. I know you are not happy with the headcount. Next week, I will aim higher.'''' Heather teased causing a cry from Leena. Nick burst out intoughter.

    Since Heather has finished a long surgery in the morning, she got free time to chat with Leena and Nick. Just when they were seriously talking about an intrigued horror story, Leena received a message from Kyle. [I am free for the next one hour. If you are still in the hospital,e and meet me on the hospitalwn. You can ask the hospital staff for directions.]

    ''''I have a friend working here, mom. Is it fine if I go and talk with her?'''' Leena asked.

    ''''Go and have fun,'''' Heather added. ''''Nick will apany me.''''

    ''Both are insane, at least the mom is a little better than the daughter.'' Nick internally muttered.

    ...

    Leena walked into the hospitalwn and called Kyle when she couldn''t spot her in the crowd. Following Kyle''s directions, Leena reached over to Kyle and settled on the other end of the bench.

    ''''When did you get married?'''' Handing an orange juice, Kyle looked past the wedding ring on Leena''s finger.

    ''''A month ago. We haven''t yet held the wedding ceremony.'''' Leena replied grazing her fingers over the ring remembering the day Devin has put on her.

    ''''Congrattions.'''' Kyle was genuinely was happy for Leena. Although her heart was pained to see her first love with some other woman, it didnot seem to affect her as in the past. She was finding it a good sign.

    ''''Thank you, Kyle.'''' Leena smiled, and nced at her face ''''Are you upset?'''' She knew Kyle holds feelings for Devin, but nothing can be done. Feelings should be mutual, otherwise, one has to get hurt in the process.

    ''''Detective Sherlock holmes, you can trust me hundred percent on this.'''' Kyle shuddered at the memory of a press meet where Leena gave a tight face p to that woman. Infact, Kyle long understood Devin will not return her feelings. She epted the fact. She wondered if she can ever get someone who can shower love on her or ept her ill-fate. Little did she know, her ill-fate was going to change soon.

    ''''Alright, Alright! I believe in you.'''' Leena patted Kyle''s shoulders. Both talked about cool stuff and their interests. Leena was finding Kyle''s character pleased, the more she talked with her. She was nning to call Kyle for lunch to introduce Jane and Reese to her.

    Just when they were lost in talking interesting stuff, Kyle''s phone buzzed. She instantly rejected seeing the contact name. Not before they resumed their talks, Kyle''s phone ringed again.

    Curiosity killed the cat. Like a bolt, Leena peeked into Kyle''s mobile before she rejected. ''''Landon.. is he your boyfriend?''''

    ''''No.'''' Kyle denied spontaneously. ''''H_e is just a friend.''''

    ''''Then why did you reject the call?'''' With a mischievous glint, Leena pestered. ''''Something fishy!''''

    ''''I_I nothing! It''s because I am talking to you. So, I rejected his call.'''' Kyle smoothly lied.

    ''''You could have texted him if you are busy.'''' Leena didnot leave her. ''''You know, I can throw some advice. I am an experienced love advisor'''' Proudly, Leena barged pulling Francis and Reese into her list, although she did nothing for them.

    Pursing her lips, Kyle thought for a while. She has no genuine friends, and she needs a little advice to push herself. ''''His name is Landon Derwin. I met him at a medical presentation. A week back, he proposed, but I haven''t replied to him yet. He is waiting for my answer."

    ''''And you are avoiding his calls,'''' Leena yawned listening to this push and pull stories. ''''Landon Derwin! What does he do?''''

    ''''He is the CEO of Leius pharmabs..'''' Kyle said.

 Chapter 273 - Avogadros Number

    ''''A fucking Pharma CEO!'''' Leena burst out in surprise. She knew Leius is one of the leading Pharmapanies in the world but haven''t thought the CEO is a juvenile. ''''What''s stopping you from epting then? Is he bad characterwise?''''

    ''''Nothing like that. I mean, Landon is a nice person but we have known each other for a very little time, Leena,'''' Kyle replied. Landon Derwin is a sweet person but at the same time, there is something mysterious surrounding that man which is stopping Kyle to take a further step. Besides, his family is influential in society, and being an illegitimate daughter, she knew there would be conspiracies in the future. But somewhere, Kyle wanted to try, but a little push was needed.

    ''''Get out that blocks, Kyle. Go on dates first. If you feel he is good, take a further step.'''' Leena advised.

    ''''Should I?'''' Questioned Kyle.

    ''''Of course. If he is not up to the mark, tell him, ciao, ciao brown cow.'''' Leena winked, taking a sip of orange juice.

    ''''Where do you learn these funny phrases,'''' Kyle asked with a smile. ''''Your talks can lift anyone''s mood.''''

    ''''By now you might have known, I am born intelligent.'''' Shrugging her shoulder, Leena sipped thest drops of orange juice with the straw, noisily sucking air at the end. She often ys this game out of boredom.

    ''''Yes Yes. I can''t disagree with that.'''' Kyle giggled. If she disagrees with the statement Leena will brag until Kyle agrees. It''s better to y the safe game around her. Skipping Landon''s topic, they resumed chatting, and in a while, Leena got a text from her mom.

    ''''I will go. It''ste already. My mom is calling.''''

    ''''Alright. Stay in touch.'''' Before parting, Kyle hugged Leena and then walked in the other direction.

    ....

    Leena didnot stay in the hospital for a long time. After reaching home, she got fresh, and just when she started preparing dinner for Devin, she heard the footsteps of her babylicious.

    Without going inside the bedroom, Devin straight away walked into the kitchen and hugged Leena from behind. ''''When did youe back?'''' He asked, kissing her temple.

    ''''An hour back. I had no work in the evening. So, I went to meet mom.'''' She exined the story that is happening inside her office earning a deep chuckle from Devin.

    ''''So, you reconciled with Kyle.'''' He stated affirmatively. Devin was d Kyle turned out to be innocent in the end. Even if they have gone to the same school, he wouldn''t have spared if she had a hand on the spy cameras.

    ''''Yeap,'''' Leena stressed the word. ''''Friendships are like a walk in the park.''''

    ''''Who said that?''''

    ''''Jurassic Park.''''

    ''''You are not gonna leave than name ever?'''' He asked, grabbing the knife from her hands, and started chopping the vegetables. Devin has be an expert, not in cooking, but at least not in burning the kitchen.

    ''''That''s my favorite name.'''' Leena leaned back on Devin''s chest and gave a thought over the morning incident. ''''Do you want to know how I met him?''''

    Devin neither nodded nor shook his head, and Leena took that as a positive sign and started.

    ''''Jane, I and Reese used to visit lots of ces every weekend during our university days. Once a local voluntary runaway fashion event was organized to highlight animal rights. Interested has to get dressed in full-body animal costumes and walk through the runaway. To support, we three of us also participated in the event. I picked a zebra outfit, Reese was dressed as a frog, while Jane was a cow. To make the event more interesting, we were to walk as a couple. I got a rabbit partner.'''' Leena''s thoughts recollected the day as she began exining to Devin.

    As Leena waited for the fashion show to start, a tall animal stood next to her. She tilted her head and cackled watching the person in a rabbit''s costume.

    ''''Are you my partner, rabbit?'''' She shouted. Leena has to scream since her voice didnot reach the rabbits'' ears with the loud music reverberating in the hall.

    ''''Why would I stand next to you if I am not your partner?'''' He shouted at the top of his voice, getting irritated by the ear-piercing songs.

    Leena irritatingly red at the rabbit in annoyance without replying to him. When the show started, both walked in the runaway, next to each other. After the show ended, before Leena was about to go towards her friends, the rabbit pulled her by her hoodie.

    ''''What?'''' Leena screamed

    ''''Aren''t you introducing yourself?''''

    ''''What if you sell my kidneys?''''

    ''''Rest assured! I am toozy to clean your shit!"

    Clenching her fists at his sharp tongue, Leena scanned the rabbit from head to toe and decided to y with him. ''''John F.Kidney. My name."

    ''''Nice name! In the same way, you can give your number also.''''

    ''''6.02214076*10^23. Avogadro number.'''' Before walking away, Leena looked back and mocked the rabbit. ''''Text me if you can solve it.''''

    Rabbit: " "

    After the show, the three friends went home. Getting exhausted from wearing the suffocating outfit for a long time, Leena slumped on the bed tiredly. Just when she was about to close her eyes, her mobile beeped. Shezily looked at the message and upon seeing the message, she shot out of the bed. [Are your kidneys healthy to sell?]

    ''''What the hell! How did he get my number?'''' Leena''s mouth opened and closed like a cute goldfish. Instantly, she replied to the number.

    [How did you get my number]

    [How else? I solved Avogadro number you gave]

    Leena pressed her lips to control herughter. She should be getting angry at him, but instead burst out intoughter. ''''Did he think I am a fool? He must have investigated after the show.'''' That''s how Leena got the mysterious friend.

    .....

    Getting out of thoughts, Leena turned around and sheepishly replied in a whisper. ''''That''s how I first met him.''''

    Wordlessly, Devin grabbed Leena''s mobile from the kitchen countertop and deleted his number. ''''6.02214076*10^23. That''s my number. Solve it and text me.'''' Having said that, Devin walked into the bedroom cursing the dim wit. ''Rabbit costume, my foot!''

    Leena: '''' ''''

    ''''Green-eyed idiot!'''' Devin''s number would be at the back of her mind. Shaking her head, Leena turned around to concentrate on making the dinner.

    For the entire time during dinner, Leena has to coax the jelly Devin. Leena strolled into the balcony when Francis called her and talked about the morning incident that happened at Enger''s house. Of course, she didnot forget to pester him about his love confession.

    Ending the call, Leena walked into the bedroom where Devin was talking over the phone.

    ''''Is that my father-inw?'''' Leena asked when Devin ended the call.

    ''''He wants us to visit this weekend. France, your Meemaw aunt Heather is alsoing home.''''

    ''''I am ready.'''' Leena nodded her head fervently. She also got a mission to aplish. That is to find, Devin''s old mobile to see his past love.

    ....

    Soon the weekend arrived. Devin and Leena drove to the Wang family. The house was filled with giggles andughs in every corner as if it was a festive season. Francis and Fredrick were absorbed in chatting. On the other side, Sharon, Evelyn, and Heather were sitting with a bundle of clothes around them. Nick and Adney were giggling like chimpanzees. Grandpa Arthur was nowhere to be seen. He must be boasting about himself with Meemaw.

    ''''Go to Harley''s room,'''' Devin said. ''''She must be waiting for you.''''

    ''''What about you?'''' Leena voiced her concern.

    ''''Wilbur is on the way. He is bringing Jane and Cutie also.'''' Devin replied looking at Leena''s expression and as Devin expected, ash of envy passed and disappeared in a blink.

    ''''She will be ready for anywhere if my babylicious is involved,'''' Leena grumbled and went into Harley''s room.

    ''''Harley!'''' Leena''s scream made Harley shot out of her stupor.

    ''''Leena! I was waiting for you.'''' Jumping out of the bed, Harley dashed to hug her.

    ''''What are you sitting alone?'''' Leena asked releasing herself from the hug.

    ''''Mom, Aunt Heather, and Sharon are talking boring stuff. I better watch a Netflix series than listening to dads and Uncle Francis''s old stories.'''' Harley added passing the strawberry bowl to Leena. ''''How was your honeymoon?''''

    ''''Didn''t I tell you in the call?'''' Closing her eyes, Leena savored the delicious strawberries.

    ''''Youpleted the week-long story in ten minutes.'''' Harley pouted.

    ''''Go and get a boyfriend then.'''' She threw the pillow towards Harley.

    The word boyfriend made Harley gripped her fists. Removing the thought out of her head, Harley spoke up. ''''Reese and Jane are noting?''''

    ''''Jane is no the way, but I doubt Reese. Only if thatzy bum gets up, she maye.''''

    With a scoff, Harleyzily nodded her head. As expected, Reese''s behavior is a replica of that person.

    ''''What''s going inside the house?'''' Leena asked for some gossips.

    ''''I forgot to tell you. Mom brought a dress and a custom-made bracelet for you, and you believe it or not, I was awed by the bracelet''s beauty. She might give it to you today.''''

    ''''I can''t control myself anymore.'''' Leena squealed in excitement. When ites to dresses, Leena''s patience is at the wit ends. ''''I want to see them right now.''''

    ''''Then sneak out into her room.''''Whispered Harley.

    ''''No. She would definitely doubt if Ie with you.'''' Leena suggested. ''''It''s better you go and click the pictures.''''

    ''''��lright.'''' Nodding her head, Harley went inside Evelyn''s walk-in closet.

    ....

    Evelyn brought Heather into her room and locked the doors. ''''What did you want to discuss, Heather?''''

    ''''There is no one in your room right?'''' Heather asked in a whisper.

    ''''Nope. Everybody is busy with their activities.'''' Eve added. ''''Just tell me, Heather.''''

    Taking a deep breath, Heather started. ''Can we get the list of people who boarded the luxurious trip on Devin''s second year birthday''''?

    ''''Why?'''' Evelyn asked in confusion.

    ''''I want to find Leena''s dad,'''' Heather stated as a matter of fact as if she was already aware of it for a long time.

    "What do you mean.'''' Eve pressed her words in a low whisper. Isn''t Leena Max''s_''''

    ''''Leena is not Max''s daughter,'''' Heather revealed.

 Chapter 274 - Blood Group AB

    Evelyn''s brain wavered, and her thoughts went on a pause for a moment. What more shocking to her was Heather acting cooly as if she knew about the truth long before. When Evelyn entered Heather''s suite to wake her up the following day, Heather acted normal, although she felt Heather''s behavior a little unusualpared to her cheerful nature. But she didnot gave much thought to it. After they left the cruise ship, Heather neither talked nor met anyone. Suddenly, Evelyn heard her friend was getting married to Max, and it was no use when Evelyn confronted her. She didnot understand Heather''s reason for getting married to that womanizer until her divorce. Two years after her Divorce, Heather revealed the incident that happened on the cruise ship.

    ''''I_I am not understanding, Heather. Why do you think Leena is not Max''s daughter?''''

    ''''It started a month before I got into the ident.'''' Heather began. ''''Baby Leena had a burning fever when she was six. When I saw Leena''s blood test results after being discharged from the hospital, I was shocked to see her blood group was AB. Max has the habit of donating blood in our hospital now and then. So, I knew his blood group is O, and my blood group is A. So, Leena''s blood group can either be A or O. That''s when I learned Leena is not his daughter.'''' Heather exined. A surge of happiness overflowed within her when she learned the truth. When Leena started growing, her behavior and character didnot match that man at all. Heather''s hunch increased as the days passed, and finally, the blood test confirmed it all.

    ''''If it is not Max...'''' Evely''s eyes widened in shock when she thought of the possibility. She has seen Heather and Francis at the deck on that night, closely talking with each other. To not disturb the love birds, Evelyn went back to her suite. ''''Could it be Francis?'''' Evelyn asked.

    ''''No. Positively, he is not Leena''s father,'''' Heather was confident about it. Although she wished Francis to be Leena''s dad, her wish would forever remain as a wish.

    ''''Why do you think? There is a possibility, though,'''' Evelyn stated. ''''I have seen you two near the deck on that_''''

    ''''Do you remember the drug we put in the wine?'''' Heather calmly asked, cutting her friend''s thoughts.

    ''''I do remember. It''s to induce stimtion.'''' Evelyn nodded her head fervently. She knew Heather liked Francis since they started their friendship. But when a rumor surrounded Francis that he was dating some other woman, Heather distanced herself from him altogether. Soon, the buzz died down, but still, Heather was scared to express her feelings. So, they followed the guide of the romance books they read and turned into viins at once. ''''I was the one to add the drug into the wine.''''

    ''''I_I know. I was still scared to talk with him. So, I added the whole bottle.'''' Pressing her lips, Heather looked at Evelyn with guilt.

    ''''Oh, my poor Heather! Being a doctor, don''t you know the consequences of too much medicine?'''' Evelyn reprimanded with a sigh. At first, she was not aware of Francis''s feelings for Heather. Had she knew, Evelyn would have sorted out this Romeo and Juliet''s misunderstandings. That scatterbrained Fredrick was of no use. He knew everything, but like a spectator, he watched the show following Francis''s guidelines. Evelyn decided to take the help of her crazy daughter-inw and unite these two since Leena''s brain will be running with ideas always. Francis and Heather''s misunderstanding run so deep that even if she tells Heather that Francis loves her, she doesn''t believe it.

    ''''How much love you had for that jackass to turn you into a noodle, Heather? No wonder you don''t remember what happened on that night.''''

    ''''Don''t call him, Jackass.'''' Without a second thought, Heather scolded Evelyn. If anyone can rebuke Francis, it must be her. ''''He is ingenious, a whip-smart, gifted_''''

    ''''Well, sorry for the mistake, madam. The great Francis is indeed canny,'''' Evelyn whined. Suddenly remembering a thing, Evelyn asked. ''''Why are you stressing that Francis is not Leena''s dad. He was also on the cruise ship, and he was thest person you saw him on that night.''''

    ''''Because on that night, there was some other woman on his bed,'''' Heather said, gazing at the floor with clenched fists. She doesn''t know the bitch, but she got super jealous seeing that woman next to Francis in the pictures.

    ''''What!'''' Evelyn eximed. ''''Francis was with some other woman in his room? But how did you know?'''' Eve was nning to ask her husband about this. She never knew such a thing happened on that day. Is Francis aware of this?

    ''''I got a parcel. In it were the pictures of Francis and a woman lying on the bed in his suite.''''

    ''''What!'''' Evelyn''s head started spinning again, hearing her thoughts. ''''Oh God! I think someone plotted against you, Heather.'''' Evelyn was curious about the person now. Who could it be?

    ''''I know, Eve. When I discovered my pregnancy, I wanted to run away to Germany without telling dad. But the people who work for him noticed my unusual behavior and reported him. My dad investigated from scratch and got to know the incident on the cruise ship and my pregnancy. You very well know, he would put his pride over his family. He demanded to abort the baby.''''

    ''''I refused to abort my baby despite his futile tries. Scared that the baby would be born out of wedlock, which would hinder his political growth, he talked with Hayes''s family and arranged a marriage alliance.''''

    ''''And the package was thest straw that broke you?'''' Evelynpleted for her.

    ''''Yes,'''' Her mental state was already unstable, and at the same time, Heather received the parcel with pictures of Francis and an unknown woman. On one side, her father threatened to kill her baby if she doesn''t marry Max, and on the other side, she couldn''t stop her feelings for Francis. In the dire situation, the pictures answered her questions. She has to take a further step in her life and marry that womanizer.

    ''''I was happy with Leena around after divorcing Max, but the blood tests made me find about the truth. While I was secretly investigating to find the man, I got a call to my home phone from an unknown person.'''' Heather said.

    ''''Who is he? Do you know his name?'''' Eve asked. Is that the person responsible for Heather''s ident?

    ''''No! He refused to tell anything about him, but he knows I am searching for the truth,'''' Heather added. ''''He asked me toe to a location, and without a second thought, I rushed to the ce, in desperate to find the answer, and not before I reached the spot, I got into an ident.''''

    ''''It looks like a nned murder,'''' Evelyn said. ''''Do you suspect anyone?''''

    ''''I have no idea, Eve'''' Heather doesn''t want to remember that dreadful day. Francis revealed a woman was behind her nned murder and Leena''s ident, but she couldn''t think of any person holding a grudge against her to the point of killing.

    ''''Don''t worry, Heather. We will surely find our Leena''s dad.'''' Eve held her friend''s hand, assuring her.

    ''''Can we have the list of people who boarded the cruise ship on that day?'''' Heather asked in hope. She checked the people she remembered on the cruise ship back when Heather investigated the case, but now she wants to dig deeper.

    ''''It happened two decades ago, Heather. Technology was not advanced. Had it was a CCTV era, finding the person was like a cakewalk.'''' Evelyn said. ''''But I am not saying it''s impossible. I will try to get the cruise ship information, and then we can try our luck.''''

    ''''Thank you, Eve.'''' Heather hugged her friend; her eyes brimmed in tears. She felt a huge burden lifted from her heart, sharing her secret with Evelyn/

    ''''We are best friends, Heather.'''' Evelyn reprimanded her friend. ''''If you have forgotten, let me remind you. If not for you, I wouldn''t have met my Rick.'''' Eve''s face softened at the mention of Fredrick. The first time she had seen her husband was at the campus when Francis came to see Heather. It was love at first sight for Fredrick, and she has to ept him eventually with his endless chase. Her life was also a roller coaster ride in the Davies family, but when Fredrick entered into her life, he filled it with butterflies. She got a happy family with two loving sons and a daughter.

    ''''Of course, you should be thankful for it,'''' Heather smiled at her friend.

    ''''Alright! As a thanksgiving gift, I will buy another dress for your shopaholic daughter,'''' Evelyn said. ''''But for now, let''s go. My head is aching already. I need something strong to cool down.'''' Evelyn suggested.

    Heather nodded her head, and both happily walked out without knowing their conversations reached someone''s ears.

    ....

    Leena unplugged the headphones and ended Harley''s call. She blinked her eyes once twice, trying to process the story she heard over the phone. A while ago, Harley suddenly called her and immediately texted not to talk over the phone.. Leena thought she was making a prank call until she heard the conversations of her mom and mother-inw.

 Chapter 275 - Photoshop

    From the time Leena began hearing the conversations between her mom and mother-inw, goosebumps were crawling upon her skin. Until now, Leena thought her mom loved Max. No, it''s the perception created by her Francy. There are no secrets that time does not reveal, and today''s revtion shocked Leena beyond recognition. ''''Mom loves Francy. Francy loves mom. So, their feelings are mutual,'''' Leena whispered. A lump formed in her throat as the raw emotions poured out of her heart. Her mom struggled and faced humiliation to bring her into this world.''''Who is this person targeting, mom? What did they gain, harming her?''''

    Just then, Harley entered the room, pulling Leena out of her thoughts. ''''Did you listen to everything?'''' Harley asked. When Harley was rummaging Evelyn''s walk-in closet, she heard Heather talking about Devin and the cruise ship. Her interest immediately shifted to the juicy conversation, and she made a phone call to Leena for a live hearing.

    ''''I managed it, although the voices were little unclear,'''' Leena said.

    ''''Are you going to search for your biological father?'''' Jumping onto the bed, Harley questioned with curiosity.

    ''''No.'''' With a sigh, Leena added. ''''I instead cook up some ideas to unite mom and Francy. Anyway, mom is already adamant about finding the person. Let her search.'''' Leena has no interest in finding that man. In her eyes, she only considers Francis as her father. What''s the use of putting her efforts into finding the man when she doesn''t want to acknowledge her biological father.

    ''''I don''t want to talk about it in this happy time. Let''s go, Harls,'''' Leena said out of the blue. "I am hungry.''''

    ''''Lunch would be ready by now.''''

    Leena''s mouth watered at the mention of food, and readily she shot out of bed and went along with Harley. As Leena was heading to the living room, her eyes darted to Adney''s bedroom. As the door wide opened, she could hear Nick and Adney cackling like chimpanzees. ''''What''s with these two?''''

    ''''What else? A Chimpanzee joined with the monkey.'''' Harleyzily added with a scoff.

    ''''Please don''tpare them with my favorite animals. I love chimpanzees and monkeys.'''' Leena said in a serious tone.

    ''''You are right!.'''' Harley giggled. ''''Let''s search for a creepy deadly name for the two when wee back.''''

    ''''Okay, done!'''' Hungrily Leena and Harley went to the kitchen, but the dishes were still in the process, so they grabbed the diced carrots to munch on them for now. ''''I will go and talk with uncle Arthur.'''' Heather excused herself and went out.

    ''''I will be right back,'''' Harley said.

    The moment Heather and Harley walked out, Leena poked Evelyn''s hand to get her concentration. After seeding in getting Evelyn''s attention, Leena spoke up. "I want to talk with you about Adney.''''

    ''''What did he do?'''' Evelyn asked in a whisper, taking a peek at the sides.

    ''''Not here,'''' Leena muttered, ying secretive.

    ''''I will wait in the backgarden then.'''' Having said that, Evelyn walked out.

    With a triumphant smile, Leenazily strolled into the garden where Evelyn was waiting for her. The moment Evelyn heard the footsteps, she urgently asked. ''''What did that scared cat do, Leena?

    Settling next to Evelyn, Leena started taking her time. ''''I heard a rumor about him.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Evelyn surprisingly asked. Did everyone know that her annoying son can''t sleep alone even at this age because he was scared of ghosts? That would be the worst face p to her.

    ''''I heard Adney is dating Max Hayes''s daughter,'''' Leena revealed. If any other girl, Leena wouldn''t have bothered, but she doesn''t want that dimwit to enter into the Wang family.

    ''''He is dating that scum''s daughter! Why didn''t I know this?'''' Evelyn shot up from the bench, clenching her mobile. ''''I will not let that girl enter the Wang family''s doorsteps,'''' Evelyn called her son''s number demanding his presence.

    Adney arrived at the back garden, cursing at her mother for disturbing his peacetime. To his surprise, the monster sister-inw was sitting next to her mom. Adney knew she meant no good, and there is a possibility that she would haveined against him.

    ''''What is it, mom? Why did you_''''

    Not before Adneypleted his words, Adney yelped in pain when Evelyn twisted his ear. ''''You are still scared of those boneless creatures but have the gall to date a girl already? Who is she?'''' Evelyn demanded an answer.

    ''''What!'''' Holding her mom''s hand, Adney freed himself from Evelyn''s tight grip moving far away. ''''Who told you that I am dating?'''' He felt strange! His life always runs aroundputers or reading ghost stories, and there is no time for dating. Suddenly remembering something, Adney shot a re at Leena. His mood dampened when he saw her triumphant smile. ''''It must be your work, right?''''

    ''''Give respect to your sister-inw.'''' Evelyn reprimanded her son and turned to face Leena. ''''What''s that girl''s name, Leena?''''

    ''''Emerie, aunt Evelyn.'''' Feigning all innocence, Leena replied.

    ''''Ma, don''t believe Leena. I am not dating that fatass. It''s a rumor.'''' Adney said, maintaining a distance from his mom. He doesn''t have to surprise if his mom would beat him to death. Losing his pride in front of Leena was thest thing he wanted. Who spread the rumor about him? He hated that fatass who keeps running around him despite his ignorance.

    ''''I am warning you, Adney. If you bring that woman to this house_''''

    ''''I would rather live with the scary ghosts than her.'''' sping his hands together, Adney begged, wishing his mom would leave this matter.

    ''''Let''s leave the matter aside this time, aunt Eve,'''' Leena said, feeling sad for the poor soul. ''''My Brother-inw seems to be innocent,'''' Leena added, looking at Adney with a mock.

    ''''Alright, Leena dear.'''' Turning to her Adney, Eve sternly dered. ''''Clear the rumor first.''''

    Clenching his fists, Adney shot a deathly stare before turning around to walk away. All the while to his room, his brain was plotting against Leena for his revenge.

    ...

    Adney strolled into his bedroom with full-on revenge mode, and the moment he saw Nick, he screamed at the top of his lungs. ''''Nick Bro, I need your help in getting revenge on that nutty fruit cake.''''

    ''''Your brother woulde for your head,'''' Nick replied without pausing the game he was ying. ''''But on a serious note, we can take revenge on her.''''

    ''''How?''''

    Throwing theptop aside, Nick turned serious when an idea popped into his mind. ''''Let''s y with the family members hacking into her ount.''''

    ''''What if she finds out?'''' Adney questioned. ''''Devin bro will kill us if sheins to him.''''

    ''''Let''s be serious, Ad.'''' Nick hooted withughter before continuing. ''''That crazy doesn''t know a thing aboutputers, leave about hacking. How on earth will she find us? Except for eating food and running around the shops for dresses, she does nothing.''''

    ''''You are right.'''' Adney tittered, nodding his head in approval. ''''Now I understand why she chose to be a model.''''

    ''''Why?'''' Curiosity aroused in Nick.

    ''''She wouldn''t havended in any ITpany with her mediocre technology skills despite her heavy background,'''' Adney added with scorn to satisfy his ego. A surge of happiness overflowed in Adney as he criticized Leena.

    ''''That was a nice one, Ad.'''' Nick''s mood elevated at once. Both bitched a lot about Leena''s IQ and EQ before they started to execute the n.

    ''''Can you check if Leena is using her phone?'''' Adney said, opening hisptop.

    ''''Alright.'''' Nick hurried out of the room, and within a minute, he arrived back with the news. ''''That crazy is busy chatting with Harley, and I know she will not stop for a while.''''

    ''''Very well then.'''' Running the suites in his system, in no time, Adney found Leena''s IP address and hacked into her ount. ''''Who is our first target, bro?'''' He asked, searching for a picture on the inte to photoshop.

    ''''''Grandma Margaret. She is sitting on thewn chatting with grandpa Arthur. Let''s target both.'''' Nick advised. ''''Later, we will go with Francis and Fredrick.''''

    ''''I am in.'''' pping his hands in excitement, Adney quickly photoshopped and sent the picture to his grandfather from Leena''s mobile. ''''Let''s watch the show now.''''

    Nick and Adney high-fived each other in excitement.

    ....

    While sitting on thewn, Arthur and Margaret were fighting over Leena and Devin''s wedding location when all of a sudden, Arthur''s mobile beeped with Leena''s text message. He grabbed the mobile, and upon opening it, he mmed his thigh with a peal of roaringughter. ''''Hey Margaret chimpanzee, you look like a clown in this GIF picture which Leena has sent to me.''''

    ''''Which GIF, Gori Arthur?'''' Margaret snatched the mobile from her friend''s hand, and when she saw the picture on the mobile, she screamed in horror, throwing the mobile onto the ground. ''''What on the earth happened to my glorious face.'''' Her jaw dropped to the floor, watching weird octopus tentacles unleashing from her eye sockets.

    ''''Crazy Granddaughter, I am going to kill you today.'''' Margaret was breathless with anger. Not before Margaret shot up to reprimand her granddaughter, she received a mobile notification. The angriness she had earlier was reced with glee as she watched Arthur''s toothless picture with two side ponytails at either side of his head. ''''My octopus tentacle picture is betterpared to your toothless picture, Gori Arthur.'''' Margaret teased, showing his picture.''''See for yourself.''''

    ''''My handsome face!'' Arthur shouted at nobody, his heart pained to see his face in such a state. In seconds, his pain turned into fury. A fresh swell of rage rose within him, as he looked at his pony tailed picture. ''''Leena! You are dead meat in my hands today.''''

    "She even added ponytails on your head, Gori'''' Margaret added fuel to the fire with a grin. ''''You look nothing less to a gori now.''''

    "You look worse than a Chimpanzee." Arthur screamed at Margaret.

    Next it started with Fredrick and Francis.

    ...

    Nick and Adney started with Arthur and Margaret, and then they went to Francis, Fredrick, Callison. Next, they moved to Sharon, Evelyn, and Heather. They left out Devin when they knew it would yield them no good.

    ....

    With all themotion happening around the house, Leena was in her world, bbering and boosting herself to Harley without knowing everybody inwassouse were fuming in anger.

 Chapter 276 - Professional Shooter

    Kicking his legs in the air, Adney threw back his head, letting out a loud, humorousugh. Nick crossed his hands around stomach in an attempt to catch his breath. If the people in the house were not fuming in anger, they would havee straight away to this room to see the guffaws of these two.

    ''''Had I knew pranking her would be such a treat, I would have done it a long ago,'''' Adney added, his face lit up like a neon sign.

    ''''Indeed, Ad,'''' Nick retorted. ''''I feel refreshed to see everyone in the house cursing her. The funniest part is, Maddalena is not aware of it."

    ''''Let me go and check the situation outside,'''' Nick said, strolling out of the room.

    The moment Nick was out of sight, Adney opened his ount and checked his hacker friend''s status. It was still the same status, offline. If he tries to hack into his ount, it will backfire tenfolds. ''''Why can''t youe online at least once in a while?'''' Did he do another crime and went into hiding mode again? Vexed, Adney closed hisptop.

    While he was thinking of ways to contact his hacker friend again, Nick arrived back, carrying a little girl in his arms. "Savny is here."

    ''''Savny! You have arrived already!'''' Adney screamed, his eyes lit up seeing the little girl after a long time. He dashed towards Nick and picked Savny from his arms. ''''You are looking so cute today.'''' Dressed in a peach polka-dotted pinafore, she paired it with a sea-green shirt looking super cute and ttering.

    ''''Thank you Any!'''' Having said that, Cutie drove straight to the point. ''''Did you bring me the toys, I asked?'''' She asked with hope. Evelyn called Wilbur to invite the family for lunch since the two families haven''t met officially after Devin and Leena''s marriage. Cutie had a word with Adney about toys, and Adney promised to bring all she wanted.

    Gently putting her on the bed, Adney went into the walk-in closet and brought a wildly plush cute giraffe toy set. ''''Do you like it? This is a special toy. It can act like a real friend. You can feed and also change the diapers.''''

    Cutie was in no mood to respond to Adney''s question. Her sole concentration was on the giraffe''s toy. As if it is her childhood friend, she put on the diaper and began feeding with the bedtime bottle.

    ''''We almost know everyone from the Hayes family, including Cutie, but why haven''t we seen Leena at least once?'''' Adney questioned Nick.

    ''''Twice, I got a glimpse of her when I went to meet Wilbur, but uncle Francis appeared out of nowhere and threw me out of the room when I tried to meet her,'''' Nick said, remembering the day he had seen Leena in Heacis mansion when he was around ten. Curiosity killed the cat. He wanted to see her again, but there was no trace of her from next time. ''''Wilbur said Francis would not let her meet any man, and she even was joined in a school exclusively for girls.''''

    ''''He is treating as if she is Queen Victoria,'''' Adney grumbled.

    Just then, Nick got a text message from Jane asking Cutie to bring her down for lunch.

    ''''Let''s go and lick the bowls, Savny.'''' Nick picked Cutie, and all the three started. "Food is ready."

    ''''Yay food! I am hungly.'''' Cutie said, throwing the plush toy on the bed when her stomach screamed with the mention of food.

    ....

    Leena, Jane, and Harley have already rounded the table in the dining hall, waiting for the food to be served. ''''I don''t thinkzy Reese will make it today,'''' Jane uttered with a downcast face. ''''It''s been a long time I met her.''''

    ''''Let''s gather up for lunch in my home soon. I will also introduce a friend to you guys.'''' Leena already nned to invite Kyle to introduce them.

    ''''Who is she?'''' Jane and Harley asked with interest.

    ''''Let''s say someone I know, and you don''t know.'''' Leena winked, not adding much information about it.

    ''''Count me in,'''' Harley said.

    ''''I am also in.'''' It was Jane.

    While the three were conversing with each other, Arthur and Margaret arrived with a gloomy face. The moment they saw Leena, their weird photoshopped pictures popped into their mind. But then again, they decided not to bring in front of her and put her in an embarrassing situation.

    ''''Grandpa Arthur! Your face looks gloomy. What happened?" Leena asked with concern.

    "Do I look that bad in your eyes?" Arthur snapped.

    "That''s not what I_."

    "Then what do you mean by your statement?" Margaret questioned back with a re sitting over the chair.

    "I_I did not_."

    "Eat your food. You need lots of energy for photoshopping." Arthur added with a scoff.

    Photoshopping? Leena felt something was wrong with the two oldies but couldn''t fathom their thoughts. Brushing the thoughts aside, Leena began to concentrate on her food for now.

    One by one, everybody arrived at the dining area, and for the entire time during the lunch, Francis, Fredrick, Evelyn, even Heather was giving the cold shoulder to Leena.

    If Leena tried to make a conversation, they would immediately shift their attention to either Harley or Jane. She even poked Devin but to no avail. He was also looking for the answers for their cold treatment. Like a lost puppy, Leena was literally scratching her head, if she has anyway angered the family members without knowing two culprits are cackling inside.

    Happiness was spurting in the house without knowing a problem has taken root, and soon it is going to him them real hard.

    ....

    Eyes closed, thoughts focused, no one knows what''s mulling over his brain. As the footsteps around the corner of the house echoed in his ears, Enger snapped out of the thoughts, opening his eyes. ''''What is it?'''' He demanded.

    ''''It''s confirmed,'''' Nash said. ''''Devin is traveling to Norway along with Harley thising weekend. Harley would return to New York within three days to take care of WD. But Devin will stay back because he got an important business deal to close on behalf of Wang enterprises.''''

    ''''By the way, why did you ask me to get this information?'''' Nash asked. The information about Devin''s business was tightly sealed. He has to pull lots of strings to get a hand on the news.

    Not uttering a word, Enger got up and strolled towards the bulletin board, which was stocked to the wall. Yanking the marker cap with his teeth, Enger began drawing a blueprint on the board; his hands swiftly worked on the board like a pro. With how skilled Enger was at graffiti, Nash was not surprised to see the bulletin panel turned into a picture that he is aware of.

    "Why did you draw this? Isn''t it the ce outskirts of NYC?" Nash asked, a surprise-filled over his face.

    "My every move will have a purpose." Closing the marker, Enger chuckled as he pointed his eyes at the picture. "This is the route Devin will have to take to enter into the city after hends in New York." Pressing the marker on a specific ce, Enger remarked. "This is the ce our mene in. Under maintenance, the signboard will be put up by them. With that, his car will have to take a detour without any choice. Five miles from here, the car will enter into a secluded area."

    "Enger! This is not the right way_."

    "Let meplete, Nash." With a smile that can evoke the monsters within, Enger stopped Nash from speaking. "Before the car moves into the secluded area, one of our men will throw a sharp object on the road, resulting in a deted tire. It''s time Devin will get down from the car_."

    "W_hat are we going to do?" Nash turned wary, hearing Enger''s words. For some reason, Enger''s serious tone was putting a queasy thought in Nash''s mind.

    ''''It''s what you think,'''' Enger stated as a matter of fact. "Hire a professional shooter."

    "Are you out of your mind?" Nash freaked out, losing control all of a sudden. "Devin is one of the most influential figures, and knowing that fact, you are still going to such an extent? Kurt is his best friend. If something happens to Devin, he will drag every person behind the misery. A slip of word from the hired shooter, our doom will_."

    "Stop it, Nash. Nothing that you are worried about is going to happen." Enger cooly replied. "Once the shooters finish his job, you are going to execute him by yourself," Enger stated.

    For the first time, Nash''s body turned frigid, scared of Enger. Everyone who knows about Enger reckons him as a ruthless monster, but for the first time, Nash felt it.

    "D_o you have to go this extent? If it is for Leena, we can bring her home."

    "Leena is always mine, and that feeling will remain forever." With a stoic tone, Enger said. "I have to torture that bastard before taking her away. He has to pay the price for hurting my ego in the past." Remembering the past, he looked at the scar on his leg, which reminds the humiliation.

    "But still, I would rmend dropping this idea. Ample bodyguards surround Devin."

    "Tch tch. That''s where you are mistaking." Enger chuckled maliciously at his friend''s stupidity. "At the moment, he thinks the danger is lurking around Leena alone, and he has solely shifted the entire protective guards around her. Enger continued. "I am only seizing the opportunity." Enger''s whole secret lies in confusing the enemy so that they can''t fathom his real intent. The cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of a lion.

    "Prepare the team. Choose them wisely.." Enger said before strolling out of the room.

 Chapter 277 - Promise

    Without her intervention, Leena has turned into a viin in the eyes of the family members. All in all, she has be a scapegoat to Nick and Adney''s happiness.

    In the evening, dejectedly, Leena stepped into the car to go home. Atleast, she thought of trying her luck with Heather, but it bore no fruits. All the way to Greenwyn vige, Devin tried to cheer up her mood, but it went into vain.

    ''''Did I something wrong, Devin?'''' She was tired of asking the same question with Devin, but in the situation right now, his reply was the only thing that will relieve her. In her frustration, she even forgot to check Devin''s old mobile in the house which was her top priority.

    ''''You did nothing, Sweetheart.'''' Devin didnot go peevish of hearing the same question repeatedly. ''''They are trying to prank you as you do with them on the other days.'''' He is getting a hunch that it''s either Nick or Adney''s prank work but has no idea what exactly they did to Leena to make her mouth shutpletely. If Devin had a toxic family, he would have settled the issue then and there before it reached any misunderstandings.The stoic face everyone put up today would soon wane away. So, he let the matter aside.

    ''''But still, I am mood off.'''' With heavy steps, Leena walked into the bedroom and copsed on the bed. ''''What do I do now?''''

    ''''Sleep for a while. I will make something for you.'''' As Devin was about to leave, Leena held his hand.

    ''''I am already full.''''

    ''''Ready for action then?'''' Mounting on the bed, Devin sprawled next to Leena''s side, and pulled her closer towards his body.

    ''''Did you forget I got my period in the morning?'''' Gently pushing his hand aside, Leena turned around to face Devin. She pressed her lips to control herughter to see his murky expression.

    ''''I will let you leave today but don''t forget the deal we made.'''' Devin strictly warned her.

    Without talking a word, Leena buried her face deep into Devin''s chest in embarassment. ''''Do you have to bring the topic everytime?'''' She whispered in a low murmur.

    ''''That is the only time I will get an upper hand.'''' Devin chuckled, as he kissed her head lovingly. Everytime Leena''s mood swings would start a day or two before her period. But this time, it started a week before. Along with her mood swings, a strong arousal rised in the days that lead up to her period this time. Her period caused a steady rise in her desire, and inturn Leena turned Devin into screwing machine. She got a little scread something bad might have happened with her health, but Devin assured her that it''s a normal to feel a surge in desire before mensurating. He even googled up the sources, and patiently explianed the in''s and out of her anxiousness.

    ''''It''s not my mistake. You are a big fat bully.'''' At the peak of her orgasm, Devin made a deal with her, and that is to give her mouth everyday, and in her stark pleasure, Leena readily agreed. Even she wanted to follow the same path, and ask about his past love but then again she remembered Devin isa memory loss pateint.

    ''''Well, you know that behaviour is only towards my sweetheart.'''' He added. ''''Rest for a while. I will make chamomile tea. It will lessen your cramps.'''' He muttered before getting down from the bed.

    ''''Okay.'''' Her heart welled up with happiness at Devin''s attentiveness in every small thing he pays attention.

    With nothing to do, Leena tried to sleep, but it seems her brain was restless until she found the reason for getting a cold shoulder from the family. Grabbing her mobile, Leena opened the messenger to text with grandpa Arthur to try her luck, but all of a sudden, Leena shot out of the bed. ''''When did I send a text to these people?'''' Pulling her hair in frustration, at first Leena opened Grandpa Arthur''s contact. For the second time, her jaw dropped to the floor seeing the weired GIF. ''''Which idiot made this toothless GIF?'''' Her head started spinning at the sight of all the GIF''s which was sent from her mobile to Margaret, Francis, Fredrick...the list went on. ''''No wonder they are mad at me.''''

    ''''My mobile was sitting next to Harley''s bed for the entire time. What happened to it suddenly? Could it be?'''' Ubruptly, Leena realized her phone was hacked. ''''Who has the guts to y a prank on the great hacking diva of this world?'''' She had a hunch that it is the work of those two fellows.

    It was the worst humiliation Leena felt being a hacker. She sped to the study room and brought theptop. Opening the weblink of the app in her mobile, she ran a suite, and within a minute, she found the IP address, and the location of the system from which the text was sent. As she suspected, it was the work of one of the two chimpanzees.

    What more shocked Leena was, the hacker was someone whom she is very familiar. ''''Galifrazian! Why is he here?''''

    ''''Gallifrazian is Adney or Nick?'''' Leena wondered in thoughts. She knows Nick has got a medicore skills in hacking but Adney...

    ''''Who is Galifrazian?'''' Devin curiosly asked, as he entered into the bedroom with a cup of chamomile tea.

    '''' I will tell you about itter. First answer my question'''' Leena asked restlessly. ''''Is Adney a tech geek?''''

    ''''You can say that. He loves coding.'''' Settling next to Leena, Devin handed her the tea cup. ''''Do you want to know an intersting fact about him?''''

    ''''What is it?'''' She questioned taking a sip. The rxing aroma was unwinding, making her nerves calm.

    ''''He is a big fan of Elysian.'''' Devin revealed, a smile curved on his lips witnessing the shocked expression on her face. Devin then exined the incident that happened during the time Regina destroyed the CCTV footage.

    Now Leena got a clear picture about Adney. He is definitely Galifrazian. The dingle berry who annoys to the core is her brother-inw

    ''''I can''t beleive the world is so small.'''' Her brain was searching for ideas to y with that fellow for pranking her, not to mention that cartoon.

    ''Indeed.'''' Devin added with a bitter smile. If only he has known Leena before, there wouldn''t be Enger in her life.

    ''''How long since you know him?''''

    ''''For the past seven years. That dingle berry annoyed me to the core until I added him as my friend.'''' Leena talked about how she met Adney, and the other stuff, until sleep induced. Soon Devin also followed Leena into the slumber.

    ...

    ''''Are you going to office already?'''' Putting the orange juice aside, Leena walked towards Devin.

    ''''I got an early meeting today.'''' Not before Devin''s hand reached to pick the tie, Leena grabbed it. ''''Let me do it for you today.'''' Even on tiptoes, Leena struggled to fix the tie around his neck.

    ''''I will help you.'''' Hoarsely, Devin whispered holding her arms, and helped her in fixing the tie. Hervander aroma was wafting deep into his bones breaking his walls. If not she was on her period, he would have long forgotten the meeting.

    ''''It turned out perfect, Devin.'''' Squealed Leena. ''''I will be the one to fix your tie from tomorrow. How does it sound?''''

    ''''Well, I don''t want you to strain your hands, Sweertheart.'''' Devin pressed. If she has to do it everyday, he has to forget going to office.

    ''''It''s not a big deal_''''

    ''''End of the discussion. Let''s leave.'''' Devin grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the room.

    ....

    While having breakfast, Devin received a text message from Harley asking if they are going to Norway by flight or by the private ne. Then Devin remebered, he hasn''t yet informed Leena about his business trip. ''''Leena, sweetheart, can you stay in your Francy''s home for a week?''''

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''I am going to Norway for a business trip on sunday evening. I_I will have to stay in Oslo for a week.'''' Devin''sst word was barely a whisper for he knew sadness was skating over Leena.

    He put aside the breakfast, and knelt infront of her. sping her hands, he kissed her knuckles whispering sweet things to calm her. "I promise to call everyday...scratch that..every hour.''''

    But his words didnot sooth her at all. For some reason, Leena''s heart was unsettling today.

    When he didnot receive a response, Devin pulled her into his embrace. ''''I will make a video call everyday. Unlike Korea, the time difference is not big.'''' He made sure his busines trip''s doesn''t extend maximum two days especially since the time Leena was traumatized after the Korea business trip. But his presence is direly needed in Norway to close the business deal. ''''Turst in me. I will be very careful around women_''''

    ''''I trust in you, idiot.'''' Leena squeezed his body tightly. ''''Come back safe. I will be waiting for you.''''

    ''''I promise..'''' Little did he know, his promise was meant to be broke this time.

 Chapter 278 - Will He Stay Back?

    It might be because of the scandal during the Korea business trip or some other reason she didnot know, but Leena felt restless about Devin going to Norway. Her heart has nted a danger sign in front of her. But, Leena couldn''t pinpoint the reason for the unexpected shift in her emotions. She consoled herself, ming her mood swings.

    ''''Leena!'''' His voice suddenly brought her to the world.

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''Let''s go. I will drop you at the office.'''' Releasing himself from the hug, Devin gently pulled her onto the floor.

    ''''You got an urgent meeting today, and it would be double work to drop me and then go to the office.'''' Leena put down Devin''s thoughts. ''''That cartoon is freely essible. I will go with him.''''

    ''''Are you sure?'''' Devin asked for confirmation. If not, he has an urgent meeting, Devin wouldn''t have given a choice to her. Dropping Leena to the office and getting a goodbye kiss has be a part of his life which he got addicted to it.

    ''''Certainly positive.'''' Leena tiptoed and pecked his lips. ''''Now, off you go, Mr. Wang. I need you to earn lots of money and buy shares in all the clothing brands of this world.'''' With that, Leena pushed him out of the house.

    Shaking his head, Devin left, thinking of ways to stop Leena''s obsession with clothes. If Leena has to choose between clothes and him, Devin was scared that she would choose clothes over him.

    Brushing the thoughts aside, Devin stepped into the car and made a call to his friend. The moment he lifted the call, Devin spoke up without giving the other person a chance to speak. ''''I will be out of station for a week. I want you to keep an eye on Leena.''''

    ''''Bastard! You call up only when you need my help?'''' Kurt''s ring voice pierced into Devin''s ears. ''''Why don''t you ask me if I am doing well at least once? You always talk about that crazy narcissist.''''

    ''''My wife is not a narcissist. She is just better than everyone else.'''' Devin amorously gloated about Leena. As a husband, it''s righteousness to support his wife.

    ''''You think in that way?'''' To annoy his friend, Kurt decided to y with Devin''s weakness. ''''Listen up, Vincy. Your wife got a narcissist personality disorder. It''s a sporadic condition where the patient is left alone, and everyone else is treated.''''

    ''''Care to repeat it? I can record and send it to my wife.'''' A warning was evident in Devin''s tone. It is the only way Devin can shut everyone''s mouth.

    ''''Wang Devin!''''

    ''''Your voice is as loud as Drew.''''

    Kurt''s thoughts immediately shifted from Leena at the mention of Andrew. ''''Speaking of that nasty fellow, I almost got a migraine dealing with the two sworn enemies yesterday.'''' Kurt went to meet Andrew and Jasper since both live in the same vicinity, and it was a big mistake from his end to try to amend the rtionship between them. He had to close his ears to stop listening to their raw curses. ''''Why do they fight always? Is something going on between those two?''''

    ''''I don''t think so,'''' Devin stated. Leenavirus is spreading to Kurt also? Devin already knows Jasper and Drew already have someone in their heart, but both are scared to make a move. Even he is curious about the cause of their fight.

    ''''I wished to throw the two of them into the prison for at least a day.'''' With a sigh, Kurt said. ''''Leaving that aside, why are you keeping a solid focus on Leena? Is something the matter?''''

    ''''I will tell you when the timees. But for now_.''''

    ''''We will keep your wife safe. Happy?'''' Kurt knew something is going on in Devin''s life, but he can''t force his friend.

    ''''Thanks, Kurt. If there is nothing else, I will end the_

    ''''I have one more thing to talk with you.'''' Kurt began. ''''You are putting your guards down by shifting all your attention on Leena. Do you know the consequences? You will slowly be a target to many, Vincy.'''' Kurt has absolutely no idea what''s going on in Devin''s life, but one thing was sure. His friend is slowly paving the way to his enemies. If this continues, he has to take the matter into his hands soon.

    ''''You are worrying over nothing. I can take care of myself,'''' Devin assured him. The psycho''s focused entirely on Leena, and if he slightly loosens up his tight around Leena, he doesn''t want to imagine the worst consequences.

    ''''Alright. If you need help, call me immediately.'''' Kurt said. ''''I will watch over Leena.''''

    ''''Thanks, Kurt,'''' Devin was relieved when he ended the call.

    ....

    Bliss

    Leena, Reese, and Nick stepped into the office. Lately, Carrot is busy touring all the houses, and she rarely has time to spend with Leena. Once again, her office was filled with clients, and Leena has no choice except to ept it.

    Leena ended her morning sessions, and when she got a little break, she straight away pushed open the door of Nick''s room.

    ''''If it is shopping, I am not free,'''' Nick added, without lifting his head. After he started working for Leena, he got ample time for himself because Leena rarely disturbs him. She has even designed a room with a cozy environment andes to talk with him whenever she is free. So, he is free to think of his future which he has neglected.

    ''''I need to talk with you, Mr, Nickolodeon,'''' Leena spoke up with a taunting verse.

    ''''What now?'''' Nick questioned back, lifting his gaze.

    ''''Did you and Adney hack into my mobile and sent weird images to all the family members?'''' She calmly asked.

    For a second, Nick stiffened but quicklyposed himself. ''''I_I don''t know what you are talking about.''''

    Leena punched on the table with her fists, making Nick gulp in fear.

    ''''I_I didnot_''''

    ''''Do you think I am a dumbass!'''' Leena yelled, cutting his words off. ''''Writing cheap lines of code, using outdated apps, and you call yourself a hacker with your bog-standard skills?''''

    ''''B_bog-standard skills, you say?'''' Pointing his finger at Leena, Nick screamed. What is she thinking of her?

    ''''Worse than that! Next time, if you two want to prank, use your brains, and delete the messages'' history at least, and tell that dingleberry to use his head.'''' Pushing her hair aside like an empress, Leena walked out of the room, leaving Nick speechless.

    ''''How did she know that we hacked into her mobile? She must have hired a professional hacker.'''' Nick muttered, getting back into his business.

    ....

    A weak passed in a blink of an eye. On every Sunday, Leena would count rainbows, but today she is counting thunderstorms because the day has finallye, Devin has to leave for Norway.

    ''''If youplete the work beforehand, don''t hesitate toe back.'''' Leena tightly squeezed Devin''s body until it left with no space.

    ''''I will definitely try, Sweetheart. Eat properly. Sleep in time. Don''t stress yourself with work.'''' He gently caressed her back, listing out the priorities. It was taking all his self-control to leave Leena alone, but work also matters.

    ''''I will.'''' That was all Leena managed to say.

    ''''I will miss you a lot.'''' Kissing her forehead, Devin affectionately grazed Leena''s arms. A smile etched on his face as his hands identally bushed over her bracelet. She is treasuring it like a baby ever since he put it on her wrist. In the same way, he is also cherishing the Watch she gifted. Speaking of it, he has utterly forgotten to wear it today. ''''Sweetheart, can you bring my Watch?''

    ''''Alright.'''' Leena made herself into the bedroom and searched in the walk-in closet. Picking the Watch from the box, Leena rushed out of the room. In her hurry, suddenly, her ankle twisted, and eventually, Leena tripped andnded on her stomach. The Watch flew in the air and fell on the ground with impact.

    CRASH!

    ''''O! My leg.'''' Cursing at herself, Leena slowly lifted her upper body to search for the Watch. When she found the broken ss of Devin''s treasured piece, her soul left the body. ''''Why did it broke suddenly?'''' Her bottom lips quivered in plight, and her eyes bleed with pain. ''''Is it implying something?''''

    Leena crawled towards it, picked the broken Watch, and examined it. She could quickly fix the ss or bring a new Watch, but it''s not the only thing that is bothering her but the timing it happened.

    Leena was scared that something might happen to Devin as it happened in Korea. She trusts her intuition because it never lies to her.But she can''t keep bugging Devin just because of her instincts. Many lives depend on him, and she knows he would only extend unless it is necessary.. But why is her heart screaming danger for Devin? ''''If I ask Devin not to go, will he stay back?'''' She whispered to herself in uncertainty.

 Chapter 279 - Plan B

    She was never a superstitious person; infact, Leena believes only in herself. When a ck cat crosses her path, her Meemaw would consider it as ominous, and in her view, it signifies the animal is going somewhere. It might be because of listening to her Meemaw''s stories when she was young, Leena''s fear today has turned into a primary source of superstition.

    ''''Leena, what''s taking you so long?'''' Leena snapped out from her dazed thoughts when she heard Devin''s concerned voice.

    ''''What happened?'''' Devin questioned, his gaze shifted to Leena''s tightly gripped hand as he approached her. Unsping her fingers, he nced at the cracked Watch.

    ''''I broke it.'''' In a whisper, Leena took a guilty peek at Devin. ''''I tripped over my ankle when I was_''''

    ''''Did you get hurt?'''' He was only concerned about Leena. Although Devin treasured the Watch, Nothing is his priority in front of Leena.

    ''''No.''''

    ''Let me check then.'''' Devin carried her to the bed andid her on her back. He nced at Leena''s face as he gently pressed over her ankle bones to see if she feels tenderness at his touch.

    ''''Don''t worry.'''' Leena rose from the bed and squeezed Devin''s hand as a form of assurance. ''''I don''t feel any restricted movement.''''

    ''''I warned you not to jump around the house like a little fawn. Do you ever listen?'''' He reprimanded, pulling her into his embrace. ''''Don''t scare me, Leena.''''

    ''''Sorry, I was in a hurry.'''' Squeezing his body tightly, Leena spoke up her mind. ''''I am scared, Devin. I_I heard broken things are ominous.''''

    ''''Where did you read these busted superstitions.'''' Devin pulled back from the hug to know if Leena really meant it.

    ''''Roman culture,''''

    ''''Being a science student, you believe them? Superstition is a poison to your mind.''''

    ''''I have no control over my beliefs and thoughts when ites to you.'''' Leena tightly enfolded her hands over his waist and sank into his chest. ''''Can I ask you a question?''''

    ''''Of course, yes.''''

    ''''How important it is for you to go_''''

    RING RING

    Leena''s voice died down when Devin''s mobile buzzed.

    ''''Give me a second, Leena.'''' Devin excused and lifted the call. ''''I am starting now, Harley...Don''t postpone it. I will reach the airport in an hour.'''' He ended the call and nced at Leena. ''''What were you telling, sweetheart?''''

    She has mustered up the courage to ask Devin if he can stay back, but her hopes died down with the iing call. Forcing a smile, Leena said. ''''Nothing. Call me whenever you find free time. I don''t mind if you call from the bathroom also, but don''t forget to call.''''

    ''''Thanks for nting the idea.'''' He teased her. Thest time they had a conversation about micturate topic, he didnot get the chance. A call from the bathroom? dly he will use it.

    ''''I am serious, Devin.'''' Smacking his chest, she red at him for taking her words as a joke. She doesn''t mind the ce as long as she can hear his voice. Only then will she be relieved.

    ''''Alright, alright. Please don''t get mad at me, Sweetheart. I will definitely make time for us'''' The most hardest part is being away from Leena. Although he is not speaking his inner thoughts, only he knew the pain he is bearing inside. Next time, even if Leena''s schedule is tightly packed, Devin decided to take her with him. Kissing her forehead for onest time, Devin left.

    ....

    Thinking of him, she was counting the days until they meet again. Morning arrived; Leenazily stretched her body and picked her mobile to send a text to Devin. Six days passed since he went to Norway, but it felt like four decades. Although they have video chat every day, Leena was still not satisfied until she saw him in person.

    This time, Devin''s teasings went on another level. He purposefully lied that he was stuck in the meeting and found an excuse to call from the bathroom. At first, Leena didnot mind, but he has made it into practice.

    Leena wished to dig a hole and bury herself.

    ''''Idiot,'''' She smiled and unlocked her mobile, but to her surprise, she had a notification from her beloved photographer.

    [VinqueAero: A sunset without you is as good as a sunrise that never happened. I am missing you a lot]

    ''''What a beautiful sunset!'''' Leena eximed. ''''No wonder your portraits touch the inner souls, my dear beloved teacher.''''

    ''''Missing you a lot? Who is that person?'''' Leena giggled at the choice of words. ''''Is VinqueAero He or She?'''' She wished her beloved photographer to be a woman. Already, her babylicious is dancing with jealousy, and she doesn''t want to add one more to the list. Shaking her head, Leena liked the picture andmented on it. Leena, as usual, sent a private message like she does every time, knowing that the person will not reply. ''''One day, I will beat you in photography.''''

    ''''Yay! My babylicious is going to board the ne today.'''' Her smile deepened at the thought of seeing Devin tomorrow. ''''Laws should be made for superstitions.'''' Leena sent a text message to Devin and got up to get ready for the day.

    ...

    Norway, 4.00 P.M

    In the bright, spacious room, upied by the board members, a young man was sitting with an aura powerful as a ruler. Except for the asional flipping of pages, the room was eerily silent. The CEO of the Tricelleon, Rune Nills, held his breath, looking keenly at the stalwart figure sitting in front of him. One signature from Wang Devin today, hispany would skyrocket. But since the day he hase to observe thepany, he seems to be displeased by their aids. But still, he has his fingers crossed.

    ''''I am pleased with your proposal, Mr. Nills. I approve this deal,'''' Devin finally signed his name on the piece of paper. A signature reveals a man''s character, and sometimes even his name, and Rune Nills felt it today.

    ''''Thank you, Mr. Wang. I am delighted to work with the Wang Industries.'''' He firmly shook his hand with Devin and smiled.

    ....

    The moment Devin strolled out of the Tricelleon, William, the assistant director of the Wang industries, stepped forward when he couldn''t bear the nagging from the team. ''''Umm...Devin, why don''t we stay here today and start tomorrow_''''

    ''''Absolutely, no. We are boarding the ne in another one hours.'''' Before stepping into the car, Devin dered, leaving no room for discussions. It''s been a week he has seen his Sweetheart, and he can''t wait for a single second even.

    William internally sighed and followed Devin.

    ....

    Oslo Gardermoen airport, 5.00 P.M

    Before the flight went airborne, Devin sent a text message to Leena. He wished to surprise her, but how does he call it a surprise when Leena keeps calling him every one hour asking his whereabouts. Within a minute, he got a reply from Leena. ''''Didn''t she sleep? It''s eleven O clock."

    [To : Orthodox Saint: Why are you not sleeping]

    [To: DeepVDiver: I was waiting for your message. I think I am missing you a lot]

    [To : Orthodox Saint: I am missing you infinity. Now, now, Go to sleep, it''s already your bed time]

    [To: DeepVDiver: I am not sleepy]

    [To : Orthodox Saint: If you are not sleepy, then do me a favor]

    [To: DeepVDiver: What is it]

    [To : Orthodox Saint: Send your hot picture. You know what I mean, right?]

    Leena indeed sent him a picture. A chilly picture to annoy him.

    [To : Orthodox Saint: I hate you, Leena!]

    [To: DeepVDiver: Well, I don''t hate you, but you are the Monday of my life]

    [To : Orthodox Saint: Not everyone has good taste]

    Their cute sallies began until Devin turned off the mobile when the flight took off.

    ....

    New York: Morning 05.30 A.M

    Tightly clutching his mobile, Nash was waiting for a phone call from his men. The moment he received the call to his private number, he made a call to Enger. ''''I received the news from the airport. The team has bifurcated at the airport and started in their home directions. Devin is traveling alone with no guards. Only the chauffeur is with him.''''

    ''''First time I am in love with Devin''s arrival like a hunter in love with his prey,'''' Enger spoke up. ''''Is everything ready.''''

    ''''Yes.'''' Nash said,

    ''''Keep tracking him, and inform me of his every move.''''

    ''''I will take care of it.'''' Nash replied and ended Enger''s call. He doesn''t know what sort of trouble it would bring in the future, but he can''t go against Enger. An uproar will be raised that he was sure.

    ...

    Examining the drafted proposal Tricellen has sent, Devin''s concentration broke when the car suddenly screeched to a halt. ''''What''s wrong?'''' He asked, lifting his head.

    ''''There is an under-maintenance signboard, and we can''t take this road further, Sir.'''' The driver replied.

    ''''I will have to take a detour, sir.'''' The driver said, gazing back.

    Devin nodded his head in approval and resumed his work. The car took a detour and entered the isted road. When the car was moving ording to the n, Devin suddenly stopped the driver. ''''Turn to the Wang''s mansion.'''' Before he went to Leena, Devin wanted to talk with his dad about the drafted proposal for today''s meeting

    ''''Yes, sir.'''' The driver replied.

    .....

    ''''Damn it!'''' Nash cursed and made an immediate call to Enger. ''''Devin has changed the route. The car is moving out of sight. What do we_"

    ''''Execute n B.''''

 Chapter 280 - ThirtySeventy

    Every single thing that happens in our lives is preparing us for a moment that is yet toe. Sometimes the road of life takes an unexpected turn, and we have no choice but to follow it to end up in the ce we are supposed to be.

    Not before the car stepped into the highway, the driver caught the sight of construction barrels with line closed ahead caution, and he has to force stop it. The moment the car halted, Devin shot out, closing theptop tightly shut. ''''What''s happening here, Axel!''''

    ''''Sorry for the inconvenience, Sir. The line is closed here.'''' Axel replied hesitantly. ''''Two days back, the city was hit with 1 to 2 inches of pouring rain causing various road and transit closures. Since the rain has calmed down, the highway maintenance must be operating.''''

    All of a sudden, Devin remembered Leena talking about the heavy downpour in the city. Leena had a hard time sleeping because rainstorms always remind her of the ident. Devin so wished he was there with Leena to hold her in his arms and soothe her, but he couldn''t.The least he could do was talk with her until she shut her eyes and dozed off to sleep.

    ''''Alright, drive back to Greenwyn Vige,'''' Devin stated. He could also talk about the drafted proposal in a call, but he can''t wait anymore without seeing Leena.

    ''''Yes, Sir!'''' Axel reversed the car straight to the DewGarden. The car was moving smoothly on the road, without knowing a sharp object has pierced through the surface of the tire. The puncture was so deep that the tire began to lose air pressure in seconds, making it difficult for Axel to steer the car.

    Suddenly, Devin also felt the wheel shuddering like buckshot hitting his face before the car ceased to a halt. Since he started from the airport, within an hour, he has been facing barriers after barriers.

    ''''Didn''t you check the air pressure before starting?'''' Calmly Devin asked, but Axel felt the force underlying Devin''s tone. His throat dried, impossible to swallow.

    ''''Sir, I_I checked before I started, but then I don''t know_.''''

    ''''Go and see the problem first.'''' His patience was already running out, and he doesn''t know when he will re up in anger at this rate.

    ''''Sure, sir.'''' Nodding his head in approval, Axel stepped out of the car to examine the tire. True to his spection, a sharp object has pierced the rear wheel. ''''Strange! How did it happen?'''' He whispered to himself.

    It was safe enough to change the tire, but it would lead to catastrophic results if he made Devin wait for it because he doesn''t know how long it takes to fix it. So, Axel immediately called Nick and asked him to send a car to the location he just shared while talking over the phone. Axel then knocked on the car window to which Devin rolled down.

    ''''Sir, there is a sudden blowout in the rear tire. I have called Nick to send a car here since it may consume your time.''''Before he wouldsh out at him, Axel hastily spoke out.

    ''''One job, you have failed in doing it properly.'''' Having said that, Devin stepped out of the car. Closing the door shut, he ordered. ''''Get the tire changed fast.''''

    ''''Yes, sir.'''' Heaving a sigh for getting spared, Axel started the business.

    The ce was deserted except for cars moving asionally. So, changing the tire would take less than twenty minutes, and by chance, Nick doesn''t make it in time, he could travel by his car alone. Devin doesn''t want any more mishaps today. He had enough already.

    In the meantime, Devin made a call to Fredrick to talk about the drafted proposal without knowing he was just a step away from the darkness. One often meets their destiny on the road they took to avoid it, and Devin wrote his own destiny today.

    .....

    Unknown to Devin, at a hiding distance, a man was holding a rifle in his triggering arm. The barrel was pointing straight, putting the focus of his eye on the head around the target. ''''I got him. Target is at my shooting range.'''' He spoke up through the Bluetooth piece.

    ''''Wait for my orders,'''' Nash dered and called up Enger. ''''He is just at the trigger reach, Enger. What''s your order?''''

    ''''Wait.'''' Replied Enger. A bullet straight to the head will kill him in a second. It would give him no sense of satisfaction. He wants Devin''s pain. He wants to read Devin''s notice of death with pleasure. "Aim the bullet straight to his chest.'''' He dered before cutting off the call.

    Just when the word walked out of Enger''s mouth, breathing in halfway out, the shooter squeezed the trigger and released the bullet, destroying every closet doors.

    Fates have terrible power. You cannot escape it by wealth or war. No fort will keep it out, and no ships will outrun it. You have to ept the fall when you are thrown. The only thing that counts is whether you get back up, and Devin''s life and death situation was nothing more than that. The mobile crashed to the ground, followed by a loud thud. If it was the end of his story today, he wished to see her for onest time before he close his eyes.

    ....

    Leena banged and kicked on to Nick''s door impatiently. She knew Nick is purposefully not opening the door. ''''I will hack your systemif you don''t_''''

    The door was pulled open from the other end before shepleted her words. Watching Nick''s cool stance, Leena shouted at the top of her voice.''''What took you so long?''''

    ''''Why are you here?'''' Hezily asked, opening the door wide open.

    ''''I am not able to sleep.'''' Barging into his house, Leena walked into the living room and settled on the sofa. ''''I am so happy that I am not able to sleep. My babylicious hasnded at the airport. He will be here in an hour.'''' Like a child missing her parents, Leena bragged about it. A smile spread across her face at the thought of seeing him. Finally, the wait is over.

    ''''If you havee to tell this, I know it already.'''' With a yawn, Nick copsed on the couch. Husband and wife have no work except to torture him without letting him sleep.

    ''''How? Did my Devin tell you?'''' Leena eximed.

    ''''Axel called.'''' Nick said. ''''The car got punctured while he started for home. So, he called me_.''''

    ''''Why didn''t you go then!'''' Leena red up at him, and hurriedly, she unlocked her mobile to call Devin. Before Leena pressed on Devin''s name icon, Nick grasped it. ''''At least let him breathe for a while, Leena. You have been torturing him with your calls since the day he flew to Norway.''''

    ''''It''s called love and caring.'''' Leena grabbed her mobile from Nick''s hands, and with a mock, she said. ''''People like you who go and kiss everyone doesn''t understand it.''''

    ''''Leena!'''' Nick screamed, clenching his fists. ''''If you bring my story again_.''''

    Just then, Nick''s phone buzzed with an iing call. When he nced at the contact number, his frown deepened. Why did Kurt call me in the morning? ''''Give me a second.'''' Nick excused and went into the balcony to talk with him.

    It didnot take much time to end the call, but his eyes were zing red to process the dreadful news.

    ''''Who is it?'''' Leena asked, as she looked at Nick.

    Nick doesn''t know how the poor girl will take this to her heart, but still he has to take her to the hospital without letting her know the truth. Mustering up his courage, with a forced smile, Nick spoke up. ''''Hey Crazy Leena, Devin asked me to bring you to a ce.''''

    ''''Why?'''' Leena asked with curiosity. ''''Is he nning for another surprise?''''

    ''''I_I have no idea,'''' Nick turned his face away, to conceal his emotions from her. ''''Let''s go first." It would be toote if they don''t go now, but he did not voice out the thought.

    ''''Okay then. I will go and get ready.'''' Not before Leena took a step forward, Nick held her hand gently. ''''Let''s go, Leena. Devin wants to bring you urgently. He has something to tell you."

    ''''Alright.'''' A smile reached up to her ears as she stepped out of the house along with Nick.

    The atmosphere in the car was eerily silent. Leena red questions after questions to pull out the secret, but he had no answers. When the car pulled into the hospital entrance, Leena skeptically looked at him. "''W_hy did you bring me here? Isn''t it the hospital where aunt Evelyn works right?"

    ''''Yeah. Devin wanted to_

    ''''W_hat happened to him!'''' Her lips trembled in fear when a dreadful thought crossed her mind. She is slowly understanding Nick has lied to bring her here. Did something happen to Devin?

    Wordlessly, Nick opened the car door, but Leena refused to get down until he answered her questions. ''''''W_hat happened to him!"

    ''''Let''s go in first.'''' Nick was hardly controlling himself from breaking down. "Don''t you want to see him for onest time?''''

    " W_hat!" Her brain stuttered for a moment. Her voice trembled, halting, disbelieving.

    ....

    "I executed the shooter and cleared all the evidence of the spot.'''' Nash said, walking into Enger''s room.

    ''''What about him?'''' He asked; his tone sounded calm and rxed.

    ''''Thirty-Seventy,'''' Nash remarked. ''''Might be less than a thirty percent chance of surviving.''''

    ''''Pretty good.'''' He smiled, binding a sticky pin on the board. Unless Devin is lucky, or a miracle happens like five years back when Leena got into an ident, there is no chance of Devin surviving. But luck never favors him.. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have lost his memories.

 Chapter 281 - Doctor Heather

    Nick cursed at himself for slipping his tongue at thest minute. He didnot intend to tell the truth, for he knew Leena would break down instantly. For the past week, Nick had seen how crazed Leena had turned when Devin was not around. Even Kurt witnessed it because he often visited their office to check up on Leena. That''s the reason Kurt warned Nick to bring Leena to the hospital without nting a doubt on her mind, but s, he couldn''t keep up with the truth.

    ''''Take me to him.'''' Leena quietly whispered, stepping out of the car. She knew Nick wouldn''t tell what exactly happened to Devin. She could feel nothing but blind terror when the thought of something that happened to Devin has crossed her mind. Her fear had be a palpable force that snaked over her like a hungry beast, immobilizing her body. Not before Leena''s legs touched the ground, her body quivered, and if not Nick''s fast reflexes to hold her hand, Leena would have fallen onto the ground.

    ''''Leena, are you okay_.''''

    ''''I want to see him. Please take me to him as soon as possible.'''' She begged, looking at him with teary eyes. She has to see Devin with her eyes.

    Wordlessly, Nick brought her to the Venus hospital''s top floor, where Devin was getting the emergency operation. It seems Leena was thest one to get to know about Devin. Almost all her friends and family members were standing outside the Emergency room. As if terror mounted on their hearts, everybody was standing in the corridor in aplete state of panic.

    Seeing Leena hase, Wilbur, Evelyn, and Francis rushed towards her. Francis''s heart hammered in his chest to see Leena weighing down by dead already. He dared to imagine her state when she knows the truth.

    ''''Leena!''''Francis and Evelyn called up.

    Leena raised her hand and stopped Francis and Evelyn from taking further steps.

    Gripping her hand over her chest, Leena slowly walked towards the operation theatre door. Through the ss doors, she saw Devin lying on the hospital bed with various tubes inserted into his body which she is not aware of. Closing her mouth, she couldn''t hold back the heartbreak any longer. Her grief poured out, and she fell on the floor in a messy heap. Her tears streamed down her face uncontrobly. Her heart was wounded and inflicted with pain she can''t exin. ''''Why is he in the hospital bed?'''' She buried her face on to her knees, her body wracked with the onught. Her wrenching sobs were so grievous that they tore through everyone''s chest.

    ''''Leena!'''' Wilbur rushed and hugged his sister. ''''Nothing will happen to Devin. Please stay strong.'''' Wilbur felt his throat closing up. Two important people in his life are hurt, but he couldn''t do anything. He didnot know his sister''s love for Devin was so deep that she has turned insane for him.

    ''''W_hat happened to my Devin!'''' All Leena could say were stuttering words. Just yesterday night, she had a silly fight with him over a chilly, and today morning, he texted her the moment hended what went wrong in an hour that he ended up in the hospital. Leena still has no idea where exactly Devin was hurt. ''''Please tell me, Will.''''

    ''''A bullet was shot into his heart,'''' Wilbur hugged her tightly and rubbed her back to soothe her. Axel was the one who has seen Devin fell on the ground at first. Until he closed his eyes, Devin was whispering Leena''s name like a hymn.

    ''''He suffered a cardiacpression due to severe bleeding from the heart wound. So he was shifted to the emergency. With the amount of blood loss, Devin was fortunate enough to reach the hospital alive. Currently, doctors are operating on him for an emergency. W_e still don''t know if he is _'''' Wilbur dreaded to speak thest words when Leena''s cold eyes shot at him.

    ''''Nothing will happen to my husband!'''' Leena pushed Wilbur away from her. ''''Don''t speak nonsense.'''' Nothing will happen. Leena whispered to herself repeatedly as if she has gone out of her mind.

    Francis''s throat tightened, watching Leena in agony. It''s not even two months since his baby daughter got married, her life is turning into a nightmare.

    Just then, the emergency room pushed open, and the team of doctors arrived. Everybody standing on the ground around rushed towards the doctors.

    ''''H_ow is my son?'''' Fredrick asked, his voice croaked with each word he uttered. He was thest to hear his son''s scream in the call.

    With a heavy tone, the doctor started. ''''At present, Devin''s is blood pressure has reduced to 50 mm, and respirations are 36 to 40 per minute, and we have incubated him. We don''t know what kind and size of a bullet lodged because we couldn''t find the exit.'''' The doctor continued. ''''One more thing, we are still not able to rify whether the bullet is outside or inside the heart sac even after the initial CT scan. We have to discuss this with the hospital directors before we conclude.''''

    ''''Also...'''' The doctor hesitated, looking at everyone''s distressed faces. He doesn''t know how the family would take it with the news he is going to break.

    ''''Please tell it, Lucas.'''' Taking a deep breath, Evelyn muttered. ''''I am also a doctor. You don''t need to hide it from me.'''' Evelyn understood the weight of the situation now. She only prayed Devin would stay strong and fight for his life.

    ''''I am sorry to say this. But please brace yourselves.'''' Lucas breathed in and out before he spoke up. ''''We found a lead fragment while internally cleaning Devin''s chest wound. Our spection is, the object must be airgun bullet which is used for hunting birds.'''' The doctor''s exnation turned the atmosphere frigid all of a sudden.

    ''''A hunting bird bullet!'''' Leena sniffed quietly, turning around. Her eyes were bleeding with pain the more she heard the doctor''s revtions. Devin would never harm anyone unless they touch his bottom line. Which bastard was so cruel to use an air gun used on animals? How much pain would Devin have suffered when the bullet hit his chest? Her heart was screamed in pain for him.

    At the end of the corridor, Kurt silently clenched his fists. The more he listened to the doctors, the more he wanted to bring the person to ruins for hurting his friend. For a second, Kurt kept aside his identity aside, and he vowed to kill whoever the bastard was with his own hands.

    ''''We have closed his heart, unable to locate the bullet,'''' Lucas said. ''''If the bullet is not removed within 72 hours, the infection will spread, and the survival chance will be less than 10 percent.''''

    With the doctor''s cold-blooded words, the atmosphere around the family members turned ashen. All of a sudden, their concentration shifted to Leena, but the girl was nowhere in sight.

    ''''Leena! Where did she go.''''

    ...

    Tears streamed down her eyes as Leena touched Devin''s face. She squeezed her eyelids shut in hopes her tears would stop, but the pressure only intensified. ''''You promised me, idiot. You promised you woulde back safe. Open your eyes, Devin. I want to talk to you.'''' Her screams reverberated in the room. Listening to her cries, even the nurses welled up.

    ''''Please stay with me. You are all I need. I promise I will not buy dresses anymore. I will listen to your every word.'''' Her teardrops continuously rolled down her cheek and befell over his hands. As if her sobs triggered an involuntary pain in his chest, Devin''s fingers trembled.

    ''''Leena, let''s go.'''' Wilbur tried to pull her, but she held Devin so tightly that, surprisingly, his strength was in no match to her.

    ''''Get out of this room. I am talking with my Devin.''''

    ''''Devin is under anesthesia. He can''t listen to anything.'''' Wilbur''s pleas didnot reach Leena''s ears. Turning insane, she was speaking all random things until her body was exhausted. Before Leena copsed, Wilbur caught her and carried her out of the room.

    ''''Don''t leave me, Devin, please... '''' Even in her sleep, she was mumbling incoherently.

    ...

    In a vast room, a team of cardio surgeons gathered up discussing Devin''s critical wounded surgery.

    ''''A thoracic radiologist may interpret the exact bullet location.'''' One of the doctors suggested.

    Looking at the x-ray over theputer, Lucas said. ''''Doctor Evelyn is one of the best Cardio Surgeons in the city, but we cannot allow her to operate on Devin. We need an expert doctor who can tackle this situation.''''

    ''''I have a person in my mind.'''' The head doctor suggested.

    ''''Who?'''' Lucas asked.

    ''''Doctor Heather.''''

    ''''Are you serious, doctor Lynch?'''' Lucas red up. ''''Heather didnot practice medicine for two decades. How could you allow_.''''

    ''''I trust in her, Lucas. Each surgery she has taken up in the past was a sess. You have witnessed it already.''''

    ''''It''s all in the past. I cannot rmend_.''''

    ''''Then do you have a choice, Dr. Lucas?'''' A booming voice, followed by a woman, pushed open the door, stepping into the room.. Her aura and confidence echoed in the room, terrifying the doctors.

 Chapter 282 - Less Than Thirty Percent

    *Chapter is not edited*

    In the room full of doctors, Heather confidently strolled into the room.

    ''''Do you have a better choice, Doctor Lucas?'''' Taking her seat, Heather spoke up in a rtively calm voice. Her voice may remain calm andposed outside, but internally her heart was drumming in fear. On one side, her son-inw is battling with life and death, and on the other side, her daughter is wailing in agony.

    ''''Doctor Heather, I didnot want to offend you.'''' Replying calmy, Lucas turned to the other doctors. ''''Every CardioSurgeon sitting here is skilled and experienced, yet we couldn''t identify the bullet''s exact location even after performing a transthoracic echocardiogram.You have not practiced medicine for two decades, and we cannot entrust an inexperienced doctor for major surgery. Do you now understand the potential of Devin''s case? We are trying to reach out to a dedicated thoracic radiologist to interpretation_.''''

    ''''Doctor Lucas, we don''t have time for interpretation,'''' Heather''s voice pressed on the subject as she spoke. ''''Lead intoxication is fatal. Its traces will soon travel to the other parts and slowly poison Devin''s organs if we keep dying.He doesn''t have much time. We need to operate on him as soon as possible. If you haven''t found the traces through a CT scan, why didn''t you try Fluoroscopy?'''' It was a question Heather posed to all the doctors.

    Heather''s vision has blown everyone''s mind. They knew Fluoroscopy would confirm the exact location, but they were too muddle-headed to interpret with the thoracic radiologist that they forgot to think about Fluoroscopy.

    Ignoring their surprised stances, Heather turned to the chief Doctor. ''''Doctor Lynch, let''s do the Fluoroscopy early in the morning to specte the bullet''s exact location. I am volunteering myself to perform the surgery on Devin. Allow me to be the lead surgeon.''''

    ''''I disagree with this proposal, Doctor Lynch.'''' Lucas instantly denied. ''''Heather doesn''t know the in and out of Devin''s_.''''

    ''''I approve Heather as the lead Surgeon, and the discussion ends here.'''' Doctor Lynch dered and got up to leave before signaling Heather to follow her.

    ....

    ''''Where is Leena?'''' Arthur asked in a low whisper. His energy has wholly drained out, witnessing his grandson on the hospital bed. He wondered why he survived the heart attack.

    ''''She lost consciousness due to exhaustion. But she will be fine.'''' Harley said. The happy atmosphere she has seen a week back has gone all of a sudden.

    ''''It must have taken a serious toll on her,'''' Fredrick said and turned to Evelyn. ''''Can you go and check with Heather if they located the bullet?''''

    Before Evelyn moved further, Heather arrived with Doctor Lynch.

    ''''The bullet might not be stable at the moment. We will perform Fluoroscopy early in the morning to see the exact location.'''' Heather and Doctor Lynch exined about the unusualplication due to lead poisoning wounds. Evelyn, and Fredrick, were paralyzed on the spot like terror sucked every breath out of them.

    ''''My son! Why did he have to suffer, Francis!''''

    ''''Rick, please don''t lose hope! Devin will be alright.'''' France tried to console his friend, but Nothing of his assurances reassured him.

    "Brother!'''' Like a baby, he hugged Harley and mumbled incoherently, choking his sobs. The sounds of wailing and suffering echoed throughout the corridors.

    By the time it was evening, Austin, Wilbur, Andrew, Jasper, and Kurt, stayed back, and the rest others were sent home by force. Despite everyone''s protest, the five friends didnot let them stay back here.

    The corridor has turned into a crying mess since morning, and they don''t want another one falling sick.

    ''''Did you find any clue, Kurt?'''' Jasper asked.

    ''''Let''s not talk about it now.'''' He said, looking at Devin over the ss window. His mind is in a mess to concentrate on the criminal. Kurt was running in sheer anger seeing Devin on the bed with tubes all over his body. ''''Whoever it is, I will make them pay the price in installments.''''

    ''''Did Axel tell you_.''''

    Wilbur''s voice suddenly died down when he saw a familiar figure approaching them. ''''Ethan?'''' It was not only Wilbur, but all the five friends went in shock.

    ''''How is he?'''' Ethan questioned, ignoring their surprised expressions. Just because he is not on talking terms, did they have to give a bewildered by his presence? Ethan couldn''t sit still when he saw the news about Devin''s ident. A part of him knows that he considers Devin as a friend, but his ego wouldn''t allow it. But today, he broke the barriers.

    ''''Doctors are still examining,'''' Wilbur exined. During the most challenging times of one''s life, we see the true colors of people. Not even in his dreams, Wilbur expected to see Ethan here. There is something about Devin that made him one star to shine with a million that went unnoticed.

    ''''How is Leena?'''' Ethan asked with hesitation as he took a seat. He hoped to see her, but at the same time, he was scared that she would give a cold shoulder. Already she would be in agony, and he doesn''t want to add more distress appearing in front of her. While Andrew, Austin, and Kurt were pondering if Ethan had any rtionship with Leena.

    ''''She is a little disturbed,'''' Wilbur stated. A while ago, he couldn''t see her going berserk like a mad girl. So, he told the nurse to sedate her. At least she can sleep peacefully for a while. While everyone was talking, Andrew slipped out of the ce to check on Leena''s condition.

    ''''Devin..please don''t leave me..'''' Andrew heard Leena''s incoherent mumbles as he stepped into the room where Leena was lying on the bed; Color drained out of her face crying from the morning.

    ''''Nothing will happen to Vincy. Stay strong, sister.'''' Andrew patted her head, settling next to her.

    ....

    In the middle of the night, Leena woke up at a shot when she remembered Devin. When she looked over the surroundings, she saw Andrew''s head resting on her bed. Helping herself, Leena slowly walked out to Devin''s ce.

    Resting her head on the door where Devin wasid on the bed, Leena hugged her knees, burying her face deep into it. Her body and mind were so tangled that she didnot notice a man until she heard someone calling her name. When she lifted her head, she saw it was her mysterious friend.

    ''''Hi Leena, How are you?'''' With a smile, Enger asked. ''''I heard it in the news about Devin''s injury. I am sorry.'''' His heart hurt to see Leena cry over some other man and added that he is solely responsible for agony, it pained him. Enger made a vow to turn her sorrow into happiness soon.

    Half-smiling at him, Leena turned her head to the other side. The more people tried to console her, her grievance intensified.

    ''''Stay strong, Leena.'''' When he didnot get a response from Leena, Enger raised his hand to touch her, but his happiness was short-lived when a strong hand blocked it. Enger swallowed down his frustration when he saw who it was.

    ''''Who are you?'''' Kurt asked in suspicion. His face looked familiar, but Kurt couldn''t remember where exactly he has seen him. Leena turned her head, and when she saw Enger closely sitting next to her, she moved away from him.

    ''''I am Leena''s friend,'''' Enger''s blood boiled internally. When he thought he could have a quality time with her, at least, another bastard popped up.

    ''''Do you know him, Leena?'''' Kurt asked, looking at Leena.

    ''''He is my friend,'''' Leena said, not going into the details.

    ''''Take care, Leena. I will take my leave.'''' His face softened seeing her face. He wanted to spend time with her, but it''s not the time.

    ''''Okay.''''

    Kurt dubiously looked at the retreating figure. Many questions swirled on his mind, but for now, he kept the thought aside and turned to Leena.

    ''''You haven''t eaten anything since morning.'''' Kurt handed her the dinner box. ''''Eat it.''''

    ''''I am not hungry.'''' She said.

    ''''Didn''t you tell your Devin doesn''t like you starv_''''

    Not before Kurt''s words ended, Leena immediately grabbed the box from him.

    ''''Did you find the criminal?'''' She asked in a whisper. It was a dumb question to ask. The person has put a lot of investment into trying to kill Devin. Sure, they must have eliminated the evidence also.

    ''''We are still investigating. It was all pre-nned to kill Devin.'''' Kurt said. When he contacted Axel, he told about the problems they underwent whileing home. It was nned perfectly that none of the things would have nted a doubt of seed to Devin.

    Leena silently clenched her fists. How she wished to kill if the person was in front of her.

    ...

    The following day, everybody was waiting at the operating room, waiting for Heather.

    ''''We have performed the fluoroscopy, and identified the bullet is sitting at the midline, and in the region of Devin''s heart,'''' Taking a deep breath, she said. ''''We have to operate him urgently.''''

    Evelyn silently sobbed. She knew what Heather meant. A very less chance of survival.

    ''''W_hat''s is his survival rate?'''' Leena asked, her voice stammered.

    ''''Less than 30%.. I_I need your consent to start with the surgery."

 Chapter 283 - Heart Beat Stopped

    Heather''s words jabbed into Leena''s heart, terrorizing her. She was never scared of losing something in her life, but her worst fear of losing Devin felt like losing herself. ''The happiest moments she spent with him all surged back with force. Although she has been with Devin for a short time, she created memories to reminiscence for eternity with Devin. Without Devin, there is no Leena. Life or death, she wants to share with him together. She has decided it when she has given her heart to him.

    But she doesn''t want to lose faith, although her brain says there isn''t any hope for Devin to live. All closed doors may not be locked. They may be waiting for a gentle push.

    ''''Heather!'''' Fredrickmented in deep sorrow. ''''Do I have to lose hopes in my son_.''''

    ''''Stop it, Father-inw,'''' Leena screamed, refraining Fredrick from speaking negative thoughts. Walking towards him, Leena whispered. ''''When Devin was three years old, he fell into the water but still survived, right?''''

    Fredrick nodded his head. It was a terrible memory which he doesn''t want to remember. Until yesterday, he had a belief that his son will, survive, but Heather''s words today are causing him to lose all hope.

    ''''Then the bullet is nothing for him.'''' With determination, Leena turned to her mother. ''''We still have thirty percent chance, right, mom?'''' Holding Heather''s hands, she squeezed them gently. The irony is, they are going to decide Devin''s future today. ''''He will survive. I trust in you, mom.'''' Leena has heard a lot about her mom''s exception surgical skills. She has a strong faith in her that her mom will bring Devin back.

    Wiping her tears, Heather pulled her daughter into a tight hug. ''''Your love will give him the Will to Survive, baby. I promise to bring Devin back.'''' Heather made a vow to her daughter. Nothing is impossible. If it is impossible, that only meant she hadn''t found the solution yet. If she could take out the bullet without anyplications, Devin''s survival rate can increase to80 percent. Just that she has to work on it.

    Releasing herself from the hug, Heather dered to everyone present in the room. ''''We are going to start the surgery in another one hour.''''

    ''''C_an I go and see him once?'''' Leena softly pleaded with her mother. Since yesterday, nurses were not allowing her into the room, and she has been missing Devin like crazy.

    ''''Leena baby,'''' Heather softly called Leena to convince her. The hospital protocols don''t allow anyone to see the patient before surgery. If it were any other person, Heather would have straight away denied it. But since it''s her stubborn daughter, she has nothing but has to convince her. ''''We are going tomence the surgery in another one hour, and disturbing a patient_.''''

    ''''Two minutes, mom.'''' Lifting her two fingers, Leena pleaded in a piteous voice. ''''I will maintain a distance. I will not disturb him.''''

    It was so pitiful to see Leena begging that Heather couldn''t help but nod her head. ''''Come back fast.'''' She said and signaled nurses to stay behind Leena.

    ''''Thank you, ma.'''' The moment Leena got her mom''s permission, she hastened into the operating room. Her heart again broke to see Devin lying on the bed with all the tubes attached to his chest. Her heart was in pain as if it was poked with zillion knives. Every day leena would wake up to see her babylicious cheerful face, but he was lying on the bed like a lifeless doll since yesterday. His face looked pale due to the amount of blood loss he lost, but still, in her eyes, nothing will change. He will be her most handsome devil.

    Lingering her lips on his forehead, she gently whispered into his ears. ''''Listen to me, idiot. I know you cannot hear, but you can still listen to my heart.'''' Tenderly, Leena lifted Devin''s hand and pressed it to her heart. ''''I refuse to give up on us and our love. I never thought to fall in love, but you took my heart and gave me yours. Now, I can''t think of my life without you. I want you, Devin. I want to have a happy family with you. Please,e back to me.'''' Tears squeezed from her eyes without any control. ''''If you want me, then fight for me because I am fighting like hell for you.''''

    Some hearts understand each other even in silence, and Leena''s wretched feelings have touched his deepest soul. Unbeknownst to Leena, a teardrop squeezed out Devin''s eyes as if he heard the whispers of Leena''s heart,

    Leena wanted to talk and spend time with Devin a little more time, but the nurses pulled her out of the room since the surgery would start soon. Her sole purpose ofing here was to tell Devin that he is not the only one fighting, but she is together with him.

    .....

    The nurses pulled Devin into the operating room. The OR was intimidatingly busy with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses putting on the hospital gowns and gloves.

    ''''Ready?'''' Heather asked, ncing at her team. The moment she entered the OR, she is no longer Devin''s mother-inw. She is here as Doctor Heather, and Devin is her patient.

    ''''Yes, Doctor, Heather.'''' The team said in unison.

    ''Good.'''' She said. ''''Give me the osciting saw.''''

    ''''Here.'''' One of the surgeons handed the equipment to Heather.

    Cutting down the sternumpletely, straight down the middle, Heather spread apart the cut halves of Devin''s breastbone and opened the pericardium allowing the heart to open fully. Except for the whooshing sound of Devin''s heart, Heather''s concentration didnot fade anywhere. The surgeons helped her in opening up the heart chambers allowing her to operate on the bullet.

    ''''Suction,'''' Heather said, and one of the nurses put on the suction to cool the heart.

    ''''Alright, let''s ultrasound the heart directly and find the bullet,'''' Heather stated.

    ''''It''s at the right ventricle,'''' Lucas said, pointing to the monitor.

    ''''That should be a little hard to deal.'''' Heather nced at Lucas. ''Hand over the scalpel.''''

    With the scalpel, Heather gently sliced into the Right Ventricle. Not before she asked for the forceps, the nurse handed them to her. A pin-drop silence prevailed, and the surgeons held their breaths, looking at Heather as she held the forceps.

    Gently drawing the forceps into the chamber without losing her concentration, Heather stopped when a tickling sound diverted her attention. Without looking up, Heather called up Lucas. ''''Doctor Lucas."

    "Y_es Doctor Heather!" Nervously he replied.

    "Pull your wristwatch crown for a moment." ordered Heather.

    With an awkward smile, Doctor Lucas pulled out the crown and apologized. ''''I am sorry.''''

    The words came out, Heather pulled out the bullet with one tug, and the moment she ced the bullet on the tray, one of the nurses screamed.

    ''''Doctor Heather, pulmonary artery pressure is dropping!''''

    ''''It''s 50.''''

    ''''70. It''s going down.''''

    ''''80. Doctor Heather, the heart rate is going abnormal. He is on V-fib.''''

    ''''Put him on the defibrition.'''' Heather shouted, ''''Check to 50. Clear.'''' Heather pulled Devin''s heart in her hands as Lucas pressed the shock button. Devin''s body shook with the Pressure, but it didnot work. The Pressure further declined.

    ''''Still on V-fib,'''' Lucas said with a sigh.

    ''''It''s not going to work from here. I will do the open cardiac massage. Someone bring the perfusionist.'''' Heather ordered and started pumping Devin''s heart with her hands.

    ''''Doctor Heather, it''s of no use. Devin''s blood is circting to the outside of the body.'''' Lucas breathed in and out as he spoke. ''''His heart has stopped beating. You cannot pump his heart for a long time. He is going to die_''''

    ''''He is not going to die. Bring the perfusionist now.'''' Heather ordered, leaving no room for discussions.

    Until the perfusionist arrived and connected the heart-lung machine to Devin''s body, Heather manually squeezed Devin''s heart with her hands giving life to the tiny organ.

    Although the blood was flowing to his heart after connecting to the machine, Devin was still not responding. Heather gently patted Devin''s cheek. ''''You have to live, Devin. Don''t_''''

    ''''Doctor Heather, he is under anesthesia. He can''t hear us.'''' Lucas said.

    ''''He can hear me!'''' Heather turned to Devin and whispered into his ear. ''''Don''t stop fighting, Devin. Think about your dad, your mom, your grandfather. Everybody is waiting for you to open your eyes."

    "No response." Lucas said.

    "Do you want to leave Leena alone? Think about her_"

    ''''OMG! His pressure is picking up. 50!'''' Lucas shouted. ''''Keep going, Doctor Heather.''''

    Heather shockingly looked at Devin. She has kept her daughter as ast option since she was thest one to enter his life. Who would have thought her daughter is Devin''s weakness. Smilingly, Heather nced at Devin again. "Stay strong, Leena is dying to see you, talk to you_

    ''''40.''''

    Heather did not stop with it. She wanted to wake Devin''s inner soul by triggering his weak spot Leena, until he finds his way back.

    ''''35.'''' Lucas shouted. ''''It''s beating normal now. You did it, Heather.''''

    ''''Thank you. Thanks foring back.'''' Happy tears overflowed from her eyes. Gently patting Devin''s arm, Heather muttered. ''''You did well, Devin. I am proud of you.''''

    ''''Let''s close him up.'''' Wiping her tears, Heather and the other surgeons started the closing procedures of Devin''s heart. The surgery almost went on for 8 hours, and by the time Heather walked out of the OR, Leena and the others rushed towards her.

    ''''Mom.'''' Clenching her dress tightly, Leena nced at her to make out her mom''s expression but failed to do so. Her heart was beating like crazy since the surgery started.

    Caressing Leena''s cheek, Heather smiled. ''''I kept my promise. I brought him back.''''

    Not a word came out of Leena''s mouth. Her tears rolled out in happiness. Leena felt her feet barely touched her ground. Had she ever been this happy in her life? Maybe yes, but nothing can bepared to this moment ''''Thank you, mom.'''' Leena embraced her mom into a tight hug.

    ...

    Finally! He is back!

    I hope you are happy as much as Leena. Without Devin, this book is iplete. It might be female protogonist story, but both will be given equal importance. Readers curious about Devin''s memories, I will answer it here.

    He has not regained his memories,. Regaining memories after ident is a false theory written in many books..science doesn''t work like that...I will bring them back when the timees, and the reason will definitely surprise you...also Devin was was wounded in the heart, and it doesnt make sense if he recollects his memories now.. Secrets are to be revealed, mystery has to unfold before that...

 Chapter 284 - Wounded Lions Breath

    Evelyn embraced her friend into a bear hug. Her happiness surrounded her like morning spring. ''''Thank you, Heather. You have put a smile on everybody''s faces today.'''' It was not only Evelyn. Fredrick and the rest others stepped forward to thank Heather. With all the praises, Heather felt awkward around, and she had the urge to run away.

    Leena was in another world. She felt like she has conquered the great wall of China. Her babylicious is back, and she can talk, fight, argue with him. ''''I can''t say how much happy I am today. Thank you so much for saving his life, mom.''''

    ''''It''s your love that transferred him the strength to live, baby.'''' Replied Heather, patting her daughter''s head. Too often, we underestimate the power of love, but it has the potential to turn a life around. The moment Heather started pumping Devin''s heart with her hands, she lost all the hope. But on the final call, she wanted to trigger Devin''s week spot. The urge to live with Leena has brought him back to life.

    ''''Of course, it''s my strength. I gave a big ss to that idiot before the surgery.'''' Happy tears were sliding down from Leena''s face. ''''He is not in danger anymore, right?'''' Although her mom assured him, she wanted a crisp confirmation from her.

    ''''He will have to be put in observation for 24 hours but fret not. I assure you, Devin will be fine.'''' Heather poked Leena''s nose lovingly. Finally, she saw the light in her daughter''s face.

    ''''Then can I go and see him,'''' Leena asked in all excitement.

    ''''Baby, we had closed him up a while ago_''''

    ''''I promise I will not step into the operating room until Devin gets up,'''' Leena assured her mother. Even if she wants to go, those stupid nurses will pull her out.

    ''''Fine.'''' Just the word came out of Heather''s mouth, Leena disappeared.

    ''''I am d to see Leena back to usual self.'''' Evelyn sighed. None have eaten and slept adequately for two days, putting physical and emotional strain on their health. Firstly, she has to drag her father-inw home.

    ''''That I am.'''' Heather smiled, looking at her daughter sticking her head to the operating room to see Devin.

    ''You need to take rest, Heather.'''' Evelyn suggested. Performing 7 to 8 hours of surgery is not an easy job, but that''s what makes them the doctors. ''''I will go home and bring dinner to everyone.''''

    ''''Alright, Eve.'''' Heather didnot deny it. She needed rest. Her body is physically drained and mentally exhausted. Just when Heather walked out, Evelyn then turned to Arthur.

    ''''I am perfectly alright.'''' Grandpa Arthur quickly retorted before his daughter-inw takes charge. ''''Until I see my grandson, I am not_.''''

    ''''Adney, and Harley. Let''s drag your grandfather out of the hospital.'''' The moment Evelyn''s words came out of her mouth, Harley and Adney were already on the mission holding Grandpa Arthur''s arms.

    ''''You morons, leave my hand.'''' Arthur''s screams vanished into the air despite his opposition.

    ...

    While Heather was going to the guest room allotted for her in the hospital, a familiar voice called her. She knew who it is. With a sigh, she turned back and forced a smile at him. ''''What is it, Francis? Do you need anything_''''

    All of a sudden, Heather was tongue-tied. Her world stopped when a pair of hands embraced her body into a tight hug.

    ''''Thanks for saving Devin,'''' Francis muttered, feeling thankful.

    What the hell is he doing? Can''t he understand what sort of things he is doing to my heart? Heather wanted to spank Francis''s ass which she often does during their childhood when he annoys her. But at the same time, she reminded herself she is not a kid. Besides, misbehaving and touching a man is udylike. Clearing her throat, Heather pushed him away and yelled at him. ''''Francis, don''t you know it''s not good etiquette to hug a woman?''''

    ''''I_I am sorry.'''' Francis apologized while maintaining a distance. Although his tone sounded remorseful outside, he was internally roasting Heather with his cursings.

    It''s just a friendly hug. Did she have to go harsh on me? She didnot bother when Fredrick hugged her a while ago to thank her for saving Devin''s life. She didnot reprimand Arnold either. When ites to him, she remembers all etiquettes. Like daughter, like a mother. Both are weird creatures, and unfortunately, the most important people of his life. But Francis didnot voice his inner thoughts.

    ''''Sorry again! I_I will go and see Devin.'''' Francis turned around and walked away without looking back at Heather.

    Heather finally released her breath when Francis was out of her sight. ''''He must have miserably failed in EQ test. Otherwise, he would have recognized my feelings long before.'''' Cursing at him, Heather turned around and left.

    .....

    ''''Leena, let''s go home. You hadn''t slept properly for two days.'''' Francis said, standing next to her, and stared at Devin from the ss partition. The dreary atmosphere has turned into a sparkling as he looked at his friends chatting happily.

    ''''No, Francy. Devin might get up anytime.''''

    ''''Your mom said it might take 24 hours. I will bring you here in the evening.''''

    ''''No! I have to watch over him.'''' She stubbornly replied.

    ''''You don''t need to get worried, child. Your brother and his friends watching over him.'''' Not leaving room for discussions, Francis grabbed Leena''s hand and brought her out of the hospital.

    ''''By the way, get your mom''s EQ tested when you get free time,'''' Francis said, stepping into the car.

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''Just do it and tell me her score.''''

    ''''Then he should also get it done. Both are in the same boat.'''' Leena grumbled internally. Both have feelings for each other, but their ego has ruined their life. Leena had written lots of plots to create opportunities for her mom and Francy to get together when she had free time in the office. By the time she wanted to implement it, a disaster had happened. When Devin fully recovers, Leena nned to continue her mission.

    The happiness returned to everyone''s face, but a ce has turned into a battlefield on the other end.

    .....

    A well-organized room has turned into a muck. Broken vase ss pieces scattered around, table flipped upside down, papers spread everywhere over the room. In the middle of the mess, a man was sitting on the floor, his eyes zing hot in a fury. Blood was oozing from his hand when the broken ss piece pierced into it. It should have caused him pain, but the agony he was feeling was nothing in front of the anger he was holding.

    ''''Enger,'''' Choosing his words wisely, Nash spoke up, careful not to irritate his friend further. ''''Please calm down. We can think of_''''

    ''''How do you want me to calm down?'''' Enger shot at him with his bloodshot eyes. ''''It was the n weid carefully, but still, that bastard survived.''''

    ''''He got lucky this time.'''' Continued Nash with a sigh. ''''If my guess is correct, Devin will be under observation for a day. We still have the chance.'''' Nash suggested.

    ''''The breath of a wounded lion is terrifying that its roar. Let''s not touch it for a while.'''' The hospital would be protected from all the corners. There is an uproar in the media already to find the culprit. He can''t risk it by doing something in his haste mind, not after he has earned Leena''s trust.

    ''''Don''t do anything stupid.'''' Getting up from the floor, Enger strolled into his room. Laying on the bed, Enger closed his eyes, remembering the first time he saw Leena.

    His family consists of only Winter and her dad. He can''t describe them as his real family because Winter''s father adopted Enger. Picking up fights in the streets, getting injured was his daily routine. His life had no color until a little girl entered into his life and changed his course of life.

    One day, he went to pick Winter from school. But Enger had no idea, a boy he fought with on the earlier day was following him with a gang to get his revenge. The argument started with just a talk until it turned severe.

    He didnot care if the blood was dripping from his legs and his arms. Just when he was about to punch a boy''s face, he heard a girl scream.

    That''s when he saw her for the first time. By watching the blood dripping from his legs and arms, the little girl assumed Enger is guilty and ordered her driver to take care of the gang. The little girl then arrived towards him and unzipped her bag. Pulling out a box, she said. ''''My Francy always keeps first aid in my bag because he thinks I get into trouble. Finally, I got the chance to use it today.'''' She smiled as he handed over the first aid kit box.

    ''''Thank you,'''' Enger was captivated by her genuine smile for the first time. ''''What''s your name?'''' Enger found it surprising as he heard his voice. Never he thought he had such a soft side to him.

    ''''Go to the library and do your research.'''' The little said and fled away.

    Enger: '''' ''''

    Slowly Enger opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling. His face softened up when the little girl''s smiling face entered into his mind again. True to what she said, he searched for her like a librarian until he found her. ''''Leena! Such a beautiful name.'''' He had no color in his life but still lived.. But Leena fulfilled that part.

 Chapter 285 - LeenaVirus

    Since Francis didnot allow Leena to go alone, she annoyed him to the core until he brought her to the hospital. With high spirits, Leena entered into the hospital with a hope to see Devin''s smiling face, but her mood dampened when she saw a nurse removing Devin''s patient dress. In ashot, Leena dashed towards her and pushed the Nurse away. Securing Devin''s body with a sheet, Leena gazed intently at the Nurse, her lips pressed together in vexation ''''What the hell are you doing?''''

    The Nurse quivered at Leena''s ying eyes. If looks could kill, Leena would be a weapon of mass destruction, and that''s what the nurse thought.

    ''''Madam_ I _I am cleaing patient''s body_.''''

    ''''Who allowed you to do so? You should have asked me first,'''' Leena spoke up, cutting the Nurse''s thoughts in the middle. If she werete by a second, this stupid Nurse would have removed her babylicious... no. Leena stopped imagining it.

    ''''I _It''s our hospital protocal to clean patients_.''''

    ''''You can leave, Miss Nurse. My sister will take care.'''' It was Andrew''s voice that refrained the Nurse from speaking this time. Coming closer towards Leena, Andrew reprimanded. ''''Are you trying to start a world war III with every woman?''''

    ''''What is World WarIII?'''' Innocently, Leena questioned.

    Andrew: '''' ''''

    Is she innocent or trying to fool me? Andrew wondered in his thoughts. ''''Didn''t you study history?''''

    ''''Sorry, brother. I am weak in history.'''' Leena stated in a deadpanned expression. Andrew raised his hand to strangle her, but supressed the urge. Ignoring his icy stares, Leena called the Nurse, who was about to step out of the room.

    ''''Y_es madam?'''' The nurse asked.

    ''''Bring a curtain.'''' Leena''s gaze shifted to the hospital door to examine the length. ''''Get a long one.''''

    The Nurse had no choice except to nod her head.

    ''''Why do you need curtains?'''' Andrew asked with a perplex thought.

    ''''Because I don''t trust you.'''' Having said that, Leena threw him out of the room to clean up Devin.

    ''''You mad girl, what do you mean by it? Open the door, Leena.'''' Andrew kicked the door, but with no end. Leena already locked it from inside, and closed the curitains also.

    .....

    Adney, and Nick glued their faces to the door to catch a glimpse of the situation inside, but their efforts didnot bore any fruit. ''''What is she doing inside?'''' Nick asked.

    ''''Giving bed bath to Devin,'''' Andrew snapped. Since Leena threw him out of the room, Andrew was trying to understand Leena''s earlier statement. Even now, Leena remained an unsolved mystery to him. Sometimes her action and talks seem offbeat to him which he can''t follow.

    ''''Then why did she have to put on the door curtains?'''' Nick questioned back.

    ''''Protecting her husband from some people.'''' Kurt spoke up, appearing behind them. ''''Some people act like enemies, but in actuality they are fooling us.'''' Kurt''s gaze first shifted to Andrew and then to Jasper''s curious stares. Kurt badly wanted to confront these two about their rtionship, but his tongue refrained from speaking.

    ''''What are you talking? What kind of enemies?'''' Nick asked.

    ''''Who is fooling us?'''' Andrew was confused with Kurt''s out of the league words.

    ''''As if you don''t know, Mr. Andrew Dawson! Go back to your seat.'''' Kurt rebuked his friends and left the ce in frustration.

    ''''What''s wrong with him?'''' Scratching his forehead, Andrew asked Nick.

    ''''Chill Andrew.'''' Nick patted Andrew''s shoulder. ''''LeenaVirus must have spread to him.''''

    ''''You are right. It''s worse than Cora.Nora.Vi. Rus.''''

    ''''What aparsion, Andrew bro.'''' Adney added.

    ''''I know.'''' Andrew produly gloated.

    ...

    After a long stretch of bed bathing Devin, Leena stepped out of the room. ''''When will my babylicious wake up?'''' She asked to no one in particuar because she would get her answer either way.

    ''''Stop asking the same question, Leena. Let him rest. Devin has undergone major surgery.'''' Nick stated. ''''By the way, go and bring a snack. I am hungry.''''

    ''''Don''t you have legs?'''' She questioned slumping on the chair exhausted from cleaing Devin. Even if she gets tired, she is not letting any nurse do the job.

    ''''I didnot sleep for the entire night looking after Devin, and the after surgery_.''''

    ''''Stop with your rant and raves. I will bring it.'''' Leena got up to go for the cafteria. ''''Everybody discovered my weakness.''''

    ....

    Just before Leena entered into the hospital cafeteria, she heard someone calling her, and surprised to see it was Enger again.

    ''''Hi Leena, how are you?'''' Enger smiled up at her sweetly. He came here with the thought of catching a glimpse of Leena''s face, but he didnot expect luck was exceptionally on his side.

    ''''I am good.'''' Leena greeted him with a smile. ''''Umm..Why are you here?''''

    ''''To see you.'''' Enger suddenly slipped, lost in Leena''s beauty.

    ''''Sorry?'''' Leena asked in muddle.

    ''''I_I mean, I watched the news about your husband''s surgery. So, I am here to check on you. After, all you are my friend.'''' Enger quickly exined maintaing a stoic face but internally he was sweating buckets. If not for his fast reflexes, Leena would have got a doubt on him.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Leena was d he hade all the way to check on her, and Devin.

    ''''Where are you going?'''' Enger asked out of the blue.

    ''''Cafeteria.''''

    ''''Would you mind if I join? I haven''t had dinner.'''' He wanted to spend quality time with Leena. All the time, Devin would be clinging on to her, and now that an oppurtunity hit the door, he will dly utilize it.

    ''''Actually, I_I_''''

    ''''It seems you are not confortable around me. Sorry for troubling you. I will take my leave then,'''' Enger turned around to walk away as if his face wasced with pain. He knew when to flip the tables. If his guess is correct, Leena would call him back in three seconds. One, Two

    ''''Stop, Enger.''''

    That''s it! She has slowly entering into his den.

    ''''I didnot mean in that way. Pleasee and join.'''' Leena suddenly found putting herself in an awkward spot. Enger has saved her life, and he hase all the way to check on her, and Devin. Apanying him for dinner is not a big deal.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Enger''s happiness knew no bounds. Finally, he has got a chance to spend time with his beloved.

    Leena bought the snacks which Nick hates them. It was a sort of punishment for making her do the errands. She then settled in a chair to opany Enger. When her eyes unconciously darted to his te, Leena was shocked to see his te filled with all her favorite foods, not to mention banana juice. She remebered talking about her likes and dislikes when they were chatting. Did he even remember them?

    ''''Ah! I know you are curious.'''' Enger chuckled with amusement. ''''I tried the dishes you texted when we were friends. I honestly like the taste.''''

    ''''O_kay.'''' Leena faintly smiled. Stupid Leena! Teenage little freak! Why did you talk about your likes and dislikes without knowing anything about him? It''s all in the past which she can''t turn back.

    Guessing Leena was getting ufortable around him, Enger shifted the topic.

    .....

    Meanwhile in the hospital room, a nurse screamed, as she stepped out. ''''Patient is conscious now.''''

    With that everybody standing in the corridor dashed into the room to see Devin.

    ''''Please don''t disturb the patient, sir.'''' The nurse said, to which Kurt, and the others nodded their heads.

    Eyes half closed, Devin was looking at nothing in particual. They knew he is still semi-concious. In order not to disturb him, Kurt inclined his head and whispered. ''''How are you feeling, Vincy?''''

    ''''Bro, how are you?'''' Adney asked, gently grabbing Devin''s arm without putting much strength on it.

    ''''Vincy!'''' Andrew screamed. ''''Do you remember me?''''

    ''''Quiet, dirty fellow. Your voice can wake the dead even.'''' Jasper kicked Andrew''s calf and shot at him. ''''For your infromation, Vincy didnot lose his memories, Mr. Dramatic donkey.''''Reprimanding his enemy, Jasper then turned to Devin. ''''Ignore that monkey, Vincy. Do you feel any pain?''''

    ''''Stay out of his reach, Mexican Monkey.'''' Andrew also kicked Jasper''s leg, and before turning to Devin. ''''Ignore that donkey, Vincy. Do you want anything?''''

    Jasper and Andrew''s fights started. Already frustrated Kurt, without any mercy, he threw them out of the room.

    Devin tilted his head, and looked at the door, but he didnot find the person he was dying to see. ''''L_eena. W_here is she?'''' Devin''s words shattered everyone''s hearts there. Years of friendship, he crushed calling Leena''s name first.

    Clenching their firsts, everybody threw a cold daggers at Devin before one of them made a call to Leena.

    .....

    Not before Enger thought he was enjoying a good time with Leena, a phone call disturbed his sweet time.

    Looking at Kurt''s number, Leena excused herself and lifted the call. The moment she heard Kurt''s message, her heart skipped a beat. ''''I_I aming.'''' Her mind was in a mess. Leena forgot the snacks she purchased, and she even forgot to bid a goodbye to the person sitting infront of her. She got up, and fled away like a Usain bolt.

    ''''Leena, wait!'''' Enger shouted, but she was long gone. Fury roared through him like a moltenva. ''''It seems my presence still doesn''t affect you, my beloved Leena.'''' With a malicious glint, Enger dig the fork into the te forecefully.. ''''Slowly, I will imprint my image into your heart.''''

 Chapter 286 - Cellulite In Nicks Nose

    Leena''s heart almost broke with joy hearing Kurt''s message over the phone. Without even considering her surroundings, she sped out of ce, leaving Enger speechless. When she reached the elevator, it was fully crowded with patients and nurses holding the gurneys waiting for the lift to arrive. ''''If I go with them, it will take an eternity to reach the top floor. It''s worse than Amtrak train ride.'''' Muttering to herself, Leena sprinted towards the staircase. By the time Leena reached the top floor, she was panting heavily, and her heart was beating erratically.

    ''''Hey Leena, why are you sweating a lot?'''' Nick came running towards her with a water bottle when he saw her desperately gasping for breath. By chance, did she use the stairs to reach here?

    Steadying herself with her hands on the knees for a moment, Leena swatted the bottle away and slowly raised her body to the stand. Pushing the door open, Leena walked into the room, her heart racing like crazy. Thoughts conjured her brain thinking of Devin''s reaction upon seeing her face, but the reality was far she expected when she saw Devin''s eyes closed shut. ''''You said Devin is conscious?'''' Leena questioned Kurt. ''''Or did you all prank me?'''' Her eyes bore a threatening gaze at everyone, demanding an answer.

    ''''Of course no!'''' Kurt corrected her. ''''Vincy was conscious for four to five minutes.''''

    Guilt tripped over Nick as he saw Leena looking at everyone with a question mark face. ''''Devin must be tired, so he didnot stay conscious for a long time,'''' Nick whispered, swallowing hard. Devin was only looking at the door, waiting for Leena. But then fatigue kicked before Leena arrived, and he went into the deep slumber again.

    Nick wouldn''t wonder if Leena will roast him alive today because he was the one who sent her away to bring her food. But what he didnot expect was Devin to wake up at the same time.

    ''''I didnot foresee he would_''''

    ''''It''s okay. Not your mistake.'''' Leena dismissed Nick''s thoughts with a grimaced expression. Had shee here straight after buying snacks, she wouldn''t have missed talking with Devin. A part of her to be med for it. She has been crazily waiting to hear Devin''s voice, but she missed it today. But somewhere in the corner, her heart fluttered with joy when her name was the first word Devin uttered after he woke up. After her mom assured Devin is out of danger, another thought popped up on her brain while she was going home with her Francy. What if he forgets memories about her or remembers his past love after the ident. But then again, Leena thought traumatic amnesia results from a hard blow to the head. Finally, she was relieved when nothing that she felt has happened.

    ''''You can go and wait outside. I will stay here.'''' Leena stated, sitting on the chair next to Devin.

    ''''She is missing him a lot,'''' Andrew said, feeling sad for Leena.

    ''''You are right,'''' Nick sighed, feeling sad for her. The look in Leena''s eyes was deste, which didnot go unnoticed by everyone. To give her a personal space, they left the room, closing the door shut.

    .....

    As the friends waited outside, Kurt suddenly received a call from Fredrick, and he excused himself to talk in private.

    ''''What is it?'''' Jasper asked the moment Kurt returned.

    ''''He wants to meet me.'''' Kurt knew it must be rted to Devin''s ident when he received the call from Uncle Fredrick.

    ''''We will also join_''''

    ''''No, Jazz. Stay here. It''s not safe to leave Vincy alone.'''' Kurt hinted with his eyes, to which everyone agreed. Although the hospital is fully protected, the danger is lurking around Devin in the shadows. If they are not careful, they have to pay a bigger price.

    ''''Alright,'''' Jasper said. ''''Go and talk. We will stay here.''''

    Kurt nodded his head and headed out, but he returned and dragged Nick along with him. He has a strong hunch that Nick knows something that is happening around Devin, and he is determined to make him confess everything today.

    .....

    Inside a private room, Arnold, Fredrick, and Francis were waiting for Kurt''s arrival.

    ''''Is there any progress?'''' Fredrick asked, referring to Devin''s ident the moment Kurt entered along with Nick. Except for his son''s recovery, no other thought entered into Fredrick''s mind until the surgery was sessful. Now that his mind is cleared, fury tore through him. His hands itched to bring the person who has hurt his son to ruins.

    ''''We are still investigating, uncle,'''' Kurt continued. ''''It''s a pre-nned murder attempt. A perfectly executed n and the only w was Devin survived. The criminal has been observing Devin''s every move for a long time. An under-maintenance signboard is not a big deal. The boards are put up everywhere in the city to carry the fieldwork. So, there is the least possibility that Devin would have got the hint.''''

    ''''Devin was nning to meet me before going to Greenwyn vige,'''' Fredrick muttered. ''''If that were the case, the n would have_''''

    ''''You are again wrong, Uncle Fredrick.'''' Kurt chuckled, dismissing Fredrick''s thoughts. ''''The criminal had n B in hand already. There is no way Devin would have escaped the shot on that day.''''

    ''''What!'''' Francis eximed. ''''What do you mean by n B?''''

    Kurt then exined the events that happened, and all the time, a surprised expression rested on everyone''s faces.

    ''''Who was the one who shot Devin? Did you get any clue?'''' Francis asked. There was a massive uproar in the media about Devin''s ident when the family is not even in a state to think.

    ''''Our team found footprints of a person at a bit of distance Devin was shot. Ideally, footprints are valuable physical evidence the suspects leave unintentionally at the crime scene. But the criminal intentionally left the footsteps behind.''''

    ''''Is it because the shooter is also dead?'' It was Nick''s curious question.

    ''''Yes. On the same day, Devin was shot. The Forensic department has determined the identity. The footsteps belong to a person named Reid, who is a professional shooter.'''' Kurt added. ''''So, we tried to investigate his family at least to get any clue, but there is nothing they know about his son''s illegal activities.''''

    ''''So are we in the dead-end now?'''' Fredrick asked with clenched fists.

    ''''We can still guess the criminal,'''' Kurt said. ''''Firstly, we need to know the secrets Devin is holding,'''' Kurt said and then turned to Nick. ''''What''s happening around him?''''

    Nick swallowed hard. He knew Kurt had brought him here for interrogation but didnot think he would expose him in front of everyone. ''''I_I_''''

    ''''You can turn a deaf ear unless you want the same disaster to happen again,'''' Although Kurt''s tone was t, Nick had grasped the hidden threat.

    ''''Is is true whatever Kurt has told, Nick?'''' Fredrick questioned, demanding an answer.

    ''''Y_es.'''' Taking a deep breath, Nick exined all the events that recently happened around Leena and Devin. The more Fredrick heard the more his fury raged to the pits.

    ''''You have confined such important information?'''' Fredrick red up in anger, and then his malicious gaze shifted to Francis. ''''Even you know it, but didnot n to tell your friend? When did you start holding secrets around me, Mr. Hayes?''''

    Guilt tripped over Francis at his friend''s sudden shift of emotions. ''''I_I was nning to tell_.''''

    ''''When? After all the disaster happened?'''' Fredrick shot at him.

    ''''Bastard! Did you think I did it intentionally_.''''

    ''''Stop both of you.'''' Kurt interrupted their fights. ''''You are turning worse than Andrew and Jasper.''''

    Fredrick and Francis instantly shut their mouths at the mention of mortal enemies.

    ''''If Enger is the one behind Devin''s ident, we are dealing with an ingenious criminal,'''' Kurt mused.

    ''''I now doubt he is the one who saved Leena.'''' Nick raised his doubts.

    ''''Eventually, we will get to know all the truth, but for now, let''s not nt any seed of doubt on Leena about her savior because there is a chance Enger might drop his guards around her.'''' Enger Cassisu Lennox! It''s been a long time he has seen a challenging criminal.

    ....

    It was pitch dark in the sky. Andrew and Jasper entered the hospital VIP room. ''''Go to sleep, Leena. It''s already 12.'''' Andrew stated.

    ''''I am not sleepy.''''

    ''''You are as stubborn as Devin.'''' Jasper chuckled at her resolute behavior. ''''Alright, we will wait outside. If you want anything, call us.''''

    ''''Okay.''''

    Jasper walked out of the room, dragging his enemy along with him.

    Looking at Devin''s calm face, Leena pouted. ''''Are you testing my patience? I am missing your voice; I am missing your teasings; I miss you, Devin.'''' She rested her head on the edge of the bed, taking his arm into her. ''''I wrote a funny poem on Nick for making me do the errands. Do you want to hear?''''

    ''''You never say no to my question. So, I will give you the privilege to listen.'''' Clearing her throat, Leena began ''''Kits belly knees in Nick''s nose, Kits belly knees in Nick''s nose. Cellulite and hairs in Nick''s nose. Kits belly Knees_''''

    "I n_ever knew cellulite is present in nose, Sweetheart..'''' Leena''s eyes widened in surprise, hearing the familiar voice.

 Chapter 287 - Football Team Vs Basket Ball Team

    Surprise, followed by happiness listening to her most favorite voice in the world. She was dying to see him, dying to hug him, dying to hear his voice, and Leena could no longer control her emotions. Her eyes prickled in tears.

    ''''D_evin,'''' Leena''s voice cracked, but she knew those were her happy tears. She lifted her head and gently caressed Devin''s cheek. ''''I missed you, idiot.''''

    ''''I missed you, too.'''' Devin gently grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. How much he missed her holding in his arms, only he knew.

    ''''Finally, you are awake.'''' Leena kissed his forehead.

    ''''Your poems can even wake the dead, Sweetheart, much less an unconscious person?'''' Devin''s voice sounded weak, but it got betterpared to earlier.

    ''''T_hank you. But you don''t need to praise me all the time.'''' Leena whispered, pleased as punch to hear praise from her babylicious. She can''t believe her poems can influence the dead also. Devin has opened her eyes today.

    As Devin expected, Leena went into her pipe dreams again. When ites topliments, her IQ and EQ would be below the belt, which he probably can''t change.

    ''''Wait! I_I forgot you are a patient.'''' Leena immediately snapped out of her fantasy thoughts. ''''Do you want to eat? or drink something? I will go and call the doctor.'''' Without waiting for Devin''s reply, Leena fled out of the room.

    As Leena went to bring the doctor, she saw her mom sitting in the guest room, watching Korean dramas. It was no surprise her Meemaw''s virus had spread to her mom when they stayed under the same roof. Pushing the mobile aside, she dragged Heather to the room Devin was staying. Heather checked Devin''s vitals, and she didnot find any issue get worried about him. ''''How are you feeling now, Devin? Do you feel any pain?''''

    ''''A little, Aunt.'''' He muttered. Except for slight weakness, he has no subtle pain that he can think of.

    ''''It fades away soon.'''' Heather smiled warmly at him. ''''Your sternum was opened, and the right ventricle_''''

    Leena cut her mom''s words when she didnot understand the foreignnguage. ''''Devin, mom was the one who saved you. No doctors could locate the bullet in your heart, but my mommy did. She is a gifted doctor right? Your heart didnot beat after mom removed the bullet, but she pumped with her hands until you are back to life.'''' Leena gloated about Heather''s achievements, although Heather was signaling her daughter to shut her mouth. Leena would rarely take pleasure in crowing over others, and if that happens, he or she must be blessed with good luck. Often, Francis and Devin get the chance. Devin was shocked to hear the truth. Since he was unconscious, Devin didnot know a thing that was happening outside. Did I scare everyone?

    ''''Isn''t she great?'''' Leena started again. ''''I was_''''

    ''''Leena, baby.'''' Heather interrupted before her daughter breaks the record of braggers.

    ''''Yes, mom?''''Leena snapped at Heather.

    ''''Can you bring some water?'''' Heather asked.

    ''''It''s here.'''' Picking the bottle from the stand, Leena handed it to Heather.

    ''''Then can you get something to eat?'''' Heather''s question confused Leena. It was apparent to Leena now; her mom wants to talk with Devin alone. So, she was giving excuses to send her out.

    ''''I will wait outside then.'''' Leena doesn''t know what''s so secret that her mom doesn''t want to share it with her, but it''s alright. She will make Devin vomit everything after her mom goes out.

    ''''You caught the point, baby.'''' Heather patted her daughter''s head and whispered. ''''Don''t worry, dear Daughter. I will not take much time sweet with your Devin.''''

    ''''You are teasing me again.'''' Leena gave a stern re before leaving, which made Heather and Devin smile.

    ''''She is a mood buster, don''t you agree?'''' Heather asked, sitting on the chair. Leena''s presence and her sweet talks can lift anyone''s mood instantly, but for the first time, Heather has seen her daughter''s heartbroken.

    ''''Indeed, Aunt Heather,'''' Devin replied. ''''Thanks for everything. If not for you, I will not be able to see...Leena today.'''' His hand still trembled when a dreadful thought hit his brain. The second of emptiness right before the pain caught up to the bullet; this is what it felt like. Although the pain was numbing his senses, her smiling face kept popping into his mind, and he believed that was the only thing that made him survive.

    ''''Don''t think about that nightmare.'''' Heather squeezed Devin''s hand before she spoke. ''''Do you know why I asked Leena to go out?''''

    Devin shook his head, but the thought hit his mind already.

    ''''I dont want her to remember the torment she underwent without you,''''

    ''''W_hat happened?'''' Devin''s heartced with pain, thinking of Leena''s state.

    ''''Leena neither ate nor slept. She cried until she left with no teardrop. She cried from her heart until it covered her soul.'''' Heather breathed in and out before continuing. ''''Her built-up emotions burst out, which she has been holding for a long time. No one could soothe her, not even Francis. She wanted only one person, and that was you, and then I understood the image you have imprinted on her heart. It''s hard to find words to tell how much you meant to her.''''

    ''''I am_''''

    Before Devin spoke up, Heather stopped him raising her head.

    ''''Let meplete, Devin,'''' Heather said. ''''I know you want to protect Leena, but at the same time, don''t put your guards down. If you were battling with life and death inside the doors, Leena was doing the same thing outside the doors. She needs you. Thest thing she needs is for you to leave, and if that happens, I don''t think my daughter can live without you.''''

    ''''I_I will be careful,'''' Devin whispered, a lump formed in his throat for making Leena cry. Every part of her tear down to her cheek feels like he loses a part of her. He has put his guards down, thinking danger is only creeping around her, but he has underestimated his enemy. Never he thought, the next attack was focused on him.

    ''''Thanks for saving me, Aunt.'''' Devin genuinely thanked Heather. Even if it was his mom in Heather''s ce, he would have done the same. Without his mother-inw, he wouldn''t have seen Leena''s face today.

    ''''Instead of thanking me, why don''t you both give me something?'''' Heatherpletely shifted the topic to lighten the atmosphere. Past is past, and it''s not good to dwell in them.

    ''''How many?'''' Devin was one step ahead of Heather.

    ''''How many you nned to give?'''' Asked Heather with a mischievous glint., ''''Perhaps 11 or 12?''''

    ''''Are you thinking of grooming for a basketball team?'''' Devin eximed in wonder. During her period itself, Leena''s hormones are a nightmare to him, and he dared to think of her pregnancy hormones.

    ''''Why not? I love basketball.'''' Heather was pleased with the idea. Imagining a house filled with her grandchildren roaming around, she was excited for the day to happen.

    ''''No football team, no basketball team. It''s Leena''s choice.'''' Devin was rooted in his decision. It''s Leena''s choice to decide how many children to have. It is not the issue of choice; it''s her right.

    Heather has no words to utter except feeling happy. Even in the matters of children, Devin is thinking of her daughter alone. Heather was wondering why Francis chose Devin of all the people, but now she understood. Francis''s decisions would never go wrong. A rare gem is hard to find, but Francis caught it well.

    ''''My daughter is lucky.'''' Heather smiled, patting Devin''s head. ''''I am leaving now. Get some rest.'''' Before leaving, Heather said. ''''Don''t vomit everything that happened here to my daughter.''''

    ''''I am sure she would be sticking her ear to the door to eavesdrop.'''' Devin chuckled. Knowing Leena''s personality, he bet on it.

    ''''It would be no surprise if she doesn''t do any crazy stuff.'''' Smilingly, Heather checked Devin''s vitals for onest time before she left.

    The moment Heather pulled the door open, Leena''s body sprawled on her with force. ''''What are you doing here, Leena?'''' Devin pressed his lips to control hisughter at her mother-inw''s acting.

    ''''I_I_''''

    ''''It''s not good to eavesdrop, Leena baby. Don''t you know?''''

    ''''I_I wasn''t.'''' Leena quickly cooked up a story. ''''I was checking the strength of the door.''''

    ''''If lying were your job, you would have be a billionaire.'''' Having said that, Heather left before her daughter woulde screaming at her.

    "Inte has spoiled you.'''' Leena kicked the door in frustration, hearing her mom''s wittyebacks. Leena then walked into the room, and before she settled in the chair, Devin urged her to the bed. Sensing Leena''s hesitation, Devin gently pulled her to the bed.

    Shey down on the bed next to him without putting effort on Devin. Finally, she felt home, in his arms. ''''You scared me, Devin.'''' It''s not just losing her love, but losing her soul. The thought of losing him forever scarred her bringing tears to her ears. Devin was lucky this time, but what if something happens again? She can''t sit and cry like a damsel in distress anymore.. Leena made a firm resolution to protect Devin and pull the person from the darkness who tried to harm her husband.

 Chapter 288 - Regret

    When she didnot get a response word from Devin, Leena raised her head to see Devin lost in thoughts. ''''Devin? Are you with me?''''

    ''''I am,'''' Devin replied, pulling Leena closer towards him, but she backed off. ''''I might identally hurt your wound.''''

    ''''I am fine_.''''

    Leena silenced him, putting her index finger over his lips. ''''End of the discussion.''''

    ''''Yes, Madam.'''' Acknowledged Devin. If the president of his home orders, then he has Nothing but to obey.

    ''''Do you want to talk about it?'''' Leena''s voice turned to a whisper as she looked at Devin, conflicted. ''''When the doctors informed your chance of survival is less, I_I couldn''t...'''' Her throat tightened, and without her knowledge, a flood of tears gushed down her cheeks.

    ''''Leena, please, don''t cry.'''' Devin patiently consoled her, rubbing her head with his right arm. ''''Everything is sorted out now.''''

    ''''Nothing is sorted out. You brushed past my theory when I told you a broken watch is ominous. You didnot give me the chance to voice my thoughts when I actually wanted to ask you not to go to Norway on that day.'''' Leena wiped her tears, but they flooded anyway. ''''I warned you ample times not to move recklessly, but you do it every time. You don''t listen to any of my words, and finally, give an excuse of sorry when the matter goes out of hand. Do you know how much scared I was?''''

    ''''Leena, look at me.'''' Devin gently cupped her face, profoundly looking into her eyes. Pain is the only emotion he noticed in her eyes, driving him to the edge of a knife, and again, he was responsible. ''''I am sorry for the times I hurt you, and for every other reason, you are angry at me. I can''t assure you of the future, but I promise I will be careful. I will listen to your every word. Does that make you happy now?''''

    ''''Not until you answer my questions.'''' Without waiting for Devin''s reply, Leena started. ''''You have to have at least ten person''s protection around you.''''

    ''''I am not a kid_''''

    ''''Was that an empty promise you made earlier?'''' She questioned back, pausing him in the midst.

    ''''No, Sweetheart! I am fine having twenty also.'''' Finally, Devin gave in.

    ''''Do you believe in superstitions?'''' Leena probed another question.

    ''''I live with them.'''' Instead of being on par with Leena, he was one step ahead of her.

    ''''Ah! Babylicious. You are so cute, Devin.'''' In her sheer happiness, Leena threw her hands at Devin until she heard a strong yelp. She instantly shrank back with an involuntary gasp. ''''I am sorry. I am sorry. Did I hurt you?''''

    ''''Of course, it hurts, but you know how to cool me.'''' He said, with a wink to tease leena. Her blush now appeared even cuter.

    ''''But mom said it takes six to eight weeks to heal your breastbonepletely. Until then, you need to keep a check.'''' She whispered, turning beet red.

    ''''So, I have to stay away from drinking water for six to eight weeks?'''' Feigning innocence, Devin asked, enjoying Leena''s flushed expression turning into intricate.

    ''''W_hat?'''' Leena asked, dumbfounded. ''''D_id you ask for water?''''

    ''''Of course...'''' He innocently replied and again eximed dramatically. ''''Wait! Did you think of eating me dry? Seriously, Leena, you are not even considering me as a patient? I had surgery a while_.''''

    ''''''Stop it, Devin.'''' Leaning forward, Leena closed Devin''s mouth to stop him from spouting nonsense and their position, mislead the person who just entered the room.

    ''''Ahem! The FBI calls it indecent exposure.''''

    Leena immediately climbed down from the bed and peered at Kurt. ''''When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object.''''

    ''''What do you mean by it?'''' Kurt questioned in confusion.

    ''''I don''t know. I just framed a sentence that appeared in my mind.'''' Leena gave a little shrug to show as if it didnot matter. ''''On a side note, knock the door before you enter. We are a married couple.''''

    Ignoring Leena''s rantings, Kurt walked towards his friend. When Devin was in Norway, he often visited Leena''s office, and the idea of putting her in prison along with Andrew and Jasper for at least a day to shut their mouth was the only thought running in his mind. Criminals are better before her.

    ''How are you feeling, Vincy?'''' Kurt asked. When he was still talking about Devin''s ident, Fredrick received a call from the hospital, and everybody rushed, although it was midnight.

    ''''Can''t you see, my husband is fine.'''' Leena butted in, giving him water.

    ''''I didnot ask you.'''' Kurt argued, throwing daggers at Leena.

    ''''I didnot_''''

    ''''Sweetheart, Leave him alone.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' She pouted and settled on the chair.

    ''''Did mom and dad also havee?'''' Devin asked, turning to Kurt.

    ''''Yeah! They are talking with Aunt Heather.'''' Replied Kurt. ''''We need to talk, Vincy.''''

    ''''Later, Kurt.'''' Leena and his mother-inw generously contributed two sses today. He can''t have any more today.

    Kurt also decided to leave the matter aside since Devin is still recovering, and he will also get time to prepare for the lecture. Minutester, everybody started to enter the room. Evelyn sobbed, holding Devin''s son until left with no tear. ''''Don''t cry, mom. I am fine now.'''' Holding her mom''s hand, Devinforted her.

    ''''Eve, your son has passed the biggest hurdle in life. You should be happy.'''' Fredrick joined his son with a sigh.

    ''''Aunt, eve. Don''t worry. I will protect Devin from now. It''s my responsibility.'''' Wiping Evelyn''s tears, Leenaforted her.

    ''''Smack his ass if he doesn''t listen to you.''''

    ''''I already do that'''' Leena giggled, and everybody burst intoughter except one person.

    Not before everyone left, Devin dozed off when fatigue kicked nib. Tugging him under the sheets properly, Leena kissed Devin''s forehead before she went towards the bed.

    .....

    The following day, Leena went home to get fresh along with Reese and Jane with her brother''s continuous nagging.

    ''''Leena, you owe me a favor for taking care of thepany in your absence,'''' Reese said as she stepped into the house along with Leena.

    ''''I know what you are trying to tell.'''' Leena sighed, aware she would never know the answer to Andrew and Jasper''s rtionship. ''''Why can''t you ask your brother, Reese?''''

    ''''He doesn''t like mentioning Rew''s name.'''' Replied Reese, feeling down in the dumps. Before her parents throw a bomb, Reese wants to know if she has a chance with Andrew.

    ''''Fine! I will add your proposal to my list.'''' Having said that, Leena strolled into her room to get fresh.

    ..

    Back in the hospital, Heather informed the family, Devin could get discharged in a week. A whileter, happily, everyone went home except for Wilbur because it''s a stern order from his sister to stay by Devin''s side. Otherwise, she will start a war with him.

    ''''My daughter cried buckets when I informed of your ident,'''' Wilbur stated. When everybody stopped crying, his daughter wept her heart out, highlighting herself.

    Devin chuckled, imagining Savny''s face. ''''So, you fell personally victimized by your own_''''

    A knock interrupted, concluding Devin''s thoughts. It was the guard waiting outside. ''''Sir, you have a visitor.''''

    ''''Let me go and check.'''' Wilbur got up and opened the door. A whileter, he arrived and looked at Devin with a perplexed expression.

    ''''Who is it?'''' Devin asked, surprised by Wilbur''s sudden change of stance.

    Swallowing hard, Wilbur whispered. ''''It''s E_than. He wants to meet you.''''

    In a sh, Devin''s rage burned like hellfire when the memories of Leena''s humiliation crossed his mind. He might not be behind her ident, but he cannot forget the indignity she suffered. ''''You know we don''t get along with each other, right?''''

    ''''I understand. But he hase to see you on the day you were shot_''''

    Ethan barged into the room despite the guards tried to stop him. ''''I havee all the way to meet you. Is this how you treat a friend?''''

    ''''Don''t pretend to be my friend to my face.'''' Devin retorted and signaled Wilbur to leave, and it was also a signal not to let Leena appear before Ethan goes.

    The moment Wilbur left, Devin fiercely nced at Ethan. ''''Why are you here?''''

    ''''To check if you still look handsome in the hospital dress.''''

    ''''A sense of humor makes a man handsome, which you don''t have.'''' Devin retorted.

    ''''I wish I could see your brain to know what you think of me.'''' Ethan sighed, ranking a hand through his hair. ''''How are you?''''

    ''''Good.'''' Devin contributed only a single word. He didnot wish to waste his energy on Ethan.

    ''''H_ow is Leena?'''' In a whisper, Ethan asked. He wished to see her at least today, but luck never favors him.

    Silence prevailed in the room.

    ''''I know your anger has a reason.'''' Ethan looked over his hand. He broke her, hit her, disrespected her. He tried to numb the pain, but it made him worse. ''''�� made a mistake, now I am living with the consequences. I regret it; I really do.'''' Sometimes, Ethan wants to go back in time and punch his face.

    ''''I feel so ashamed that I showed my worst side to the best thing that happened to me.''''

    For a second, Devin felt a different side of Ethan. The Ethan he knew would always keep ego at his front, but today Devin felt Ethan broke the walls.

    ....

    Meanwhile, outside, freshly showered, Leena arrived, and when she was about to open the door, Wilbur came rushing towards her and held the door knob. ''''You can''t go in. Devin is taking a rest.''''

    ''''So what?''''Confusion sprawled across her face.

    ''''Just listen to me, Leena_''''

    ''''Cutie You havee....'''' Leena screamed, turning her side, and the moment Wilbur looked over the direction, Leena kicked his calf and pushed open the door.

 Chapter 289 - Lets Meet Up

    Just when Leena opened the door, her face turned ashen, seeing the man sitting next to Devin. Her face turned rigid, which didnot go unnoticed by Ethan and Devin. She could feel her disdain directing towards Ethan. Although Devin doesn''t want Leena to confront Ethan, she to know the truth behind her ident.

    ''''Leena,e here_.''''

    The door was shut with a loud bang before words came out of Devin''s mouth. Devin sighed, dropping on the bed.

    ''''She hates me deep down inside,'''' Ethan muttered, his head hung low in shame when the memories of that night shed before him. Leena''s hatred towards him has a reason, and Ethan can''t deny it.

    ''''You deserve it.'''' Devin retorted, gazing at nowhere. Leena rarely hates, and when she does, she hates murderously.

    ''''I know.'''' Ethan directed a scathing self-mockery at himself. ''''I wish to talk and apologize to Leena wholeheartedly.'''' Lifting his head, Ethan nced at Devin, his eyes burning red. ''''Can you do me a...forget it..'''' Ethan wanted to ask if Devin can convince Leena to talk with him, but then again, a question popped into his mind. Why would Devin help him? After all, they are mortal enemies.

    ''''I would never get salvation in my life. I will take my leave.'''' With heavy heart, Ethan got up to leave, and before he opened the door to step out, Devin''s voice reverberated across the walls. ''''Wait!''''

    Ethan turned around in disarray, and the following words Devin uttered were an utter surprise to his soul.

    ''''I will talk to her.'''' Devin neither showed mercy nor favored Ethan. He can never forget the things he has done to Leena. He long wanted to tell the truth to Leena about her ident, but circumstances didnot urge him.

    ''''Are you for real?'''' Ethan asked in surprise. He didnot expect his mortal enemy to agree to it.

    ''''But I cannot promise.'''' Added Devin.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Ethan genuinely thanked Devin. His heart still hurts to see his love for someone else, but he epted the truth that he is not the main lead of Leena''s story. Devin might be the viin of his story, but he knew what sort of a person he is.

    ''''I am sure Leena will listen to your words.'''' Opening the door, Ethan left, believing he would get a positive reply, if not today, at least someday. He hoped to see Leena the moment he walked out, but he found no trace of her. He felt sad, but a part of him mocked himself. Why would she stay? She avoids him like the gue.

    ....

    After he got a message from Devin, Wilbur brought Leena to Devin''s room after a lot of convincing. He knew Leena''s hatred towards Ethan, and infact, he is also in the same boat, but it''s time she learns the actual person behind her ident.

    The atmosphere turned distant and cold all of a sudden. Wilbur silently left the room to let them have a conversation.

    ''''Come here, Leena!'''' Devin ordered. He didnot like her cold and indifferent gaze directed towards him, and to top it, she was sitting far away from him as if he has done the biggest crime.

    ''''I will not repeat it. Will youe, or you want me toe over?''''

    Leena''s fists tightened over the dress. She didnot like Devin''smanding tone. If it were some other day, she wouldn''t have agreed, but Devin is a patient, and she doesn''t want him to move around. So, she reluctantly got up and walked towards him.

    ''''Why did you close the door shut?'''' Devin asked and yanked her to the bed.

    ''''You know it already.'''' She remained aloof, maintaining a distance from Devin. Is he siding over that man? The humiliation, betrayal, her ident, Leena cannot forget those memories. ''''Are you perhaps thinking of reconciling because he is your cousin?'''' Her voice had a mocking edge as she spoke.

    Devinughed, looking at her to see how she would take it. He held her hand, which she swatted away. ''''Look at me, Leena.''''

    ''''Why are you supporting him!'''' Leena red at him, the restraints of her energy rippling at his humor. She can''t tolerate Ethan''s presence at all, and the dearest person to her heart is not''''I don''t like him. I hate him.''''

    ''''Neither do I,'''' Gently, Devin turned her chin and looked straight into her eyes, burning with fury. ''''Curb your anger, darling.''''

    ''''Devin! I don''t want to talk to him_.''''

    ''''Do you know the whole truth of your ident?'''' He questioned, putting an end to her thoughts.

    ''''I said it''s Ethan and his ex-girlfriend.'''' Curtly, she answered.

    ''''But Ethan doesn''t know anything about your ident until he met you at my office.''''

    ''''What?'''' A surprise filled over her face. ''''It can''t be. Casey told it was Ethan_.''''

    ''''She lied to you.'''' Devin continued. ''''A nameless person made a pact with Casey. That is, to bring you to the cliff. It was a n to kill you.''''

    Leena was caught on the hoop for a second. She remembered climbing up the cliff, but suddenly two bulky men pushed her before reaching the top. ''''H_ow did you know?''''

    Devin exined the incident that happened a few months back. He didnot leave any details because he doesn''t want to keep secrets between them.

    ''''So, you are specting the person who tried to kill mom was the same who tried to harm me?'''' The revtion has taken her breath away. Why does that person hate us? How powerful is that person that Francy is not able to find for years? Is thre a possibility that Devin''s shot linked with it?

    ''''Yes, but we don''t have a solid proof.''''

    Leaning her head on Devin''s right arm, Leena whispered. ''''I can''t bring myself to feel sympathy towards Ethan.'''' She whispered. He might not be behind the ident, but she can never forget the vulgar words and the humiliation he has given that night.

    ''''You are wrong again, Sweetheart.'''' Devin gently caressed her head as he spoke. ''''I am no telling you to feel sorry for him. The time hase to tell you the truth.''''

    Leena smiled, her heart filled with happiness. The most incredible wealth a woman can have is an understanding husband. Her thoughts suddenly interrupted when her mobile beeped with a notification message. [Harls: File ready]

    Getting down from the bed, Leena smiled at Devin warmly. ''''Take rest, Devin. I need to go somewhere.''''

    ''''Where?'''' Devin didnot want to part away with her. When did he turn into a clingy husband? He wondered ''''Can''t you stay?'''' He asked with hope.

    ''''I am going to meet Harley.'''' nting a kiss on his lips, Leena winked before she left.

    ''''No, Leena!'''' Even walls turned a deaf ear to Devin''s screams. ''''She is definitely up to something,'''' Devin muttered and dropped on the bed with nothing else to do.

    ...

    Leena strolled into a restaurant along with Nick. Harley has already arrived, sitting over a table watching 5 minutes crafts over her mobile.

    ''''Hey, Harls.'''' Leena waved, taking a seat. ''''Did you bring the file I asked?''''

    ''''Hey, Leena.'''' Putting aside her mobile, Harley greeted Leena before handing over the file to Leena. ''''''Not many people in ourpany know about Devin''s business trip. Director Daniel, Art Director, Andrea, Creative Director, Steven, Fashion Designer, Ariel.''''

    ''''How are they in person? I mean, do they have any conflicts with Devin?'''' Scanning their profiles, Leena questioned. Their names and address are enough to pull their entire biography.

    ''''As far as I know, Devin moves friendly with all the four people in the office,'''' Harley said. She still doesn''t know how the file is helpful for Leena because the four people have high standards, and they are not the sort of people who wish her brother to be dead.

    ''''Alright, Harls. Thanks for the file. Take care of thepany. I have to go.'''' Leena said before bidding goodbye to Harley.

    ''''Will it work?'''' Nick asked, stepping into the car.

    ''''I don''t want to leave any single clue,'''' Leena said. Her hands itched to bring the person to ruins. The ce Devin had an ident was isted, and Surveince technologies were not in range.

    ''''What will you do with them now?''''

    ''''Magic. Don''t disturb me for a while.'''' Getting down from the car, Leena went to the bedroom and closed the door shut. Opening herptop, she directly hacked into the New York City police department.

    She checked the CCTV footage for the past ten days of the four people. She didnot leave a single clip that the surveince cameras were range. For that matter, Leena didnot find anything suspicious about Daniel, Steven, and Ariel except Andrea. It was not anything suspicious about Andrea, but her movements were a little funny.

    ''''Why is she going to a red-light district. Is she that type of woman?'''' She giggled and thought of informing Devin. When Leena almost assumed they were of no use, suddenly, a thought stuck on her brain. ''''She is going to the red-light district to have sex!'''' In a sex war, thoughtlessness is the weapon people use to trade secrets. She has experienced with Devin. At the peak of her orgasm, Devin makes her spill the secrets he wanted. ''''What if someone used Andrea?''''

    A smile curved on Leena''s lips.. Did Andrea spill it? Only way to find is to meet her.

 Chapter 290 - Straight To The Point

    By the time Leena finished watching the CCTV footage clips, it had turned evening. At least she had a breakthrough in the case, and she is happy about that. Leena then checked her mobile, and it didnot surprise her to see the inbox flooded with Devin''s messages. She replied to him with a cute apology. She knew Devin must be devastated getting restricted to the bed, but at the same time, she doesn''t want to abandon this work. Now that Devin is fine, she wants to concentrate on the mastermind behind Devin''s ident. Until she gets a clue about the person, her mind and heart cannot rest.

    Leena switched on the lights, and made her way to the kitchen, poured water for herself to drink. At the very moment, the inte of the house buzzed. She peeked into the buzzer and was surprised to see two big shots standing in front of her home. ''''Father-inaw, Francy.'''' Nick also tagged along with them, which is not a surprise to her.

    Opening the door, Leena let them in with a warm smile. ''''What brings you here?''''

    ''''Just like that, to see you.'''' Fredrick smiled and handed a file to Leena. ''''The list of people you asked for. They are the only people aware of Devin''s Norway visit from the Wang enterprises. Hardly, only three or four persons know.'''' Fredrick said. Words of mouth travel faster than anything else. There is a chance of slip in the tongue knowingly or unknowingly. After he talked with Kurt, they spected on a person named Enger. Fredrick tried to find about him, but all he saw was, he is a regr working employee. He can''t rely on spections alone.

    ''''Devin is a celebrity, Leena. What if it could be someone from outside thepany? It could be a fan also.'''' Francis shared his opinion.

    ''''It''s a n violently executed without any ws, Francy. How would outsiders know Devin woulde back on the exact date unless it is leaked by someone he knew? Except for our family members, we are left with people from thepany.''''

    ''''Are you specting we have a mole in ourpany?'''' Fredrick questioned, concerned. ''''I share confidential information only with the people I trust.''''

    ''''I can''t say we have a mole.'''' Stated Leena. ''''But every person will have a weakness.''''

    ''''You mean they are threatened or forced into it?'''' Fredrick asked. It made sense to him. ''''Who could it be?'''' He whispered to himself.

    ''''Wait a minute.'''' Leena quickly went inside her bedroom and arrived back with theptop. Showing the video clip of a car, Leena exined. ''''Do you see her? She is the Art Director of WD, Andrea Smith. This is the CCTV footage clips of Andrea''s car within the New York City police department Surveince range.''''

    Nick and Fredrick looked flummoxed except for Francis.

    ''''H_ow did you find the footage?'''' Nick asked, astonished. Hacking into the city police station is not an easy task. ''''D_id you hack into the police system!'''' He still couldn''t believe Leena did that.

    Leena nced up at Nick with a mischievous smile. ''''You should stop using the outdated technologies, babe.'''' Gently, she patted his shoulder. ''''Didn''t I tell you not to mess with me on the other day.''''

    Nick''s mouth opened and closed like a fish. Now he has a clear idea. Was I showing my rookie skills in front of a notorious hacker? He and Adney bitched about her skills also.If Leena knows about it, they are dead meat in her hands.

    On the other hand, Fredrick was, although astonished, he was feeling proud of his daughter-inw. ''''Francis, I didnot believe when you told about Leena''s skills, but I have to agree, you have got a gem in your hands.''''

    ''''Of course,'''' Proudly, Francis caressed Leena''s head. ''''My baby is the gem you would want to buy again and again.''''

    ''''Thank you, Francy.'''' Leena''s expression faded into a sheepish smile. She was almost in a paradise. Leena even wanted her father-inw toment, but it''s not the right time. She has to deal with Andrea now.

    ''''You are wee, baby,'''' Francis said. ''''So, what''s with Andrea?''''

    ying the clips, Leena exined. ''''Here you go, I have checked the ten-day video footage, and Andrea almost visited Red-light district seven times.'''' Looking at the three of their confused faces, Leena exined. ''''Think about it. Anything can happen behind closed doors. I am not telling Andre is a bad person, but there might be someone waiting for the opportunity to use against her weakness.''''

    ''''Brilliant, daughter-inw. You are amazing.'''' Fredrick was awed by Leena''s out-of-the-box thinking. Being an FBI, even Kurt didnot get this idea. Maybe if his son was in his senses, it would have definitely hit his brain. ''''Devin, and you are indeed a match made in heaven.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Leena was in cloud nine for the second time today.

    ''''Don''t praise her, uncle Fredrick. You don''t know about her narcissistic personality.'''' Nick added, scoffing at Leena.

    ''''Get lost, dirty fellow. You are all jealous of my intellect brain.''''

    ''''What did you_''''

    ''''Stop fighting.'' Fredrick interrupted the two. ''''Let''s go and meet Andrea. We will talk with_.''''

    ''''You are noting with me, and neither Francy.'''' Leena declined, and catching their confused faces, she quickly rified. ''''You know, she is a young woman, and it would be awkward to talk about those things in front of you two.''''

    ''''Alright, child.'''' Francis understood her words. ''''At least take Nick with you. I hope she will not mind.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Even if Leena doesn''t want to, he will tag along.

    ''''I forgot one more thing.'''' Fredrick handed a key to Leena before leaving. ''''This is the key to Devin''s house you asked for.''''

    ''''Are you nning to shift?'''' Francis asked.

    ''''For a change, probably, yes. But I am yet to discuss with Devin.'''' There is something Devin is hiding, and this ident has pushed all her barriers to find the secrets.

    ''''Alright, we will take our leave. Call me if you need any help.'''' Francis said.

    Leena nodded her head in approval and nced at the wall clock. 7'' O clock. Andrea might be in the office. Leena quickly sent a message to Harley and waited for her reply.

    [Harls: She is in the office]

    [Goddess Leena: Keep an eye on her. Tell me when she starts]

    [Harls: Okay]

    ''''Let''s go.'''' Leena turned to Nick and spoke up. ''''We have to catch that woman today.''''

    ''''Okay.''''

    While traveling, Nick couldn''t help but drew up his face in an expression of disgust. ''''What a horny woman!''''

    ''''What can I say? Not all are lucky as you. '''' Leena giggled, to which Nick balled his fists in anger. She would always bring his ex-girlfriend''s family topic into the scene. But he chose to remain quiet because at the end, Leena gets the upper hand.

    Once they reached the WD, Leena waited for Harley''s message, and the moment she received the reply, Leena looked over the main road and spotted Andrea''s car at a distance. ''''There her car is.''''

    Nick elerated and followed behind Andrea''s car, and to their wonder, she didnot turn to the red-light district. ''''What a surprise! She is not taking the right turn today.'''' Nick stated with a sarcastic smile.

    ''''She might not be feeling horny today.'''' Leenaughed at the state of Andrea, and she actually pitied her husband.

    ''''She has reached her home,'''' Nick said as he saw Andrea''s car crossing the entrance gates. ''''Let''s go.''''

    Both stepped out of the car, and suddenly Leena remembered the security guard sitting at the gate entrance. ''''Can you take him?''''

    ''''Beleive me, it''s a cakewalk.'''' He is a trained fighter, and taking one is a child''s y to him.

    Within minutes, Nick and Leena were in front of Andrea''s house.

    ....

    Andrea just got home finishing her work, and she was about to enter the bathroom to take a shower; the doorbell ringed. Just when she opened the door, Andrea frowned, looking at the unfamiliar faces. ''''Who are you miss?''''

    ''''Andrea Smith, Wife of Robert Bryson, Am I right?'''' Without waiting for Andrea''s reply, Leena shoved the woman and barged into the house while Nick locked the door.

    ''''Who the hell are you?'''' Andrea shouted. The woman''s face looked familiar to her, but Andrea couldn''t pinpoint where exactly she has seen her. ''''You can''t barge into my home_''''

    ''''Rx, Miss Smith.'''' Settling herself on the couch, Leena looked around the house, pleased with the interior. ''''You have got a good taste.''''

    Andrea''s rage went up to the peaks at the woman''s casualty. ''''Look, miss, I don''t know who you are! I will call the security_''''

    Before Andrea could finish her thoughts, Leena clicked the video clip and threw the mobile on the table. Andrea''s face turned pale, and her body started sweating buckets. It''s her car going into the red-light district. How did this woman know? But that''s not the point here. If her husband knows that she is cheating, Andrea''s head would be hanging to the house upside down. Before Robert knows, she has to deal with the woman carefully.''''H_ow much you want?''''

    ''''Straight to the point! I appreciate it. I Forgot, miss Horny is rolling in money.'''' Leena chuckled in amusement. ''''Your husband is the director at Lighthouse technologies, right?''''

    ''''Please..'''' Andrea begged, kneeling on the floor. ''''Don''t tell my husband. At least tell me your demands.''''

    ''''Simple. I want the list of people you had sex with, for the past one month.''''

    ''''W_e don''t share our personal lives_'''' Andrea said.

    ''''Nick, contact her husband_''''

    ''''Wait!'''' Andrea interrupted, tears rolled down her cheeks in fear. ''''Please don''t call him. I _I can give the first names. Other than that, I don''t know anything about them.''''

    ''''Go ahead,'''' Crossing her legs one over the other, Leena rxed, resting her head on the sofa.

    ''''James, Lidiya, Charles.''''

    ''''Only three? If I find you are lying.'''' Leena nced at the woman, shivering uncontrobly.

    Gulping hard, Andrea quivered at Leena''s threatening words. ''''There is one more person, but I had met him only twice.''''

    ''''Spill it fast.''''

    ''''Nash,''''

 Chapter 291 - Fivesome

    There is a rule of magic. Don''t let anyone know your name because names hold power. Neither Nick nor Leena heard the four names Andrea mentioned, but that doesn''t mean the three don''t have any involvement. Directly or indirectly, they have contributed to the ident if she was not wrong.

    ''''How long have you been visiting the Red-light district?'''' Quizzed, Leena.

    ''''Since two years.'''' Replied Andrea. She is married to Robert for three years but utterly dissatisfied with the quality of their sex life. It was her sexual frustration that led her to discover the ce of pleasure.

    ''''Two years is pretty long! You are covering up way conscientiously from your husband, Miss Smith.'''' Leena''s mocking tone caused an embarrassment to Andrea. ''''How did you meet the four people?''''

    ''''W_hat if you give the video to my husband once I tell the truth?'''' Andrea questioned. Until she gets a guarantee, she decided not to open her mouth.

    ''''I am least interested in your afternoon delights. Once you are of no use, I will delete your videos. I can assure you with this.'''' Ensured Leena. ''''So, tell me everything you talk with them. Anything you remember, for that matter.''''

    Andrea turned to Nick and then stared at Leena with an awkward silence. Andrea could exin it to the woman sitting in front of her because she is a woman, but she finds it a little ufortable talking about her sex life in front of a stranger man.

    ''''You have got nothing to be ashamed of, Miss Andrea Smith,'''' Nick added, suppressing his smile. ''''You should have had the conscience when you did it in the first ce.''''

    ''''I don''t have time to sit and watch your awkward face,'''' Leena scorned, ncing at her wristwatch. ''''Your husband maye at any time. Do you want him to know your hanky-panky carryings?''''

    ''''Please no.'''' Andrea beseeched. ''''I will tell everything I remember.''''

    ''''That''s what I have been asking. Go ahead.'''' Remarked Leena.

    Taking a deep breath, Andrea started. ''''In the Red-light district, we have several bars and nightclubs with women and men milling around. I visit the ce regrly to have sex.''''

    ''''Since you are asking for the past month, I will start from there. One and half months back, I met James in the regr nightclub I visited, and we hooked up instantly. He doesn''t talk much while having sex, but he oftenins about his wife''s temper after our coption. A weekter, James introduced his friend Charles. He is an easy-going person. Somedays, we do it individually, and sometimes, we go for a threesome.'''' Andrea patiently exined the conversations that happened between the three of them.

    Nick and Leena covered their mouth to stop themselves fromughing as Andrea narrated the story. Great satisfaction indeedes from sharing with others.

    Andrea clutched her hands over the dress tightly in fit. She knew they are mocking, but Andrea has no choice except to keep her anger in check and blurt out the truth. Humiliation in front of strangers is better than dying in the hands of her husband.

    ''''What about the other two?'''' Leena questioned. She didnot find anything suspicious about James and Charles suspicious, but she has to meet them.

    ''''L_idiya is a married woman.'''' Biting her bottom lip, Andrea continued. ''''We got attracted to each other_''''

    ''''Wait!'''' Nick stopped Andrea all of a sudden. ''''You do it with women also?''''

    ''''Can you stop with your questions,'''' Leena shot a re at Nick. She could feel Andrea aversed already, and this cartoon is simply throwing salt to the wound. Turning to Andrea, Leena urged her to continue. ''''What do Lydia talks with you?''''

    ''''Lidiya''s husband has a low sex drive, just like my husband. It might be because we are in the same boat; we grew physically and emotionally close. I shared my secrets, including...my profession and thepany I work for. Lidiya often asks about our CEO and his other personal stuff.''''

    Nick widened his eyes, to which Leena silently shook his head, not to open his mouth until the end.

    ''''And thest person?'''' Leena interrogated.

    ''''His name is Nash. Two weeks back, Lidiya brought a friend and introduced him as Nash.'''' Andrea continued. ''''Peoplee to the red-light district with only one purpose, to have sex. So, I did with him.''''

    ''''He talks very sweetly, and the next time he came, I introduced James and Charles,'''' Andrea said. ''''Nash suggested trying Fivesome. Since Lydia and I didnot experience with five people, we said okay to it.''''

    Leena''s head started spinning. How horny is this woman to do a Fivesome! So the secret indeed spilled behind closed doors. ''''Listen to me carefully, Andrea.'''' Getting down from the sofa, Leena squatted in front of the woman. ''''Did any one of the five bring yourpany CEO''s topic again? Think carefully.''''

    ''''I_I think so,'''' Andrea admitted. She was confident, CEO Wang Devin''s name surfaced again on that day.

    ''''Who is it?'''' Leena''s tone was urgent and desperate. She is close, very close to the truth.

    ''''It might be Lydia or Nash because only two are interested in my affairs.''''

    ''''By chance, did they ask you about CEO''s business trips. Think carefully and answer.''''

    Andrea gulped hard. She vaguely remembered someone talking about herpany CEO''s personals, but in her sheer pleasure with having five people around her, she doesn''t remember who exactly it is.

    ''''Who is that person!'''' Leena demanded. ''''Is it Lydia or Nash?''''

    ''''I_I don''t remember because_'''' Andrea nervously bit her lip. She was multitasking and also in flimsy pleasure to think about trivial matters at that time.

    ''''Fine. Are you still in contact with them?''''

    ''''Sometimes, but I don''t know when they would be back because we don''t share contact numbers.''''

    Leena chuckled in delight. The culprit is one among the five people. It was a trap set by Nash or Lydia to pull out Devin''s information from Andrea, and this dumb woman fell for it. Grabbing the mobile from the table, Leena remarked ''''I am not going to delete the video. I will contact you again tomorrow.

    ''''You promised_''''

    ''''Correction, if you are no use.'''' Leena corrected her. Before she took a further step, Leena nced at Andrea across her shoulders. ''''By the way, expect a termination letter from WD for breaching thepany policies.''''

    Terror struck Andrea like a shot. Andrea knew she breached thepany policy, but who the hell is this woman to make orders? ''''W_ho are you?''''

    ''''Mrs. Wang.'''' Leena strolled out of the house without sparing a nce at Andrea.

    Andrea covered her mouth and slumped on the floor in a crying mess.

    ....

    ''''I think it''s Lydia. What are your thoughts?'''' Nick shared his opinion.

    ''''I will have to meet them beforementing.'''' Leena retorted. Suggesting Fivesome sex was to bring Andrea into the trap. She is too tired to make a decision today. For now, Leena''s only thought was to see Devin. ''''Drop me at the hospital, Nick.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' Nick sped up the car to the hospital.

    Leena stepped out of the car and rushed to the top floor. The moment she pushed open the door, she could see Devin''s gloomy expressions directing towards her. ''''Are you angry at me?'''' Leena walked towards him and tried to kiss Devin''s lips, but he turned to his left, causing it tond on his right cheek.

    ''''You still remember me?'''' Devin scoffed without looking at Leena. ''''Is it because I am a patient, you don''t want to_''''

    ''''Mr. Wang, I am ttered with your acting. I understand, you can easily topple the Korean female leads of tragedy stories. But I suggest you stop.'''' Leena interrupted and grabbed Devin''s face. Instantly both burst out intoughter.''''Acting apart, I missed you.'''' Devin embraced Leena and kissed her top.

    ''''I missed you too.'''' She embraced his body lightly, considering his wound.

    ''''How did it go?'''' A while ago, Leena texted about Andrea spilling about his business secrets. It was not a surprise, but still, Devin can''t believe Leena pulled a breakthrough in just one day.

    ''''We are close.'''' She said.

    ''''Had your dinner?'''' Devin did not probe much because Leena needs rest after all the tiring activities.

    ''''Not yet. Aunt Eve texted, and she is bringing.'''' cing her head on Devin''s shoulder, she rxed, and let the night pass, waiting for tomorrow morning.

    ...

    The following day, Nick was utterly scared when Leena thought of hacking into the Government database directly to get the information about those five sex maniacs. Just because she is a hacker, she is trying to control the whole world with a click of a button. He thought.

    ''''I called Kurt, and he will collect all the information and bring it to you. Please don''t hack into the database, fine?'''' Nick pleaded.

    ''''Alright.'''' Although Leena badly wanted to enter the database again, she doesn''t want the Swedish butler to curse at her.

    By evening, Kurt presented the hundreds of James, Charles, Lydia, and Nash. Since they are not aware of surnames, Andrea helped them identify the five persons through their pictures.

    ....

    Inside an old building...

    ''''Who the hell are you to bring me here?'''' A man screamed, looking at the two people who have seized him. ''''I don''t know why you brought me here? I have nothing to give it to you.''''

    ''''Is it? Let''s see, if you have nothing to give or we have something to take, Mr. Nash Rivett.''''

    Nash widened his eyes in shock as he watched the person walking into the room. Kurt? Did he know? But how?

 Chapter 292 - Where Is The Evidence?

    Leena suggested having an interrogation for the four unofficially before Kurt takes them into custody for official interrogation. So, Kurt brought the five people to an isted building away from the city. Leena spent a little time in the hospital with Devin before leaving. He was set on going along with her, but Leena didnot allow him to move an inch. His breastbone is not healedpletely, and Leena doesn''t want to take any risk at this time, not after he has passed the difficult stage.

    The moment she stepped out of the hospital entrance, a reporter emerged out of nowhere and bombarded her with questions. ''''Leena Hayes, did you find the person behind your boyfriend''s ident?''''

    ''''A week passed already, but you didn''t you catch the wind of the criminal?'''' Another reporter chimed in.

    ''''You should be asking the investigation team.'''' It was Nick who answered it. Paving the way from the reporters, Nick guided Leena towards the car. The guards following Leena closely emerged out immediately and blocked the reporters from further moving.

    ''''When are you going to catch him?''''

    ''''Pleasement for our channel.'''' The reporter made another attempt, but she was long gone.

    ....

    ''''The reporters are nothing but hee-haws.'''' Leena sighed as she looked at the five profiles on her mobile.

    ''''I can''t deny it,'''' Nick added.

    ''''James is an Architect, Charles is an ountant, Lidiya and Nash works for media. The interesting fact is, both are working in the samepany.'''' Leena voiced out her thoughts.

    ''''Works for a reportingpany? No wonder Lidiya and Nash asked about Devin''s affairs.'''' Nick retorted, shooting a look in the rearview mirror for any suspicious moves. ''''Media would be twiddling their thumbs to get a single piece of information about Devin. What if Lidiya and Nash are only trying to pull the information for their channel ratings? After all, journalist job is meant for it.'''' Journalists y a vital role in the nation''s growth, and they do hold a respective status. If word goes out that they brought a journalist for interrogation, it will create a rift.

    ''''I trust my intuition. Lidiya and Nash have something up to their sleeves.'''' Leena muttered, gazing out of the window. When Devin informed her about the Norway visit, every cell in her body gged a danger sign. Her intuition never went wrong, and then a disaster followed. Only if she had stopped Devin on that day...The painful memories surged back with force breaking her heart again.

    ''''Let''s see if they something,'''' Nick said, and he suddenly remembered the list of people Fredrick mentioned the other day. ''''It would be better if we check the three employees also.''''

    ''''I already did. They are clean.''''

    She is faster than a bullet train. Nick thought.

    In an hour, the car pulled into the entrance of an old building. The moment Leena stepped out of the car, she clutched her dress in rm as she looked at the eerie house. It was no less than a scary haunted house that she sees in horror movies. This stupid Swedish Butler didnot get any other ce for interrogation? ''''Nick, C_an you ask Kurt to change the location? It looks scary.''''

    ''''Ipletely forgot! You are a little open-minded when ites to ghosts, right?'''' Nickughed merrily at Leena''s actions. If he has to say Leena got any other weakness apart from Devin, they are ghosts. But it''s not the time to tease her. ''''ording to you, ghosts appear only during nighttime, and we will try to wrap up before evening. Does it sound good?''''

    ''''Fine.'''' She sighed. If it were some other day, she would have turned back and fled away, but not today. Warily, Leena nodded her head with a half-smile. Laughing to himself, Nick then led her into the house.

    ....

    A while ago...

    As usual, in the morning, Nash got ready for the office. He parked the car in the parking slot, and before he took a further step, few men appeared and pulled him into the car. Everything thing went nk after that. When Nash opened his eyes, he was in a shabby room with the same two men watching over him as if he hasmitted a grave murder. Nash was in a delusion that someone abducted him until he heard that voice. His heart hammered into his chest when the man finally appeared in front of him. There was only one question running on his mind. Did Kurt find out the truth? How? It doesn''t matter because he has cleaned all the evidence, for that matter. Pulling himself together from the trance, Nash spoke up. ''Who are you? How do you know my name? Why did you bring me here?''''

    ''''We will make time for introductionster, Mr. Rivett.'''' Another voice boomed into his ears. ''''Before that, let''s talk about some facts first.''''

    For the second time, Nash was taken back when his gaze fell on the gorgeous woman who just entered the room. Leena! What is she doing here?

    ''''Surprised to see us?'''' Sitting on the chair, Leena crossed her leg over the other and looked at the man in front of him, a hint of an evil smirk was evident over her face. Kurt signaled the guards to go out and settled in a chair, a little distance away from Leena, because he is still scared of women.

    ''''Why would I get surprised when I don''t even know you people?'''' Nash calmly replied. Judging by Leena''s confident tone, he was sure Andrea had spilled everything. Stupid dumb woman! He has clearly underestimated this woman! But did she think it is easy to tackle Nash? Bring it on, woman. Let''s see what you are up to.

    ''''I wonder if you are smart enough to pretend or you are actually ying dumb,'''' Leena questioned with a mischievous smile on her lips.

    ''''Look, Miss, I do not understand a thing you are talking about.''''

    ''''I am not speaking thenguage of light, right?'''' Leena probed innocently.

    Kurt shot a wonderment look over Leena. She is definitely a nut. He wondered how his friend deals with this fruit cake.

    ''''I don''t have time to entertain you, people. What is your point here?'''' Nash asked,ing straight to the business.

    ''''Fair enough! If you are that curious, let mee to the business then.'''' Haughtily, Leena stated. ''''Two weeks back, you had sex with a woman named Andrea Smith in a nightclub of the red-light district. What''s your purpose for picking Andrea?''''

    ''''Do I need to have a reason?'''' Nash raised his eyebrow in mock disbelief. ''''She has got a sexy body. I got tempted, and we did it.'''' He answered as a matter of fact. ''''I am above 18, and I don''t find a problem having sex with any woman of my choice. If you abducted me to interrogate about my sex life, I could sue you in court for trespassing my territory.''''

    ''''You seem prepared for the questions beforehand, Mr. Rivett.'''' A twinkle of amusement deepened her smile. ''''I am least concerned about your night activities. I am here to collect my answers.''''

    ''''What kind of?'''' Questioned Nash.

    ''''The next time you visited Andrea, you suggested having group sex with Andrea and pulled out thepany CEO''s private matters, and within a week, he was shot. The question is, what''s your purpose in asking about CEO Wang Devin''s business trip?''''

    Silence ensued for a moment, followed by a peal ofughter, echoed in the room. Nash clutched his stomach to stop himself fromughing, but he couldn''t stop. Kurt''s anger red up, and before he got up to teach the man a lesson, Leena shook her head.

    ''''What''s so funny?'''' Calmly Leena asked.

    ''''Because it''s funny. Can I ask you a question?'''' Without waiting for the answer, Nash chuckled. ''''What''s your rtionship with the so-called famous Wang Devin?''''

    ''''Wife,'''' Leena again calmly replied, digging her nails into her hands to keep her emotions in check.

    ''''Now I understand your pain.'''' Nashughed and nced at Leena. ''''Are you suspecting that I am behind the ident?'''' Nash chuckled, shaking his head.

    Leena didnot speak a word.

    ''''I heard about a rumor..you know...your husband had the slightest chance of surviving. Honestly, I pitied him...living such a luxurious life, and suddenly dying because of a cheap hunter gun bullet.'''' With a sigh, Nash spoke up. ''''Luckily, he survived.''''

    Still, Leena didnot speak a word.

    ''''Ipletely forgot he is hospitalized. How is is heart? Is it beating?" Nash remarked in a mocking tone. ''''Who knows what kind of enemies he has got in his pocket. Do you have evidence to prove that I am behind his misery_''''

    PAK.

    A tight p echoed across the walls. The rambling p caused Nash to cup over his ear. Not before heposed, another pnded on his other cheek. "Another word from your mouth about him, I will slice of your tongue, bastard!"

    ''''You insolent woman, why did you p me'''' Nash red up, faint finger marks engraved on his cheek.

    ''''Did I? Where is the evidence?"

 Chapter 293 - Wars Begin When You Will, And Donnot End When You Please

    Shock registered on Nash''s face before he could hide it. Does she want evidence? This woman has pped right in front of him and now questioning the evidence? Little did the dunderhead know, Leena was trying to prove evidence exhausts the truth.

    Leena kept her anger in check when the barking dog sitting in front of her mocked her. Kick a barking dog, and it will only bark more. Leena pretended not to notice, assuming it would shut its mouth eventually. But it made a mistake. A grave mistake! It touched her bottom line degrading Devin, arousing every nerve in her body like moltenva, and before she reflected, her hand raised, denting Nash''s face. ''''d that my husband hasn''te here. Otherwise, you will end up with nothing to lose.''''

    In Nash''s perspective, Enger is the most ruthless monster, but the man always takes a step back to confront Devin face to face. He doesn''t understand why, but this is alone enough to know Devin''s power andmand. Nash knew Devin''s capability, but anger caused him to speak out of his thoughts, and in turn, got pped by Leena. If not for Enger, he would have dealt with this woman in his own way.''''Raising a hand on a journalist is a serious offense. I can take you to the court ofw.''''

    ''''You need to step out of this house alive first.'''' There was a firmness in Kurt''s tone that threatened to drive Nash''s fear at the edge. Nash clenched his fists. Enger might not have known that Leena and Kurt brought him here for investigation. He has to deal with them carefully and get out of this ce soon. ''''I am telling the fact, I don''t have anything to do with your husband''s ident.'''' His tone was stern.

    ''''Then why did you ask about hispany affairs?'''' Leena probed again.

    ''''I work in a reportingpany, and it''s our job to pull information about celebrities. That''s how we work.''''

    ''''If that was the case, why didn''t I see any news posting about him in your channel?'''' Leena''s voice mounted to the peeks. When she first entered the building, she wanted to interrogate Lidiya first, but her legs brought her here, and now she is getting a hunch that Nash definitely has a hand in Devin''s ident.

    Nash was taken back by the sudden question. He didnot think Leena would twist the questions to trap him into the web. When Enger asked about Devin''s business trip, he tried all the possible ways, but his efforts turned futile. nting a mole in Devin''spany is the dumbest thought Nash could think because the tracks would eventually lead to the mole. But luckily, he stumbled upon Lidiya''s secret, and he used it to his advantage.

    Yes! He nned and seduced Andrea to know about Devin''s business trips. Although Nash was disgusted, he still suggested a fivesome and made her spill the secrets at the peak of her orgasm. When Nash thought he had cleared all the evidence, this woman caught a single thread and brought the case until here. If he is not careful with his words, Leena will find out about Enger. Leena is close! Very close. He can''t let that happen. ''''I don''t understand why am I the prime suspect when three more people were along with Andrea on that night,'''' Nash asked. ''''Why can''t it be Lidiya, Charles, or James?''''

    .....

    In a crummy room, Nick was sitting in front of Lidiya. ''''So you are telling Nash asked you to introduce Andrea?''''

    ''''Yes,'''' Lidiya replied in a calm voice. ''''Please understand me, sir. Nash and I work in the samepany. I don''t have a hand in the ident. I asked about CEO''s personal stuff because I am a fan of him. Other than that, I didnot talk about any CEO''s business trips.''''

    The mouth might lie, but never the eyes. Nick could feel the honesty in Lidiya''s eyes. He texted Leena and rose from his seat to check upon Charles and James. Before going out, he signaled the guards to look after Lidiya.

    ...

    ''''Instead of shifting your concentration on me, focus on catching the actual criminal,'''' Nash said in a pretended solemnity. Even if these people torture him, he will not reveal Enger''s name. His loyalty belongs to him alone.

    When Leena was trying to pull out more information from Nash, she received a text message from Nick. Her lips curved up into a smile before her gaze fell on Nash. ''''You can leave, Mr. Rivett.''''

    ''''W_hat?'''' For a second, Nash thought he was hallucinating.

    Even Kurt was astonished hearing Leena''s thoughts. ''''What are you talking_''''

    Raising her hand, Leena stopped Kurt from further speaking. She then turned to Nash and spoke up. ''''You can leave. I am done with your interrogation.''''

    Nash was confused as well. One moment Leena was so adamant about knowing the truth, and when she was almost close, she let him slip out of her hands like a grain of sand. Not that he is going to reveal Enger''s name. Even if they are going to torture him, his loyalty belongs to Enger.

    Nash got up from the seat and warily took a forward step looking back and forth. Before he crossed the exit of the door, Leena''s calm voice plunged through him.

    ''''Tell him or her. Wars begin when you will, but they donnot end when you please. The game is not over, it is just the beginning. You started. I will end it. I will pay back with interest ten folds."

    Her tone was calm, but Nash felt the intensity. His hands went mmy. So, she has figured it out, after all. What n did this woman is thinking now? Why hasn''t she captured him? But one thing he understood about Leena. She is dangerous and wicked, a raging fire that cannot be put out.

    Goosebumps raised over Kurt''s skin as Leena''s words pierced into his heart. Until now, he thought Leena was a crazy nut; of course, he can''t deny the fact, but he has seen another shade of her.

    Nash turned around, but what he saw was a calm expression in Leena''s eyes.

    ''''Leave.'''' Ordered Leena.

    Swallowing hard, Nash left without looking back.

    Pulling his thoughts together, Kurt nced at Leena. "One round of third-degree interrogation, that bastard would spill out everything.''''

    Shrugging her shoulders, Leena looked at Kurt. Gone was the dangerous vibe around her, and a cheerful face reced it. ''''What if Nash gives the false information? Let''s say Nash revealed the truth. Can we find the person?''''

    ''''It''s a cakewalk for the FBI_''''

    ''''That''s where you are wrong. Think about it. If the person had nned Devin''s murder perfectly without ws, do you think he or she is an easy catch? He or she got some better backup. Before we overhaul, the person will slip out of our hands.''''

    ''''So, you are telling_''''

    ''''We have to find the person''s identity first, and bring them out from darkness. So we need this scapegoat to execute the n.''''

    ''''By now, he will raise his guards high,'''' Kurt said.

    ''''I know, but for how long? Two Days? Two Weeks? Even an intelligent is bound to make a mistake at some point in time. We suffocate them to death, and make their hopes die."

    Kurt nodded his in head in approval. Indeed, Leena is right.

    ''''I am missing my Devin already.'''' She pouted. ''''If he were here, I wouldn''t have to use my brain to think.''''

    ''''What did you say?'''' Kurt gnashed his teeth. Did she mean he was of no use sitting here?

    ''''I mean what I said, Mr. Swedish Butler.'''' Leena dashed out of ce with glee.

    ....

    When the three emerged out of the house, Kurt suddenly remembered an important thing to talk about with Leena. ''''Did you really hack into the police department.'''' Initially, when he got wind of it, his thoughts went to Elysian. But then again, another idea hit his brain. Elysian targets are only big.

    ''''Are you asking as an FBI agent?'''' Leena questioned.

    ''''What if I say no?''''

    ''''I don''t care because you will never find I was the one who hacked it.'''' Pressing her lips, Leena suppressed herugh. ''''If you can find my code name, knock on my house door with handcuffs.'''' Having said that, Leena stepped into the car along with Nick.

    The nerve of this woman! She has got features of that rascal Elysian.

    ....

    Without making a noise, Leena slowly pushed open the door and walked towards the bed. Her smile broadened, watching Devin''s sleeping face. Ah! The pills must have caused his drowsiness. ''''I am back.'''' Sitting at the edge of the bed, leaning forward, Leena pressing her lips on his.

    ''''It''s nice to be back. I am excited,'''' Devin whispered back and opened his eyes. With one tug, he pulled her into his embrace, causing Leena to fall on his chest.

    ''''Devin! No! you are not healed.'''' Leena tried hard to get up, but his grip was too tight.

    ''''I am fine, Sweetheart.'''' He said. ''''How did it go_''''

    ''''I don''t want to talk about it now'''' Sleeping next to him, Leena nced at his eyes with a smile. ''''I want to spend time with you.''''

    ''''Am I tiring you with everything?'''' Never, Devin felt helpless in his life. Instead of protecting Leena, he is making her run alone with his affairs.

    ''''You know what is the best rtionship?'''' She asked.

    ''''Enlighten me?''''

    ''''Talk like best friends, y like kids, argue like husband and wife, protect each other like siblings.''''

    ''''You are wrong, Sweetheart.''''

    ''''Why?'''' She pouted.

    ''''We y like adults.''''

    Blushing hard, she sank her face beside Devin''s body. A whileter, Leena called him. ''''Devin. Are you sleepy?''''

    ''''Tell me, Sweetheart.''''

    ''''For a change, let''s shift.''''

    ''''I was nning to ask already.'''' He was thinking of asking Leena, but she voiced her opinion. Devin also wanted to tell her about the stalker but was scared of her reaction. For now, he will keep quiet.. Little did he know, sometimes nature was bound to take a course of action.

 Chapter 294 - Breeding Machine

    The rush when Devin folds her into his arms, Leena let out a sigh of relief, knowing she is not dreaming. At the moment, without any thought, Leena vowed to drag the person behind Devin''s ident from the darkness and make them suffer ten folds Devin suffered. ''''Did it pain a lot when you took the bullet?'''' Leena gently touched his chest. He has taken a fucking lead bullet used on animals, and she can imagine the torture he went through.

    One second! Two seconds! Silence prevailed. If Leena hadn''t watched Devin''s eyshes that are shuttering now and then, she would have assumed Devin had drifted into sleep. ''''If you are notfortable talking about it, I can understand_''''

    ''''I can''t describe the pain.'''' Gently, he turned to his side and caressed her cheek, looking deep into her eyes.''''I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest, controlling my desperate breath. I was scared. Not because of death. I was afraid because I will not be able to see you again. I was afraid because I will not be able to see your smile anymore.'''' His words caused Leena''s eyes to wet with tears.

    ''''I am sorry.'''' She muttered, pressing her lips on his. ''''I love you, Devin. I love you.''''

    ''''I love you, Leena. Thanks for not giving up on us, Sweetheart.'''' He heard his mother-inw''s words on that day about how much Leena suffered until the surgery. He will have to be careful to take care of her from now on.''''It has passed. Don''t think about it again, alright?''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Leena nced intently into his eyes before she talked about the investigations. ''''Have you heard of a person called Nash Rivett? He was the one I interrogated today. Despite theck of proof, I am positive he is the one. It was a pre-nid by him to seduced Andrea.''''

    ''''I haven''t heard of his name, but I might have known the person operating him from the shadows.'''' Devin has a hunch of the person behind it, but he needs to interpret a lot before concluding. First thing first, he has to get out of this hospital to clear his mind. But one thing Devin was sure of. He would not leave the person who tried to separate his Sweetheart from him. Torture was the only thought lingering in his mind since he woke up. ''''We will track back to the origins soon. I will ask to keep a tight check on the people you interrogated.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Leena nodded. She wished they could track the person soon. Her every nerve in her body wants to meet the person and kill him with her hands.

    ''''I didnot think the Art Director of WD is such a pervert.'''' Leena started turning the gloomy atmosphere into a funny one. She was teasing Devin, and of course, he knows. ''''Did the CEO doze off while interviewing her? Is this what the CEO does every day in the office?''''

    Devin''s smile held a glint of humor hearing Leena''s taunts. Throwing a mile smirk at Leena, Devin called one of the guards and informed him to bring a piece of paper. His actions thoroughly addled Leena''s brain when he handed her the paper.

    ''''What this?'''' She asked, frowning as she took the paper.

    ''''Comint form. You can write yourints here, but let it be legible.'''' He said with a wink. ''''Bad handwriting should be regarded as a sign of imperfect education, right?''''

    Leena pped his shoulder with a sulking face. From the house rules episode which happened in Seattle, he calls her handwriting a chicken scratch. She knew her writing is so awful that sometimes, she cannot understand it either, but she will not deny the fact, especially in front of Devin. ''''It''s not bad handwriting. It''s called Leena''s font.''''

    ''''Yes, yes, darling. We will even try to add your handwriting as Microsoft''s font. Happy?'''' Devin can''t help butugh at Leena''s wittyebacks.

    ''''Ah! Make it as their default Microsoft font.''''

    Is she serious? Before Devin wanted to ask if Leena meant, he heard faint murmurs outside. Just whe he snapped at the door, he watched his mom and mother-inw entering into the room.

    ''''Did we disturb the love birds?'''' Evelyn and Heatherughed to scorn.

    Hearing the voices, Leena instantly got up from the bed. ''''No, we were just having a normal conversation.''''

    ''''Normal?'''' Devin snapped at Leena.''''We did dirty talking_''''

    Leen covered his mouth, shooting a sharp re at Devin. She long realized Devin has no shame, and he keeps proving he is getting better in it.

    Heatherughed to herself while Evelyn controlled her giggle as she ced the lunch box on the table. ''''We will not take your time. The faster you eat, the faster we will leave you guys.'''' Turning to her friend, Evelyn asked. ''''Why do you say, Heather?''''

    ''''Of course, Eve. I don''t want to disturb my son-inw. After all, he promised for a basketball team.'''' Heather suppressed her smile as she looked at Devin''s dumbfounded expressions.

    ''''Is it!'''' Evelyn squealed, pping her hands in excitement. ''''I am so happy that my son is finally stepping into action.''''

    Leena: ''''''''

    Leena was fuming in anger in her thoughts. Did he promise a Basketball team? What is he thinking of me? A breeding machine? What are these two thinking of me? After hearing the secret, Leena understood her mom and mother-inw are shameless bunches. What can she say about these two white lotuses? After all, they nned and drugged her innocent Francy.

    While Devin stared at her mother-inw, too shocked to speak because she has driven Devin to the edge. Slowly, Devin turned to Leena, and instantly, he shifted his gaze elsewhere when her eyes were zing murderously at him.

    ''''When did you had this conversation?'''' Leena questioned with a heightening gaze.

    ''''I_I didnot_''''

    ''''You can talk about it after we leave. Let''s have lunch first.'''' Heather interrupted them with a pressing smile.

    During lunch, Devin was throwing daggers at Heather, but as usual, she feigned ignorance.. The moment Heather and Evelyn walked out of the room, Leena closed the door tight shut.

 Chapter 295 - Cherry: Vcard: Virgin

    ''''Do you know the size of the basketball team?'''' Leena questioned.

    ''''Of course, I know, Sweetheart. I am a pro basketball yer_''''

    ''''So, you nned to start a basketball team with our children? I am telling you, Devin, if you teach shameless traits to my son, I will not sit and watch.''''

    ''''I am not a pervert like you.'''' Devin scoffed before adding. ''''Forgot one more thing. If you make my daughter a shopaholic, I will spank your ass.'''' He retorted with equal frequency.

    ''''FYI, your daughter is my daughter,'''' Leena replied.

    ''''FYI, your son is also my son.'''' Devin stubbornly responded.

    Both fought like their usual times until they realized their mistake. Leena instantly shut up, causing Devin to chuckle. ''''I can''t believe we are fighting over our imaginary child.'''' Leena buried her face into Devin''s nape in embarrassment. ''''Did you really promise a basketball team?''''

    ''''No, Sweetheart. Don''t listen to your mom''s words.'''' Devin chuckled. If he can breathe without getting tortured until their firstborn, he will think of the second. But right now, his only intention is to create a safe world before bringing the little one into this world. Eliminate the enemies is his priority.

    ''''How do you want our children to look, Devin?'''' Leena asked out of the blue.

    ''''I want_''''

    ''''If it is a daughter, I want him to look like me.'''' Leena didnot give a chance for Devin to speak. ''''And if it is a son, he will obviously look_''''

    ''''Like me.'''' Devinpleted for Leena with a broad smile. ''''Am I right, Sweetheart?''''

    ''''No. You don''t outshine my features,'''' Leena denied as if it was a matter of fact. ''''I want my son to turn into the most handsome kid. For that, he needs to inherit my genes.'''' Leena stressed

    Devin didnot mind Leena''s ndishments, for he knew of her fantasy world. He only prayed his son doesn''t inherit Leena''s narcissism.

    Speaking of children, Leena remembered she hadn''t informed Devin about the unnned conversation between her mom and mother-inw. ''''Devin, if I tell you, my father is not Max, will you believe me?''''

    ''''I know you are not his daughter.''''

    ''''What!'''' Leena screamed at the top of her lungs. ''''How do you know?''''

    ''''Are you trying to tear my eardrums?'''' Devin calmly asked, closing his ears.

    ''''Sorry, Sorry.'''' Leena rubbed his ears before she came to the point again. ''''How did you know that I am not Max''s daughter?''''

    ''''Intuition.'''' Replied Devin in a one-word answer.

    ''''I thought you knew my father.'''' With a bitter expression, Leena continued. ''''I listened to the conversation that happened between mom and aunt Eve,'''' Leena exined the exchanges that happened in the bedroom between Evelyn, and Heather, including her Francy''s monkey business on the cruise ship.

    Since Devin was young, he knows Francis. Growing up, he understood that France didnot marry because he has someone in his heart. It was no a surprise to Devin when Leena informed Francis''s love is his mother-inw because Devin recently felt the air when the two are around.

    He now has a hunch that Leena is France''s daughter because an apple doesn''t fall from a tree. France might have raised Leena, but genes don''t lie. He will keep quiet because he is not sure of it. ''''So, now you have taken the job of uniting them?''''

    ''''Yeap.'''' Like a nodding goat, Leena bobbed her head up and down. ''''I thought my Francy is a virgin but didnot think he already lost his maiden tag. I wonder who could it be?''''

    ''''Don''t ask him.'''' Devin reprimanded, knocking Leena''s head gently. It would be weird for Francis to hear from Leena.

    ''''OKAY!'''' Stressed Leena. With a yawn, she snuggled closer to Devin without touching his wound. She slowly shut her eyes and drifted to sleep.

    ....

    Meanwhile, on the other end, Francis impatiently strolled into the garden where his friend was sitting alone enjoying the afternoon snacks. ''''When did you get free time to enjoy the afternoon snacks?''''

    ''''Since my son is sick, I have applied for sick leave.'''' Replied Fredrick, crunching a gran bar. Fredrick hated it, but he doesn''t have a choice because he has to fill his stomach. His father made all the family stick to a healthy regime, and he is missing spice foods in his life.

    ''''You need a reason to escape.'''' Francis chuckled, taking a seat. ''''What is so urgent that you wanted to talk?''''

    ''''Heather is here,'''' Fredrick whispered in a low voice.

    Francis : '''' ''''

    ''''Did you call to tell me this?'''' Francis''s voice was calm, but Fredrick heard an inner peril. Not that he minded.

    ''''What''s so secretive in it?'''' Francis questioned. He sees Heather every day in the house, and he doesn''t understand what his friend is trying to imply here. He canceled an urgent meeting, and after hearing the reason, he wanted to punch Fredrick''s face.

    ''''Because it''s a secret,'''' Fredrick replied with a smile. He called him with a purpose. But Fredrick has no idea how to start. Evelyn told everything that happened on the cruise ship. So, she has assigned a task to Fredrick to check whether Francis knows about the incident with Heather.

    Just then, Evelyn entered thewn and put down a fruit bowl in front of Francis.

    ''''Bring me something hot and spicy, Evelyn. I am craving,'''' Francis pleaded in a helpless tone. He and Leena have a sensitive digestive system and can''t handle drinks and spice foods. Unlike others, both can eat a whole tub of sauerkraut without anyints but can''t take very spicy foods. Sometimes, they feel an instantiable craving for unhealthy. The attempt to suppress their urges causes a desire to return to them more forcefully. So, both end up eating or drinking, and the next day, they will think about why they ended up eating and drinking.

    ''''Heather knows you are here,'''' Evelyn said. ''''She was the one who added fruits.''''

    ''''Fine.'''' Francis exhaled a deep sigh. He was getting a taste of spicy foods before, but with Heathering home, it ended. Recently, when Francis had it outside, Heather reprimanded until Francis felt guilty. Francis didnot mind him because he loved it when Heather gets angry at him. At least, they have a conversation to talk. That''s how he is! A lovesick fool.

    ''''I am going inside,'''' Evelyn said, and before going, she signaled her husband toplete his assignment first. Evelyn walked a little distance and hid behind the tree since she knew about her husband. She doesn''t trust him.

    ''''Umm, Francis, d_id you pop any che_rry?'''' Fredrick eagerly asked. Evelyn wanted Fredrick to ask whether Francis remembers anything that happened on that night. But once knowing his friend enjoyed a one-night stand, Fredrick was shocked! He was only curious about the woman. Scratch his wife''s questions! He will cook up a story. It''s not the first time.

    Evelyn blinked her eyes once, twice. What is this stupid husband talking about?

    ''''Why do I need to pop a cherry when I can chew and throw the seed?'''' Francis implied. Pop a cherry? He is not a kid!

    ''''Ah! This man is another cuckoo,'''' Evelyn muttered, shaking her head.

    Fredrick suddenly understood; his friend is a little weak when ites to romance. Fredrick has to break it into a simple sentence to make his friend understand. ''''Okay, I will put it this way. Have you ever swiped a V-card?''''

    ''''A V- card? I have the world''s most expensive credit cards?'''' Francis said proudly. "Why are you asking weird kind of questions today?"

    Evelyn: '''' ''''

    ''Mr. Francis Hayes! Can you stretch your feet? Let me worship you for having such pure thoughts. Heather is a sucker of romantic novels, and this dunderhead doesn''t know a cherry ng even. All in all, Evelyn wanted to reprimand her husband. Where is he learning all these ng words?''

    Fredrick wanted to bang his head on the floor. It''s of no use beating around the bush. He will better get straight to the point.

    ''''I want to ask a question, France.''''

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''A_re you a virgin?''''

    Francis choked on the fruits he was eating, hearing his friend''s sudden question.

 Chapter 296 - Silence

    Fredrick''s tant question caused Francis to choke on his saliva. ''''Do you want to die? What kind of stupid questions are you asking?'''' Now that Francis remembered Fredrick''s earlier questions, he doesn''t know where to put his face, especially when he recalled his funny replies. Just how on earth, Cherry, and V-card, are rted to virginity, and how did his friend know to speak puns?

    ''''You can reprimand meter. Just spill the woman''s name, Francis.'''' Desperate to know the woman''s name, Fredrick forgot..no, he didnot mind Francis threatening tone.

    ''''Have you gone insane, Rick? What woman, which woman?'''' Francis''s pulse was raging, and he felt confused. ''''I do not understand a thing you are speaking.''''

    Hearing Francis''s remarks, Fredrick was confused too. ''''You don''t know? Can you recall the incident that happened on the third day of the cruise ship?''''

    ''''I don''t remember, Rick. You were the one who brought me to the hospital the next day, and I was unconscious for two days there.'''' Francis said. His alcohol tolerance is very low, and after drinking the wine Heather was holding in her hands, slowly, he felt a strange sense of desire surged on his body. He lost control for the first time and kissed her senselessly to quench his thirst. Following after, he doesn''t recall anything.

    Fredrick''s mine was in chaos. Indeed, Francis was running down with a fever when he went into his room, and he has to take him to the hospital when theynded. Francis was fully clothed to have a suspicious even. So Francis really had no idea that he shared a bed with a woman on that night? If Francis knows about it, he will be sad..no, devastated. Even Fredrick couldn''t digest the truth when Evenly told it. Francis was devoted to Heather ever since they were kids. The same goes for Heather, which Fredrickter learned from his wife after Heather''s marriage to Max. There was no way to stop it. At least they have a choice now. He will have to talk with Evelyn before he confesses the truth to Francis.

    ''''Rick, are you there?'''' Francis snapped a finger in front of Fredrick to get his attention.

    ''''I am sorry. I was a little lost.'''' Jolting awake from his trance, Fredrick spoke up with a sigh.

    ''''Why did you bring a woman''s topic all of a sudden?'''' Francis asked, looking keenly at Fredrick''s facial expressions. He was not ashamed to admit that he didnot had any intimate rtionship with any woman. It is either Heather or no one.

    ''''I_I was curious if you had...ahem..any hot yoga session with a woman in the past.'''' Fredrick masked a lie to cover up the truth.

    Although it was hard to understand the double entanders his friend was uttering, Francis grabbed the gist out of it. ''''I am not a deviant like you.''''

    Ignoring the tant remarks, Fredrick asked. ''''Have you confronted Heather when she wanted to marry Max?''''

    ''''What''s there to confront? She loved him and married him.'''' One word from Heather''s mouth that she was forced into the marriage, nothing would have stopped him in bringing her to his side. Not even her father. But she loved that man, and that''s all mattered to step down. Nobody knows the grief he shared with himself on the day when Heather married that womanizer.

    ''''If that was the case, why did you think she divorced him within two years?'''' Francis asked again.

    ''''I don''t know. I am not bothered.'''' Francis added, his gaze unconcerned, but he knows he wants the truth deep down.

    ''''I know you still like her, why don''t you_''''

    ''''Let''s not talk about it. I am going inside.'''' Having said that, Francis got up and left the ce without turning back.

    Fredrick held his face in his arms, heaving a loud sigh. While walking inside the house, he heard a familiar voice. ''''Where did you learn double meanings, Mr. Wang?''''

    Fredrick internally gulped. Evelyn! How did she appear? Didn''t she go inside? Slowly, he turned around to meet her fierce eyes. ''''Eve! I_I, you know I was trying to sound like a gentleman_''''

    ''''Day by day, you are acting like a teenager.'''' Evelyn retorted, crossing her arms.

    ''''But you like it, right?'''' He winked and pulled her towards him.

    ''''Come to the point.''''

    ''''He doesn''t know. What do we do now? Tell him the truth?'''' Fredrick asked.

    ''''No. Let''s not tear open the wounds. It already happened.'''' Evelyn said.

    ''''I don''t want him to remain single, Eve.'''' Fredrick persuaded Francis many times to get married, but he stood rooted in his decision. Whenever Fredrick brings a marriage topic, Francis would only say one thing. If not her, then no one can take ce in my life. ''''You know his stubbornness.''''

    ''''His stubbornness doesn''t work on our daughter-inw. She has already nned, just that she is busy with other affairs.'''' Evelyn said with a knowing, evil smile.

    ''''Well, I know she will do magics. Let''s go inside. Francis must be sitting alone.'''' Fredrick led her into the house with a happy smile.

    ....

    Rotating the eyepiece diopter of a microscope, Enger was performing aparative study on a drug when a phone call broke his concentration all of a sudden. His brows creased when an unknown number appeared on the screen. Very few people know his private number, and he was contemting to take it or not. In the end, he picked up. ''''Hello.''''

    ''''Enger, it''s me, Nash.''''

    ''''Why are you calling from a different number?'''' Enger asked in skepticism.

    ''''Because there is a chance my mobile is tracked,'''' Nash said in a rush.

    ''''What do you mean?'''' Enger questioned.

    ''''It''s over,'''' Nash revealed. ''''Leena found me.''''

    Chills ran down Enger''s spine, and he had a hard time processing Nash''s words. How on earth she found when they cleared the evidence without leaving a single clue. ''''Calm down and tell me what exactly happened?''''

    Nash exined the private interrogation that happened and the warning Leena rendered to Enger. ''''I am sure they will put a tight watch on me. I will have to be very careful in approaching you.''''

    ''''I understand,'''' Enger added, tightly gripping his mobile. He underestimated Leena. With a single clue, she has connected the dots. My dear Leena! Do you dare to give me a warning?

    ''''She in love with Devin, Enger. I can feel it from the depth of her bones.'''' Nash said. Her tight p was still evident in his memory for insulting Devin, and he dared to think what she would do to Enger if she finds the truth. ''''Let''s leave this, Enger. She is already married, and why do you want to go to extent_''''

    ''''Silence!''''

    Enger''s roaring voice caused Nash to shut his mouth instantly. Every nerve in his body screamed in fear. It was the first time Enger raised his voice on him.

    ''''Leena is mine! She can only be mine. I will go to any extent to get her.'''' Enger said, leaving no room for discussions. Is she in madly love with him? So, be it! I will make sure she will not remember the person anymore soon.

    ...

    Since it was lunchtime, Fredrick forced Francis to have a meal together. Having finished with the lunch, he got up to leave for the office when Heather called him. ''''Can you drop me at home, Francis, if you are free?'''' Heather hoped Francis would agree to her request. After Devin''s ident, she did not have time to spend with him due to her busy schedule. At least, today, she has to catch him.

    ''''I am free, Heather.'''' Francis immediately nodded his head.

    Evelyn and Fredrick internallyughed, watching Francis''s imaginary tail wagging in happiness.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Heather smiled as Francis led her out of the house.

    As she got settled, he sped the elerator. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet. ''''Are you craving spice foods?'''' Heather asked as she looked at the rood.

    ''''Well, you don''t allow me to eat, right?'''' Francis retorted with a mocking nce at her.

    ''''I was only thinking of your....Francis! Look straight....''''

    While he was in a deep conversation, a car crossed into theirne all of a sudden. If not for Francis''s fast reflexes to hit the brakes, a disaster would have already happened. Controlling the steering wheel with one hand, he shielded Heather''s body with his other. ''''Are you okay?'''' The moment car halted, he checked Heather for any injuries and breathed in a sigh of relief when he hadn''t found any.

    ''''I am fine. How are you?'''' Her voiceced with concern.

    Wordlessly, Francis stepped out of the car in a rage. He has business to take care of.

    ''''Francis, wait!'''' Heather screamed, but he was already gone. She knew his temper, and no one can curb once he is angered.

    Francis marched towards the car, as his strong demeanor voice boomed. ''''Don''t you know driving rules. Who on earth_''''

    Francis''s thoughts froze in mid-air when a man familiar to him stepped out of the car, surrounded by tens of bodyguards.

    As Heather looked at the rear view mirror, she watched the traffic piling up. With no choice, she got down to bring the man back.

    ''''Let''s go, Francis. I am fine_''''

    Heather''s voice died down in her throat, and her heart repeatedlypelled palpitations when her gaze shifted from Francis to the man focusing on her.

 Chapter 297 - Sperm Donor

    Two decades passed, the familiar face brought lots of memories. Not the sweet memories, though. If Heather hadn''t seen him today, she wouldn''t have remembered she has a father. Albert Steyer, her father.

    The irony is that Heather can count in her fingers the number of times she utters the word, father. He has grown old, very old, and it seems with age,his influence also followed as she watched the number of people surrounding him. Heather can surmise the position he achieved today.

    ''''I want the path cleared until my further orders.'''' Heather heard himmand, and within minutes, the surrounding traffic cleared, and to her surprise, no oneined. Power of a politician, she thought. Heather wondered what''s his position because she was least bothered to check up on him even she had the chance to do so.

    ''''I want to have a private conversation with my daughter,'''' Albert spoke up, as his gaze shifted to the man standing next to his daughter before he turned to Heather.

    ''''Sir, it''s not safe_.''''

    The personal assistant wanted to tell it''s not safe to hop around without the guards, but Albert raised his hand, dismissing the thoughts. Despite the guards disappeared out of his sight, they were keeping a keen watch on him. Albert Steyer is no ordinary man. He is the Mayor of the city.

    ''''How are you, my daughter?'''' Albert asked with a smile, walking towards her. Albert saw a familiar face in the car while passing by, and he was the one who asked the driver to overtake. How long has it been he has seen his daughter? Two decades? He didnot have time to tend to his daughter with his busy political schedule. His wife passed away, leaving his daughter alone. He was d the Hayes family took care of her well.

    Without replying, Heather walked up to Francis. Albert might be his father, but Heather hated him from every depth of her bones. ''''Let''s go, Francis. We don''t have any work here. You will gette to the office.'''' Heather whispered in a murmur, not bothered to care about the man seething in anger.

    ''''Alright,'''' Francis said, and with no empathy, he looked at Albert for onest time before he led Heather to the car. Not before he opened the door, Albert''s words strung into their ears.

    ''''Are you that desperate to get rid of your father who raised you?''''

    Heather stopped in her tracks and instantly turned her body facing Albert.

    ''''Father?'''' Her sarcastic smile carried a vibe of grief before her voice came out. ''''Where were you when I was in grappling for life in the death bed? Have you ever once came to see me in the twenty years I was in the hospital bed? Where were you when my daughter has no mother and father by her side to take care of her, and you call yourself a father? Don''t bring shame to such a beautiful rtionship. I respect the father and daughter rtionship, but I hate the fact that you are my father.''''

    ''''Heather! Watch your words.'''' Albert raised his voice, assuming that it would scare her, but in actuality, it didnot. Albert was thinking of mending their rtionship today. How dare his daughter ignores her father? ''''Discrespecting your father was not enough by divorcing your husband? You should be d that I had set the things right before they went wrong. I gave you a beautiful married life, despite your scandal, but you ruined it_.''''

    ''''I never asked for it. You threatened me. You forced me into that marriage which I never approved.'''' Heather screamed, casting tears when the memories surfaced again.

    Heather''s words were a real revtion to Francis. His gaze instantly shifted to Heather; pain was the only emotion ardent in her eyes. Was she forced to marry Max? Francis held Heather''s shoulders and looked into her eyes deeply. ''''Is it true whatever you spoke now?'''' Francis demanded. ''''Tell me, Heather!''''

    Heather looked away. She refused to meet Francis''s eyes. She dropped the secret she has been holding in front of him in the moment of her anger.

    So, it is indeed true. Francis thought. Anger rushed through his veins.

    ''''What right you have to force her into a marriage even if it is your daughter?'''' Francis yelled, holding Albert by his cor. The guards rushed forward, but Albert raised his hand and stopped them from further moving.

    ''''Francis, please leave him. It all happened in the past.'''' Heather arrived in between to pull him, but it was her futile attempt to control the raging Francis in a fire.

    ''''What rtionship do you share with my daughter to make you stand for her every time, Mr. Hayes?'''' Albert chuckled, pushing Francis away from his tight grip. He knows Francis has feelings for his daughter, but he didnot expect it was so deep that he remained unmarried. But he hated the fact that Francis became the hero of his daughter''s life just by saving her from the ident. He was the one who looked after her studies. ''''Do you know the reason my daughter distanced herself from me? It''s because of you.''''

    ''''Do you know her birthday?'''' Francis asked a question out of the subject.

    ''''Do you know what she likes to eat?''''

    Albert''s silence exined.

    ''''You don''t know her birthday. You don''t know what she likes. You wouldn''t in a million years know the size of her shoe when she was little girl. What did you say? I separated her from you? Look back and see how many times you have spent time with her, and you will get the answer. You are not her father. You are just a sperm donor.'''' Francis turned to Heather, who was standing like a statue, mouth agape. Wordlessly, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the car.

    Albert bit back his anger and turned around. How dare he talk back to me? He would have crushed in seconds with his influence if it was any other person, but he knew he could not suppress Francis. Business and politics have to run harmoniously, and offending a big shot like Francis, is like shooting himself in the foot.

    Anger is not good at his age. Albert slowly walked towards the car and stepped in. ''''I want to know when my daughter was discharged from the hospital and started living with Francis.'''' He ordered his personal assistant. If a word goes out to people that Albert''s daughter is living with a man who is not her husband, it will hinder his political career. He has to put a stop to it before the cmity strikes. The elections are approaching, and he can''t take a risk. He has to get his daughter back to his home soon.

    ''''Yes, Your Honor.'''' The assistant bowed politely.

    ....

    Parking the car in the home, Francis straight away headed to the garden.

    ''''Francis.'''' Following behind him, Heather spotted him facing his back to her. ''''I_I know you are angry, but_.''''

    ''''I want answers, Heather.'''' Francis stopped her. ''''Don''t try to mask me with your lies anymore. Tell me the truth you are hiding.''''

    ''''I_I was carrying a child before the marriage,'''' Heather whispered. She was ashamed to reveal the truth to Francis, but she can''t keep up with the lie anymore. Even if she doesn''t confess, Francis will eventually find the truth.

    ''''W_hat?'''' Francis turned around and looked up to Heather in shock. ''''How did it happen?''''

    Tears started streaming down her cheeks while she recalled them.

    ''''Heather, please don''t cry. Tell me what exactly happened?'''' Francis''s heart ached to see her grieve in pain. He wiped her tears and gently pulled her into his embrace to let her emotions out. ''''I am here. Please don''t cry.''''

    ''''It happened on the cruise ship,'''' Heather exined everything that happened, including her father''s threats to kill her baby if she doesn''t marry Max. Heather has no idea how she ended up in Max''s room when she was flirting with Francis on that night. The marriage with Max was only for the namesake. She never acknowledged the man as her husband and waited for the opportunity, and when the opportunity hit the door, she threw the divorce papers on his face. Even her father couldn''t object at that time.

    ''''You have confined such important information from me? Was I not an important person in your life?'''' Francis was shocked for the second time.

    ''''I_I was scared you would look down on me.'''' She nced up at him; her eyes were red with continuous crying. The pictures of Francis and some other woman caused Heather to confess her love to that womanizer in front of the person she loved dearly. ''I am marrying him because I loved him.'' She can never forget the harsh words she spat on Francis''s face. Finally, she lost him on that day.

    ''''Have I ever looked down on you?'''' He released himself from the hug and maintained a distance scared that Heather would reprimand him again.

    So, Heather didnot loved that scum. Francis''s happiness had no bounds. The first time he took Leena into his arms was the happiest moment, and Francis never thought a day woulde he would be happy again. But the day hase. Before his memories cked out, Heather was in his arms. How did she end up with Max? He has to get the bottom out of it.

    The moment Francis distanced himself, Heather missed the warmth, but she can''t me him. She was the one who taunted him on that day. God! Francis, why are you so perfect? Is there a chance for us to be together? Heather thought. She knows it is impossible, but her heart...

    While the two were in deep thoughts, from the balcony where Heather and Francis couldn''t see, a woman clicked the pictures with a smile.

 Chapter 298 - Best Dad In The World

    Loving someone who doesn''t love you back is like hugging a cactus. It was the exact thought that transpired in Francis''s brain. At least he was happy that Heather didnot love that scum. But swiftly, rather simr, a line of thought shaped in his mind. If Heather hadn''t loved Max, it doesn''t mean she had someone else in her heart. Did she? Should I ask her or leave the matter aside? But in the end, Francis listened to his inner demon. ''''Have you liked anyone in the past, Heather?''''

    Heather stood there as if she was caught on the hoop, hearing Francis''s sudden question. She wanted to scream ''yes, it''s you'' at the top of her lungs but controlled her mouth. ''''W_hat''s wrong with you, Francis. We are not teenagers to discuss this kind of topics.'''' She rebuked Francis and fled away in the direction of the house door to curb her wavering heart.

    "Why is she so hyped about it? Everything I ask, and everything I do is wrong in her eyes.'''' Francis mumbled; adrenaline rushed through his body as he grappled his thumbs over the fingers. ''"Weird woman.''''

    He pulled his mobile from the pocket and sent a text to Leena. [Baby Leena: I aming to the hospital]

    Francis has no mood to attend the meeting. He texted Ashton to take care of it. Obviously, Francis is flying high above the clouds today. A part of him was relieved Heather didnot love Max, and another part of him was scared that she might have had someone in her heart, but his rapt thoughts conjured over his frit. With a joyous mood, Francis stepped into the car and sped to Venus hospital.

    ....

    Leena ducked her head and giggled all the way up, looking at the pictures her Memaw sent. ''''Not bad! Their rtionship is progressing well.''''

    ''''Whose rtionship?'''' Devin asked as he peeped into Leena''s mobile. ''''It''s the star-crossed lovers?''''

    ''''Yeap,'''' Leena smiled, nodding her head in agreement. Meanwhile, curiosity killed the cat, and Leena snapped at Devin forthwith. ''''Devin!'''' Gravely, Leena called him.

    ''''Yes, madam?''''

    ''''What if I get a little brother or little sister?'''' Leena''s logical part of her brain jerked her back.

    ''''Well, you are overthinking, Sweetheart. It''s never going to happen.'''' Devin wondered if Leena''s brain keeps spirling and talking to herself to get such weird thoughts.

    ''''What if?'''' SHe questioned again.

    ''''Perhaps our children will get a little uncle or little aunt of the same age.'''' Devin chuckled as he thought about it. Anyways, he knows it is not going to happen.

    ''''I don''t want that to happen.'''' Leena shook her head. It seems to be aplicated rtionship. If that happens, it will mess up the whole family hierarchy for future generations toe.

    ''''Stop thinking, Leena. Why would they think of another one when they already have a sweet daughter like you?'''' Devin rubbed her nose and smiled lovingly upon her face.

    ''''Indeed, I am God''s child.'''' Leena agreed on the part. Both stopped talking and turned to the door when they heard the door was pushed open ''''''Francy!'''' Leena waved her hand and looked up at Francis with a broad smile.

    ''''You don''t have the courtesy to reply when I text you?'''' Francismbasted Leena before ncing at Devin furiously. Instantly, he was irked by Devin''s haughty smile that was challenging him.

    Leena immediately looked into the mobile inbox and noticed a message she blindly ignored while checking the pictures her meemaw sent. ''''Sorry, Francy, I probably missed it.''''

    ''''How can you say it so casually? You never ignored me until he came into your life.'''' Francis shot his pointing eyes at Devin.

    ''''No, Francy, It''s not his fault. I forgot_''''

    ''''Don''t apologize to him, Sweetheart. It''s alright not to reply. He might be texting you to exercise his fingers.'''' Devin further added salt to the wound as he looked at Furious Francis with an enigmatic smile.

    ''''Is this how you talk with your...''''

    Before the two mighty elephants start their childish fights, Leena dashed towards Francis and pulled him out of the room.

    ''''What the! Did she ignore me? I will take care of you when youe back.'''' Devin muttered under his breath.

    ...

    Francis and Leena seated on a hospitalwn bench, looking over the patients, caretakers, family rtives basking in the sun. Two weeks back, she was a crying mess, grieving in sadness in the same hospital, but look at her happy face. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

    ''''Your mom didnot love, Max.'''' Francis started. Although it hase as a surprise, Francis is still in a state of processing it.

    ''''Took him two decades to know the truth?'''' Leena mumbled with a nk expression.

    ''''What did you say, Leena?'''' Francis expected Leena to get surprised, but she didnot. A surprise is no surprise when there is no surprise in it because Leena experienced the surprise already.

    Composing herself, Leena turned to Francis with a smile. ''''That''s one hell surprise, Francy. Are you happy? Wait..I can see it in your eyes.''''

    ''''I am,'''' The happiness of his mind beamed forth in Francis''s countenance. ''''Don''t you feel sad, Leena. After all, Max is your father.''''

    ''''He is a shitty human being.'''' Sometimes, she would feel a little hesitant to use second-rate words on him, but her tongue has no control after learning Max is not her actual father. Leena held Francis''s arm and spoke up, a sweet smile lingered on her lips. ''''You may not be my biological father, but you are the one I am proud to call dad. Thanks for being the best dad in the world. Love you, Francy.''''

    Francis was not sure what he did to deserve Leena. Every moment he spent with little Leena is precious. ''''You will always be my little angel, child.'''' Fondly, Francis patted Leena''s head.

    ''''Now that you know mom had not loved him, will you consider my offer?'''' Leena asked, eagerly waited for Francis''s answer.

    ''''Please, Francy.'''' Leena pleaded again when Francis didnot speak a word. ''''I wish to have a family picture of three together.'''' She whispered, hitting Francis''s emotional spot.

    Francis rose from the seat to walk away before saying. ''''Go inside. I_I will think about it.'''' Leena''s words encouraged him to take a further step, but he has to prepare his mind before that.

    ''''Yes! Soon, I will make you say yes from your mouth.'''' Her heart was brimming over with happiness. Leena stood up, turned around, and just when she took a step forward, she received a call from an unknown number. She doesn''t ignore unknown numbers unless she feels it''s a fraud.

    ''''Hello.'''' She lifted the call.

    ''''You seem happy today?'''' A voice entered into her ears.

    ''''Excuse me?'''' Leena looked to her sides, and she found none looking in her direction in the range her eyes moved.

    ''''Turn back.''''

    In a double-quick time, Leena turned back and found a person waving a hand at her with a smile. How did he get my mobile number, but that''s not the question, Leena wondered. Oh no! Suddenly the memory of leaving him alone on that day surfaced.. Guilt tripped when Leena thought back to the day she left him in the hospital cafeteria.

 Chapter 299 - Nincompoop

    Leena stifled her frown as she watched Enger arriving in her direction. While she didnot hate the man since he saved her life, Leena hated that he was the reason she missed seeing Devin when he woke up from the ident. Guilt-tripped when Leena thought back to the day she left without a word leaving him alone to finish the dinner.

    ''''Hi, Leena,'''' Enger asked, smiling at her. The anger when he spoke with Nash dissipated away in seconds, seeing her face. That''s what the power of Leena has over his heart. ''''I have a friend working in the hospital. I happen to bring something, he asked. So, yeah, I thought, why not talk without before going.''''

    ''''So, how are you doing?'''' Enger questioned again.

    ''''I am good,'''' Leena added. ''''Sorry that I left you alone on that day_''''

    ''''It must be imperative if you had to leave. I understand.'''' His tone sounded calm, but a jealousy emotion was eating him up. Enger has to find strength from every nerve of his body, not to burn up.

    ''''Thank you,'''' Leena said as she sat on the bench.

    ''''I know your husband warned me not to make calls, but I was very depressed seeing your state over the past two weeks. I hope you don''t mind that I called you without your consent.''''

    ''''No problem.'''' Does it matter? Why asking my opinion when you already made the decision? But Leena didnot voice her opinion. If it were any other person, she would haveshed out on the spot, but she cannot bring herself together to scold Enger. The man saved her life.

    ''''You are still searching for the one behind Devin''s ident?'''' Enger asked. ''''Or you found already?''''

    ''''Not yet.'''' Was the short reply from Leena without probing into the actual matter. ''''I am actually eager to meet the person.''''

    ''''Why?'''' He chuckled. Is my beloved excited to see me after knowing how brilliantly I executed the n?

    ''''To show him or her hell on the earth. Soon, It''s going to happen.'''' Leena''s voice sounded so resolute that Enger''s fingers went mmy.

    He forced a smile as he looked at Leena''s burning eyes. So, she hates me to the core. For the first time, he let himself out, but not anymore. He will make sure Leena would never find he was the one behind Devin''s ident, and if that happened, he knows what exactly to do. For now, Enger subdued the thought and focused on utilizing his time with Leena. ''''How is your husband? Did he recover?''''

    ''''Slowly, but surely, he is recovering,'''' Leena replied curtly.

    ''''Good to hear. I wish to meet your husband, but he doesn''t seem to like me.'''' nting a seed of doubt in minds is the effective n Engerid out to trap people.

    ''''Ah! My husband is a little possessive.'''' Leena talked as if she was not bothered by Enger''s words, which irked him. What is this man trying to imply? Leena wondered. The mysterious friend she knew is hell contradictory to the character she sees in Enger today. Sure, Enger has nted a seed of doubt in Leena''s mind.

    ''''Oh,'''' Enger forced a smile as usual, but envy crossed his eyes. ''''I will take my leave_''''

    Enger paused as Leena raised her hand to stop him from talking when she received a call from Devin. The second she lifted the call, Devin''s angry voice boomed. ''''What are you still doing there?''''

    ''''Are you missing me?'''' Leena whispered in a low voice, but still, Enger heard it.

    ''''Why ask when you know it?''''

    ''''I am on my way, my dear sweet husband.'''' Leena ended the call, pressing her lips to control herughter. Turning to Enger, Leena said. ''''I will have to go. You don''t need to make an effort toe here anymore. My husband is doing well, and he is getting discharged soon.'''' Leena clearly drew a line before she left.

    Enger nced at the flower pot sitting beside the bench and kicked it furiously.

    .....

    The moment Leena entered the hospital room, she sensed a burning smell.

    ''''Why did youe when you could have left with him to home?''''

    ''''Jelly Jelly Devin.'''' Leena giggled, climbing into the bed. ''''Francis went a while ago. When I wasing back, I met Enger.''''

    ''''You what?'''' Devin was surprised at her admission. On top of it,Leena is calling him by his first name, which bothered him.

    ''''He hase to check on your health,'''' Leena exined to Devin the number of times Enger visited.

    The more Devin heard, the more his ire spiked up. So, Enger was the reason he missed seeing Leena when he woke up. Sensing Devin was going out of the thoughts, Leena cupped Devin''s face and spoke up. ''''Don''t get jealous, Devin. I only see him as my savior. Nothing more.''''

    ''''I know, Sweetheart.'''' He said, kissing her forehead, and pulled Leena''s head to rest on his shoulder. ''''Take rest. You have been working diligently for the past two days.''''

    Leena hummed in response and closed her eyes. Devin''s mind was restless the more he thought of him. He is now sure, Enger is hiding his actual identity and approaching Leena in disguise. But why? Is he holding any secrets? Devin looked into the distance with the chaotic thoughts swirling inside.

    .....

    Two days passed, Devin''s wound almost recovered, and happiness caressing Leena like summer mornings. On the other end, a storm was brewing. Harley was watching a movie when Evelyn entered her bedroom. ''''I would like you to do productive work instead of watching movies.''''

    ''''It''s weekend, mom.'''' Harley said without lifting her head.

    Evelyn snatched theptop and threw it on the bed, causing Harley to scream. ''''Mom!''''

    ''''Where did you learn to raise your voice on me, dear daughter?'''' Evelyn gently cowed her daughter as she ced a picture on Harley''sp. ''''You dad''s selection. His name is Can, and you are going on a date tomorrow.''''

    ''''I don''t want to.'''' Harley rejected it without a second thought.

    ''''Harley!'''' Evelyn raised her voice, causing Harley to flinch. ''''Tomorrow evening at 5 O clock at Safirh hotel.''''

    ''''Mom, please, I don''t want to.''''

    ''''Are you dating anyone?'''' Evelyn asked, looking keenly into Harley''s eyes to hunt for an answer.

    ''''No.''''

    ''''Then do you love anyone?'''' Evelyn questioned again, assuming Harley would spill it.

    ''''I_I no.'''' Harley lied, gazing on the floor.

    ''''Then what''s the problem?'''' Evelyn knew her daughter is lying. She is curious to see how long she would pretend.

    Quickly, Harley cooked a story that she learned from Leena. ''''Devin is still recovering. So, I suggest we postpone for a while.''''

    ''''You can tell your demands in front of your dad and grandfather,'''' Evelyn said and left the room.

    Harley pulled her hair in frustration. Her favorite movie didnot interest her anymore.She lost the count of men she rejected. Her grandfather and dad wille to her throat before she raises her voice. Her heart refuses to ept anyone except him. ''''Why is life so difficult to handle?'''' Harley slumped on the bed to prepare her mind.

    ...

    The next day evening, Evelyn made sure to doll her daughter for the date.

    ''''All the best, Harley.'''' Her whole family wished good luck before she stepped into the car.

    Did they think it is an exam?

    The moment Harley was out of Evelyn''s sight, she rushed into her room and locked the door. She then sent a text to someone desperately. [Future son-inw: She has started now]

    An instant reply came over.

    [Mother-inw: I will take care of it]

    [Future son-inw: This is thest time I am giving a chance. If you mess it up, forget about my daughter]

    [Mother-inw: I will live up to your expectations]

    Evelyn smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. She only hoped everything would go well today.

    ...

    The business talks bored Harley to the core. Her eyes darted to the water bottle now and then. Her hands itched to uncap it, and throw it on the man''s face, and run away. A spill of the word, her mom will start etiquette lectures. Better to bear this tadpole for a while. Harley thought.

    ''''How about we start dating before we consider marriage?'''''' Can suggested.

    Harley internally rolled her eyes. This man sure has high standards. She should have asked Leena for some tips to ruin a date instead of fretting overnight.

    ''''What are your opinions on me?'''' Callen asked, eagerly waiting for Harley''s reply.

    [What else? A Nipoop!]

    Callen jerked with a start at the reply, but in a split second, he sensed it was not a woman''s voice. He nced over his shoulders and noticed a tall man standing beside him. Callen cleared his throat to catch his attention, but nothing he expected has happened. Did this man call me a Nipoop?

    [You bonehead, I didnot call you. Can''t you see we are talking over the phone]

    Callen gazed at the man and then at the mobile ced over his ear. Can noticed he is having a conversation with someone over the phone, but why does he feel like the curses are directed towards him? Callen then nced at Harley. As usual, she feigned ignorance to him.

    ''''Excuse me, sir,'''' Callen called him gently, causing the man to turn at him.

    ''''Yes?''''

    ''''If you don''t mind, can you talk in private. It''s disturbing our privacy.''''

    ''''Ah! I am sorry.'''' He apologized before walking ahead.

    With a sigh of relief, Callen nced at Harley to resume his unfinished talks. ''''Does your work stresses you a lot?''''

    ''''I can manage,'''' Harley replied curtly.

    ''''Do you n to work after our marriage_''''

    [You better turn into a widow than marrying him] The familiar mocking again interrupted Callen ears, making his blood boil.

    [Have you looked at his face? A tadpole is better than him]

    ''''Excuse me, sir,'''' Callen interrupted the man standing beside him, pretending to be on the phone but purposefully here to ruin his date. Does Harley like him?

    ''''Yes?'''' The man snapped at him.

    ''''Can you please talk decently? I feel your words are directing at me.'''' Can wondered why Harley''s father didnot book a private room when they are rolling in money.

    ''''Decency? How dare you teach Decency to the great criminalwyer, Andrew Dawson?''''

 Chapter 300 - Wingardiumpetronumanteoculatia

    An hour ago...

    Despite her dad''s nagging to take chauffeur along with her, Harley smoothly lied and started alone. Instead of directly going to the hotel to meet the date, she changed direction and stopped the car in front of a gift shop she often visits. Before walking inside the sparkling store, Harley covered her face with a mask and peeked at her sides to see if her grandfather or dad was prying on her secretly.

    Harley then walked into the store and straight away moved to the teddy bear dolls section, where a man in ck was standing, looking at her with a mischievous smile. Had she not known the man, she would have assumed him to be a serial killer with his current outfit. ''''Overacting fellow,'''' Harley muttered as she walked towards him.

    ''''My dear Harley, finally you are here to see your beloved?'''' He gave her an engaging grin and winked, eliciting a sexyugh. ''''It''s depressing to see my darling going on a date with another man_''''

    Harley kicked the back of his knee and smacked his shoulder to stop him from spouting the nonsense. ''''Social media says only girls overreact. Probably, your face would be an eye-opener to change their perspectives, Mr. Andrew.''''

    ''''My leg!'''' Andrew winced in pain, clutching his leg for dear life. The kick always reminds him of Leena because it all started from her. ''''Did you learn from that crazy nut?'''' Andrew yelled, moving away from Harley to avoid another kick. ''''I am not going to help you anymore.''''

    ''''Beleive me, Andrew, you would be thest person to ask for help if I had a choice,'''' Harley scoffed at Andrew.

    Andrew ignored her scorn because this is how both talk. ''''Why ying hide and seek? I believe you still have feelings for him.''''

    ''''My feelings for him will never change, Andy.'''' Harley bitterly added.

    ''''Then why don''t you talk with him? What if you have misunderstood?'''' Andrew asked, his voiceced with concern. He knows the other party feels the same, but their misunderstanding had created a massive gap in their rtionship.

    ''''Can we stop talking about him?'''' Harley muttered. Her tears on the verge of falling when his face leaped in her mind.

    ''''Alright.'''' Andrew sighed, aware that he would get the same response from Harley. To lighten the mood, he changed the course of the topic. ''''If uncle knows I am the one ruining your dates, I would be dead meat in their hands, Harls.'''' Harley has turned him into a whipping boy for her dates. She would inform him before a week if her parents set up a date, and Andrew would ruin it before she goes and meets her date, but they didnot have much time to find the background of the current one because she informed him at thest minute. So, this is their first face-off.

    ''''Don''t worry, Andy. If that happens, I will visit your coffin every day.'''' Harley joked, getting a steely re from Andrew.

    ''''I am serious, Harls. Someone will catch us if we keep continuing this act.''''

    ''''Nobody will know unless you have a n of telling them,'''' Harley said. ''''Did you go through the speech which I sent you?''''

    ''''Of course.'''' Clearing his throat, Andrew started. ''''Harley and I love each other, and our parents are against are our love_''''

    Andrew internally screamed in pain when another kicknded on his foot. ''''Are you nning to kill me?'''' Andrew screamed.

    ''''Now, now, will you stop your drama?'''' Harley lifted her leg, readily to kick if Andrew ys monkey capers again.

    Did men''s rights extinct? Human rights have be women''s rights, and women''s rights have be human rights. Cursing at Harley, Andrew started the actual speech. ''''My best friend Harley has a rare disease, which her parents are not aware of. She doesn''t want to ruin a kind-hearted person''s life like you_''''

    ''''I didnot mention kind-hearted.'''' Harley interrupted.

    ''''I added it.'''' He winked. ''''To gain sympathy.''''

    ''''That was a good one. Continue.''''

    ''''She doesn''t want to ruin the life of a kind-hearted person like you. I hope you understand the pain my best friend is undergoing and wholeheartedly reject the proposal in front of her parents without making it obvious. P.S. A humble request: Please do not inform her parents about the rare disease.''''

    ''''Perfect.'''' Harley pped her hands in excitement, pleased with how good Andrew was at delivering. ''''I will have to go, Andy. Do not expose your identity in front of him.''''

    ''''Do you think I am a fool? Get going.'''' Andrew yelled, causing Harley to run.

    ...

    Present...

    The second Andrew spilled his name in front of Callen, a murderous light elicited in Harley''s eyes, a vehement force that could kill Andrew without a second thought. Sometimes we realize it toote, and when Andrew did it, in a slow-motion, his guilty eyes diagonally met Harley''s upright unswerving eyes. ''''Cuckoo,'''' Harley muttered in a shallow voice, but Andrew hearkened her voice. Harley bit back the anger that was burning within her. Gone! The meticulous n sheid out along with this stupid Andrew went into haywire. She has written a perfect speech, and this dunderhead is not moving ording to the script, and on top of it, he exposed his name in front of him. He could have directlye and introduced himself as her friend. Overacting must be running in their friendhood.

    Meanwhile, Can was appalled for a second hearing the name. What if he is a criminalwyer? Do they have the right to behave indecently in public? He still didnot forget the uses the man directed at him. Judging by the events, he is certain Harley has a hand in it. Can looked at Andrew, and then his murderous gaze shifted to Harley.''''My conscience says you have called him to ruin the date. I will inform your parents and let the Wangs exin it.'''' Can got up, ready to walk away.

    "Wait." Harley panicked at the thought of getting exposed. She better tells him the truth before he escted it further. When Harley was thinking of putting her ideas into action, she heard Andrew''s voice.

    ''''You can inform her parents, but let me warn you, once they know the truth, it is going to break their hearts, and the Gods of hell will curse you for eternity.'''' Can paused his footsteps and turned around. He could sense the sincerity in the man''s voice.

    Sessfully gaining Can''s attention, Andrew''s gaze briefly shifted to Harley, and in a quick motion, she nodded her head.

    Andrew turned to Can and spoke up. ''''My friend is suffering from_''''

    ''''Andy, please..don''t.'''' Harley intervened, pretending to stop it. ''''Let''s not talk about_''''

    ''''Don''t stop me today, Harley. I can''t see you in pain anymore.'''' Andrew acted as if grief poured out of him. ''''Mr. Can, Harley is my best friend. Yes, she called me to ruin the date because she has a reason.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Can asked as he settled in the seat again.

    ''''She doesn''t want to ruin your life by marrying you because she suffers from a rare disease called Wingardiumpetronumanteoctia.'''' Andrew wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. Harley internally rolled her eyes at Andrew foring up with such a weird disease name.

    ''''I_I have never heard of the disease. What exactly is it?'''' Can looked at Harley, and he could feel the pain in her eyes.

    ''''It''s something celiac doctors told which we never heard. Scientistsck knowledge on it, and we have no conclusion for it." Andrew whispered.

    ''''I am sorry,'''' Can muttered, feeling sad for Harley. Having a rare disease that cannot be curable at such a young age is distressing. ''''So, the Wang famliy_''''

    ''''She is the princess of the Wang family, and imagine if they know the truth?''''

    ''''I understand. I hope the doctors find medicine for Win-wingardi..anyway. I wish you recover soon.'' Can genuinely wished Harley would heal. Why is the name hard to pronounce? He nned to goggle it when he goes home.

    ''''Thank you,'''' Harley muttered, a smile formed on her lips. ''''Thanks for understanding my problem.''''

    ''''It''s nothing in front of the sacrifice you are doing to your parents. I appreciate it,'''' Can said. ''''I will take my leave.''''

    ''''About my parents_''''

    ''''Don''t worry. Your secrets are safe with me.'''' Can winked and left.

    Andrew and Harley politely bowed their heads, and the moment Can was out of sight, both burst out intoughter.

    ''''Did you look at his face when he tried to spell the name?'''' Andrewughed until his ribs hurt.

    ''''I was scared he would expose us. We made it, Andy.'''' Harley and Andrew high-fived cheerfully.

    ''''Combining Harry potter spells and naming it as a disease? I am impressed.'''' A deep voice pierced into their ears.

    Harley widened her eyes in shock, hearing the familiar voice. Her heart started drumming into her ears nervously.. Andrew gulped hard.

 Chapter 301 - Lillie

    When the least expected person they anticipated appeared in front of them out of the blue, Andrew''s and Harley''s reaction knocked for six. Andrew found himself dumb in the sense that his words have stopped flowing. Harley was floored when the mocking eyes of the person standing in front of her met her confound eyes.

    ''''Did you tell him?'''' Harley faintly questioned Andrew, maintaining a deep hatred towards the person standing in front of her throwing a mocking expression. She hated to admit, his presence would drive her crazy..Scratch that.. everything about him makes her go crazed. The nerve of this man! Harley thought.

    ''''Me? Talking with this thorn?'''' Unlike Harley, Andrew raised his voice so that his mortal enemy could hear his deep hatred. ''''In my garden full of roses, he is the outcast thorn.'''' Andrew was running on sheer anger. Since they live in the same vicinity, Andrew thought his mortal enemy followed him here. Their deep hatred runs through their bones that they me their coincidence meetings also as intentional.

    ''''Roses has thorns only for those who would gather it,'''' Jasper added in azy ridiculing tone and then turned to Harley, his grave expression turned soft, watching his sunshine. He knows Harley is going on a date from his source, aunt Evelyn. He was happy that at least she is supporting him.

    Harley would ruin the date without making an appearance, and that was all Jasper needed to prove his sunshine hasn''t stopped loving him. But when Jasper heard Harley is actually going to meet the person, he was outraged, hurt, all emotions surged, thinking his Harley moved on from him. He rushed here to wreck the date even if she throws tantrums seeing his presence but was amused to see Andrew and Harley already on the game. At the least, his mortal enemy has done one good job in his lifetime.

    ''''I am impressed at how good you are in ruining the dates,'''' Jasper said, sitting opposite her. ''''This proves you haven''t stopped loving me.''''

    ''''It''s not mathematics to prove, donkey fellow.'''' Andrew butted in. His enemy is just like math, and he hates math.

    ''''Wait..Why are you here, monkey fellow?'''' Jasper darkly chuckled. ''''If you are here, who is scaring away the crows from our country?''''

    ''''I am sorry, whatnguage are you speaking? It sounds like poppycock.'''' Andrew''s mocking voice echoed into Jasper''s ears, causing his frustration to kick in.

    ''''Imagine how effective your insult would be if I give a damn fuck?'''' Jasper lifted his finger to Andrew''s face.

    ''''No need for insults, jackass; your face is all enough.'''' Andrew copied Jasper''s actions.

    There is a saying, never insult an alligator until you cross the river. Even the alligator sets the borders, but Andrew and Jasper have no lines when ites to their snubs. It is so intense to the point that they forget the actual purpose, and their concentration solely focuses on wringing their necks.

    In between their fights, one thing they didnot realize was Harley already slipped out of ce, tired of seeing their drama since the school days. She wondered if these two will ever mend their rtionship, forgetting that incident.

    Only when a server arrived and informed they are in public, both cleared their throats and straightened their backs, and started acting like gentleman. In a pause, they looked for Harley only to find the chair empty.

    ''''Where did Harley go?'''' Jasper rose from the seat hurriedly and dashed out of ce, cursing himself for missing an opportunity to mend his rtionship with Harley.

    ''''Now he remembers her? Brainless idiot.'''' Andrew muttered, shaking his head, and through the process, his eyes darted to the people watching him with an expression of despair. Damn it! I slipped my tongue again. It''s all because of him. Until Andrew stepped out of the hotel, he didnot lift his head in difort when people keep looking at him, even stopping to eat the food.

    ...

    Jasper straight away raced to the basement, and with the number of cars parked around, he couldn''t find the exact location of Harley. He traced her site through the GPS tracking and strolled towards the car when he saw it through the app. ''''Open the door, Harley,'''' Jasper softly said, knocking on the window.

    Damn it! How did he find me? Harley only sild down the window after Jasper repeatedly mmed the ss window. ''''Go to hell.'''' She spat out at him.

    ''''I will not repeat it, Harley. Open the door. We need to talk.'''' Jaspermanded, to which Harley ignored him and ignited the car''s engine without looking at him.

    ''''You want to act headstrong, right? Fine.'''' With that, Jasper, walk past the car and stood in front of it. His gaze hardened when Harley refused to get down from the car. ''''I will not leave today until I get the answer. Let me see how stubborn you can get. Either step down or run the car over me.''''

    ''''Why are you torturing me, bastard!'''' Harley tightly clutched the steering wheel, pushing all her emotions into it, but nothing was working. Her resolute was slowly breaking, and Harley knew she could not keep it for a long time. Harley unlocked the door and stormed out of the car. ''''What do you want from me, Mr. Allen?''''

    Her distant way of addressing hurt Jasper deep down in his heart, but he was happy at least, his Harley is giving him a chance to talk. ''''What do I want? You don''t know?''''

    ''''I am not a mind reader.'''' She snapped.

    ''''Harley..'''' Jasper sighed at how ignorant she has turned towards him. Fine! He will repeat the question he has been asking for two years without actually getting an answer. ''''Why did you say break-up to our rtionship?''''

    ''''I told n number of times, and I repeat for n+1th time, I lost interest in you.'''' Replied Harley, fidgeting her hands.

    ''''Liar!'''' A red g raised in Jasper''s back of the mind that Harley is lying. He knew Harley would wring her hands when she is lying.

    ''''I don''t have time to sit and argue over truth and lies,'''' Harley replied in a cold and distant tone. She has to leave the ce soon, or Jasper will find that she is lying. ''''I have given my answer, and please stop bugging me, Mr. Allen. Goodbye.''''

    Before Harley took a step forward, Jasper yanked her by the wrist and turned her around. ''''I don''t understand how someone can tell so many lies and never feel bad about it.'''' He whispered, gazing into her eyes. He could feel Harley is trying hard to stay put with her emotions. ''''You still love me, Harley.''''

    ''''I don''t_''''

    ''''It seems you have got a minor memory loss over the past two years. Let''s recreate our memories, then you might remember me. '''' Without waiting for Harley''s reply, Jasper mmed his lips onto her abruptly, trapping her words in the mouth. Harley''s eyes widened. She tried to push him away, but the more force she used, the more Jasper pulled her closer, leaving no gap between them. His fingers ran through her hair, and her heartbeat merged with him as he tasted the sunshine of her lips urgently. He missed the taste of her nectar. How long? Two years? She has thrown him into a desert, waiting to quench his thirst as the desert thirst for water.

    Harley couldn''t feel her legs, her hands, or anything for that matter. All she felt was him, everywhere, filling everything. It is not the first time she is kissing him, and infact they went beyond sharing a kiss, but her heart beats like crazy every time he is near her. That''s it! Herst resolute broke, and Jasper has taken control of her, and she has to submit herself to him.

    Jasper feigned Harley also felt the same with how she was responding to his kisses. He didnot care they were in the parking lot. He went on and on until Harley knees weak and held his body for support. Finally, one''s time lined through them when they break apart from the kiss.

    ''''Do you still deny your feelings, Lillie?'''' Jasper whispered, lifting her chin, and he got the answers when his eyes met with hers.

    Lillie! Harley internally muttered under her breath. No one except him calls her Lillie.. She can''t deny her feelings, but at the same time, she can''t forget his betrayal either.

 Chapter 302 - Pingpong

    ''''I missed you, Lillie.'''' Jasper softly said, gazing into her tender eyes. His grip on her waist was neither hard nor gentle, just like the way Harley loved. ''''Did your memoriese back, or you want me to prove it again?'''' Jasper chuckled, watching her face turning a shade of mantle.

    ''''Kiss me hundred times; my answer is the same,'''' Harley said, unconcerned. She loves no other but him. At the same time, Harley can''t forget his treachery. His betrayal is the only truth stuck in her mind now.

    ''''Release me,'''' Harley said, her tone indifferent, unlike the gentleness she always confers to him. She struggled to free herself from his arms, but he was too strong for her.

    ''''Stop fighting, Harley.'''' Jasper stood resolute despite hercquered mood. ''''I know my girlfriend is strong, but can she outsmart me?''''

    ''''I am not your girlfriend. Our rtionship broke two years back. Get out of the delusional mode, Mr. Allen.'''' Harley blew her top at the trigger of the memories.

    ''''It was you who wanted to break up to which I haven''t acknowledged, and neither I will agree in the future. So, technically, you are still my girlfriend.'''' Jasper said in a firm voice. He still remembered the day Harley suddenly said, ''let''s break up,'' and walked out of the house just like that. Like a mad man, he is searching for the reason for the past two years, and this weird woman would never look at him at all.

    ''''I don''t care about your_.''''

    ''''I do care, Harley!'''' Jasper interrupted her thoughts and pushed her away from his arms and maintain a distance. His irritation kicked in, hearing the same answer from her. ''''You asked me to keep our rtionship secret, and I did even though I didnot like it. Suddenly, one day you came and dropped a bomb...we are breaking up.... just like that...as if my feelings don''t matter to you. What have I done to receive such a cruel punishment?''''

    ''''You don''t know what you have done?'''' Harley chuckled at his cluelessness. Sleeping with some other woman when they were in a rtionship was the worst humiliation she received.

    ''''Had I known, I wouldn''t be searching the truth for two years.'''' He said coldly.

    ''''I am surprised how good you are at acting,'''' Harley scoffed, looking away from him.

    ''''Why can''t you tell me_''''

    ''''Madam, sir, you are blocking the path for the other cars, if you don''t mind, please.'''' A security guard arrived when one of the customers, informed about a blockage.

    ''''Sorry for the inconvience.'''' An opportunity to run away from him, she will dly use it. Harley briefly looked at Jasper for onest time, ordering him with her eyes not to make a scene. She then turned back and strolled in her car direction.

    Without any shame, Jasper followed Harley, opened the car door, and settled in the front seat.

    Harley: '''' ''''

    ''''What are you_''''

    ''''Drop me at home,'''' Jasper said.

    ''''I am not your driver. Get down from my car.''''

    ''''Sorry, I have turned deaf.'''' Without heeding her reply, Jasper switched on the music system, and he was surprised when his favorite song, counting stars, started ying. ''''You sure likes to listen to my favorites, Lillie.'''' He smirked, turning to her.

    Caught redhanded, Harley scratched her forehead in embarrassment when she heard his sarcasticments. Without replying, she started the engine to drop him at home because she understood it''s of no use arguing with this man. The ride to the house was silent. Neither Jasper nor Harley spoke a word, silently relishing each other''spany.

    Harley stopped the car, a little away from Hillcrest, where Jasper is staying. It has only four vis, out of which Andrew and Jasper have upied two. ''''We have reached home,'''' Harley muttered monotonously.

    ''''Do I have to go?'''' He turned to her, and like a spoiled child, he asked.

    ''''Let me drop you at the station house then.'''' She replied in deadpan humor.

    ''''You have turned into a she-devil,'''' Jasper muttered, and without any clue, Jasper pulled Harley by her wrist, causing her to fall into his embrace. Harley''s eyes erged at his sudden moves.''''Jasper, what are you_''''

    ''''Shh..'''' He silenced her. ''''Let me stay with you for a while, Lillie.''''

    Harley closed her eyes, biting her lower lip. His hug was making her feel better, which she doesn''t want to. After a long stretch of silence, Jasper spoke up.

    ''''I don''t know the reason you wanted to break up, but I will soon find out, Lillie,'''' Jasper said and released himself from the hug. Before getting down, Jasper had the urge to y with her for a while. His gaze instantly shifted to her bosom as mirth danced in his eyes.

    ''''I suppose I don''t get the chance to y ping-pong in the future.'''' He kept open the car door, ready to jump when Harley makes a move.

    ''''Jasper, you bastard.'''' Harley leaned forward to beat the shit out of him, but he had already stepped out of the car.

    ''''Bye, bye, Lille. Have your jazz dreams.'''' He winked before he made himself into Hillcrest.

    ''''Argh! He is the death of me.'''' Harley pulled her hair in frustration. Suddenly, she remembered his words, and with a flushed face, she looked at her bosom. Did my goddess tips work, or is Jasper simply bluffing? Anyway, it doesn''t matter to her anymore. ''''Go to hell, Jasper Allen.'''' She screamed at nobody before heading home.

    ....

    Instead of going straight into his home, Jasper kicked Andrew''s door for the first time after they started living as neighbors. After today''s incident, he has a hunch that Andrew might have known the secret Harley is hiding. After all, Harley is very close to that monkey. Although his conscience was not allowing to talk with him, he badly wanted to know the truth.

    Sessfully ruining the date, Andrew arrived home and getting fresh, he decided to y video games for a while before cooking something for him. Just when he switched the game on, he heard a sounding from the door, followed by a faint voice.

    ''''Who the hell is it? Why can''t they ring the bell?'''' Andrew rose from his seat and opened the door, shocked to see Jasper standing in front of his doorstep. Did the sun rose in the west today? ''''W_hat?''''

    ''''You know why I am here,'''' Jasper said.

    ''''I don''t know anything_.''''

    ''''It''s the least you should be doing after betraying me.'''' Jasper hit Andrew''s weak spot.

    Andrew gripped his fists tightly at the memory. He would always bring that topic to make him guilty. Still, Andrew didnot fudge. He was about to close the door on Jasper''s face, a deep voice spoke up. ''''Don''t you want my baby sister?''''

    Suddenly, Andrew paused his hands to which, Jasper jagged a smile and smirked at how sessful he was in luring the prey into his den.

 Chapter 303 - Lets Make A Deal

    Andrew''s face bowled over at once. Why did he bring Reese''s topic was the thought lingering on his mind. When Andrew and Jasper decided to live alone away from their home after the studies, bothnded in the same ce without their knowledge. Neither of them was ready to move out because that would be a fatal blow to their ego. So, they started living in the samemunity, avoiding each other in every possible way.

    ''''Don''t you like my baby sister?'''' Jasper asked, looking at Andrew''s flummoxed face. He knows Andrew has feelings for Reese since they were thick friends. During their schooling, Jasper stumbled upon a greeting card Andrew had kept in his bedroom, where he penned Reese''s name with a heart symbol next to it.

    Jasper brushed past the incident at that time. Days passed, Jasper observed Andrew''s strange behavior towards Reese. Unlike his usual self, he would shy away when Reese is around, and that''s how Jasper knew his friend has feelings for Reese. He was the happiest to give his sister to his best friend. But everything crashed when a fight happened between the two. Jasper has turned into a viin of Andrew''s love story. He will neither let him see Reese nor allow him to talk with her.

    He would be waiting for the day Reese visits Jasper''s home so that he gets a glimpse of her at least then, but for a year, she stopped even that.

    He would be lucky to see her at the parties when the family friends gather. Andrew has no freedom to confess his love to Reese because of the Satan called Jasper. To make his love lifeplicated, he learned another truth. Reese is dating someone from Leena''s office. He doesn''t understand why she is into girls. Why does my life have no colors? Both brothers and sisters are ruining my life. Andrew thought.

    ''''I know that you are aware of Harley''s secret. So, let''s make a deal.''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''If you spill it, I will no longer be a hindrance in courting my sister.'''' Jasper''s words blew Andrew''s mind at once. He was tempted to ept the idea on the spot, but he was a little skeptical about Jasper''s suggestion. After all, Andrew betrayed him in the past, and what if he is thinking of taking revenge on him?

    ''''What if you betray me?'''' Andrew asked. Before epting, he nned to clear his doubts first.

    ''''I am not someone who stabs in the back.'''' Jasper mocked. Although he didnot reveal it, Jasper was nning to show him the taste of his own medicine. He will slowly lure Andrew, and once he spills the secret, he knows what to do.

    Andrew held back the scream of frustration. Can he stop bringing the incident all the time? It happened long back, and he didnot lose anything for that matter.

    ''''Deal or no deal?'''' Jasper asked impatiently.

    Andrew knows with Jasper not around, his job would be easy. But is it worth taking the risk?He feels Jasper is sketching behind his back. ''''I need some time to think about it,'''' Andrew said.

    ''''Can''t you make a decision now?'''' Jasper asked in anticipation. He badly wanted to know the reason, but it looks like his mortal enemy is not easily giving into him. Devin was the only one aware of Jasper, and Harley''s rtionship, except Andrew. Jasper tried asking him, but it seems even he is not aware of the reason. Had Devin knew, he wouldn''t be standing in front of his mortal enemy''s doorstep.

    ''''You should be happy I am considering your proposal.'''' Andrew pushed Jasper out of the house and closed the door.

    ''''Damn it, The nerve of this bastard!'''' Jasper muttered. ''''Once you spill the truth, I will make sure to keep my sister away from you.'''' Jasper thanked the gods for making the feelings not mutual. His sister will never like someone his brother hates him to the core. Happily, Jasper went home, assuming he would get a positive reply soon.

    .....

    The moment Harley went inside the home, Evelyn was the first to rush towards her. She called Jasper, but he didnot receive the calls, and she became impatient to know if he ruined the date sessfully. Evelyn knows about their rtionship through Jasper, but her daughter is holding a secret which she is not revealing. So, she has to step into the game to mend things. ''''How did the date went?''''

    ''''Good. Can is a nice person.'''' Harley said, not going into the details. In some time, his dad will get a call from Can, and then her mom will know the truth.

    ''''That''s all. Did nothing happen?'''' Evelyn questioned, fidgeting her fingers.

    ''''What did you think happened, mom?'''' Harley asked skeptically. She felt her mom''s actions are a little strange today.

    ''''I_I_nothing. Go and change. I will call you when dinner is ready.''''Evelyn hurried to the bedroom to make a call to Jasper again.

    Harley went into her room and slumped on the bed. She needed a little rest to think about the things that happened today. Harley was about to sleep when her mobile beeped. She ignored it, for she knew it is from Jasper, and then closed her eyes.

    ...

    The following day, Devin was utterly happy because he is getting discharged from the hospital.

    ''''We are going home, Devin.'''' Leena squealed in happiness.

    ''''I am d for that,'''' Replied Devin. It was torture getting restricted to the bed for two weeks. In the two weeks he stayed here, he came to learn hospitals are torture. He missed working out, and his body is badly craving to lift the weights. He missed going to the office, and his list will go on if he starts.

    ''''I know, it was pure torture, but everything has passed.'''' Leena gently held his arm to support him.

    ''''I am fine, Sweetheart. You don''t need to hold me.'''' He chuckled at how adorable Leena is behaving. He has regained his health to normal, but Leena still treats him as a patient.

    ''''Stop with your naggings. You are a patient.'''' Leena reprimanded him.

    There she goes again. Even after Devin is healthy now, Leena is treating him like a patient. But it doesn''t matter. He loves when Leena spoils him.

    Leena suggested going to the Wang mansion to have a happy environment since all the family members will have the satisfaction of meeting him. When the car pulled into the entrance, Leena and Nick got down to help Devin out of the car.

    ''''These two,'''' Devin muttered under his breath.

    ''''My grandson, wee back.'''' Arthur was the first to approach Devin, but Leena gently pushed him away before he hugged Devin. ''''Grandpa, he is still recovering.''''

    ''''You are treating him like a zoo creature.'''' Arthur red at Leena with a sulking face.

    ''''Your grandson is still recuperating, dad,'''' Sharonmented.

    ''''Even you started, Aunt Sharon?'''' Devin questioned. His family is treating him as if he is a sophisticated creature.

    ''''Because you are.'''' Callison retorted.

    ''''You can fightter.'''' Arthur said and turned to Leena. ''''Take him his room, Leena.''''

    Leena smiled at them cutely and helped Devin to his room. Putting a pillow beneath his neck, she quietly whispered. ''''I have got something for you.''''

    ''What is it?''''

    ''''Wait for it.'''' She winked and left the room. In no time, Leena came back, holding her hands behind the back. ''''Guess what I have behind?''''

    ''''Of course, my favorite. Your sexy back.'''' Devin flirted with her innocently.

    ''Devin! You naughty fellow.'''' Leena climbed on the bed and settled in front of him in a crouched position. ''''Make a serious guess.''''

    ''''Poop ice cubes?'''' Devin asked. The gift encounter had put an immense effect on him.

    Leena pursed her lips in vex. ''''No.''''

    ''''Bathroom mug?''''

    Why can''t he guess like a normal human?

    ''''Close your eyes.'''' Leena sighed. She understood Devin might not make a guess, and it was all her fault. Had she given something that was less crazy during their gift encounter, the situation would have been different.

    ''''Do it fast, idiot.'''' She shouted when she didnot receive any response.

    ''''Alright, Alright. Curb your anger.'''' Devin immediately closed his eyes.

    Leena slowly brought the gift and held it in front of his eyes. ''''Open your eyes, now.'''' She whispered.

    Devin was surprised to see a watch the moment he opened his eyes. His first gift by Leena. It broke on the day he boarded to Norway. But the look was indeed different.. A picture of Leena leaning on Devin''s shoulder while he was looking at her was engraved inside it. When did she do it!

 Chapter 304 - She Was Lovely

    The first gift Leena had given holds a special ce in Devin''s heart. He concealed the slight shift of despondent emotions in his eyes on that day because he knew Leena would get hurt. Now that Leena fixed it by investing her time and effort, his heart welled up with happiness. Furthermore, she added their picture, making it even adorable. ''''When did you get this fixed?''''

    ''''The time you were in Norway,'''' Replied Leena.

    ''''It''s lovely.'''' He touched their picture through the crystal, a smile never left his ce. ''''You look adorable, Sweetheart.''''

    ''''And, you look Dishy, Devin.'''' Sheepishly, Leena replied, looking into his hypnotizing hazel eyes. Just looking into Devin''s eyes, her heart starts racing, and Leena sees herself falling in love with him more and more. ''''I envy you for having Hazel eyes. Poets are biased; they talk about every color except brown and amber.'''' Leena was as sullen as five years old when she spoke. It''s not that she hates her eyes, infact she loves them, but in time, Leena developed a secret crush on Devin''s eyes.

    Narcissist Leena is jealous of my eyes? Devin chuckled and cupped her face. ''''Listen to me, Leena. You have eyes of amber, a tint of gold that represents the soil. They hold the riches the world has ever seen that can bring world destruction. Your eyes are anything but ordinary. Poets don''t know to describe brown eyes, so they go for everything except yours.''''

    Leena blinked her eyes to process Devin''s flowery words. He sure has a knack for poetry. ''''Devin!'''' Leena called him with utmost dramatic affection.

    ''''Y_es darling.'''' Devin hesitantly replied. Is she going to start?

    ''''If kisses were raindrops... I will send you showers. If hugs were seconds, I would send you hours. If smiles were_''''

    ''''STOP IT, LEENA!''''

    ''''Why?'''' She tilted her head innocently.

    ''''Raindrops and showers? Is that even called a poem? Do you want to kill me with your funny poems?'''' Devin guessed it right. But looking at her grimace expression, Devin understood he had slipped his tongue in the heat of the moment. He quickly pulled her into his embrace to coax her. ''''Leena...I didnot mean it. Your poems are too good, Sweetheart. So, what I am trying to say is_''''

    ''''I know what you meant!'''' Leena sternly said and freed herself from his arms. She was about to get up, but Devin pulled her again. ''''Are you angry?'''' He kissed her forehead, and Leena responded with an affirmative nod.

    ''''Let me cool your anger then,'''' Devin muttered, peppering her face with butterfly kisses before nipping her lower lip, earning a soft moan from her. ''''Are you still?'''' His breath fanned over her face, tickling her senses passionately. Leena was in no state to answer. ''''You are not angry, right?'''' He whispered, scrapping her soft lobe in between his teeth, causing her to clutch his shirt tightly.

    ''''Tell me.'''' He asked, pushing Leena onto the bed.

    Leena swung her head with her eyes closed. She waspletely under his spell.

    ''''Answer me with your mouth.'''' Hismanding tone muffled into her ears as he squeezed her breasts gently while his lips lingered at the dip of her neck, doing ministrations of signing his autograph.

    ''''Y_es.'''' The moment Leena''s words traveled from her mouth, Devin pulled back and gazed into her eyes innocently. ''''See, you have agreed that you are not angry.''''

    Leena: '''' ''''

    Leena pursed her lips in fit. She wished to bury her face in a hole for letting Devin y with her. ''''H_ow can you sed_''''

    Leena closed her mouth shut, embarrassed to speak loudly when she noticed a smirk on his face. Can I slice that from his face?

    ''''I am going down.'''' Leena let out angrily. ''''You are bullying me. I am going toin to my father-inw.''''

    ''''What will you tell him?'''' Devin asked as he slid his hand into her dress, feeling her soft skin. A red g was raised in Leena''s head, and she stopped his hand from further moving.

    ''''Leena, it''s been a long time.'''' Devin was craving to taste her and hear all her little moans of pleasure.

    ''''Doctor suggested no tiring activities for three weeks, and we have to stick to the regime.'''' Leena sternly dered, leaving no room for discussions. It''s not only Devin, even Leena wanted him badly, but his health is equally important.

    ''''Stubborn little thing.'''' He muttered, resting next to her.

    ''''Of course, I am.'''' She giggled. ''''I forgot one more thing. Along with the picture, I have added something additional to your watch.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Devin turned to her side as he asked.

    ''''A tracker and a microphone,'''' Leena added. ''''I have specially written the software, and with the help of a technician, I added the tiny device into the watch.'''' Leena raised her bracelet and showed it to him. ''''The key is in my bracelet. I can listen to your voice anytime, and I can track you any time with just a click.'''' Leena winked before adding thest part. ''''Even when you are in a meeting or the bathroom.''''

    A smile curved on his lips when he recalled calling Leena while he was in the bathroom. Bathroom sounds like a good idea. ''''So, totally, you are spying on me.'''' Devinpleted for her.

    ''''Yes.'''' She said. ''''I also wished to add an in-body GPS tracking device in your body. That would be a real deal.''''

    ''''Where did thate from? nting a bug in the human body is bullshit used in movies.'''' A microchip imnted inside the human body can transmit its data to an off-body interrogator only to a short distance. It cannotmunicate with GPS satellites or other equivalent satellite-based positioning systems.

    ''''Babylicious, I know. Keep in my that I am a notorious hacker.''''Leena watched many movies where a bug is ced in the human body to spy on people. She wondered if the directors are dumb or ignored that the in-human GPS tracking is only used to detect the tumors in the human body. She understood nobody could score a pass mark in front of her intellectual brain.

    ''''Typical Narcissist,'''' Devin muttered. ''''Let''s go down. Grandfather wants to talk with me.''''

    Leena nodded her head, and as they reached downstairs, she noticed not a single soul in the living room. ''''Where did everyone go?''''

    ''''Let''s check in the garden.'''' Before Leena and Devin made a move, a voice appeared behind them. Leena swiftly turned around and saw it was Uncle Callison emerging out of the kitchen.

    ''''Go, and talk with your Dad and Grandfather,'''' Callison said as he looked at Devin.

    While Leena was about to go along with Devin, Callison stopped her and asked to follow him.

    Devin gestured to Leena to go along with him before he left. He knows his uncle and aunt remember his sister whenever they see Leena.

    In the kitchen, Leena was awed with the way Callison expertly moved his hands, thering tahini spread, before rolling up in veggies. No wonder he is a renowned chef. ''''Woah! You are fantastic, Uncle Call. You know, I am a big fan of you.''''

    ''''I am d you like it.'''' He smiled at Leena and ced the Meditteranean pinwheels snack in front of her. Leena closed her eyes, savoring the delicious snack. ''''It tastes Heaven.''''

    ''''My daughter also loves them. I used to make it for her when shees home after school.'''' Callison added bitterly.

    ''''You have a daughter? Where is she?'''' Leena eximed. She never heard this before, and even Devin used to evade the topic when she asks if Uncle Callison had children. ''''Hoe does she look?''''

    ''''She was lovely.''''

    Leena giggled, but suddenly when she recalled his earlier statement, she snapped at him to know if he meant it.. All she saw was his teary eyes.

 Chapter 305 - Mess

    Not a word came out of Leena''s mouth as she watched Callison''s teary eyes. Leena can count in her fingers the number of encounters she had with uncle Callison but never saw his smile fade away from his face, but today she witnessed it.

    ''''How was she?'''' She gently asked. Is that the reason Devin evades the topic when she asks?

    ''''She was lovely,'''' Callison said, a smile formed on his face as he remembered his daughter. He then opened his mobile and showed the pictures he has captured from the albums. ''''She is my daughter. Her name is Aurienne.''''

    ''''Her name is pretty just like her.'''' Leena traced the pictures on the mobile and smiled. Aurienne! She repeated the name in her mind again and again. She was a carbon copy of Uncle Callison, except her eyes. She must have got it from Aunt Sharon. ''''She is bubbly cute in this picture.''''

    ''''That was when Auri was 15 years old. It was thest picture I have taken of hers.'''' Callison said, his eyes prickling with tears.

    ''''How did she...'''' Leena didnot had the courage to speak up thest word. ''''I am sorry if I offended you asking about her, uncle.'''' She apologized.

    ''''Don''t be, Leena. Infact, I was the one who initiated it.''''

    ''''Auri is a travel freak.'''' Callison started. ''''When she was 15, she went on a trip along with her friends to Khumbu cier icefall. She didnot return home.'''' Callison paused, taking a moment to process that his daughter would nevere back.

    ''''We didnot find her even after multiple searches. Sharon and I believed she was alive, but after three years, when the Everest ciers started melting, the National Mountain guides association witnessed dead bodies buried under the snow. W_e found Aurienne''s dead body buried deep in the snow.''''

    Callison''s eyes welled with tears. It was not only him. Leaning over the wall, Sharon''s lips trembled as she cried when the happy memories she had with her daughter started appearing in front of her.

    Leena was shocked hearing the news. She could understand the pain uncle Callison underwent. When she got into an ident, her Francy was in an irremediable sorrow. Fifteen years of spending time with his daughter and losing her would be an emotional breakdown for Uncle Callison and Aunt Sharon. ''''I am sorry for making you remember her,'''' Leena whispered.

    ''''Don''t be sorry, Leena dear.'''' A voice entered behind her, and Leena snapped back to see Aunt Sharoning into the kitchen with a smile. ''''Auri always remains in our hearts forever.''''

    ''''I see my Auri in you.'''' Sharon took Leena''s hands into her as she spoke. Her daughter''s death had made the family devasted, but they slowly realized Auri would nevere back. She wiped her tears and looked at Leena. ''''Alright, we had enough crying, let''s talk something else. When are you giving us a grandchild?''''

    ''''We haven''t thought of it yet.'''' Leena scratched her forehead feeling shy. She thought of enjoying her life for two more years with Devin, but it looks like these oldies have turned into sugar patients. Her mom is a step ahead of them. She wants a basketball team as if she is a breeding cow.

    ''''Don''t make us wait long,'''' Callison patted her head and then handed her a Bruschetta snack which he made earlier. ''''What a coincidence? Almost all your favorites are Devin''s favorites.''''

    ''''What?'''' Leena''s eyes wide-opened in surprise. That idiot never told her. When they started living together, Leena cooked food of her choice, and Devin also neverined. Infact, Devin cooks everything Leena likes. How ignorant was I not to ask his opinion about his food choices?

    ''''He didnot tell you?'''' Callison asked, surprised.

    ''''No.'''' All of a sudden, Leena remembered his juggled memories. How can she forget Devin is an amnesia patient? Leena would not be surprised if Devin tells her he doesn''t know about his favorite foods. How can someone forget only specific memories? Is that even practically possible to hypnotize away the memories of a person? She never heard of such a case. Like a shot, Leena remembered the incident that happened in Maine. His childhood love.

    ''''I will be back in a while.'''' She ced the snack on the kitchen countertop and dashed out. She rushed into the bedroom, panting heavily, and found the bed empty. ''''Good that he is not here.''''

    ''''Where will he keep the old stuff? Wait..Does he keep things, or will he throw them away? Nevertheless, I have to try.'''' Leena walked into the walk-in closet, started with the drawers first. In an hour, she made a mess in the room. Still, Leena didnot find the things she wanted.

    Finally, when she opened the topmost drawer of the wardrobe climbing the closetdder, she noticed cluttered stuff in it. Leena grabbed them and settled on the messy floor.

    She found three Iphones, and along with them, Leena found a key. ''''Which house key it is?'''' Leena put back the key into the drawer because she felt it was of no use.

    She charged the mobile and switched it on. ''''Damn it! It is asking for a passcode.''''

    Leena opened a security application that she developed and logged into the online user dashboard. Everything on Devin''s mobile came essible. But to her surprise, she saw only two to three pictures on his mobile, which were ofndscapes. Leena hacked into the other two mobiles, which resulted in nothing.

    ''''Where are the pictures? Did Valen assume, or is there more to it?'''' Muttering to herself, Leena checked the model names.

    I phone 7, I phone XS, I phone 11 Pro.

    ''''Somethin is wrong. What is it?'''' Closing her eyes, she recalled Valen''s words. If Devin had kept the pictures of his childhood love on his mobile, it must be during his university days.

    Leena immediately googled the year iPhone 7 was officiallyunched.

    ''''2016 September!''''

    ''''Where are his mobiles before 2016?$

    ''''Did he lose mobile, or someone stole it?"

    Questions after questions popped into Leena''s brain. Devin''s memories have turned into a real mystery to Leena now.

    ''''What mess you have created here?'''' A deep voice spoke up, interrupting her thoughts.

    ''''Damn it!'''' Leena cursed.

 Chapter 306 - Signature

    Clothes sleeping on the floor, things scattered everywhere, and the messy room looked like it was designed by three years old. When Sharon informed Devin that Leena hurriedly went into the room, he panicked that something might have happened to her and straight away proceeded to the room. In the end, it surprised him with a disordered room.

    Devin strolled towards Leena, careful enough not to step on the clothes. When his gazended on the mobile Leena was holding in her hands, he realized. Detective Leena is on the surface.

    Leena nced up at him, a guilty look on her face.She should have carried out this mission secretly, but in her frenzy state to know about Devin''s childhood love, Leena forgot everything. But her efforts didnot bring forth any results. Why was he so secretive about that woman? Her heart pained as if it was ripped apart whenever she thinks of Devin''s childhood love. Leena swore if she confronts that woman in the future, she will...No..she has no idea what she is going to do.

    Squatting in front of Leena, Devin grabbed the mobile from her hands, a silly smile on his face as he looked at Leena''s culpable face. ''''I never knew ''detective'' was under the description of ''wife''.

    ''''I_I was only curious to know more about you.'''' Leena confidently lied with a pout.

    ''''To the extent of hacking into my mobiles?''''

    ''''Are you angry?'''' Leena whispered and nced into his eyes, expecting to see anger, but all she saw was his tender smile.

    ''''Have I ever got mad at you?'''' Devin got up from his squatting position. Pulling Leena to stand, he led her out the room. ''''If you had asked, I would have shown it to you by myself.'''' In Devin''s view, Leena is like the police. She can have all the evidence in the world but still wants a confession from him.

    ''''There is no thrill in asking you.'''' She countered as she sat on the bed.

    ''''So, what clues my detective Leena found?'''' Hugging her stomach, Devin rested his chin on her neck.

    Leaning her back on his chest, Leena contemted whether to ask the question driving her mad for a long time. Also, both promised not to keep secrets with themselves. ''''I found something odd,'''' Leena finally stated.

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''Wait here. I will be back.'''' Leena got up, went into the closet again, and returned with the three mobiles. One by one, Leena showed it to Devin as she exined. ''''I phone7unched in 2016, I phone XSunched in 2018, and I phone 11unched in 2019, and these were the mobiles used by you in the past.''''

    ''''Yes, Sweetheart.'''' He tugged her hair at the back of her ear. ''''So, what is odd about it?''''

    ''''What about the other mobiles? 2016, 2015, and before that? Didn''t use a mobile at all, or did you keep it somewhere else?''''

    Leena''s question was an eye-opener to Devin. When he thought about it, indeed, Leena was true. Almost every year, he changes his mobile, and he remembered he was using iPhones since their firstunch. If that was the case, where did they go? He would always keep the old clutter in the top shelf corner of the closet safely. Is it again something to do with my memories? After Leena entered into his life, Devin has been discovering new things rted to his memories. If not for Leena, he wouldn''t have known he has lost a crucial part of his memories. The first triggered Elysian memory, to the recent heart-shaped tattoo one. Everything is connected to Leena somehow.''''Leena, I_ I think_''''

    ''''You have blocked your memories, Devin,'''' Leena concluded. Initially, she thought Devin was under stress, but she is wrong. Something big has happened in the past. Either someone forcefully repressed his memories, or Devin might have himself buried them. And the Reason? Nobody knows.

    ''''I will not lie to you, Leena. Indeed, I feel something is wrong with my brain. Suddenly, I get juggled recollections, and when I wanted to piece them together, I would end up with a panic attack.''''

    ''''Do you think someone did it to you?'''' Embracing him into a side hug, Leena voiced her suspicion.

    Twirling her hair, Devin was gazing at the mobile, his mind in deep thoughts. ''''I don''t know. I will consult a doctor.''''

    ''''Don''t.'''' Leena denied it sharply. ''''I don''t want you to feel pain anymore, Devin. I am okay with your memory loss.'''' Leena sternly refused. Not everyone has to be perfect.

    ''''Listen to me, Leena.'''' Devin lifted her chin and looked into her panic eyes. ''''I had a panic attack because it was too sudden. With a professional doctor around, I might not feel the pain.''''

    ''''But_''''

    ''''Aren''t you curious?'''' He questioned. More than Leena, Devin was curious after he saw the heart-shaped tattoo on her back. What if his memories are connected to Leena? He has to find out.

    Leena was neither curious nor intrigued, but she wanted Devin to regain his memories back and let go of the past. Her only hope was, his childhood love will not appear to create a rift between them. ''''I want to know.''''

    ''''Let''s visit a doctor. then.''''

    ''''Fine, but I want you to recuperate fully before that,'''' Leena added, leaving no room for arguments. She doesn''t want to give much importance to that woman.

    ''''Yes, madam.''''

    ''''I will contact a Neurosurgeon,'''' Leena suggested. She was thinking of contacting Morvena, but she doesn''t trust that woman. What if that ugly woman eyes her Devin? A man would be a better option.

    ''''You don''t have to. I have someone in my mind.'''' Devin added.

    ''''Who is it?''''

    ''''Let''s keep it a secret for now.''''

    ''''As you say.'''' She smiled and suddenly had the urge to tease Devin. Raising Devin''s hand to her mouth, she bit his finger yfully. To further tease him, she pushed his finger in and out of her mouth, inducing passion in him.

    ''''Little vixen! You dare to take advantage of me?'''' Devin pushed her onto the bed and went on top of her. If he cannot have her today, he knows the way to torture her. With her simple action, he turned hard already. ''''You will seduce me, but you will not give in?'''' His threatening voice awakened a wild soul in her craving for his fiery passion.

    Soon, Leena cried,ughed, giggled, begging for mercy. ''''De_vin...Stop tickling me, y_ou beast!''''

    ''''You started it.''''

    Laughter echoed in the rooms as the couple merrily enjoyed their time.

    ...

    On the other end, chaos mulled in the meeting room. Kurt closed his eyes leisurely, sitting on the chair, not intended to listen to the usation from his superior directing towards him.

    ''''Look at you, how ignorant you are behaving with your superior.'''' Marielle threw the newspaper as she reiterated the headlines of the news. ''''Kurt Weller throwing dirt on Leius Pharmabs. Was he on his senses when hemented on one of the best brand -Times York.''''

    ''''Is it the FBI approach to enter into the headlines - The Wall Chronicles'''' Marielle''s forehead creased with wrinkles.

    ''''I have no more words. Were you in senses when you tried to throw dirt on the Leius pharmabs? For God''s sake, Leius has a brand mark.'''' Marielle yelled. ''''Are you at least listening to me?''''

    ''''I am!'''' Without opening his eyes, Kurt muttered. ''''You can go ahead.''''

    ''''How am I suppose to answer this to my superior, Kurt?''''

    ''''Tell him, allow me to do a puppet show in the center of the New York City as a punishment.''''

    Kurt!'''' Marielle shouted after him. ''''I am serious.''''

    ''''What am I supposed to do then?'''' Kurt opened his eyes and turned to her sharply, his voice calm or perhaps trying to keep it in that way to control his rage. ''''I was personally called by you on a mission. You very well know what''s happening inside the backdoors of the Leiusbs, and you are still supporting them? Why can''t we seize thepany directly? Is it because it has got strong political support?''''

    ''''Don''t forget ourws,'''' Marielle stressed. ''''We can''t take action without the evidence.''''

    ''''Screw with yourws.''''

    ''''Keep in mind that we work for the government.'''' Marielle reminded him.

    ''''You keep bringing that every time��shame on us.'''' Kurt stormed out of the room, leaving Marielle with another headache of clearing his name from the headlines. Arnold, you need to search for a woman for this fellow seriously.

    When Kurt was out of the room, he called his team for an official meeting without wasting any time. ''''Any news?''''

    ''''Sir, they are meticulous in every step they are taking. They have figured it out.''''

    ''''Damn those bastards!'''' Kurt banged his hand on the table. He knew it when they had conducted a free campaign for the hospitals.

    ''''I don''t know if it is valuable or not.'''' Clemence, one of his team, stated. ''''Landon Derwin has visited Langone hospitals twice in the same week, but one of our sources informed, he didnot meet anyone.''''

    ''''Langone hospital?'''' Kurt muttered. It''s the hospital Aunt Heather works as a lead Surgeon.

    ''''Also,'''' Clemence remembered another information he found. ''''A table is booked under his name at the Signature hotel for two people,''''

    ''''When is it happening?''''

    ''''Tomorrow, 7 in the evening.'''' Clemence added. ''''I will go and monitor his_''''

    ''''No.'''' Kurt denied. ''''I will take up this task. Meeting adjourned.''''

    ''''Yes, Sir.''''

    Kurt slumped on the chair, massaging his temples, while his thoughts focused on tackling the situation. Leius founder and Devin''s assassination have turned into a mystery for him. He has to focus his attention on tomorrow''s case.

    .....

    The following day..

    Standing in front of the mirror, a woman was standing inside the bathroom as she looked at her reflection nervously. ''''You can do it, Kyle. Take a deep breath, and remember Leena''s words '''' She huffed and puffed, taking long deep breaths. After the deep rxation, she was about to go out of the room but turned again. ''''I forgot to retouch my makeup.''''

    When she was busy rummaging her purse, she suddenly felt a man passed by her as fast as a dear. When she looked back, it was empty.

    Kyle nced at the other woman, who was busy wearing makeup. ''''It must be my imagination. Otherwise, she should have also felt it.'''' She muttered to herself.

    Ignoring it, Kyle retouched her makeup and turned around to leave when a woman pushed open the door panting heavily, sucking a lollipop like a baby.

    ''''Hey! Did someone enter into the bathroom just now?'''' She demanded, looking at the woman from head to toe as she slurped her lollipop.

    Kyle looked at the woman and then to the other side of the bathroom doors.. So, I didnot imagine. Should I inform her or not?

 Chapter 307 - Loose Case

    Kyle was still not sure it was a man or woman who entered the bathroom. Looking at the lollipop woman, she felt weirdly funny to watch a grown woman sucking a lollipop. Kyle briefly nced at the doors brushing the thoughts and realized the man must be sneaking away from the lollipop girl. So, she was contemting if she should tell the woman or cover it. In the end, she chose to conceal it. ''''I was here since half-an-hour. No one entered the bathroom.''''

    ''''That insidious FBI agent! Why does he make me run behind him all the time? Does he like the push and pull game? I have already fallen for him hard, though.'''' Wendy muttered under her breath. She is keeping track of the man ever since she eyed him in Seattle. But somehow, he slips away from her clutches like a grain of sand.

    On the other hand, Kurt was uttering profanities at himself for getting trapped in a woman''s bathroom. He swore he would take this incident to his grave. When he entered the Signature hotel on a mission, the lollipop girl caught him again. Kurt wondered if she is keeping a watch on him 24/7. While escaping from her, Kurt didnot realize he stepped into a woman''s bathroom until he heard woman''s voices. He is doomed for eternity if someone catches him today.

    ''''Are you sure no one entered?'''' Kurt heard a reply from Wendy. If he were not on a mission, he would have dealt with her in his way.

    ''''No.'''' Kurt heard another reply from a vaguely familiar voice. He breathed in relief, hearing the response. At least, the women outside are not aware a man is inside the bathroom. Otherwise, he would lose his sanity with their cursings.

    Twitching her mouth, Wendy scornfully gazed at the woman from head to toe before turning on her heels to leave.

    ''''She is weird,'''' Kyle remarked. She waited until there was none left in the bathroom, including the cleaning servants, and ced the ''cleaning in progress'' board outside. ''''I have to make it fast. Otherwise, the cleaning servants mighte for hourly checks.'''' For the safer side, Kyle locked the bathroom door.

    ''''Why am I doing this when I don''t even know this person.'''' Kyle sighed and double-checked onest time before she looked at the bathroom doors.''''Umm...I have seen you entering the bathroom. You cane out. I am not sure if you are hiding from the girl who was...licking a lollipop, but she is gone.''''

    ''''Are there any other woman?'''' Kurt questioned. How did this woman figure out?

    ''''No.''''

    ''''Then what are you? Not a woman?'''' Kurt questioned again.

    ''''What!''''

    ''''Get out!'''' Kurt ordered.

    ''''What an arrogant cow you are! You should be grateful to me that I am helping you.'''' Kyle yelled.

    ''''Arrogant cow? Care to repeat it? I will put you behind bars.'''' Kurt threatened.

    ''''As if you can, Mr. arrogant Cow. You are the one who messed it up. I can even sue you for Trespassing into the woman''s bathroom like a pervert.'''' Kyle shot at him.

    ''''Don''t raise your voice at me! I will send you to a ce where even google cannot find you.'''' Kurt raised his voice with equal frequency. She seems to be a loose case.

    Why is this man so thick-skinned? What problem he has in showing up his face when I already know the truth? When Kyle was in her thoughts, her mobile beeped with an iing message. [Landon Derwin: Where are you, Kyle? I am waiting for you]

    ''''OMG!'''' Kyle uttered an inner curse. Shepletely forgot about her date and started arguing with this arrogant cow.

    ''''Hello, Mr arrogant cow, Will youe out or not? I don''t have time to baby talk with_''''

    Not before Kylepleted her words, one of the bathroom doors was opened, and a tall man stepped out. When their gazes met, both were profoundly shocked. A moment of silence ensued before their voices reached the walls in unison.

    ''''Kurt!''''

    ''''Kyle!'''' Gone! Both studied in the same school. If she slips her tongue to his friends by chance, especially to Andrew, Kurt will have to go on a lifetime hiatus. That monkey would circte it to the wholemunity.

    ''''OMG, Kurt, it''s you!'''' Kyle''s face beamed like a child, and not before she took a step forward, Kurt raised his hand and backed off. ''''Hold on! I_It''s good to maintain social distance.''''

    ''''Ah! You are still the same since school.'''' Kyle retorted with a mocking smile. In the school, Kurt would be the hot topic among girls. But not in a positive way. He has earned a lot of girl haters because of his repulsion towards them. ''''Why can''t you ept the truth that you still fear women? Do you know how many girls hate_''''

    ''''Take me out of this ce.'''' He cut off Kyle''s thoughts. Kurt knows the girl haters he has earned since school. Did she have to remind him that?

    ''''Ask with respect. Then I will take you out.'''' Kyle said.

    This disrespectful woman! Once I get out of this ce, I will take care of you. For now, Kurt had no choice except to ept Kyle''s demands. ''''C_an you help me to get out of this ce.''''

    ''''Add ''please'' in the sentence?'''' Kyle suppressed herughter seeing his mortified face.

    Clenching his fists, Kurt politely added. ''''Can you please help me get out of this ce?'''' Kurt even forced a smile on her, thinking she would askter why he didnot smile.

    ''''Go, and stay in the bathroom,'''' Kyle ordered.

    ''''Again?''''

    ''''You want to get beaten by women for entering intody''s washroom?'''' Kyle''s voice raised hysterically.

    Kurt closed his eyes to hold back the scream of frustration. His ego is crushed to the ground twice by this woman. It was all the fault of that lollipop. Wordlessly, Kurt turned around and entered the bathroom again.

    ''''You really want to go out, Kurt?'''' Kyle asked. ''''You seem to be enjoying it there.''''

    ''''Do you want to die.''''

    Kyle internally giggled before she unlocked the bathroom door. She peeked at the corridor. Since she has already put on the cleaning progress board, she realized people might be using the bathroom in the other wing.

    ''''It''s clear. You cane out.'''' The words just traveled from Kyle''s mouth, Kurt sprinted out of the bathroom without looking back.

    ''''One of the most adventurous days of my life. A man''s dignity was saved by the noble girl Kyle. '''' Kyle excitedly said, earning a deathly stare from Kurt. ''''Alright, alright, don''t get mad at me_''''

    At the moment, Kyle''s mobile ringed again, reminding her purpose ofing here. This is not good, Kyle. You are here to meet Landon. You cannot forget him.

    Kyle looked at Kurt and said. ''''Let''s catch upter. I will have to go now.'''' Without waiting for Kurt''s reply, Kyle dashed out.

    ''''I wish never to meet you again,'''' Kurt said as he made his way out. He then settled at a table, far away from Landon Derwin. His face was covered already so that no one will recognize him. ''''Who is that person Landon is going to meet?'''' He muttered.

    Kurt stayed put, and at a bit of distance away, he noticed Kyle walking in his table direction. ''''This woman! Is she a ghost? Why does she keep following me?''''

    When Kurt was about to call her name to reprimand, Kyle took a left turn, crossing the table he was sitting. A shock spread across his face as he saw Kyle approaching Landon''s table. ''''What the! Is she here to meet a criminal?''''

    .....

    Kyle nervously bit her bottom lip, and her legs shivered in anticipation. Neither Kyle, not Landon talked except for exchanging pleasantries in the beginning. Since childhood, Kyle had no one in her heart except Devin. Never a thought urred in her mind to look at another man, but for the first time, Kyle broke the barriers. Of course, she haspletely let Devin out of her heart and mind. Heeding Leena''s advice, she started to talk with Landon more often, and she decided to give him a chance and see if he is worthy of her.

    ''''Do you like the food?'''' Landon asked, looking at Kyle with a smile.

    ''''It''s good.'''' She replied to him nervously. Kyle jerked when Landon tenderly held her hand. ''''Don''t get nervous. Kyle, I know you are hesitant, but I am asking you again. Give me a chance_''''

    ''''L_et''s date.'''' Kylepleted for him, making Landon''s eyes go wide in surprise.

    ...

    On the other end, Kurt freed his headphones, not bothered to listen to their talks anymore. His team ced a spy recording device beneath Landon Derwin''s table. Kurt expected it to be a business deal, but it was a lovey-dovey scene to his annoyance. ''''Dating a criminal? She is a loose case.''''

    Relief spread across his face when he now knows Kyle has no underlying dealings with that criminal. ''''Wait...Why am I bothered about that loose case?'''' Kurt immediately removed her thoughts from his mind and concentrated on the main topic.

    ''''I wasted my timeing here.'''' Kurt thought Landon''s meeting would be helpful to his case, but never in his dreams did Kurt assume he would have to witness the love scene.

    Kurt got up and made his way out. While driving home, Kurt hit the car''s brakes in the middle of the road when an idea registered in his brain. ''''Kyle will see Landon more often since she is his girlfriend now. If I target her, it can be a massive breakthrough to the case.''''

    But Kurt''s idea came with a price.. He has to approach that loose case again.

 Chapter 308 - Bananas And Clothes

    Kyle was in all happiness as she keyed in the password of her condo. Throwing the mobile on the bedside table, she copsed on the bed and smiled. ''''Landon is my boyfriend now!'''' She still cannot ept the fact that she is in a rtionship now. Not many genuine friends she has, to share her happiness. Her family might be wealthy, but thebel illegitimate daughter has caused people to distance themselves from her. Grabbing the mobile, Kyle texted Leena. [To: Leena: I epted]

    Kyle eagerly waited for Leena''s reply, and after an hour, she received a response from her. [To: Kyle: Finally, you have progressed. Have you two shared a kiss]

    ''''Kiss?'''' Kyle muttered, touching her lips. She had watched it in movies and imagined how her first kiss would turn out with Devin. Kyle can''t deny that she lived in a delusional state, admitting Devin was hers. ''''If Leena hears my inner thoughts, she woulde for my head.''''

    [To: Leena: We haven''t kissed]

    [To: Kyle: What are you waiting for]

    Kyle''s cheeks flushed hotly as she imagined her kiss with Landon.

    [To: Leena: I...I will try when I meet him next time]

    Leena, on the other hand, resting on Devin''sp, waszily rxing chatting with Kyle while Devin fed her fruits. Her mood dampened as she saw a person calling her continuously. She sild the reject button every time the phone ringed.

    ''''When are we shifting?'''' Questioned Leena. Unlike the condo in Greenwyn vige, Devin''s house is a luxurious vi with outstanding architecture. She can never forget that ce because their first steamy kiss happened in there.

    ''''Perhaps next week, but I will let you decide,'''' Devin said and looked at the mobile when his turn started. Why is Kurt calling at an odd hour? Devin picked it up, letting the thought aside. ''''What?''''

    ''''Can you pass on the mobile to your wife? She is not picking up.'''' Kurt added. He called her around ten times, and each time she rejected his call, crushing his ego.

    ''''Take a hint if she is not picking up.''''

    ''''Please give it to her, Vincy,'''' Kurt added with a frustrating sigh. '''' ''''I have something important to ask which you cannot understand.''''

    Devin cast a look at Leena and asked. ''''Leena, did you reject Kurt''s call?''''

    ''''I am not in a mood to talk with him.'''' Replied Leena. He would either ask her to hack into Elysian ount or castigate Elysian. He treats her like a mortal enemy as if he hasmitted a serious crime.

    ''''He has something important to ask.'''' Devin handed her the mobile. He wondered what secret Kurt has that he is not ready to share with him.

    Exhaling a deep sigh, Leena picked the mobile from Devin''s hands, and in azy tone, she spoke up. ''''Whaaaaat?''''

    ''''What do girls like in general?''''

    Without replying, Leena instantly peeked at the contact name, wondering if Kurt or some other person she was talking to. The man who runs away at the sight of a woman wants to know the likes of a girl? Something fishy. ''''Why do you want to know about them all of a sudden?''''

    ''''It''s a part of the mission I am working. I can''t disclose it.'''' Kurt added. ''''Can you now tell me?''''

    ''''Get a pen and paper. The list will be huge.'''' Leena remarked and put on the loudspeaker to let Devin also listen.

    ''''Just tell me one or two.'''' Kurt said. If not for the mission, he wouldn''t have approached Leena either.

    An evil grin cast upon Leena''s face as she started. ''''Girls like only two things.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Kurt''s immediate voice came. If it is two, he can easily manage.

    ''''Number one: Bananas,'''' Leena stated. ''''Girls like bananas the most because eating a banana a day increases your energy, brainpower, and happiness.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Kurt made a mental note in his mind to buy them inrge quantity. Anyway, bananas are cheap ''''So, the second one?''''

    ''''Apart from bananas, girls go dandy over clothes.'''' Leena continued. ''''I have enough clothes. I don''t need to go shopping, said no woman ever. Are you getting what I am trying to say?''''

    ''''I understand.'''' Kurt thoughtfully nodded his head. ''''Anything else apart from the two?''''

    Devin: '''' ''''

    ''''I guess no,'''' Leena said.

    ''''Okay. Thanks for the information. If I have any doubts, I will call you again. Please pick the call.''''

    Is this kind of an exam to get doubts? Leena wondered. ''''My pleasure. I will try.'''' Leena ended the call with a goodbye and turned to Devin with a happy grin. ''''Was I cool?''''

    ''''You should have also told him bananas and clothes are only one girls choice of interset,'''' Devin said, a smile on his face.

    ''''I am liked by every girl in the country. So, obviously, my fans prefer what I like.'''' Leena yawned, snuggling closer to Devin. ''''I am so sleepy, Devin.''''

    ''''Then close your eyes and sleep.''''

    ''''As if I don''t know.'''' She retorted before shutting her eyes. Devin pulled theforter up to her chin when she went into a deep slumber. ''''Love you.'''' He whispered and kissed her forehead before slipping inside the sheets.

    ...

    The following day, Kyle woke up to her boyfriend''s call. Last night Landon called her to talk with him, and for the first time, she sleptte in the night. Kyle was in a deep slumber that she picked up at the third call.

    ''''Hey, babe! Did I tire you for the whole night?'''' Landon''s sweet voice poured into her ears like honey.

    ''''Ah, No. I am fine.'''' Kyle replied with a smile. ''''When did you get up?''''

    ''''The moment I got up, I called you to hear my girlfriend''s beautiful voice.'''' Kyle''s face grew hot to his praises. At the moment, she couldn''t formte words to reply to him. ''''W_hen will you start to the office?'''' She asked a question out of the blue and then cursed at herself. What stupid question was that, Kyle?

    ''''I have to meet an important person. So, I will not be going to the office today.'''' Landon said.

    ''''Who is it?'''' Kyle questioned eagerly.

    ''''There are some things which I like to keep a secret to myself.'''' Landon drew a straight line for her.

    ''''I_I am sorry if I had offended you.'''' Kyle forced her words from the mouth. Once Leena told, Devin doesn''t keep any secret from her. With the same confidence, Kyle asked to exercise her rights as a girlfriend.Kyle doesn''t know how exactly rtionships work since this is her first time dating. I have to ask Leena when I meet her next time. ''''Sorry for upsetting you.'''' Kyle apologized.

    ''''That''s fine, babe. Go and get ready for your shift. I will call you when I get free.'''' With a little coaxing from Landon, Kyle''s face lit up.

    ''''Okay. Have a safe trip.'''' Kyle bid goodbye and ended the call to get ready for the hospital.

    ....

    At the hospital, Kyle was delighted as she talked with her colleagues. It might be because she got someone to share her secrets or some other reason, she didnot care. She was happy, and that''s all that mattered. Putting aside her thoughts, Kyle entered into the trauma to get started with surgery. By the time she finished, it had turned evening. While she was going into her cabin dragging her tired body, a nurse called her.

    ''''Doctor Kyle, you have a visitor, and he is waiting for you for an hour.''''

    ''''What is his name?''''

    ''''He didnot tell the name.'''' The nurse added. ''''He informed me that you know him well. He is sitting on thewn.''''

    ''''It must be Landon.'''' Kyle''s face brightened hearing her words.. ''''Did hee back to see me?'''' Her face brightened like a Sunday, and she dashed out of the hospital in a blink.

 Chapter 309 - Its Confirmed

    Kyle frantically searched for Landon in the entirewn, but she didnot find a trace of the man. When Kyle was close to making a call to ask him where exactly he was, a voice heard from behind, causing her to drop the mobile. ''''Hey, Loose case, What are you searching for?'''' Kurt asked as he picked the mobile from the ground.

    Kyle turned around with a start, and not even in her dreams would she have imagined Kurt here. ''''What are you doing here?'''' Kyle asked in surprise. Wait...that''s not the point. He called me a loose case!

    ''''To meet you,'''' Kurt replied, standing a little far away from her.

    ''''Why?'''' Curiosity killed the cat. Kyle''s gaze shifted to his fully loaded hands. A basket in one hand and a paper bag in another hand

    ''''Obviously, to thank you for saving me,'''' Kurt added and then ced a basket in her hand. ''''This is your thank-giving gift.''''

    ''''What is this?'''' Kyle opened the lid of the basket and was stunned to see bananas. ''''W_ho gives bananas as a gift?'''' Innocently, Kyle asked. She eats bananas, but getting bananas as a gift? It''s a little weird.

    What the hell! Didn''t that narcissist Leena told girls like bananas? ''''Y_ou don''t like it?''''

    ''''I like them, but_''''

    ''''Fair enough.'''' Kurt stopped Kyle''s thoughts. ''''Banana reduces weight when you eat in the morning, and you badly need them.'''' Kurt tantly remarked.

    ''''Oh.'''' Kyle''s emotions were down in the pour hearing Kurt''s brashments. She is not overweight, though! Infact, her weight is ideal. Does he prefer skinny girls?

    Clearing his throat, Kurt handed the paper bag to Kyle. ''''This is also a thank-giving gift.''''

    ''''What is this?'''' Kyle was once again stunned today. She must be honored to get a gift from the great Gynophobist. She quickly unboxed the package, and her mouth wide opened at the sight of the present. ''''Ummm, s_ocks?''''

    ''''Indeed, it is socks.'''' Kurt continued. ''''Wear it in the night. It will keep you warm.'''' Kurt replied. He searched girl''s shops from morning to afternoon, but he didnot know what to pick up as a gift. Kurt called Leena if she can lend a hand, but she rejected his call again. So, in the end, he chose socks because one can never have enough socks. ''''You know, I am obsessed with socks. I even wear it to the bed.''''

    ''''Oh.'''' Was her reply. What a weird habit? No wonder a girl never approached him in the school. If she voiced her thoughts, her head would hang upside down.

    ''''Alright. I will take my leave.'''' Kurt shed a smile at her causing her heart to skip a beat.

    cing her hands over her heart, she shook her head. ''''His smile!''''

    Kyle muttered as she settled on the bench, looking at the basket and the pair of socks. She will be made fun of if she says to her colleagues that she got bananas and socks as gifts. The Kurt she has seen in the school is very different from what she witnessed today. Although Kurt was senior to her, Kyle knows well about their group because of her brother, Austin.

    ''''What do I do with these?'''' With a sigh, Kyle got up and walked inside the hospital, hiding the basket so that her colleagues don''t peep into it.

    ....

    On the other hand, in the car, Kurt made another n for his next meet-up with Kyle. Slowly, he will befriend her, and when he gains her trust, he will extract the information about that criminal. The thought of putting Landon behind bars amused him. With a happy grin, he texted Andrew if they catch up for a drink. [To: Andy: Are you at home or still at the firm? Let''s meet up]

    He received a prompt reply.

    [To: Kurt: Come to my home. I have just arrived]

    Since it was already evening, and Kurt already wasted his time shopping, he will consider the day for himself.

    ...

    Meanwhile, Andrew freshed up and entered the kitchen to make dinner. He prepared a burrito bowl with the already stuffed ingredients he makes in batches on the weekends to save time. Being a veganes with a price, but it''s the lifestyle Andrew chose. As he was savoring the delicious food, he heard the doorbell ring. "Did Kurt arrive already?''''

    Andrew put down the bowl and went out to open the door. Like a hurricane, Jasper barged into his house. ''''It''s been a week already. When are you going to spill it?''''

    ''''I didnot promise, and I decided not to help you,'''' Andrew said. He doesn''t believe Jasper at all. He already prepared a n to approach Reese without letting Jasper intervene. If he reveals the truth without Harley''s consent, he would be dead meat in her hands.

    ''''So, you don''t want my sister?'''' Jasper threatened Andrew thinking that he would bend to his wishes with the mention of her sister''s name, but he was wrong. Andrew''s silence irked Jasper, and in his frenzy, he grabbed the water bottle, uncapped it, and sshed it on Andrew, causing his whole body to drench.

    ''''You cockalorum!'''' Andrew screamed at Jasper, gasping for air.

    Jasper ran out of the house as fast as he can. ''''Where will you go, bastard!'''' Andrew grabbed a sauce from the table and rushed after him. Pulling Jasper by his hair before he touched the doorknob, he squeezed the entire sauce out of it onto Jasper''s shirt. ''''Now, get out of my house.'''' Andrew barked, kicking him out of the house.

    ''''Bastard. I will see your end.'''' Jasper snarled and stormed out of the house. The stains of the sauce caused nausea. Removing the shirt, he made his way to the home.

    Kurt gulped hard as he gazed at Jasper from a distance. To confirm his suspicion, Kurt walked towards Andrew''s house and slightly pushed open the unlocked door. His brain ceased as he watched Andrew shirtless.

    Without making a noise, Kurt made his way to the car. With a shaky hand, he sent a text.[To: Wilbur: It''s confirmed. I saw it with my eyes today] Kurt was so overwhelmed, he sent the text to Devin, Nick, Austin, spreading it to their entire group.

    [To: Kurt: OMG! I had a hunch from the time the two started living in the same vicinity]

    [To: Wilbur: Let''s reveal it to uncle Leon and Uncle Louis]

    [To Kurt: Yes, let''s tell them]

 Chapter 310 - Council

    After the hefty fight with his mortal enemy, Andrew had a fresh shower before resuming the dinner. A smile crept over his lips as he imagined Jasper''s spiteful face when he threw the sauce onto him a while ago.

    Having had his dinner, Andrew called Kurt several times, but either the line goes busy, or Kurt doesn''t pick. ''''Why isn''t he picking up my call?'''' Andrew mulled over the thought and texted a message to Kurt asking if he ising for a drink. Minutester, Andrew received a reply from Kurt.

    [To: Andy: I got a call from the office. Let''s catch upter]

    At the least, Andrew wanted to rant his frustration over a drink, but his friend escaped, and he has no mood to drink alone. Exhaling a deep sigh, he opened the phone gallery and stared at Reese''s photos that she often posts on social media. Except for seeing her in the pictures, he can''t approach her. The satan of his life would appear out of nowhere to take her away. Andrew didnot think the silly incident that happened during their childhood would lead to a catastrophe. With today''s incident, Andrew knew Jasper would make a move. Before that, he has to get ready with his n.

    Andrew ced a call to his dad, and after a couple of rings, he heard the voice from the other end. ''''Atst, you remember your poor dad?''''

    ''''Dramatic king,keep the drama to yourself.'''' Andrew cut to the chase. ''''I need your help.''''

    ''''Want me to buy you a yStation to y video games?'''' Leon joked.

    ''''I am not a kid.'''' Andrew pressed, obviously angered.

    ''''Alright, Alright. I will get serious now.'''' Leon smiled as he spoke. ''''What kind of help you want? Are you facing any issues in the firm?''''

    ''''No.'''' Taking a deep breath, Andrew stated. ''''I_I am in love.''''

    Leon choked a mouthful of saliva. ''''Are you for real?'''' For the first time, he is having a conversation about his son''s love life. His wife would alwaysin Andrew not having a girlfriend is something he has to take it seriously. So, this is the reason? He has someone in his heart. Finally, he is going to get a daughter-inw. He is waiting for the day.

    ''''I am serious,'''' Andrew answered straight forward. ''''I want your help.''''

    ''''Why do you want my help?'''' Leon asked, not convinced with his son''s answer. Does my son want me to go and talk about his love? Leon thought.

    ''''It''s a littleplicated. I can''t tell it on the phone.'''' Andrew added. ''''When Ie home this weekend, I will exin everything in detail.''''

    ''''O_kay.'''' Leon curtly replied. Complicated? What kind of bomb is he going to throw? Anyway, his heart is strong. So, he doesn''t need to worry.

    Father, and son, ended their conversation after exchanging little pleasantry talks about their work-life and lifestyle.

    Andrew copsed on the bed as relief flooded into his heart. His dad and Jasper''s dad are good friends. If both the families agree, Jasper will have to keep his mouth shut. He should have done it before, but his conceit didnot let him take his dad''s help. If he doesn''t bend, things will go out of control.

    On the other hand, Anger thrummed through Jasper''s veins as he let the water flow through his body. ''''He had the gall to throw sauce at me?''''

    Jasper stormed into the bedroom and called one of his friends, Gary. He is also his business partner. His friend had shown interest towards Reese, but Jasper hadn''t yet given a reply to him. It''s time to make a move.

    After he talked with Gary, without wasting time, Jasper called his sister. ''''Are you sleeping?'''' He asked as he heard his sister''s voice over the call.

    ''''Not yet,'''' Reese replied. ''''What is it, brother?''''

    ''''Make your time for this weekend. You will be going on a date.'''' Jasper said. ''''My friend, Gary, is a nice person, and he is also my business partner.''''

    Her brother''s sudden revtion took her breath away. ''''I_I need time. I don''t want to rush_''''

    ''''How long you need time?'''' Jasper interrupted, his voice overwrought, causing Reese to flinch. ''''Jane is married and has a five-year-old daughter. Leena is also married now. Your two best friends are happily leading their life, and you?.....Still need time... I am tired of hearing the same reply again, and again, Reese.'''' Jasper kicked the vase in impediment.''''Mom and dad are worried about you. I can''t let you ruin their health with your silly reasons.''''

    ''''You are going on a date! Get ready for the day.'''' Jasper enunciated each word, leaving no room for discussions, and ended the call.

    Reese closed her mouth to stop her muffles froming out. She started chewing her lip, and her eyes welled up with tears. ''''Is it my fault that Leena and Jane are married and living happily? Unlike me, they found their loved ones. Here, I am stuck in the old maiden love.''''

    Reese wanted to voice out her thoughts, but she was never the girl to raise the voice against her brother. Closing her eyes shut, Reese tried to sleep, but her brother''s thoughts kept her unfocused. She wanted to go to Leena''s house, but she is staying with her inws. Jane doesn''t know that she loves Andrew. ''''Why are one-sided loves painful?''''

    Wiping her tears, Reese dailed Leena''s number, and it went to the voice message.She kept calling her until Leena picked up.

    ''''Reese...do you know the time? I am sleepy.'''' Leena groggily asked, cing the mobile onto her ear.

    ''''Your best friend is crying here, and you are sleeping happily? What sort of best friend are you?'''' Reese''s scream was deep, terrifying, Leena.

    Reese''s profound voice had evoked Leena from her sleeppletely. She got up and nced at the other side. Devin was fast asleep. Leena climbed down from the bed and walked into the balcony. ''''Tell me, what exactly happened, Reese?'''' Leena''s concerned voice caused Reese to cool down to some extent.

    ''''Is something bothering you?'''' She gently asked.

    ''''M_y brother has set up a date with his business partner,'''' Reese spoke up in a hushed tone. ''''I don''t want to go. C_an you talk with Jasper?''''

    ''''Did you tell your brother that you like Andrew?'''' Leena cooly asked.

    ''''How can I tell it_''''

    ''''Reese,'''' Leena sighed, cutting her thoughts. ''''If you can''t speak boldly and fight for your love, marry that someone of your brother''s choice.''''

    You hush your voice for someone''sfort. Remember one thing, Reese, trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.''''

    ''''Leena, even you are ming_'''' Reese ceased her thoughts for herself chewing her bottom lip. Her lips can''t exin the pain she is feeling now.

    The one-shoulder that is always there for her has also turned against her today.

    Only when her words traveled out of her mouth did Leena realize she had made a grave mistake. ''''Reese..'''' Leena softly called up, but it was already disconnected.

    ''''Ah! Why did I speak so rashly to her when she needed me the most?'''' Leena pulled her hair in vex, cursing her inner self. She dialed Reese''s number, yet the girl didnot pick up. Leena sent messages over messages, and after an hour of coaxing, Reese talked with her.

    ''''Madam has colled down finally?'''' Leena teased, trying to lighten the mood.

    ''''It was all your fault.'''' Reese sulked, feeling guilty for not angering up on her best friend. Leena would speak bitter truths. It''s her fault never to speak her mind.

    ''''I agree, and I am sorry.'''' With a smile, she added. ''''Let''s go to your brother''s house, and talk there directly.''''

    ''''Hmm.''''

    ''''Go to sleep, Reese. It''ste already.''''

    ''''Gud night,'''' Reese said softly.

    ''''Gud night.'''' Before ending the call, Leena added. ''''Leena dreams.''''

    Reese giggled, throwing the mobile on the bedside table. Closing her eyes shut, she drifted to sleep.

    ....

    The following day, Leena woke up early in the morning to catch Jasper. To her utter surprise, she didnot find Devin on the other side of the bed.

    ''''Where did he go early in the morning?'''' Leena whispered in disbelief.

    She searched for a note at the bedside table, which he always stick it when he goes out without informing her. She picked the note, and read [I will be back in a while, Sweetheart. Fret not, I am not going alone. Just like you wanted, I am taking ten bodyguards with me]

    Leena smiled, keeping the note down. She freshed, and as she stepped into the living room to call Nick, a maid informed, he is out for some urgent work. ''''It''s a surprise that he is also not here.''''

    Leena met Reese at a cafe and together started to Jasper''s home. Clearing the security questions after they reached Jasper''s house, Leena and Reese ringed Jasper''s doorbell and waited, but the man in question didnot appear.

    ''''I will ring his mobile,'''' Reese''s call went into a voice message.

    ''''He might have gone to the office already, Reese. Let''s go back.'''' Leena said as she gazed at the house facing south to Jasper''s. A thought slipped into her mind. If Andrew is still in the house, it''s an opportunity that she should not waste to make a path for the love birds.

    Leena grabbed Reese''s hand and walked to the south. She ringed the doorbell, and when it opened, Leena was stunned. ''''Kurt.'''' What is he doing here in the morning?

    As the door was opened wide, she was surprised to see familiar people sitting for a discussion, and most importantly, her dearest husband. Is this a council? What''s going on here?

 Chapter 311 - Bisecting The Triangle

    A little while ago...

    On the same night, Kurt called up Wilbur, informed him to convince Jasper''s parents and bring them directly to Andrew''s house. The matter to be settled as soon as possible. Probably, he might not be able to sleep without ironing out.

    He then drove to Andrew''s house. At the entrance, Lily weed him inside with a warm hug.

    ''''I expected you would visit us more often after you started working from New York,'''' Leon said as he descended from the stairs.

    ''''You are well aware that Kurt is the true definition of a workaholic.'''' Lily''s softly spoke voice entered into their ears.

    ''''Alright, I will listen to your remarkster. First, bring me something to eat.''''

    ''''I will bring it.''''

    As Lily went into the kitchen, Leon turned to Kurt. ''''What is that you wanted to discuss with us?''''

    ''''I will tell you in a while,'''' Kurt said and texted Wilbur to know his location. Within a minute, he received a reply from Wilbur stating he is five kilometers away from the destination.

    Kurt''s serious voice put Leon''s heart in rm. When he received a call from Kurt, he stated it''s rted to Andrew. Does he want to talk about his son''s love interest? Anyway, he will wait until he reveals it. He likes suspense.

    Leaving the matter aside, while leisurely having snacks, Kurt was having a casual talk with Leon and Lily when Wilbur arrived with Jasper''s parents on the tow.

    ''''Lily,'''' Jasper''s mom waved her hand as she walked inside along with her husband.

    ''''Oh my! Mabel and Louis!'''' Lily smiled, and rushed to hug her friend. ''''What a surprise to see you both. We haven''t seen each other after Devin''s ident.''''

    ''''Indeed, Lily,'''' Mabel said, a smile on her face. ''''I was thinking of meeting you this weekend, and you see, Wilbur brought us here in advance.'''' Turning to the four men sitting on the couch, Mabel stated. ''''You guys can talk,''''

    ''''And we both will make dinner,'''' Lily suggested, holding Mabel''s hand. ''''Let''s go, Mabel. We have lots to talk, and gossip_''''

    ''''Wait..wait..'''' Kurt stopped both the impatient woman causing them to frown. ''''We also need your presence, Aunt Lily and Aunt Mabel.''''

    ''''Why?'''' Mabel questioned. At first, Wilbur was acting suspicious, and now Kurt added for him. What''s going on with these two?

    ''''Please.'''' Kurt signaled all the four to sit so that he can drop the bombshell at once.

    ''''You are scaring us, Kurt.'''' Louis voicedced with fraught. ''''What exactly you want to discuss?''''

    ''''It''s about Andrew and Jasper,''''Wilbur revealed, looking at the pair of couples, clearly having no idea what''s about to sit on their te.

    Lily and Mabel tightly held each other''s hands at the mention of their sons. They knew where the issue is heading. Kurt and Wilbur also found out now. Lily and Mabel knew Jasper and Andrew are in a love-hate rtionship; infact, they wanted to discuss with their husbands but were scared of the consequences.

    ''''Umm..It''s actually..'''' Kurt''s voice stammered toe up with the right words. He didnot feel any trouble exining it to his friends, but he was feeling a little anxious with the elders.

    ''''Andrew and Jasper are in love!'''' Wilbur took the initiative and dropped the bomb, causing a dread of coldness to pass over Louis and Leon.

    ''''What!'''' Louis screamed and hollered at Wilbur.

    ''''W_hat kind of rubbish are you talking, Will? It can''t be.'''' Leon shook his head, denying Kurt''s and Wilbur''s false assumptions. ''''Just now, Andy called and told he likes someone. He even asked for my help to sort out theplications.''''

    ''''And that someone is Jasper,'''' Wilbur held to his thought. So, finally, Andrew has taken the initiative in their rtionship.

    ''''Wilbur, this is not a childish game.'''' Louis chided, his forehead creased with sweat in dread. ''''I believe in my conscience. I know Andy and Jasper are not on talking terms, but that doesn''t mean they are in a_''''

    ''''Will you still believe your conscience after seeing this picture?'''' Kurt showed the half-naked pictures of Andrew and Jasper he took a while ago. ''''I went to Hillcrest to have a chat with Andrew, and I witnessed this scene. Jasper came out of Andrew''s house without a shirt.'''' Kurt pressed. Sometimes, people don''t believe in words; they believe only in proofs, and he shot their pictures to show the reality.

    Leon ced a hand across his chest in shock. He didnot expect this twist. Is that the reason his son kept reciting his love is a littleplicated?

    While all the four were in engaging thoughts, neither a single word nor concern was heard from the two women. Leon and Louis snapped at their wives.

    ''''Lily, why aren''t you notmenting?'''' Leon whispered in a low voice. He feels his spirit flew out of his soul, listening to the bitter truth.

    ''''What is there toment when we knew it already,'''' Lily muttered, tightly gripping her dress.

    ''''What!'''' It was Louis''s turn to scream. He turned to his wife as he spoke. ''''Mabel, do you know it already?'''' Louis questioned, to which Mabel answered with a slight nod.

    ''''Why didn''t you both tell us?'''' Leon roared, mming his fists on the table. ''''How long you have been keeping_''''

    ''''Uncle, it''s not the time to fight.'''' Wilbur interrupted the raging Leon. ''''We need to talk with them.''''

    ''''I will call them right away.'''' Before Leon grabbed his mobile, Kurt stopped him. ''''Not now. It''s alreadyte. Let''s go to HillCrest tomorrow directly.''''

    Leon and Louis gave a slight nod as they looked at each other, silentlymunicating with their eyes. It is not how they wanted their rtionship would turn out to be. But somewhere, Louis and Leon still keep their hopes open. Until they hear from their sons, they don''t want to rely on pictures.

    There was only bitterness as everyone left for their homes.

    ....

    The next day..

    In the room full of familiar people, Jasper and Andrew were ring at each other. If not, they have to maintain their image, both would be at their necks. Suddenly, their parents and friends brought them here for a talk. Both knew it must be rted to the incident that happened when they were teenagers. But they are not going to open their mouths if it is rted to it.

    ''''How long are you going to keep mum?'''' Andrew sighed, yawning. He yed video games for the whole night, and when he thought of waking up a littlete in the morning, his parents and surprised at the doorstep. To his annoyance, his mortal enemy is sitting next to him, and it irked Andrew.

    ''''What do you want to talk, dad? I am gettingte to the office.'''' Jasper''s frustration was evident in his face.

    ''''Umm..son..the thing is..'''' Louis pondered toe up with words, but hell no... How can he ask if his son likes Andrew?

    Just then, the doorbell ringed, silencing their thoughts. Kurt got up to open it, and his face looked as if it was hell-shocked as he saw Leena and Reese. He didnot invite these two. Why did theye here? ''''You..here?''''

    ''''Why are you here?'''' Leena questioned and stormed into the room along with Reese. On the other hand, Devin blinked his eyes to confirm it was Leena that just entered. Why did shee here?

    While all the eyes were on Leena, Andrew''s were on Reese. His eyes shone like night stars. Their eyes met, and Reese bashfully looked away. Andrew''s movements didnot go unnoticed by Jasper. He has the gall to sight his sister in front of him. If not for his parents, he would have dealt with him in his way.

    ''''Hi, Leena, Hi, Reese.'''' Lily warmly smiled at them.

    ''''Hi, aunty.'''' Reese smiled back at her.

    ''''Why did youe early in the morning, Leena?'''' Mabel asked.

    ''''Actually, aunty, I..'''' Caught red-handed, Leena didnot know to respond to her question. ''''I_I liked the dish Andrew told when west spoke. I thought of learning the recipe from him before he goes back to work.''''

    Devin raised an eyebrow at Leena''s dense alibi. She might havee here with a purpose, but what is it?

    ''''By the way, why are you all gathered up?'''' Leena questioned, looking at Devin, demanding an answer, but he shook his head. He decided to enjoy this show as a spectacr.

    ''''That''s what I have been asking them since they dragged me here,'''' Jasper added, his voice mocking as she turned to his parents. ''''Mom and dad, I am going. I can''t stay in a ce shit is sitting.'''' Jasper got up to walk out. He didnot care if Uncle Leon or Aunt Lily are hearing the curses directing at Andrew because they are used to it by now.

    ''''You sound better with your mouth closed, feces maker,'''' Andrew darkly chuckled.

    ''''I would have kicked you down, but I am afraid I would lose my shoe.''''

    ''''What did you say?'''' Andrew rose from his seat and held Jasper''s shirt. Without any shame, both started fighting.

    ''''Stop with your childish antics.'''' Kurt and Nick tried to free them, but nothing could stop them at the moment.

    ''''You are the first piece of bread, everybody touches you. but nobody wants you.'''' Andrew yelled.

    ''''Aunty, you should have swallowed this stupid when he was born.'''' Jasper said, looking at Lily.

    Lily: '''' ''''

    ''''Stop with your love drama, Andrew and Jasper,'''' Leena screamed at the top of her lungs. She had enough with the two love birds.

    Jasper and Andrew suddenly halted their movements. Did they hear correctly?

    ''''You act like cold-blooded enemies in front of everybody.'''' Leena continued when she sessfully gathered their attention.''''But inside the closed door, I know you will be bisecting your triangles."

    ''''I have never witnessed such kind of love-hate rtionship. Do you think we are fools not to notice your bedroom rodeos?''''

    Bedroom Rodeos? The news from Leena came as aplete shock to Jasper and Andrew.

 Chapter 312 - Flashback1

    A palpable tension raised in the room. Jasper and Andrew''s actions paused as if Leena''s words came as a bombshell hitting on them. Did she call us Bedroom rodeos? Jasper and Andrew released their grip on each other''s neck and turned to Leena to confirm if she meant her words.

    ''''Look, Andrew, and Jasper, I didnot mean to expose your dirty little secret in front of everybody.'''' Leena started, giving a pitying look at the love birds. ''''But you gave me no choice. In actuality, you love each other, but pretending to hate, is just irking me. Push, and pull games are not healthy in rtionships.''''

    Andrew, and Jasper: '''' ''''

    Both stood still; not a word spread out of their mouth. While both were processing Leena''s words into their brain, everybody in the house started imagining otherwise. Andrew''s and Jasper''s quietness filled everybody''s void puzzles. Reese''s pain was unbearable every time she took a breath. She guessed the result already, but the reality hit her hard. It was hard to digest. All the hopes that Leena raised have crashed down to crumbles today.

    ''''Andy, and Jasper, we are not ashamed of who you are.'''' Leon softly said and nudged his friend. As if they were in understanding terms, both approached their son''s who were dumbstruck, not aware of the hell happening in the room.

    ''''You have the right and the freedom to identify who you are and live as you choose,'''' Louis said. It''s hard to digest the truth, but he has no choice except to ept the fact. Nothing is important in front of his son''s happiness.

    Leon patted Andrew''s shoulder. Taking a deep breath, he started. ''''I am not ming you, son. You deserve to experience love fully_''''

    ''''What the rubbish are you talking about?'''' Annoyed, Andrew and Jasper pushed their father''s hands, keeping a distance.

    ''''You don''t know, or still pretending?'''' Leena appeared forward to give a clear exnation. Looking at the two, she exhaled a deep sigh before she started. ''''I know you both love each other ever since your school days, but at the same time, I know, you are not ready to leave your ego_''''

    ''"Wait...wait...wait...'''' Andrew stopped Leena''s thoughts then, and there. ''''Y_ou thought we are in l_ove!''''

    Putting an innocent face, Leena nodded her head. ''''Yes.''''

    Jasper, and Andrew: '''' ''''

    ''''Who the hell spread this false information?'''' Jasper roared, his voice tore through everyone''s ears, causing everybody to flinch. As if snakes crawled around his neck, goosebumps raised on Jasper''s skin when he looked at everybody''s brooding stares. What made them think in such a way?

    ''''Nobody, I have witnessed it with my own eyes,'''' Leena stated. ''''I have seen it in Seattle.''''

    What did she see? Andrew and Jasper shuddered, looking at each other if they misbehaved, but nothing such hit their brains.

    Clearing his throat, Kurt added. ''''E_ven I had watched you guys half-naked avatar when I came to visit Andy. Don''t try to hide anymore. We have discovered your secret rtionship.''''

    ''''Kurt!'''' Andrew screamed his name through gritted teeth. His hands were beginning to wring everyone''s neck, especially Leena, and Kurt, the origin of all misunderstandings. ''''We fought and ended up sshing water on each other yesterday. Nothing more.''''

    ''''So, you are not in a rtionship?'''' Leon asked for confirmation. As if a huge burden is lifted from his heart, he felt eased. But still, he wanted to rify.

    ''''We.are.not.in.any.rtionship.'''' Jasper enunciated each word, hitting his head. It must be Leena. She must have nted a seed of doubt on everybody''s brain and brought them here. Her brain will always imagine as if she is floating on boats. What on earth did she witness in Seattle?

    ''''I am actually, in _'''' Jasper seized his lips before Harley''s name slipped out of his mouth. He promised Harley not to reveal their rtionship until she is ready.

    ''''Then why do you fight always,'''' Kurt asked on behalf of everyone. It''s the answer they have been waiting to know.

    Jasper and Andrew kept mum for both don''t want to share the incident with anyone. Their thoughts transported back to the past when Jasper and Andrew were fifteen years old teenagers.

    ....

    shback..

    It was lunch-break; Two young boys, having finished their lunch, resting on thewn, happily chatting with each other.

    ''''Through thick, and thin, like bread, and butter.'''' Andrew sang softly, looking at his friend with a smile.

    ''''Over the hill, and in, like fish, and chips, I will always be around you,'''' Jasperpleted the song for him.

    ''''Fish and chips! What a wise pair of words you chose, Jaspee.'''' Andrewmented.

    ''''Bread and butter choice is also exceptional, Andy.'''' Jasper retorted.

    ''''Indeed.'''' Andrew nodded his head and smiled. ''''Do you know, our friends are jealous because we are very close to each other, especially Kurt and Wilbur.''''

    ''''Bless their delusional heart,'''' Jasper added. ''''And you, call me brother-inw.'''' Jasper corrected, to which Andrew nodded timidly. His friend has found about his feelings for Reese, and he was scared Jasper would disagree, but he actually encouraged him. It was a huge relief to Andrew.

    ''''When are you going to tell my sister about your feelings?'''' Jasper teased. His best friend, turning into a brother-inw, is something he is looking for in the future.

    ''''I am scared, Jazz.'''' Andrew exhaled a deep breath. ''''What if she doesn''t like me? What if she has a boyfriend?''''

    ''''You don''t need to worry about it,'''' Merrily, Jasper replied. ''''Reese is studying in an all-girls boarding school. You know how strict the school is. She doesn''t have time except for studying. No one woulde between us to be inws. Brother-inw''s ce is reserved for you alone.'''' Jasper grabbed Andrew''s hand and promised him.

    ''''You are the best, Jaspee.'''' Andrew''s eyes sparkled in happiness, already thinking ahead of his future with Reese.

    As both were engrossed, Jasper caught a whim of a girl approaching in his direction. In a sh, Jasper''s eyes glinted with humor. ''''Andy, can you go into the ss. I wille in a while.''''

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''Just go. I will tell youter.'''' Jasper nudged, but Andrew didnot move an inch.

    ''''You are hiding something from me?'''' Andrew questioned with suspicion.

    ''''I am not hiding_''''

    ''''Then what is it?'''' Andrew suspended Jasper''s thoughts.

    ''''Rachel ising to meet me,'''' Jasper whispered, and immediately Andrew''s eyes snapped in all the directions to look at her, and there she was. The fake beauty was walking towards them with a stic smile. What did his friend see in that stic beauty?

    ''''Are you_''''

    ''''Yes, you are right. We are dating.'''' Jasper unveiled.

    ''''When did it happen?'''' Andrew turned to his friend in pure horror. ''''Why didn''t you tell me?''''

    ''''Stop with your drama, Andy,'''' Jasper hushed his friend. ''''It''s not a big deal. I asked her out yesterday, and she said yes. As for not telling you, I have a reason.''''

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''Until now, I have dated around nine girls, and I had to break up with everyone for some reason,'''' Jasper answered without keeping a secret from Andrew. On the first day or the second day, something odd would happen to him, and they break-up. So, he decided not to reveal his tenth girlfriend to any of his friends. But Jasper cannot hold his secrets from Andrew for a long time. His mouth would automatically follow his words with Andrew around. ''''I feel someone is deliberately nning it. What do you think?''''

    Andrew swallowed hard, his muscles stiffened. Forcing a smile, he turned to his friend. ''''I_I don''t think it is. A_lright, Jazz...I will go into the ss. Come back, fast.''''

    Just when Andrew stood up, Jasper stopped him. ''''Take a look over that skinny Lillie''s ssroom. I heard she is talking with that scum Jaxon.'''' Jasper said. Despite his warnings, she is not listening to his words. It''s time to teach her lesson.

    ''''I will.'''' Andrew fastly slipped away the moment Rachel arrived.

    ''''Hey, Jasper.'''' Settling next to him, Rachel sweetly smiled at him, presenting a chocte cookie box in front of him. ''''I have baked it myself.''''

    ''''That''s so sweet of you, my dear Rachie.'''' Jasper yfully teased, taking the box from her hands. While doing so, he brushed his hands over Rachel''s. The girl blushed, turning scarlet red.

    ''''I_I hope you eat them all,'''' Rachel whispered, a bashful smile on her face.

    ''''I will.'''' Without breaking eye contact, Jasper muttered, enjoying the reactions of Rachel. He is not fond of choctes, but he knows someone would go crazy over them. He will give it to her after school. Their chatting was moving merrily, without knowing someone was fuming in ferocity on the other end.

    ....

    Having finished school, Andrew went home and freshened up. Just he settled on his bed and opened the y station to y video games, a teenage girl stormed into his room. As Andrew expected, she is on time. But he is not going to give in to her wishes today. ''''I can''t do this anymore_''''

    A stack of dor bills and along with it, a y station was thrown on the bed. The unboxed yStation looked tempting, and it instantly shut Andrew''s mouth for any protest.

    ''''As usual, ruin it..'''' The girl said.

 Chapter 313 - Flashback2

    Andrew jinxed the girl for ying with his weakness. She knew he liked video games and hit the weak spot. On one side, Andrew''s hands were itching to ept the offer, and on the other hand, he felt guilty that he has to betray his friend again. ''''I can''t do this, Harley. We are doing_''''

    ''''I will double the pay.'''' Harley''s words snapped into Andrew''s brain. She sessfully lured Andrew into her trap.

    ''''Double the pay? Where are you getting all the money?'''' Andrew eximed. It''s not that Andrew is poor, but his parents have restricted him to luxury essories, not turning him into a spoiled brat.

    ''''My money, my business.'''' Harley shrugged her shoulders responsively. It''s the pocket money from her brother, Devin. From the day he started his modeling career, Harley has plenty of money to put in her pocket.

    ''''We better stop before it esctes further, Harls,'''' Andrew added, although double payment tempted him. ''''Jasper suspects someone has a hand behind the ruined dates,'''' Andrew replied stonily. If Jasper learns the truth behind the ruined dates, Andrew would be dead meat in his friend''s hands.

    ''''He will never know the truth unless you or I tell him,'''' The young Harley held Andrew''s hand and shook it. ''''Please, Andy. Can''t you do this for your best friend''s sake?'''' Harley looked at him with her puppy eyes pleading Andrew.

    ''''Stop giving me those puppy-dog eyes.'''' Andrew pulled his hand, ring at her. ''''Fine! I will do it.''''

    ''''Yay!'''' Harley pinched Andrew''s cheeks with a giggle. ''''My sweet best friend.''''

    ''''Instead of all this drama, why can''t you tell your feelings to him?'''' Andrew mumbled, which didnot go unheeded by Harley.

    Casting her face down, Harley fidgeted over the hem of the dress in a sulk. From the day she remembers her childhood, Jasper is around her. Infact, she knows all her brother''s friends, but Harley sticks to Jasper like glue.

    Harley doesn''t know when her feelings started, but they are going deeper each passing day. When Harley heard Jasper is dating a girl, she cried for the whole night, her pillow drenched, but the tears don''t stop rolling at that time. The next day, she asked Andrew for help, and then Andrew joked, ''When there is ruin, ther is hope for happiness.'' Harley took his words seriously and made Andrew her scapegoat since then. Together, they have ruined nine dates. She will make sure it continues until she finds the courage to express her feelings.

    ''''Let''s give him a strong blow this time,'''' Andrew remarked. ''''With our powerful strike, he has to think twice before he considers dating another girl.''''

    Harley nodded her head, pleased with the co-operation and the support from Andrew. ''''Remember, we are doing it for our sake. You will be my future brother-inw, and you don''t want to get a wicked sister-inw for your wife, isn''t it?''''

    Andrew bobbed his head up and down in response. If that stic beauty girl like Rachel bes Reese''s sister-inw, she will not have a peaceful life. In his view, Harley is the best choice. He will ruin his friend''s dates for world peace.

    ''''It''s decided then. We are doing it again.'''' Harley''s face twinkled in delight. ''''Alright, it''s alreadyte. I will go home.''''

    Harley got up to depart. The moment she arrived downstairs, Lily called Harley for dinner, but Harley hastily left with an excuse that her mother would beat her to death if she iste.

    Just when Harley arrived at the entrance, her breath hitched as she watched a boy parking his electric bicycle at the house entrance. Ignoring him, she tried to walk past him, but he caught her by the wrist.

    ''''Why did youe here?''''

    ''''Do I have to tell everything to you?'''' Harley snapped.

    ''''How long I have to bear your cold war?'''' Jasper questioned.

    ''''I didnot ask you to,'''' Harley stubbornly replied, looking everywhere except at Jasper''s eyes. Harley pulled her hand from his clutches, and not before she took a step forward, Jasper stopped her.

    ''''What_''''

    Wordlessly, Jasper bent down, squatting in front of her.''''When will you learn to tie shoces properly?'''' Jasper chided, knotting the loosenedces of her left shoe. Coming to stand, Jasper said. Off you go now.'''' With that, he walked past her.

    Not until Jasper was out of her sight, Harley let out a shaky breath.

    ...

    On the other hand, Jasper wondered if he had made a mistake that made Harley distance him. With thoughts around, he walked into Andrew''s bedroom. ''''You purchased another y station?'''' Jasper asked as he looked at the unboxed gift on the bed.

    ''''It''s a gift from Harley,'''' Andrew proudly stated without knowing he sprouted a jealousy seed on Jasper.

    ''''Oh,'''' Was the short reply from Jasper. A source of envy budded on his mind. He wanted to take Andrew to a gift shop to buy a present for Rachel, but his mood dampened seeing the gift box. He can''t digest Harley giving a gift to someone other than him. With homework as an excuse, Jasper left for home, cursing at Harley.

    ....

    The following day, Andrew waited for a chance, and the moment Jasper walked out of the ss, he nced at his friends. Kurt and Wilbur were cackling like Hynes over aic. Austin was flirting with a girl. Devin is in another world, smiling like a fool for no reason.

    Andrew scanned the room for onest time, and in a split second, he slipped a small remote transmitter into Jasper''s bag. He put it in thestyer of the bag, where Jasper doesn''t put it for use.

    The evening arrived, Harley and Andrew disguised themselves and went into the cafe. Both settled at the corner, where they can spot Jasper. Although their voices were hushed, Harley could still hear them.

    ''''How did you like the choctes I gave?'''' Rachel asked as she picked the burger from the food te.

    ''''They are lovely, Rachie,'''' Jasper said, winking at her.

    Harley rolled her eyes at the scheming Jasper. Lovely, my foot! He has given all the choctes to her while going home. ''''Andy, start the game!'''' Harley ordered. He will never go and date a girl after today''s incident.

    ''''Yes.'''' Andrew opened the remote controller, ready to hit the button when the timees.

    Meanwhile, Jasper pushed the food tray in front of Rachel and gently spoke up. ''''Eat the burger. I heard you love them.''''

    ''''Thank you, Jasper.'''' Rachel blushed, taking the burger into her hands. Just as she was about to put it in her mouth...

    FRAAAP

    Rachel froze when she heard a short farting from Jasper''s. Jasper looked around, and thanked gods that the sound was not intense. His enemy started his game again.

    ''''I_I will get you another one.'''' Jasper said, and just when Jasper got up...

    FRAAAP

    This time, it was a roaring fart, which grabbed the attention of the people sitting nearby.

    In fear, Jasper immediately sat on the chair. Who is doing this to me? A woman sitting across them rose from the seat and left, throwing a sickening stare at Jasper. When you cry, nobody notices. When you are happy, nobody sees the smile most of the time. But when you fart. Just one time is enough....

    ''''A_re you okay?'''' Rachel asked awkwardly. Watching the brooding stares from the people, she wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. Now, she understood the reason Jasper''s girlfriends broke up on the first day or second day.

    ''''Yeah. Yeah. I am fine.'''' Jasper briskly nodded his head to convince himself.

    ''''I will bring you another one.'''' He added. In every step he took, Jasper was extra careful. He was sure someone is ying tricks on him again. Who could it be? Every time, the enemyes up with a new n, which he is not aware. Last time, he suffered loose motions, and now he is humiliating himself.

    In between his thoughts, Jasper reached the table. In his dazed state, he didnot notice a ketchup sachet dropped to the floor. With a sigh, he ced the tray on the table to pick the ketchup. Just when Jasper squatted....

    FRAAAAP

    This time, the sound was so intense that it reached the corners of the cafe.

    ''''Oh, man!'''' A man just took a bite of pizza at the adjacent table screamed. Throwing a deathly stare at Jasper, he stormed out of the room, leaving the food te aside.

    Jasper''s lips pursed by suppressed fury. He rolled his neck to relieve the building tension and then looked at Rachel, her face inept and expressionless. ''''I_Rachel_''''

    ''''Let''s break up, Jasper. I am leaving.'''' Rachel grabbed her bag and stormed out of the cafe before making a fool out of herself in front of all the people.

    ...

    On the other hand, Andrew grinned, putting the remote controller of the fart machine into his bag. He bought an exclusive fart machine with the money Harley gave it to him. With today''s incident, his friend will never approach a girl. One of his jobs is done. The next task is to take back the remote controller before his friend finds out.. The disguised Andrew walked out of the cafe along with Harley without predicting his doom.

 Chapter 314 - Flashback3

    Jasper''s rage tore through his gut. His fists gripped tightly, calcting his n to pull the mask of the person responsible for his humiliation. It''s not the first time it happened. The evil-doer of his life knows every move of his and nned meticulously. Unlike before, Jasper concealed his rtionship status from all his friends except Andrew. Did that bbermouth puke it or someone eavesdropped when they were chit-chatting in the school?

    Without going to his house, Jasper went to meet Andrew. Only his best friend canfort him now. When Jasper stepped into Andrew''s bedroom, he noticed Andrew has just returned, judging by the school uniform he is still wearing. ''''Did you arrive just now? Where did you go after school.''''

    Andrew startled and swiftly turned around, listening to the owner of the voice. ''''You scared me, Jaspee.''''

    ''''I forgot that you are a scared goat,'''' Jasper sighed, sitting on the bed. ''''You didnot answer my question,'''' Jasper said, gazing at Andrew''s uniform.

    Andrew thought his friend doesn''t seem to stop questioning his whereabouts. Anyway, he has lots of stories in hand. ''''I am taking private tutoring lessons for Mathematics. So, I directly go to the tutor''s home after school.''''

    ''''You didnot tell me?'''' Jasper eximed, looking at Andrew keenly. So, everybody is busy with their careers except him.

    ''''You know, I hate that wicked woman''s sses. So, Mom forced me.'''' Andrew smoothly lied. To change the course of the topic, Andrew asked. ''''How did your date go with Rachel?'''' Andrew internally grinned when his friend''s face morphed into a darker shade.

    ''''I feel like I am a cursed soul, Andy,'''' Jasper exined the events that happened in the cafe, including Rachel''s breakup.

    ''''Who dares to humiliate my best friend.'''' Andrew''s voice raised to a pitcher, but internally, he was grinning like an idiot. ''''Don''t worry, Jaspee. I will find the person behind this and bring him to your knees.'''' Andrew dered. Bring him to his knees! He will make sure to bury all the evidence. First thing first, he has to take out the receiver from Jasper''s bag before his friend finds out.

    At first, Jasper nodded his head, but all at once, he snapped at Andrew. ''''How do you know the person is ''he'' or ''she''?''''

    Andrew ursed himself for slipping his tongue. Promptly, he looked at his friend, feigning innocence, and spoke up. ''''Think logically, Jaspee. All the girls you dated are gorgeous, and boys from our school go dandy over them. So, it must be a boy plotting against you.'''' Andrew concluded.

    Andrew''s logic made sense to Jasper. He nodded his head, acknowledging his friend''s reasoning. Whoever it is, he will bring the boy to ruins for humiliating him with every chance he gets. Brushing the thought aside, Jasper spent his time with Andrew for a while and left. He wanted to go to Devin''s house, but Harley''s cold shoulder bothered him. For the past month, his life has turned miserable. On one side, he lost girlfriends, and on the other side, Harley is not talking with him, which annoyed him. With a heavy heart, Jasper made his way to the house. He thought he could forget it, but the humiliation haunted him for the entire night without letting him catch a wink of sleep.

    ...

    The following day, Jasper met Rachel before the sses and warned her not to disclose the incident that happened in the cafe.

    ''I don''t want to bring my dignity to the roads by talking about the incident with my friends.'' Rachel said before she left.

    Her words tore through his chest. Never Jasper felt a humiliation as such. He stormed into the ss without ament. His friends tried to talk with him, but he has no mood to reply to them.

    ''''What''s wrong, Jasper? Are you not well?'''' Devin asked and looked for Andrew, but he was not in the ss. He is the only one who will be knowing everything about Jasper.

    ''''Yes, I observed it. Your behavior is strange since morning,'''' Wilburmented.

    ''''Yo, bro.'''' Austin joined, sitting next to Jasper. ''''Are you worried about your break up with Mia?''''

    ''''No,'''' Jasper sighed deeply. ''''Just that, I am not in a mood to attend sses. I am not well. I want to go home.''''

    ''''I will drop you. Let''s go.'''' Wilbur offered. He can skip the evil doer''s mathematics ss with this excuse.

    Jasper hummed in response, and not before he stepped out of the ss, Andrew arrived holding a stack of books. ''''Where are you going!'''' Andrew asked; his sole concentration was on the bag alone. To retrieve it before Jasper finds it.

    ''''Home,'''' Wilbur said.

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''I am not in a mood to attend the sses, Andy,'''' Jasper said.

    ''''I will apany you.'''' Andrew offered. If he can go along with Jasper, he can take out the remote control without nting a doubt on him.

    ''''Don''t think I do not see your tricks. You are seeking a chance to escape from Mathematics ss, right?'''' Wilbur yelled at his friend. He will not let this chance slip out of his hands.

    ''''No_''''

    ''''Go inside the ss,'''' Wilbur screamed and led Jasper out of the ss.

    Andrew kicked the table as his tension grew up to his pits. On one side, he doesn''t want to fear because there is a slight chance that his friend finds the remote transmitter inside his bag. His mind was in a mess, just like Jasper. But when the evil Mathematics teacher entered, all his focus shifted to her. She will not refrain from whipping Andrew in front of the whole ss if he doesn''t concentrate on her lectures.

    Right after the sses ended, Andrew rushed to Harley''s ssroom and waited for her. The moment she was out, he dragged her to thewn. ''''What happened? Did you take that out from Jasper''s bag?''''

    ''''No,'''' Andrew exined about Jasper''s departure before he voiced his proposal. ''''We will go to Jasper''s house right now. You distract him, and I will take the remote transmitter from his bag.''''

    ''''We are not in talking terms_''''

    ''''If he stumbles upon it, he would kill me. Do you want him to know the truth?''''

    ''''No, no.'''' Harley shook her head. ''''Let''s go then.'''' Both traveled to Jasper''s home, but the boy in question was not in the house.

    ''''You must havee directly from the school?'''' Mabel said, noticing their uniforms. ''''I have made your favorite cookies and asked him to deliver them to you.''''

    Andrew and Harley thanked the gods for letting a beautiful opportunity. Giving an excuse to borrow the book, Andrew entered Jasper''s bedroom. To his relief, the device was still in the bed. Like a cat, he slipped it into his pocket and stormed out.

    ''''Harley,'''' Mabel called up, to which Harley turned her heels and smiled at her. ''''Yes, aunty?''''

    ''''You haven''t met my daughter, Reese, right? She ising today for vacational holidays.'''' Mabel said. ''''Stay for a while. I will introduce you to her.''''

    Andrew''s eyes sparkled at the mention of Reese, but Harley threatened him to control his curiosity. Addressing Mabel, Harley said. ''''I have urgent work, Aunty, but I willeter.''''

    ''''Don''t forget.''''

    Harley sweetly smiled at Mabel and then dragged Andrew along with her.

    Like robots, both were hurrying from school to Jasper''s home and now running to Andrew''s home. As they cut in at the junction, where Andrew''s house was three steps away, fear swallowed them as they noticed Jasper arriving in the opposite direction.

    To their dread, they noticed something in his hands. The fart machine! Andrew and Harley swallowed hard. Jasper''s bloodshot eyes ignited the fear. How did he find it?

    ''''Jasper_''''

    Andrew''s word froze in his throat when a punchnded on his face.

 Chapter 315 - Flashback Ends

    A while ago..

    Jasper had a nap to remove unwanted thoughts from his mind aftering from school. He woke up in the evening and went to the kitchen to fill his stomach. ''''What''s special today?'''' He asked his mom, tasting a cinnamon cookie that his mother baked. ck bean salsa, chocte chips, everything is his sister''s favorite. Now Jasper realized. His sister ising home for vacation.

    ''''Reese ising home, right? So, I have made her favorites,'''' Mabel said, packing the cookies into a box and handed to Jasper. ''''Go, and give these to Andrew. He loves chocte chips which I make.''''

    Jasper smiled and drove to Andrew''s house. Unlike every day, he got a chance to spend time with Aunt Lily. In between their talks, Andrew''s Mathematics tutoring sses came into the picture. Jasper was shocked to hear that Lily has no idea of his sses. Then why did Andrew lie?

    Something is wrong. With Lily''s permission, Jasper went into Andrew''s bedroom and searched the cupboard, and he found a beard, mustache. ''''Why is he keeping weird things?''''

    Jasper found strange things in one of the drawers to his further search: Medical pills, y stations, Fart machine...Jasper''s eyes widened in surprise. ''''A_ndrew.. He was the one who yed the prank?''''

    Grabbing the device, Jasper charged out of the room to directly go to school to confront him. But to his luck, Andrew was just three steps away from him. His anger even rose to pitches seeing Harley tagged along with him.

    ''''Jasper_''''

    Before Andrew uttered a word, a punchnded on his face silencing his thoughts, sending Andrew to the ground. Before Andrew picked up himself, Jasperid another punch on Andrew''s jaw. ''''Was it you?'''' Jasper screamed, raising the fart machine so that Andrew could see his work.

    ''''Jasper, please listen to_''''

    ''''Why did you do it?'''' Jasper barked, straddling Andrew''s torso.

    Harley panicked and tried to stop their fights. ''''Jasper, please don''t

    ''''You stay out of this!'''' Jasper''s roaring voice made Harley cringe in terror.

    ''''Why did you betray me, bastard! What have I done to you to humiliate me?'''' Jasper screamed and held his throat. Andrew coughed, unable to breathe, blood drained from his face.

    ''''Jasper, please. Don''t hit him.'''' With all her might, Harley pushed Jasper, but to no avail. In the third attempt, she knocked him to the ground.

    ''''Harley, I told you to stay out of this,'''' Jasper yelled.

    ''''What has gone into you?'''' Harley shouted as she looked at the surroundings. Slowly, people woulde and make a scene if Jasper keeps acting like a mad man. ''''Are you nning to kill him?"

    ''''All my girlfriends broke up, and the sole responsible is this culprit.'''' Jasper pointed his finger at Andrew.

    ''''Stop ming him when you don''t know the truth,'''' Harley spoke up, her voice trembling. ''''I was the one who asked him to ruin your dates.''''

    ''''W_hat?'''' Jasper''s eyes widened, his voice shaky, disbelieving. ''''Why did you?''''

    Without looking at Jasper, Harley helped Andrew to get up.

    ''''Why did you do it, Harley.'''' Jasper pushed Andrew to the ground. ''''I am not letting you leave without giving me_''''

    ''''Because I like you, and jealousy overstepped me to do all sort of evil things.'''' Harley screamed, letting out her feelings finally. ''''Happy? Now, will you leave us in peace?''''

    Dropping a bomb at Jasper, as if nothing happened, Harley guided Andrew to his home, leaving Jasper speechless.

    ....

    When they walked inside the house, Lily screamed in horror, watching his son with bruises. ''''Andy, what happened?''''

    ''''He fought in school, aunty. Fret not; I will take care of him.''''

    ''''Hold on, I will get a first aid box.''''

    Harley led Andrew to the bedroom, holding the first aid box. Wiping her tears, she pressed the cold pack on his swollen jaw. ''''Does it pain?''''

    ''''A little,'''' Andrew smiled.

    ''''I am sorry, Andy. It''s all my fault. I created a rift between you two.''''

    ''''You started again?'''' Andrew sighed, pulling her from the squat position. ''''Don''t worry. I know about his anger.'''' Wiping her tear stains, Andrew smiled. ''''Watch, and see, everything will settle to normal by tomorrow morning.''''

    ''''I hope.'''' Harley hoped Andrew and Jasper would reconcile soon.

    While she was tending, Andrew dozed off when fatigue kicked in, and Harley also left for home.

    ....

    The following day, when Andrew stepped out of the house, Jasper was waiting at the doorstep. ''''Jaspee_''''

    ''''Don''t call me with my nickname, monkey fellow.'''' Jasper interrupted. ''''You know Harley likes me, but you didnot n to tell me. You betrayed me and made me aughing stock in front of all my girlfriends.'''' Harley''s confession made him restless for the whole night.

    ''''Hey!'''' Andrew sighed when his friend started again. ''''It was all_''''

    ''''I am not here to listen to your pleas.''Mark my words. I will be the satan of your love life. Get ready for the torture.'''' Jasper said and left.

    True to his words, Jasper didnot let Andrew see his sister, tortured him by ying pranks every chance he gets.

    shback ends...

    .....

    Everybody in the hall waited, anticipating Jasper or Andrew will reveal the incident that caused a rift between them, but both kept mum. Jasper was embarrassed to share the story, while Andrew was ashamed to tell everyone the weird things he did. Sure, they would call themughing stocks.

    ''''It already happened; why do you want to know now?'''' Jasper muttered, ncing at the crowd. ''''We have cleared your doubts already.''''

    ''''Alright, alright, you don''t need to share if you are notfortable. I am happy that you are not in a rtionship,'''' Louis said.

    ''''So, whatever you confessed was true, Andy?'''' Leon asked. ''''You have someone in heart?''''

    Another bomb dropped. For a split second, Andrew and Reese''s eyes met before tearing away.

    ''''What?'''' Kurt hollered. ''''You like a girl?''''

    Jasper''s icy stares bored into Andrew, making it hard not to back away. Has this monkey revealed to Uncle Leon? So, this is his n, and that''s why he didnot tell Harley''s secret. Jasper stared at Andrew; his eyes carried a threat. If Andrew opens his mouth, there is no way their parents will reject it. Both are the closest families. He has to stop before that. ''''Let''s talk about it some other time,'''' Jasper said. ''''It''s not_''''

    ''''You can go to the office if you are not interested, Jasper,'''' Leena suspended his thoughts. ''''We are all curious to know Andy''s love .'''' If Jasper and Andrew are not in a rtionship, the girl is definitely Reese. The way Andrew looked at Reese on that day, at her....

    ''''Who is it, Andrew?''''

    ''''She is...'''' Andrew briefly nced at Jasper and then turned his eyes in one particr direction.

 Chapter 316 - Venomous Snake

    Reese''s heartbeat paced at an rming rate. Andrew is at an inch range from her, and for the first time, she is watching him at a close distance, and it felt beautiful. When did hee here? Just now, she saw him standing next to her brother.

    ''''I like Reese,'''' Andrew confessed. Reese''s could hear her own heart beat. Did I hear correctly?

    The equally shocked were the people in awe except for Jasper when Andrew stood in front of Reese.

    ''Andy likes, Reese!'' Kurt wondered.

    ''The girl Andrew likes is Reese?'' Wilbur gaped.

    When Andrew took Reese''s hand, Reese''s senses stamped out. If Andrew were in his sights, he would have definitely noticed her damp hands, but Andrew was equally tensed. It has taken a whole lot of courage to stand in front of Reese and express his feelings. Andrew gently gazed into her eyes and smiled, which took Reese''s breath away. ''''We have not conversed much, but I liked you since long back, Ree. Every love story has a viin, and mine is your brother. So, I didnot get the chance to express my feelings'''' Andrew shamelessly threw the me on Jasper.

    Leena and all others cast her venomous little eyes at Jasper, and thetter looked away; Jasper''s gazended on the remote controller lying on the table. The non-living thing was most attractive than these evil eyes. ''Annoying Monkey fellow, you not only dared to propose to my sister in front of my family and friends but also to shift the me on me? Let everyone goes out of the house. I will deal with you personally.''

    ''''I never had the chance to approach you and express my feelings because your brother was constantly destroying my ns. So, I kept my feelings bottled inside. I_I like you, Ree. I know it''s all rush, but I may not get a better chance to tell my feelings. You don''t need to answer me today. Take your time. I will wait for you.''''

    Reese was taken back at the sudden confession. Before she opened her mouth, Andrew was gone. He was standing next to his father. Reese wanted to tell that she shares the same feelings, but her courage is shortpared to Andrew''s. ''He likes me! Andrew also likes me, and not my brother!'' Reese felt today is the happiest day in her life.

    Leena gently knuckle-pped, and rushed to Devin''s side, and gave him a side hug. ''''They are cute.'''' She whispered into his ears. Devin shook his head, pulling her closer, a faint smile on his lips.

    ''''My Andy is such a brave boy.'''' Leon dered proudly. ''''I am proud of you, son.''''

    ''''Leon, so, are we going to be inws?'''' Louis grinned.

    ''''Only if Reese likes Andy'''' Lily joined them. ''''Let her give some time. This is all too rushed for her.''''

    ''''You can take your time_''''

    ''''I am not going to approve of this rtionship.'''' Jasper butted in. ''''I will not give my sister to this betrayer_.''''

    Jasper paused his thoughts when everybody got up, ready to leave. ''''Dad, mom, listen to me. This monkey is_''''

    ''''Neither we have time nor energy to listen to your rantings,'''' Louis said, closing the door shut.

    Jasper''s eyes turned to his sister, who was standing like a statue. Before he reached her to brainwash his sister, Leena forcefully dragged her out of the house, knowing that Jasper would try to manipte her mind. Finally, Jasper was left alone... no, his mortal enemy is still with him. ''''Hold your horses, monkey fellow, I will not let you win. Just because you got permission from my parents, you haven''t seeded. Ultimately, it''s my decision.''''

    ''''Look, Jasper..sorry, future brother-inw.'''' Andrew corrected their rtionship to pique Jasper''s already raged mes.

    ''''Stop calling me brother-inw_.''''

    ''''Why, you were the onepelled me to call you brother-inw. Don''t you remember?'''' Andrew reminded him of their old memories. ''''I don''t understand where you get the confidence to separate us. By proposing to your sister today, I have already won half the battle. Just watch, and see, I will be your brother-inw soon.''''

    ''''Only if my sister likes you back, but does she? She will never like a betrayer like you.''''

    Andrew ignored Jasper''s bombasts and spoke up. ''''If Reese had no feelings, she would have rejected me on the spot. But she didnot.'''' Tersely, Andrew said. ''''So, I still have a chance.'''' Andrew knew he is bluffing totle Jasper and make himselffortable, But he will not give up. He has to take Leena''s help and know if she is dating a girl or a in rumor.

    ''''Now, if you can get out of my house, I will have to get ready for the office, brother-inw.'''' Having said that, Andrew walked into his bedroom. His time hase.

    Jasper''s eyes glowed with savage fire. Wordlessly, he stormed out of the house and closed the door with a loud bang.

    ....

    Along with Reese, Leena entered a cafe to have a personal chat with her. She sent Devin away, assuring him that she would take care of herself. ''''Why didn''t you tell your feelings to him, Reese?''''

    ''''I_I got scared, Leena.'''' A panic of fear seized Reese at the sudden confession from Andrew. Until now, she had thought, Andrew likes her brother, but he has dropped a bomb dering his feelings to her. So many things happened in a single day. So, it was all her brother''s doing? Poor Ree, he suffered a lot in Jasper''s hands.

    ''''Good thing that you didnot confess right away.'''' Leena hinted, which Reese didnot catch.

    ''''What?''''

    ''''Alright, let me exin to you clearly. If you had confessed your feelings, your parents and Andrew''s parents would have fixed your marriage right away.''''

    ''''Oh.. but..but...it''s happy news, isn''t it, Leena?'''' Reese asked. At the thought of marriage with Rew, Reese timidly smiled.

    ''''No.'''' Leena denied. ''''Have you ever had a proper conversation except greeting each other? No.. Firstly, go on a trip with him, and then you live together_.''''

    ''''Living together.'''' Reese cried in exasperation. ''''Jasper will kill me, Leena.''''

    ''''Your brother is a venomous snake.'''' Leena sighed. '''' We will think of a solutionter. For now, let''s be happy that your line got cleared.'''' Leena felt bad for assuming Jasper and Andrew as a friend of Dorothy''s. It''s not her fault; their actions proved otherwise.

    ''''Indeed.'''' Reese smiled in peace. Just then, she received a message, and Reese ignored it, seeing it was from her brother. What happened in the past that he is holding a deep grudge against Rew? Both are childish.

    While Leena and Reese were conversing, Leena received a message. [From Andrew: Sister, do you have time in the evening? I need to talk with you]

    What does he want to talk about? His line is already cleared.. Leena replied to his message.[Okay, brother]

 Chapter 317 - Rough Or Dirty

    Andrew''s heart leaped up in joy as he stepped out of Devin''s house. He hase here to ask about the rumor floating in the office. To his relief, Leena confirmed Reese is not into girls. Leena wanted to y with him for a while by falsifying the truth, but she felt bad for the poor guy this time. He has already suffered from Jasper''s wrath, and adding a burden will not help him take the load of stones. She confessed the truth this time.

    ''''Probably, you found another passion for earning money.'''' Leena spun around to see the voice owner, and what she did not expect was his sulking face.

    ''''What is it?'''' cing a finger on her lips, she probed curiously.

    ''''Matchmaking services. Broker Leena''s matchmaking services. How is the name of your futurepany?'''' Devin asked. Francis, Reese, and next? He wondered who would be the next on her list.

    ''''Marriage Brokers are very sacred people. They try hard to unite two, unlike poles.'''' She added. ''''And you have very cheap creativity in naming.''''

    ''''Nothing can bepared to the doggie style''s poop services in your eyes, isn''t it?'''' In a sarcastic tone, he mocked and led her to the bed. Laying down, Devin pulled her into his arms.

    Leena bobbed her head up and downzily. Lack of sleep to console Reese made her torpid to argue with Devin anymore. ''''I want to take a shower, but I am toozy.'''' She pouted, lying on Devin''s chest.

    ''''Don''t worry, Sweetheart. I will help you.'''' Devin offered, and without heeding her response, he lifted and carried her to the bathroom. ''''No, Devin..you will mess it up.'''' Cried, Leena.

    ''''Don''t you like when I mess it up? When I help you shower...'''' Devin turned on the shower; water dripped from the showerhead, the sprinkles slowly drenched their bodies. ''''Spread your legs for me, Leena.'''' It was not a request, amand, yet the gentleness in his voice didnot drop. Willingly, her legs opened for him while his hands worked on their clothes. ''''I missed being inside you.'''' He uttered, nipping the hollow of Leena''s neck, her low, seductive moan fueled his desire. Her wet body, his heart in fire, their heart beat-synced. His only desire was to decorate her body with his warm mouth.

    ''''You are torturing me.''''

    ''''Don''t you like that side of me...''''He paused, raising her leg high above, and ced her foot on his shoulder, his gaze focused on her sensual eyes, ready for him. What would be her reaction if he stops here? ''''Shall we stop here, sweetheart?'''' He teased. ''''I am patient_''''

    ''''Don''t stop, Devin, please..'''' Leena began to moan and sunk her nails onto Devin''s back when his hands sneakily went inside to tease her wet folds. ''''Talk to me...dirty...I love when you tell me all the things you want to do to me.''''

    ''''Little vixen..you have turned into a pro in seducing me...'''' He grunted, exploring her with his wet hands, his breath rasping murmur. ''''Which one you want? Rough sex or dirty talk?''''

    ''''What if I want both?'''' Leena challenged, and in a split second, he went down to her honey pot. Her thoughts too fazed to discern his wolfish thought, slowly emptying her every drop.

    ....

    While the couple had a blissful evening, on the other end, it was a mess. Pacing back and forth in his room, Enger had a hard time dealing with his thoughts. Nash is under tight observation. At least when Devin was in the hospital, Enger had an excuse to meet Leena, but now Devin went home, he feels restless. To his annoyance, Leena has not yet resumed her work in the office.He wished Devin would have died in that assassination attempt. Next time, he will straight away aim for his head.

    Enger closed his eyes to catch a wink, but when a girl''s smiling face leaped in, a smile brought on his lips. ''''When will youe to me, Leena? I hate waiting, but if waiting means being with you, I will wait for you. forever.'''' Waiting for her to remove his rottenyers, waiting for her to read his mind, hold his hand, and say Leena is his. Enger wished he had the courage to approach Leena when she was a little girl. By now, she would have been his, not married to that bastard.

    His thoughts evaded when he received a call on his private number. No mood to talk, he slid the red button, but the caller continued ringing. Reluctantly, he picked it up. ''''What?'''' Enger''s voice had an edge of irritation. ''''I said not to disturb in the evening hours.''''

    ''''Sorry to interrupt, sir, but I have important news to deliver to you.'''' Enger heard one of his trusted men speak.

    ''''What is it?'''' He asked impatiently.

    ''''We have news from Russia.'''' The man continued. ''''Morvena has just boarded the ne, and she will bending in New York tomorrow.''''

    The news crashed Enger like a bombshell. His grip on the phone tightened. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Marja Morvena! Why is sheing to New York? She promised never to step her foot here, and she lived up to her word until today. What''s her purpose? She might havee for surgery, there is a possibility, but he cannot take the risk.

    ''''Did you find about her purpose ofing here?'''' Enger asked.

    ''''No, sir! Her schedule was tightly packed, but she canceled all the appointments for the whole month at thest minute.''''

    ''''Alright, I will take care of it.'''' With that, Enger ended the call.

    One month! What are you nning, Morvena? Everything is sailing smoothly in his life, and her appearance will lead to disasters if he is not careful. It''s time to talk to her. Enger texted Nash''s private number.. [To Nash: Morvena ising to New York. Disguise yourself, and bring her straight to me the moment shends in New York]

 Chapter 318 - Old Habits Die Hard

    The message that he just received from Enger chilled Nash''s blood. He doubted Morvena''s purpose ofing to New York was of purely business. Nash couldn''t grasp Enger''s anxiety over Morvena''s visit to New York, but he has a point to fear because, for the first time, he made a mistake without Enger''s knowledge. If his friend knows, he can''t imagine how painful his suffering would turn out.

    A little relief was that Enger informed about Morvena beforehand. He can talk with her when he learns her purpose. Nash let the matter aside andid down on the bed. From the day Leena investigated him, she is suffocating him, posing tight security around him. He doesn''t know if he has to feel pity or fear for his friend. If Leena finds about the truth.... Nash held his cheek when the memory of her ps resounded in his mind. He has to press the cold pack for two consecutive days. ''''She is a riot,'''' Nash muttered, twitching his face, but at the same time, he started to feel a soft corner for Leena when he understood her point of view. An assassination attempt on her husband would have devastated her obviously. One thing was clear, Leena loves Devin, and nothing is gonna ever change despite Enger''s futile attempts to separate Leena and Devin.

    He wanted Enger to stop this nonsense, but that man is hell-bent on getting Leena, and he is ready to pay any price. When will this end? Brushing the thoughts aside, Nashid down on the bed to catch his sleep. He has to get up early in the morning to bring that Russian blondie and deliver her to him.

    ....

    The following day, Nash sneaked out of the house from the backdoor. Disguising himself, he waited for Morvena at the airport. Soon, he spotted an opulent blondie stepping into a cab; her fascinating figure cloaked the rest of the crowd she mingled. Not before the car moved a far cry, a man stopped the car and stepped into the front seat.

    ''''Excuse me, who are you? This is a private cab I booked. Can you please step out!'''' Her deep voice, in an obnoxious way, imposed into the front seat.

    ''''Driver, please, ask him to step out.'''' Seeming the dumb y of the driver, she was about to open the door when she heard the opposite end of the car door open, followed by a voice.

    ''''There is no point of fighting, Morvena. Enger knows you are in New York.''''

    Morvena jarred at the mention of Enger''s name. She then nced at the man sitting next to her, not surprised to see him here. ''''Doesn''t your minion have any other work, except keeping an eye on me?'''' She addressed Nash, her voice blended with a mockery. She didnot expect that monster to follow her every single move. She canceled her appointments at thest minute and boarded the ne without informing anyone, but still, she ended up in Enger''s clutches.

    ''''Start the car.'''' Nash addressed the driver instead and then turned to Morvena. Clearing his throat, he started. ''''About_''''

    ''''Later.'''' She whispered, wary of the bodyguards sitting in the front seat. She knows what he is trying to speak.

    Nash briefly nodded his head. Indeed, it''s not time to talk with Morvena when the guards are around. The car reached the destination in utter silence. Morvena closed her mouth at the foul stinking smell as she walked down the path. With lights turned off, her degree of vision blurred, but she did notice a figure sitting in the center of the room when the wind fluttered, causing the swivel chair to sway.

    ''''What''s the purpose of bringing me here?'''' She demanded, getting straight to the point. This man should have born in the dark ages. Why does he keep scaring people from darkness?

    ''''Curb your anger, sister-inw. I am only here to wee you. I hope you had a safe journey?'''' The lights flicked instantly, and the bodyguards walked out, closing the door shut at Nash''s cue.

    ''''Our rtionship ended the moment you killed my cousin,'''' Morvena stated, looking into his eyes.

    ''''Ah, you read the mail I sent?'''' Enger chuckled and turned to face Nash. ''''Leave us alone for a while.''''

    Nash nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him.

    ''''Why are you here, Morvena?'''' Enger''s serious tone aimed at her. ''''You promised not to return to this ce after that incident. Why now?''''

    ''''Why did you do that?'''' She questioned back; her hands trembled, and her mouth quivered when she spoke up.

    ''''Which one?'''' Enger slightly shrugged. ''''Are you referring to your cousin''s death or your man''s assassination_''''

    ''''Winter.'''' She cut him off, snubbing Enger inanity. Her heart still seared in pain when the memories of his pale face on the hospital bed pped in front of her eyes, but she quickly concealed her emotions. Not in front of this monster. Everyone''s life a child y for Enger, except that woman''s. It was a close call. She was about toe to New York to bring his life back at any cost, but he survived. No one knows how happy she felt on that day.

    ''''Unlike you, I have no control over death,'''' Enger emphasized. ''''Winter was destined to die at an early age_''''

    ''''Your past interfered with her destiny, and she ended up dying for your infatuation over that woman.'''' She corrected him.

    ''''You are right.'''' cing a cigarette at the corner of his mouth, his long fingers searched the pockets and finally emerged with a match. ''''My theory is simple. Burn the past, turn the page, and move on. Winter is the weed in my beautiful garden that I had to get rid of.'''' Enger uttered, and just when he lit the cigarette, Leena''s words got over him. Immediately, he threw it on the floor, stubbing with the heel of his shoes.

    ''''Old habits die hard, isn''t it?'''' Enger snickered, ncing at Morvena''s stiff face. ''''You know..I had a severe obsession with smoke, and it was Winter who told Leena hates smokers. Quite useful she was for that. I had to try hard to get rid of this habit, but sometimes, people like you increase my anxiety and stress, and unknowingly, my old habits surface.''''

    She wondered if monsters are also capable of love. Why? An example is sitting in front of her. ''''You are obsessed with her in a creepy way.'''' Morvena snapped at him.

    ''''So, are you for him, isn''t it?'''' Enger calmly asked. ''''Perhaps, you don''t know, or you ignored, I know everything that happened between you and him on that night.''''

    For a split second, Morvena was caught in a blow. How did he know about it?

    ''''Caught off guard?'''' Enger predicted her reaction. ''''Anyway, I don''t have time to discuss your adult affairs.''''

    ''''Go back to Russia. Don''t appear in front of him, and re-open the old wounds to examine their origins. Leave them healed.'''' Engermanded. ''''The world will know what sort of mastery they got in their hands if I expose your truth. Do you want to end up like your mother?''''

    ''''Why are you doing this, Enger?'''' Morvena dropped on her knees in a sobbing mess. ''''You don''t let me see him. You don''t let me talk to him. Do you know how hard it was? Now, I lost Devinpletely to her.''''

    ''''As I said, I will not let anyone he knows from the past intervene with his present, including you.''''

    ''''Was it any help to you?'''' Morvena questioned. ''''You lost Leena. She is with him, happily married.''''

    ''''His happiness will be short-lived. I know how to get my Leena back?"

    ''''What if he recovers his memories?'''' She questioned back.

    ''''He will never get back his memories. You assured me, and you will pay for it if that happens.'''' Enger rose from the seat and walked past the trembling woman. Before he opened the door, he nced at her over his shoulders. ''''Take the next flight to Russia. If I see you approaching him_''''

    ''''I am in New York for a purpose, and I will have to stay here for a month,'''' Morvena said. ''''I assure you, I will not make any attempt to approach him.''''

    ''''I don''t trust you. For the safer side, my men will keep a tight watch over you.'''' Enger said before he left.

    Morvena crumpled on the ground, crying out. Why did it have to end like this? Morvena wiped her tears when she heard the approaching footsteps. She got up from the ground and turned around.

    ''''Did something happen?'''' Nash asked, studying her expressions. Morvena and Enger share a deep secret, and they end up fighting every time they meet up. What happened between them?

    ''''No.'''' She half-smiled at him to cover the lies. ''''Tell me. You wanted to discuss something in the car.''''

    Bolting the door, Nash approached Morvena and asked in a hushed voice. ''''About Winter_''''

    ''''She is recovering. Thanks for delivering her to me.. She was still breathing when I received her."

 Chapter 319 - Dying In Fire

    Thest time Morvena had seen her cousin was four years back. Winter was happy, married to the monster despite Morvena''s objection.

    Morvena thought her cousin would be happy at least, but she got a call from Nash one fine night and informed her that he would send Winter to Russia, and she has to keep the truth off from Enger. And, she received her cousin in a state where she couldn''t recognize the woman. Never Morvena expected her cousin to be in such a state after seeing her in person. The bubbly girl she has always seen has turned sick to one''s stomach.

    ''''Please keep it as a secret from Enger,'''' Nash said, bringing Morvena out of her thoughts. He had to use all his resources to keep Winter''s life a secret from Enger. At least, he was happy that she is doing well under Morvena''s care.

    ''''I am not foolish to send her into the monster''s den again.'''' Replied Morvena crudely. ''''You proved humanity still prevails in Enger''smunity.''''

    ''''I only helped her because she is a good friend to me,'''' Nash corrected. ''''My loyalty always lies to Enger.''''

    Morvena scoffed, shaking her head at Nash''s absurdity. There is no use in talking with the dumb people. She excused herself and made her way out of the house. The driver who has kidnapped, and brought her here, dropped her at the hotel she will be staying for the whole month.

    Slumping on the bed, Morvena heaved a sigh of relief. ''''What a tiring day it is!'''' She eximed.

    There is no greater sorrow than to recall a happy time when miserable. The city brought her unwanted memories, bitter and sweet, memories of him. She unlocked her mobile to call her friend but ended up staring at the wallpaper. Tracing the picture with her long fingers, she muttered. ''''Will you remember me if I appear in front of you?'''' She scorned herself for having such a ridiculous thought. He will not remember. The days she spent with him were the best in her life. She will not ask much. But, once, at least, she wishes to see him before she goes back to Russia. She decided to meet him despite Enger''s warnings.Seminar and surgery were only a part of her work. To see him, and if possible, talk with him was a priority. Morvena then called her friend and got up to get ready for the seminar she has to present.

    ...

    ''''Devin!'''' Leena screamed in disbelief when half of the wardrobe was still filled with her dresses. ''''Why didn''t you pack all my clothes?'''' She demanded. They are shifting house today, and her annoying husband has left the things she most cares about.

    ''''You rarely wear a dress once worn. Then why keeping?''''Devin calmly replied, walking into the closet. ''''I am nning to send them to WD for recycling.''''

    ''''No way.'''' Leena denied offbeat. ''''But don''t you think you are behaving like a miser?''''

    ''''Can''t help. I am a businessman.'''' He countered and extended his hand. ''''Let''s go. I called a servant, and she will pack the remaining clothes.''''

    Smiling at him, Leena twined her arms onto his forearm instead and headed to the living room.Reese was busy packing some essentialmodities. Uncle Pumpkin was ying with Carrot. It was almost a month since Leena has seen Carrot. It was a summer break for Cutie, so she had Carrot''spany, and today her brother came and dropped her.

    ''''Carrot,'''' Leena called up, and immediately Carrot''s attention went to Leena.

    ''''I have bought a new dress. Go and get dressed. We are going to a new home today.'''' Leena then turned to Devin. ''''The dress is in the bedroom. Get her dressed.''''

    ''''N_o.'''' Devin shook his head. ''''P_lease, Leena. I_I am not yetfortable with her.'''' Like a lost puppy, Devin pleaded. Those teeth are hell scary. If it grabs his leg....

    ''''She is our family, Devin.'''' Leena turned to Carrot and softly said. ''''Take him, Carrot.''''

    Not before Carrot approached Devin, he fled into the bedroom. What''s wrong with him? Carrot''s ears ttened, and her tail high, moving it swiftly from side to side. It was a sign that she is angry. Everybody likes her except him. Carrot tried her best to behave, but still, Devin gives a cold shoulder which irked her. Even then, she followed Devin not to disappoint Leena.

    ''''I can''t believe the might Devin is scared of such a tiny creature.'''' Reese giggled.

    ''''He is a human with beautiful ws.''''

    Reese mimicked Leena in her tone, and thetter ignored her and turned to uncle Pumpkin.

    ''''Uncle Pumpkin, I am going to miss you.'''' Leena cried, her eyes ined in sorrow. She had a fun time with Uncle Pumpkin and Reese for four years. It''s hard, but life has to move on.

    ''''Likewise, Leena dear. '''' Uncle Pumpkin grinned. ''''My door will always be open for you.''''

    ''''So sweet of you. Thank you.'''' Leena returned a smile.

    ''''Alright, I have urgent work at the Office. I will have to go.'''' Uncle Pumpkin nced at Leena. ''''Keep in touch.''''

    After Uncle Pumpkin left, Reese''s eyes shifted to Leena. ''''I am sure he is going to visit Uncle William''s home.''''

    ''''Uncle William or his manager or some other..who knows?'''' Leena giggled and then shifted the conversation to the main topic.''''Did Andrew call you? He asked for your number.''''

    ''''Yes.'''' Reese shyly bit her bottom lip. ''''I talked with him for a while. He asked if we can meet. You are throwing a housewarming party next week. Can you invite him?''''

    ''''Hmmm..'''' cing her finger on her lips, she thought for a while and answered. ''''I will consider.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Just then, Reese received a call from her brother, and she went to speak. At the same time, Leena turned her heels to the bedroom, which shepletely forgot. When she entered the room, what she witnessed was a cute incident to remember. Devin was lying on the bed, throwing a ball onto the floor while Carrot picked it and brought it to him. Leena observed them ying with a sweet smile on her face. Happy that he is slowly trying to ovee his fear of dogs.

    ''''You don''t fear carrot anymore?'''' Leena asked.

    ''''I do.'''' Devin retorted. ''''That''s the reason I am maintaining a distance from her.''''

    ''''Alright, buddy. You can yter. You have to get ready.'''' Leena picked the dress from the bed, which Devin left unattended. ''''Come here. I will dress you up.''''

    Carrot threw the ball onto Devin''s chest and rushed to Leena. She likes dressing up, and right now, showing off her outfit to the new neighbors is more important than ying.

    ....

    A woman was sitting on the floor in a closed room, fixing a Vihu instrument with attention. Except for the asional ttering of the

    the tools, a sheer silencemanded until the mobile chime broke the silence.

    Over the shoulder, she briefly nced at the mobile lying aside her. Putting aside the tool kit, she picked the mobile, a deep frown on her face seeing the contact name. She rose from the floor and opened a secret door where it led to a small balcony. ncing at the sides, she picked the call. ''''I warned you not to call me through this number, Wilson.''''

    ''''I know Ruth, but public mobile booths are not always in reach considering how fast mobile technology has grown, You should understand this.'''' Wilson debated.

    ''''I am sorry.'''' She apologized for her sudden rudeness.

    ''''That''s fine,'''' Wilson sighed, knowing her anger. ''''I have called you to share important information.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Ruth asked.

    ''''Evelyn contacted the cruise line and asked for all the people gathered on her son''s second birthday. The owner has yet to give the required information.''''

    ''''The cruise ship had around 100''s of guests on that day. It''s not that easy to find. She can''t go and research on every man. If that happens, we will think of a solution. Fret not; their research doesn''t yield any results.''''

    ''''We need to be a little careful,'''' Wilson suggested.

    Ruth closed her eyes when the cool summer rain tapped her face. It evoked so many feelings in her��Memories, nostalgia, and things connected to her past.

    ''''Ruth, are you with me?'''' Wilson called when he didnot hear a response.

    ''''It''s raining here, Wilson,'''' She said, instead of answering his question. Her eyes, gazing at the rain, a smile on her face.

    ''''You didn''t forget_''''

    ''''A mother can never forget her child,'''' Ruth bitterly smiled. ''''I witnessed my son dying in fire, in my own house. I have faced a cruel punishment any mother would be experiencing, and I still do. He is the only source of my happiness after losing everything, and God has also taken him away, leaving me nothing. What did he do to deserve such a cruel punishment?'''' Ruth pressed her teary eyes with the back of her fingers.. She will avenge the man who left her with nothing in life except revenge.

 Chapter 320 - Jalapeno

    Leena and Carrot toured around the luxurious vi. Everything they needed was herefort, security, entertainment, with beautiful modern design. An indoor swimming pool with starry sky made of Led lights and an outdoor zero-edged pool with a panoramic view of nature, as if it disappears into the horizon. The outer view of their bedroom was breathtaking, where she could see the lush grass bending through therge picture windows when the wind blows.

    ''''You have got a beautiful taste, Devin.'''' Leena praised him, not taking her eyes off the beautiful architect of the house. Leena has been to the house before, but at that time, she was too muddle-headed with her feelings to concentrate on the interior of the house. The house in greenwyn vige is lilliputianpared to this capacious vi. ''''You didnot feel difort staying in Greenwyn vige?'''' She asked, ncing at him.

    ''''No.'''' He dismissed her thoughts without pause. ''''Wherever you are, that is where my home is, my only home.''''

    ''''My heart. You know how to y with my emotions.'''' Leena rushed to Devin and hugged him. ''''You know, from the day you have been around, I smile a lot more than I use to.''''

    ''''I know, and for that, I am d.'''' He smiled, giving a lingering forehead kiss. He then led her to the couch, and Carrot also followed behind them.

    ''''We might need servants. We can''t alone keep this huge vi clean with our busy schedule.'''' Leena moped, rubbing Carrot''s tummy as she rested on Leena''sp.

    ''''Worry not, darling. I have made the arrangements already,'''' Devin spoke up. ''''I forgot to tell you, there is someone who will be staying with us from tomorrow.''''

    ''''Who is it?'''' Leena asked, tilting her head enthused.

    ''''Aunt Jpeno.''''

    ''''Jpeno? You mean her name itself is Jpeno? As in Jpeno pepper fruit?'''' Disbelief stered across her face when Devin nodded his head. What a name for a woman? People are weird nowadays. Uncle Pumpkin, Jurassic, Lord Voldemort...she hears all odd names.

    ''''Jpeno is her real name?''''

    ''''I doubt it is. She likes everyone to call her Aunt Jpeno. I quite forgot her real name because I have been calling her Aunt Jpeno since I have known her,'''' Devin added, after a pause. ''''She works in Uncle Callison''s restaurant as a chef. She ns to retire and go back to her hometown, Mexico. But she doesn''t have a family over there. So, I asked her to stay with us if she is willing.''''

    ''''Aunt Jpeno doesn''t want to stay here for free_''''

    ''''And you asked her to work as a chef.'''' Leenapleted for him.

    ''''Exactly.'''' He said with a smile. ''''She is an easy-going and hrious person. I am sure you will like herpany. Probably, she wille by tomorrow evening.''''

    ''''I am excited to meet her already.'''' Leena grinned like a Chesire cat. Jpeno as a name? The name sounds unique. ''''Is she not married?'''' Leena asked when her curiosity piqued for that woman.

    ''''I have not pried into her personal matters. But ording to Adney and Nick, she divorced her husband, and the reason they don''t know.

    ''''Those two chimpanzees have no work except bitching about others and ying pranks on others.'''' Leena muttered. Thinking of Nick, Leena remembered she has to discuss an important point with Devin.

    ''''Can Nick stay with us?'''' Leena asked. Never Nick talked about his parents, and if she brings the topic, Nick will evade it. If she asks Devin, he would tell everything about him, but it would hinder Nick''s privacy. So, Leena didnot probe into his affairs.He might be a bodyguard to her, but Leena treats him as a part of her family.

    ''''If he is fine, I don''t have a problem. But I doubt he will agree,'''' Devinmented. He discussed this with Nick already, but he refused to stay with them. Since childhood, he stayed with the Wang family. After hepleted his studies, Nick suddenly decided to work for him in theher world. He didnot tell the reason, but Devin knows it. Speaking of it, he remembered Sara and ra. Those two girls have messaged him lots of times. After his ident, the home was his world, and the world was his home. Leena has confined him to the bed for three weeks. He has to make time to pay a visit to Sara and ra.

    ''''Talk to Nick. Maybe, he will agree if you ask.''''

    ''''Of course, he will agree. My adoration is as big as my heart.'''' Leena wide opened her hands to showcase it.

    ''''Here I was thinking, it is as big as your butt?'''' Before Leena woulde to bang him, Devin got up and rushed towards the staircase.

    Leena red at his back for throwing a ridiculousment. ''''His flirting has no limits.'''' She yelled at him and carried the sleeping Carrot to the room designed for her, and there was a cozy bed arranged in the middle of the room. ''''He is scared of dogs but still designed a bed for Carrot.'''' Smiling to herself, Leena closed the door and went into the open balcony to call Nick.

    ''''What?'''' Leena heard Nick''s distant voice the moment the call got connected.

    ''''What''s wrong with your tone?'''' She questioned.

    ''''Nothing. I suppose you are enjoying in the new house.'''' He asked in a sulking tone. Now she remembers him? Does she treat him only as a bodyguard? He considers Leena as his family, but now he understood she doesn''t. Nick had goodpany with her in greenwyn vige, and now he is left alone. Leena, Carrot, Devin, and now Reese will get busy with Andrew. Leena used to make an extra portion of food for him every day, and hereafter, he has to make it for himself, and the thought alone irked him. ''''Why did you call me? If you are worried about the office, I wille to your house tomorrow and pick you up.''''

    ''''Okay, bye. Pick me up at the usual time.'''' Leena pressed her lips to stop herughter. She can make out his anger and frustration in his voice.

    ''''Y_ou have nothing to say?'''' Nick asked, trying his luck for onest time. He should have epted Devin''s offer at that time.

    ''''Maybe not?''''

    ''''Fine then, I will_''''

    ''''Probably, if I ask you to stay with us, will you consider it?'''' Leena simpered coyly. She was sure Nick will be grinning now.

    ''''W_hy would I want to stay with you? Do you think I am homeless?'''' Nick added in a deadpanned voice, but a smile returned on his face.

    ''''Then stay in the same house_''''

    ''''I_I will think about it since you are requesting,'''' Nick quickly answered before Leena would change her thoughts.

    ''''I know you were waiting for my call, Mr. Nickolodeon. I will not wonder if you arrive at my doorstep in the next one hour.''''

    This girl! How did she find out? Nick thought. Anyway, his work ispleted. Nick talked with Leena for a while and then ended the call when it was time to sleep.

    When Leena walked into the bedroom, Devin was already asleep. His sleep routines and circadian rythm were off-kilter before, but it has changed now. Climbing into the bed, Leena snuggled closer to Devin.. The new ce was inhibiting her sleep, and when she has Nothing to do, she started ying with his eyshes, pulling them, which Devin was not aware of.

 Chapter 321 - Birds Of Paradise

    The morning sun rays poured through the groves. Leena stirred from her sleep when she felt a tap on her cheek, followed by a voice. ''''Get up, Leena, you have to resume your work from today.''''

    ''''Five more minutes, Devin.'''' She grumbled, pulling her nket up to her chin, but in the next second, Devin yanked the nket and spanked her bum. ''''Go, and take a shower.''''

    ''''My back!'''' Leena cried,zily rubbing it with her hand. ''''Dora has more freedom than me.'''' Stretching her body, Leena got down from the bed, still yawning.

    ''''Who is Dora?''''

    ''''Dora, the explorer, and she is only five years old for about eleven years now.'''' Having said that, Leena walked in the direction of the bathroom.

    ''''What did she speak just now?'''' Shaking his head, Devin made his way out of the room. If only Devin had seen the cartoon, he would have understood Leena''s statement.

    Nick already arrived in the morning, and since he was here, Devin dly used him to prepare the breakfast. With breakfast done, Devin then packed mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks for Leena. ''''Make sure she eats everything I packed,'''' Devin exined it to Nick.

    ''''Not before her work starts, she will sweep the boxes.'''' Nick scoffed. Once done, Leena, along with Reese, will be running around the cafeteria.

    ''''Her work requires to burn loads of calories, and obviously, she will be hungry.''''

    ''''Herees the henpecked husband.'''' Nick jeered at Devin again.

    Ignoring his remarks, Devin strolled into the living room. He switched on the TV to watch business news while he waited for Leena. But the girl in question didnot step out of the bedroom even after an hour passed.

    Leaving Leena under Nick''s supervision, Devin left for the office.

    ....

    Never Devin expected to have a crowd gathering from the employees when he entered the office entryway. He felt embarrassed when the employees started approaching him, asking about his health. And his jaw, ached to utter the same dialogue repeatedly, ''I am doing good, thank you.''

    Daniel came to his rescue and escorted him to the private elevator. ''''I am d you are back.''''

    ''''Thanks for your tremendous support in my absence, uncle. I mean it.'''' Devin might be born rich, but he wanted to make a brand for himself, not through the lineage of his parent''s fortune. WD is his sweat and blood he earned for himself. Devin was a little afraid his month-long absence would affect thepany. But Harley and Daniel pulled it off very well without any ws.

    ''''I am always here to support you, boy.'''' Daniel gave him an assuring smile.

    Before going into his office, Devin straight away knocked on the adjacent room and walked in.

    ''''Go to Daniel if you are still not clear, Sadie. I am busy with work.'''' Harley replied without lifting her head.

    ''''Was it hard to manage without me?'''' Harley was startled when the voice of her brother befell into her ears. ''''Devin!'''' She eximed, seeing him waiting at the door.

    ''''You are back!'''' Harley hastened towards him and hugged her brother. ''''I missed you.''''

    ''''I was in the home until yesterday. You never once told you missed me?'''' He smiled, caressing her head. Jasper has been torturing Devin for a week, demanding that he get back to work as soon as possible and reduce Harley''s burden. Now that he has seen Harley''s sunken cheeks, he felt she has be thin.

    ''''Do you know how much burden you have put on me?'''' Harley lifted her head and looked at him with a pout.

    ''''Now I know.'''' He said, and both walked into Devin''s office room side by side. When he pushed open the door, Devin was not surprised when his desk was filled with get-well-soon bouquets.

    ''''Your following has not reduced a bit,'''' Harley giggled. ''''I will call the janitor to clear up.''''

    Devin hummed in response and dismissed Harley after she exined basic checks he can perform today. Since Devin came to the office unannounced, Harley didnot prepare the load to dump on him.

    He engrossed in work deeply to sharpen his mind. While he was examining the turnover of the mid-quarter season, he heard a knock. Before he spoke a word, Harley was in the room.

    ''''You got another package,'''' Harley said, looking at the sender''s name. ''''It''s anonymo_''''

    ''''You can put it in the disy room, Harley,'''' Devin said, flipping the next page of the file.

    ''''I would have done that that if it was an ordinary bouquet. Someone delivered you Birds of paradise.'''' Harley put the bouquet on the desk. ''''Birds of paradise are your favorite flowers which only a few people know. I thought it must be Leena''s work.''''

    Leena? Can he expect flowers from his sweetheart? Devin studied the flowers for a while. When did she switch to a normal human being? But then again,st time, Leena had gifted him a watch. Only closed ones know Birds of paradise flowers are his favorites. Leena must have sent it as a wee back gift.

    ''''Leena is so lovely.'''' Harley squealed, clutching her cheeks like a fangirl.

    ''''She is.'''' Smiling to himself, Devin clicked a picture of the bouquet and sent it to Leena. [To: Orthodox saint: The flowers are beautiful.Thanks, Sweetheart]

    An instant reply notification appeared on his mobile.

    [To: Deep-V-Diver: I didnot send those flowers. What are you? 60? Who sends bouquet as a gift(>_<)]

    ''''It''s not Leena.''''Devin muttered, gazing at the flowers.

    ''''Then who is it?'''' Harley asked.

    He picked the bouquet, and in it, he found a message card. The message read as:

    [The earth delights to feel your feet, and the wind longs to y with your locks]

    He has heard it before as if those words were directly spoken from his mouth. The same numbing feeling he felt again. It exploded in his head with blinding whiteness. It made his head dizzy and reel. He recalled the words when he had a dream of a girl. ''The more you try to remember, the more you will feel the pain'' Was it her memories my mind trying to block? His thoughts processed to picture it again but couldn''t. Harley''s voice also numbed in his ears.

    ''''Devin, Devin! What happened?'''' Harley rushed to the chair and held him. ''''Are you oka_''''

    ''''C_heck the person who sent this boqe.....'''' That was all his reply before his head copsed on the back of the chair.

 Chapter 322 - Blur Memory

    A blur memory of his own self sitting on a hilltop, holding a hand, soft like a delicate flower. ''The earth delights to feel your feet, and the wind longs to y with your locks. Here I am bing envious of them.''

    His memory contributed to thest part of the missing sentence from the message card. His hazy mind also remembered picking something tiny, fallen on the ground, next to him. He slowly tried to see past the girl''s face, but the voice again screamed into his ears, decreeing him to get back. ''I warned you about the consequences....''

    ''''Stop...'''' He screamed; the gravel voice was turning him insane.

    ''''Devin...are you okay_''''

    ''Yet you didnot listen to me on that day.''

    This time the voice turned orotund.

    ''Stop digging for your memories if you don''t want to end up dying.''

    ''''Please stop it! Please..I will not think about them.'''' Devin closed his ears at the disembodied voice, but he doesn''t think the owner of the voice had ever listened to his pleas. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his chest began to tighten.

    With a start, he woke up when the voice faded into the mist, taking the girl away. Running a hand through his hair, he breathed in and out, long and deep until he was steadily breathing. As his body calmed down, his gaze turned to his surroundings. He was in the office, in his private room. Daniel and Harley were watching him, a panicked look on their face. Another fleeting memory, yet it yielded nothing.

    ''''Devin..are you fine?'''' Harley asked as she approached him slowly. Earlier, while they were talking, her brother fainted suddenly, frightening her. So, Harley assumed Devin hadn''t recovered fully. ''''''Do you feel pain in your chest?''''

    Devin nced at her but didnot answer.

    ''''I_I have called the doctor,'''' Harley said and nced at Daniel. ''''Uncle, can you check if the doctor had arrived.''''

    ''''I am fine. Send him back.'''' Devin tiredly uttered and slowly made his way to the bathroom. He sshed water across his face, and his thoughts went back to the image he witnessed. His disease has no medicine. Just like Leena said, his memories are forcefully blocked. Who had done it? And who is that girl constantly appearing in his mind? He will get to know to some extent if he can find the person who had sent him the flowers.

    Trudging back to the room, Devin looked at Harley. ''''Did you find out theperson who had delivered the flowers?'''' He calmly asked.

    ''''Umm...I didnot investigate yet_''''

    ''''Then what are you still sitting here? Go, and get the work done!'''' Devin''s scream was soul-dying. Harley cringed in fright. ''''Right away.''''

    ''''Don''t inform Leena about the incident,'''' Devin said as Harley walked past him.

    ''''As if I don''t have any other work,'''' Harley yelled at him before storming out.

    For the next two hours, Devin impatiently walked back and forth in the office room, waiting for Harley. Within two hours, he called Harley twenty times, asking for an update, and eventually got scolded by her.

    ''''If Leena knows that you are behaving like a fangirl, I don''t doubt if she kills you,'''' Harley dered, not liking the way Devin was thinking about another woman other than Leena.

    ''''I have ways to coax my wife.'''' He replied impassively. ''''Did you find it?''''

    Shaking her head, Harley unlocked her mobile and handed it to Devin. ''''The flowers were delivered from Jade hotel, and the room is booked under a girl named Tessa Shane.''''

    ''''Tessa Shane?'''' Devin pondered if he had a memory of the name, but nothing surfaced. ''''Let''s go and meet her.'''' He stated.

    ''''Do you know her? Why do you want to meet her?''''

    ''''To get answers.''''

    ''''What kind of_''''

    ''''You talk too much.'''' Devin dragged Harley along with him.

    The hotel management was rmed when a group of people entered the Jade hotel entryway, demanding that they meet Tessa Shane, one of the Jade hotel clients. But still, they refused the permit Devin to go into the room, which would hinder the privacy of their clients.

    Scared of his intimidating gaze, they called the room and exined the situation. The woman was kind enough to grant the permission upon their request. Only when they got the green signal, the hotelier escorted Devin to the private elevator.

    Swirling thoughts were running through his mind with every footstep he took. Devin tried to keep calm, but internally his mind was in a mess.

    Will he able to recognize the woman? Will that girl recognize him and tell him about the missing memories?

    Harley signaled the bodyguards, and they moved to a safe distance where they cannot hear their private conversation.

    The door opened, his gaze immediatelynded on her, and nothing happened. He didnot find any familiarity.But, Devin didnot miss the startled expression on her face.

    ''''Devin!'''' The girl covered her mouth in surprise. ''''I can''t believe my darling is standing in front of me. Ooops...sorry for the formal entanders. Surprise got over me.'''' Extending her hand, the woman shed a smile at him. ''''My name is Tessa Shane. I am a big fan_''''

    ''''Were you the one who sent the Birds of Paradise flowers?'''' Devin asked,ing straight to the point.

    ''''Y_es. I also prayed for your health.'''' She added to gain brownie points.

    ''''How do you know that I like Birds of Paradise?''''

    ''''Ummm...I don''t know Birds of Paradise are your favorite. I randomly picked them.'''' Tessa said, fidgeting with her fingers.

    Devin absentmindedly nodded his head. His hope died down again. He turned to leave, but he wanted to try his luck for onest time. ''''H_ave we met before?''''

    The question stunned Tessa. Why is he asking such an odd question? ''''No! It''s my first time, and I am delighted to meet you in person.''''

    He half-smiled at her and turned around to leave. The shocked Harley followed behind him.

    ''''Why did you ask such a bizarre question? If she reveals it to the media, you will be put in the spotlight again.'''' Her brother just talked as if he had lost his memories. Did the ident damage his brain also? Harley wondered.

    Without heeding Harley''s thoughts, Devin stepped into the car.

    ...

    Tessa closed the door and clutched her chest to calm her wobble breathing.

 Chapter 323 - A Mediocre Beauty

    As Tessa heard the footsteps, she opened her eyes and looked at her friend. ''''Morvena, why didn''t you tell me that it was Devin?'''' She demanded. When Devin started asking deep questions she is unaware of, Tessa has to rely on her spontaneity. A little while ago, they received a call on the extension from the front desk. All the time, her friend''s gorgeous face went ashen and pulled into a look of dread. After the call ended, Morvena briefly exined the incident and requested her help. Tessa did not understand the problem her friend was facing, but she did not probe much into it.

    ''''He did not suspect, did he?'''' Morvena questioned.

    ''''I guess no,'''' Tessa shrugged. ''''By the way, how do you know Devin?... wait..Don''t tell me he was the one you used to brag about when you call me every time.'''' Tessa eximed and lunged towards her friend.''''Was he?''''

    Morven''s smile confirmed her answers. ''''OMG! Did you date my darling Devin?''''

    Dating Devin? That never happened. But, it sounded pleasant to her ears. If Enger were not in the picture, Devin would have been hers today. The smile, the care, the kindness he shows to that woman should all have been hers. If she hated anyone in the world, it''s not Enger but Leena.

    ''''Morvena, are you with me?''''

    Tessa''s words brought Morvena back from the thoughts. ''''Sorry, I zoned out. Where were we?''''

    ''''My best friend Morvena dating my darling Devin.'''' Tessa grinned. ''''I am curious about your love story. When did you both meet? Devin has a girlfriend, so you guys must have had a break-up.''''

    ''''Tessa, please, I am not in a mood.'''' Morven''s face molded into a ruffled look.

    ''''You see, my friend, I can''t sleep without knowing answers,''''

    ''''What do you want to know?'''' Morvena sighed as she propped up her pillow against the headboard. Her friend will not let her rest until she gets her answers.

    ''''It looks like he is searching for you. Why are you hiding away from him.'''' Tessa curiously asked.

    ''''Some questions have no answers, Tes.'''' Morvena deadpanned. If she is not wrong, Devin is only searching for his memories. She sent his favorite flowers with a message card. Never Morvena expected that it would trigger his memories, which shouldn''t be happening. ''''He is happy with his life, Tessa.''''

    ''''If not then why is he searching for you? Honestly, I don''t like his girlfriend. What did Devin see in her? Just a mediocre beauty who got fame because of her family status.'''' Tessa''s face contorted. ''''She is no match to your beauty and brain.''''

    ''''Let''s not talk about her,'''' Morvena added, changing the subject to bring her friend from Devin''s thoughts. ''''Let''s go and skate, Tes."

    ''''Huh? Didn''t you say no to it?''''

    ''''Right now, I am in the mood,'''' Morvena said.

    ''''Alright.'''' Tessa grinned. ''''Let''s rock it.''''

    .....

    Those fleeting memories are eating him up, draining his energy. Devinined in his head. He was utterly exhausted by the time he reached home. He expected Leena at the doorstep, but madam seems to be very busy. Every day, just hearing his footsteps, Leena would put aside her work and appear in front of him. She would walk along with him to the bedroom, ask about his work, and brag about her office gossips,in about her so-called enemy Mandy..the list will go on.. Just listening to her sweet words, his weariness would wash away.

    As Devin dragged his tired body inside, he noticed Leena and Nick watching a dog show on the television. Sitting on her hind legs, Carrot was grinning as she watched her fellow friends'' exhibition.

    ''''Leena,'''' Devin called her, and when he caught her attention, Devin pointed his eyes to their bedroom.

    ''''I am watching TV.'''' She replied, focusing on the TV. Finally, he remembers home?

    ''''You can watch itter.'''' He argued. Morning she was fine, and what''s with the sudden cold shoulder? Did something happen in the office that she is showing it to him?

    ''''No.''''

    Nick sighed and went into his bedroom. Single life is pleasanter.

    ''''Onest time, I am asking you.''''

    ''''I am telling you for onest time, I am watching TV.'''' She barked at him.

    Her words just traveled, Devin scooped her in his arms and carried her in a princess style. ''''Release me, idiot.'''' She screamed, but her hands automatically traveled behind his neck to sp them.

    ''''Your body says otherwise?'''' He smirked and gentlyid her on the bed when reached.

    ''''Leave me alone. I am not in a mood.''''

    ''''Your periods are not near. Why did your hormones spike up suddenly.'''' He whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    ''''Don''t me on my periods every time.'''' She argued, turning her face to the other side.

    ''''Then why are you angry? You didnote, and hug me, which you always do when I reach home.''''

    ''''Don''t you know the reason?'''' She questioned him.

    ''''I don''t have the mind-reading ability, sweetheart.''''

    ''''Along with that, you don''t have the hearing ability also. I called you ten times, but not even once you picked my call.'''' She panicked when Devin didnot respond to her calls. After tracking his location, Leena was relieved that he was in the office. But not answering her calls for the tenth time is not eptable.

    Devin immediately unlocked the mobile, and indeed there were several missed calls from, and all were unattended. His mobile was in silent mode, and he forgot to check. ''''I am sorry, darling. I was busy with_''''

    ''''Busy thinking about the person who sent Birds of Paradise flowers?'''' Her tone had a mocking edge. She didnot forget the picture he sent. ''''You never told me they are your favorite.''''

    ''''Are you jealous?'''' Mirth danced across his face. ''''I thought I had told_''''

    ''''That''s fine! You don''t need to tell me everything. One thing, I forgot to tell you, Birds of Paradise are also favorite of my friend Enger.'''' Watching Devin''s face turning a shade of dark, Leena smiled in satisfaction for sessfully provoking his ego.

 Chapter 324 - Personal Alexa

    The temperature in the room raised in a trice. ''''You seems to be a lot closer to that nasty piece of shit than I imagined?'''' Devin''s threatening voice and his bloodshot eyes raged like a beast. He has a reason to hate Birds of Paradise flowers now.

    ''''Close or not close, don''t rate him. He saved my life.'''' Leena argued. She will not let anyone degrade her savior, not even Devin. ''''You need to understand one thing. Without him, I wouldn''t have been alive today.''

    An aze of anger burned in his eyes when Leena started backing Enger in front of him. Saved her life! That one thing had bound Devin''s mouth to utter a word against that man. He got up from the bed and wordlessly stormed out of the room.

    ''''Devin, wait!'''' Leena screamed, but neither he halted nor turned back at her. ''''The temper of his!'''' Leena knocked on the headboard furiously, only to end up hurting her hand.

    ''''Was it my fault? I am not going to follow you.'''' Leena climbed out of bed, stepped down the stairs, and made her way into the living room. She saw Devin sitting on a couch, watching boring business news; at least for Leena, they are boring. Carrot was sulking, throwing tantrums at Devin by tearing her plush toys demanding him to put the dog''s show channel, but he was sitting like a log, not bothered. Most likely, enjoying the pleasure of torturing Carrot.

    ''''Carrot,'''' Leena called the pupper. An instant joy of satisfaction towered over Carrot, and she raced towards Leena. Growling at Leena, Carrot pointed her sharpened eyes at the TV and then at Devin. It''s clear that the Furry Carrot is not particrly happy with Devin''s behavior.

    ''''Leave him, Carrot. You will watch them daily in the office, isn''t it?'''' Squatting to the pupper''s height, Leena tried to console Carrot, but the stubborn Carrot walked away from her, scowling. ''''Fine, I will talk to him.''''

    Leena nced at Devin. ''''Change the channel to dog''s show.''''

    Their eyes met for a split second, and Devin instantly turned away from her. What now! Leena had a headache dealing with the two. ''''Carrot.'''' Leena sweetly smiled to coax her. ''''Don''t mind him. He is worse than a child. Let''s go to the kitchen. I will give you something to eat.''''

    Food instantly brightened Carrot''s mood, and she silently followed Leena wagging her tail.

    ''''She called me a child?'''' Devin muttered as he switched the channel while his eyes were constantly darting to the kitchen. He wanted to go, but the ego in him tied him down to the ce. The thought of Leena standing for that man was vexing Devin.

    Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Carrot was gobbling the peanut butter, her favorite food, which Leena rarely gives because she is scared that it adds too much weight when consumed daily. ''''The house looks dull when Devin keeps mum, don''t you feel it, Carrot?'''' Carrot paused, shook her head in response to Leena''s question, and then resumed eating.

    ''''But I feel so. Was I harsh on him?'''' Leena brooded over it as she opened the refrigerator and picked vegetables to prepare dinner. While searching for a knife, an idea snapped at her brain.

    Leena went out and stood in front of Devin. ''''I am not finding the knife.''''

    Eyes still on the television, he said. ''''It must be in the drawer dock_''''

    ''''I am not finding the Knife. Come, and help me.'''' Having said that, Leena turned around and went back.

    Devin threw the remote on the ss table and calmly followed her. As he expected, the Knife was in the drawer dock, which was in in eye''s sight. Devin then understood Leena was deliberately working to anger him. With the work done, he was about to leave when Leena called him again. ''''I am not able to find the salt jar.''''

    With a loud thud, he ced the salt jar in front of Leena, and not to his surprise, the jar was visible to her eyes.Was Leena done with Knife and salt jar? She irritated Devin until his patience ran out and snapped at her, ''''Are you turning me into your personal Alexa?''''

    ''''Doesn''t matter.'''' She said. ''''You can never sing like Alexa.''''

    Leena''s tant remarks raged a fury in him. ''''Anything more?''''

    ''''Yes.''''

    ''''Now, what do you want?''''

    ''''Can you also help me find my husband''s smile?''''

    ''''It''s in the kitchen cupboard....'''' His thoughts ceased when his brain finally processed Leena''s words. Pressing his lips to control his smile, which was threatening to break out, but failing to do so, he burst out into a fit ofughter. He pulled Leena and tightened his shield over her waist. ''''Happy that you won the fight?''''

    ''''Wasn''t you that started in the first ce?'''' She scoffed, burying her face deep into his chest. She doesn''t like going to bed fighting with Devin. Sooner orter, Devin would take the initiative to cool her, but every time making him try is not enough.

    ''''I don''t like when your think about some other man, Leena.'''' He voiced his opinion genuinely. Especially Enger, but Devin kept the thought to himself. The man might have saved Leena from danger, but he is a stalker. Although Devin had no evidence that Enger is behind Leena, leads point to him. Enger''s background also has turned into a mystery to Devin. Everything about him is ordinary, which is making it more suspicious. He tried to investigate if he was in Seattle five years back, but nothing yielded about him. ''''I don''t want any rift to ur in between us, now or in the future. I am scared that would happen.''''

    Lifting her head, Leena cupped his face and gazed into his eyes. She felt an emotion of fear deep inside his pools. ''''Nothing in this world can separate us, now or ever.'''' Leena cursed herself for bringing Enger''s topic in the heat of the moment. Her jealousy toppled over her when someone gifted him his favorite flowers, and she bought a third party into their rtionship. ''''Let''s not talk about him anymore.'''' To turn the environment merry, Leena shifted the topic to her office gossips. ''''I forgot to talk about an incident that happened in my office. Do you know what that stupid Mandy did today?''''

    ''''There is not a day you will miss talking about her.'''' He chuckled, mood brightened in seconds. ''''What did she do?''''

    ''''She was bitching to one of the new employees that I was an obese kid during my childhood, and after Liposuction, I became thin,'''' Leena exined in one breath and took a long puff before she continued. ''''Her face was as white as a cockroach''s blood when I caught her red-handed. I wonder what satisfaction she would get cooking up stories about me always.''''

    ''''What did you do to her after?'''' Devin asked, curious. Leena''s office gossips always amuse him, especially about Mandy. While Leena cooks up weird stories on others, there is another person who topples her.

    ''''That''s a long story which I will cut short_''''

    Leena''s thoughts cut off when the inte buzzed, and the WatchGuard informed them about a visitor Jpeno.

    ''''Has shee? I am excited to meet her.'''' Leena pped her hands, and hand in hand, they walked out. Carrot also followed behind them.

    The moment Devin opened the door, Leena''s sight fell on the woman in a midi dress. On the other hand, the woman securing her goggles on the head. At first, she looked at Leena from head to toe, and then her gaze shifted to Devin. ''''Is she your wife?'''' She asked in a t tone.

    ''''Yes. She is Leena.'''' Devin introduced Leena to Aunt Jpeno.

    ''''Jpeno. Call me Aunt Jpeno.'''' She winked at Leena, extending her hand.

    ''''Pleased to meet you.'''' Leena smiled. "''You have a very unique name.''''

    ''''I know. My name can burn anyone''s butt.''''

    Devin cleared his throat. ''''You are not allowed to speak the informalnguage in the house. Leena minds_''''

    ''''I don''t mind.'''' Leena interrupted and opened the door wide to let the guest inside.

    ''''Thank you, child.'''' Aunt Jpeno nced at Devin from head to toe, making him shiver. Involuntarily, his hands went behind to cover his back.

    ''''Looks like you have lost some weight during your ident. Let me squeeze your buns, and see,'''' Not before Aunt jpeno''s hands reached behind, Leena pulled Devin to her side in fear. ''''I_I don''t like_''''

    ''''Who are you guys talking to?'''' Nick arrived at the doorstep. When his gazended on the woman, his legs rooted to the spot in fear.''''A_unt Jpeno!'''' The only thought that entered his mind was to run away and save his butt.

    ''''Nicky, boy! Are you also here?'''' In seconds, Aunt Jpeno approached him. With his quick reflexes, Nick covered his back. ''''You are still not over that habit of squeezing my butt?'''' He yelled at her.

    ''''As if I go fangirling over yours.'''' Aunt Jpeno''s face looked as if she had swallowed a lemon. ''''My all-time favorite is Kurt boy''s bums.'''' Her eyes twinkled in delight.

    ''''No wonder he runs away at the sight of you.''''

    Leena burst out intoughter.

 Chapter 325 - Lose Your Tail

    With Aunt Jpeno''s entry, Leena was in total happiness that she would have goodpany in the future with her. On the other hand, Nick was inplete distress when Devin informed Aunt Jpeno would be staying with them here onwards. Aunt Jpeno has a weird habit of squeezing butts to check if a person had gained or lost weight. That''s the alibi she woulde up with if some ask why she is fond of butts, especially Kurt.

    If Kurtes to know about Aunt Jpeno, he would never step a foot in this home. Wise words Nick said to himself were: To stay away from Aunt Jpeno and save his butt.

    ''''Pleasee. I will show you the room.'''' Leena led Aunt Jpeno through the hallway to a room that was adjacent to the indoor stairs.

    ''''Woah! This house is undeniably sleek,'''' Aunt Jpenomented, with mouth opened as big as a stark, and closed when she realized. A replica of the human backbone indoor staircase design was not what she expected in her dreams even.

    Leena smiled withoutmenting, letting Aunt Jpeno explore the room. She was in the same state as Aunt Jpeno when she first came to this house. Heacis mansion and the Wang mansion areparatively sizeable, but this house''s design and architecture are in no wayparable to any which she had seen until now.

    ''''I am done exploring my room.'''' Aunt Jpeno nced at Leena and smiled. ''''Lead me to the kitchen. I will make dinner.''''

    ''''Umm.. aren''t you tired? You have just arrived.'''' Leena hastily said. ''''We don''t treat you as an employee, aunty. You are our guest also. Take rest, I will take care of dinner today_''''

    ''''No formalitiea.'''' Aunt Jpeno waved her finger. ''''I like cooking..''''She paused. ''''As much as squeezing butts.'''' Aunt Jpeno winked. It was difficult for Leena to refrain fromughing hearing Aunt Jpeno''sedy.

    After a pause, Leena led Aunt Jpeno to the kitchen. She stayed with her, watching the knife in the hands of an expert chef. A while ago, Leena didnot observe Aunt Jpeno''s looks, but now that she noticed her features, Leena realized Aunt Jpeno is beautiful with her curly curtain bangs and her sleek dressing style. Why did her husband cheat on such a wonderful woman? The lovely Devil was poking her shoulder to ask about it, but the Ugly angel jabbed her other shoulder to keep silent. Leena shoved them away harshly from her shoulders, and this time around, Leena listened to the Ugly angel. She will hold this secret for some other day. It''s a bad habit to ask about personal affairs on the first day.

    ...

    After dinner, Leena, Aunt Jpeno, and Nick had a walk in the garden.

    Once the two went to their rooms, Leena went into the open terrace and settled on a poly rattan sofa. Surrounded by the trees, the light breeze from the swaying trees was a bliss she would love to enjoy with Devin.

    ''''Beautiful view, isn''t it?'''' She felt a pair of familiar hands wrapped around her waist.

    ''''I am in love with this ce.'''' Resting her head on his shoulder, Leena hooked her hands into Devin''s elbows. ''''I can watch the beautiful sunset with you from here.''''

    ''''Hmmm...'''' He smiled, kissing the top of her head. ''''I missed you a lot when I was in Norway.'''' He continued. ''''I would watch the sunset every day and wished you were there, next to me.''''

    ''''Even I missed you a lot during the whole week. I had a hard time sleeping without you.'''' Leena''s thoughts went back to the ident for a split second, but she forcefully reced them with another. ''''I am throwing a housewarming party this weekend. If you have any urgent work, postpone it. It''s an order.''''

    ''''Yes, madam.'''' He smiled, rubbing her nose. ''''Who are all you have invited?''''

    ''''Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding me. I forgot to invite my friends,'''' At first, Leena made a group video call. Jane, Reese, Harley, and Leah, all four, entered the picture.

    Assuming that the call would go for hours, Devin went inside. He wondered what kind of stuff they will have to talk about for hours. If Devin calls his friends, he will wrap it up in one to two minutes.

    Two hourster, Leena ended the call after discussing the n for the party. ''''Reese will bring banners and balloons. Leah and Jane will help Aunt Jpeno with cooking. Who will help me in decorating the whole house?'''' She muttered to herself. ''''I can''t stress Devin. He is still a patient. I at least need two to three people along with Nick.''''

    ''''Andrew Austin, my brother? How did I forget them?'''' With a triumphant smile, Leena called Andrew, and thetter was ready to help her decorate the house provided that Reese should apany him all the time. Leena granted the permission readily. The job must be done at the end of the day.

    Following after, she dialed Jasper, and that fellow denied the offer. ''''Andrew can enjoy with Reese.'''' Leena giggled.

    ''''Did I forget anyone from Devin''s friends?'''' She pondered and suddenly remembered two important people. She immediately called up Kurt. ''''What?'''' Leena heard Kurt''s voice from the other end.

    ''''I am throwing a house warming party. I expect you at my home on Sunday.''''

    ''''I never knew you would know to speak politely,'''' Kurt yawned, ready to go to bed.

    ''''I was taught to be polite from my childhood,''''

    ''''Whatever.'''' Kurt scoffed. Housewarming party? I will get lots of delicious food. Why would I miss the chance? ''''Since you are requesting, I will make myself free on that day.''''

    ''''Make sure youe in the morning itself. You can lose your tail from your boring cases.'''' Leena''s offer made Kurt thought for a while. His schedule is always busy with fieldwork and catching criminals. A day without them is going to be a great rxation. ''''Sure, I will arrive in the morning. You want me to bring things to decor the home?''''

    ''''You are too formal, Mr. Weller. Your presence alone is enough.''''

    Kurt coughed at Leena''s words. Why is it hard to understand her behavior? Is it her, or is every girl the same? ''''I_I will be there on Sunday.'''' Having said that, Kurt ended the call.

    ''''As if I will let you enjoy here.'''' Leena burst intoughter and dialed one more important person, Kyle.

    ''''Did I disturb you?'''' Leena asked as soon as she heard Kyle''s voice.

    ''''No, no, nothing like that. How are you?''''

    ''''Good,'''' replied Leena with a smile and informed her about the event over the call. Kyle readily agreed since she was free on Sunday. Tiredly, Leena made her way into the house. She still had people to invite, but that can be done tomorrow.

    ....

    Kyle''s heart was filled with happiness when Leena called her up to invite her. Leena must be considering her as an important friend.

    ''''Who were you talking to?'''' Kyle jumped at the sudden intrusion. Her gaze fell on Landon, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

    ''''Did I scare you?'''' Landon asked, sitting next to her.

    ''''When did youe?'''' Kyle asked instead of answering his question.

    ''''When you were talking over the phone. ''''Who was it?'''' Landon probed, taking her hand into his.

    ''''My friend, Leena. She has invited me to a housewarming party.''''

    ''''Leena?'''' Landon asked suspiciously. The name felt familiar in his tongue. Where did he hear? ''''What''s her full name?''''

    ''''Leena Hayes. You must be knowing Devin_''''

    ''''How do you know them?'''' Landon''s question was quick, like a thunderbolt causing Kyle to startle.

    ''''I_I because Devin and I studied in the same school,'''' Kyle answered dubiously. She wondered why did Landon rile up at her all of a sudden.

    ''''Why didn''t you tell me?'''' Landon calmly questioned, but a heated turmoil was going inside him. He never thought the Sawyer family would send an illegitimate daughter to such a prestigious school.

    ''''Because you never asked,'''' Kyle answered honestly.

    ''''Fine. It was my mistake.'''' Landon sighed. ''''Are you close to her? How often you talk with her?''''

    ''''Why do you ask_''''

    ''''Keep a distance from her, Kyle.'''' Landon interrupted sharply. ''''Call her immediately, and inform her that you are noting to the party.''''

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''Just do it.''''

    ''''I Can''t listen to your every word, Landon. She is my friend, and I am going to the party. '''' She shot a furious re at him and got up to leave, but the man pulled her back.

    ''''Calm down, babe.'''' Landon grabbed her hand and brushed it fondly. ''''I wanted to spend time with you. Alone. Was it more to ask from my girlfriend?''''

    Kyle hesitantly shook her head

    Landon leaned forward, trying for a kiss, but Kyle backed off shyly. ''''Not here. People are watching.'''' She wants her first kiss to be special and romantic, not on the hospitalwn. Maybe under the sea, with aquatic animals around.

    ''''Alright.'''' He chuckled, bringing Kyle back from her fantasy. ''''Can you message your friend and tell her that you are noting?''''

    Kyle hesitated for a moment, fidgeting over her fingers. Why is Landon hell-bent on prohibiting her from meeting with Leena? Does Leena have a rivalry with him? She has to find out. ''''I will call herter,'''' Kyle replied.

    ''''Kyle, I told_.''''

    ''''I promise. I will not go to the party.''''

    ''''Alright. I trust in you, babe.'''' He smiled sweetly at her. He has to keep a tight watch on Kyle. He likes Kyle genuinely, but he can''t let her ruin his life. Kurt is Devin''s best friend. One thing Landon was happy that Kurt still doesn''t know that Kyle is his girlfriend.. If that man gets a slight hint, he would use Kyle for his mission purpose and bring his doom.

 Chapter 326 - Leenas House Warming Party

    Edited

    ''''Do you wish to meet my parents, babe?'''' Landon asked. His parents are forcing him to marry a random woman of their choice. If he brings Kyle and introduces her to his parents, he can put a full stop to the marriage drama.

    Landon''s sudden question stupefied Kyle. Does he want to introduce me to his parents? This means he is serious about their rtionship. She likes Landon...but love..Kyle is not sure. They have dated only for two weeks, and she doesn''t know much about him. Perhaps meeting with their parents would be a good idea to know about him. ''''I am okay to meet them.''''

    ''''My mom is in London for a fashion show, and dad is on a business trip. I will take you home when they are back.'''' He said. His family was not filthy rich, but they were in a good position. His mother is a fashion designer, and his father owns a private business. Everything changed when he started working as an intern in Leiusbs. His growth within five years was remarkable, and that''s when he fell into the eyes of the Enger, founder of Leius Pharmabs. He knows the shady business inside thebs, but he didnot voice out his thoughts. Earning money and fame was his sole priority.

    ''''Okay.'''' Kyle nodded. ''''Can I ask you a question?''''

    ''''Sure.''''

    ''''H_ow many girls you dated before?'''' Kyle questioned skeptically.

    The question was sudden, catching him off guard. He dated a couple of women and had flings to satisfy his sexual needs, but how can he tell that in front of his girlfriend. ''''It''s all in the past, Kyle. The day we started dating, I only have you. Aren''t you happy about that?''''

    Kyle pursed her lips and nodded. What did she expect? Not all can be Devin, who is a one-woman man. Leena is lucky for that. Speaking of the date, a face loomed in her mind. Without her conscience, her face morphed into a smile.

    ''''Why are youughing?'''' Landon asked, studying her face.

    ''''Ah! I just remembered a random joke.'''' Kyle lied. Not good to think about someone when she has a boyfriend. ''''Time to go. I will call you tonight.''''

    ''''You are going on a date with me on Sunday. Don''t forget.'''' Landon indirectly reminded her to text Leena.

    Kyle sighed and sent a message to Leena in front of him. ''''Happy?''''

    ''''I am leaving.'''' Not before Kyle left, Landon pulled her into a hug. ''''Wear something sexy. We are going to do it.'''' He whispered into her ears and left without turning back.

    His behavior confounded kyle. ''''Why does he take all the decisions by himself? He didnot even ask my permission if I am willing.'''' With a frustrated cry, she made her way inside. She is starting to lose her freedom with Landon''s tight control over her. ''''I shouldn''t have sent a message to Leena.''''She doesn''t have the mood to go for rounds. Kyle dedicated the task to a junior doctor andy down on the desk to let the time pass.

    ...

    In a blink of an eye, the day hase. Leena''s House warming party. It was still in the morning, and the first one to arrive was Jane, along with Cutie, when Leena opened the door. Donned in a floral jumpsuit, Savny was looking as bright as the day star.

    ''''I have to dump these bags into a room,'''' Jane said and looked at the trolleys that the attendant was holding.

    ''''Why did you bring so many bags for one day?'''' Eximed Leena. ''''As if you are going to stay for months,'''' Leena joked. Turning to the guard, Leena pointed her eyes to a room. The attendant nodded and carried the bags inside.

    ''''Eena!'''' Cutie jumped on her feet as happy as a flower. She got a summer break, and with no school, she is enjoying her life. Except for eating, sleeping, ying, and sometimes writing letters with the help of Elsie, she had nothing to do.

    ''''Tootie!'''' Leena kissed her on the cheek. ''''How are you?''''

    ''''Whele is Vini?'''' Cutie excitedly asked, looking for a trace of Devin, but didnot catch a wink of him.

    Leena shot a re at Cutie. This brat! Is she still looking for Devin after the big fight that happened on her birthday?

    ''''Your rivalry still exists in the form of my daughter.'''' Jane giggled.

    ''''At this point, your daughter is put on the to test my anger management skills.''''

    ''''She is a kid, Leena.'''' Jane patted Leena''s shoulders and stepped inside.

    ''''This house looks beautiful.'''' Jane squealed, not able to take eyes off the beauty. Wilbur had given her a choice to chose a birthday gift by herself. She doesn''t need to think anymore.

    Just then, Aunt Jpeno arrived from the kitchen, hearing the noises. Leena introduced Jane and Cutie to her.

    ''''Hello, ndma!'''' Cutie bowed her head as a greeting that surprised Leena. My name is Tootie.''''

    ''''What a well-behaved kid you are.'''' Aunt Jpeno smiled and gently patted Cutie''s head. ''''God bless you, child.''''

    ''''Thank you, ndma.'''' She smiled cutely.

    Leena: '''' ''''

    Is it my neice Cutie or her doppelganger? She had never seen her acting polite. Something is fishy. With thoughts around, Leena brought Jane to her bedroom. ''''What is there in those bags.''''

    ''''Cutie''s stuff,'''' Jane said. ''''Wilbur and I are going on a trip. Cutie will be staying with you��probably two weeks until we return from the trip. I wanted to drop at my parent''s ce or in Heacis mansion, but Cutie wants to stay with you.''''

    ''''What?'''' Leena calmly questioned. Will bratty Cutie stay with me for two weeks? ''''Why are you going for a trip all of a sudden?''''

    Clearing her throat, Jane said. ''''We are nning for a second child. So...''''

    ''''But why do you need two weeks?'''' Leena probed. ''''You got pregnant in the first attempt with Cutie.''''

    ''''Can''t you look after your neice for two weeks? She is your brother''s daughter, Leena.'''' Jane screamed when the frustration washed over her. Since the summer break, she is having a headache dealing with her daughter. Every day she gets aint from the neighbors.

    She has stopped going to the office andpletely shifted to work from home. To add on, her husband is sexually frustrated with the quality time they are spending.

    Jane and Wilbur get the chance to enjoy their time when Leena or Reesee on weekends. Now that Leena has stopped visiting after getting married, they are having a hard time for themselves.. What more frustration can she get? So, she decided to drop her dear daughter with Leena.

 Chapter 327 - Pride

    Edited.

    If a spoiled brat stays with another spoiled brat for two weeks, can Devin sustain?

    ''''Madam drama queen, stop with your emotional drama,'''' Leena snapped at her friend. She can take care of Cutie for even a month, but the only problem Leena has was Devin. Gone were the days of grown-ups. Now, she has to keep an eye on kids. ''''I will take well care of bratty Cutie.''''

    ''''Thank you, Leena.'''' Jane hugged her friend tightly in happiness, ''''Savny is no more a spoiled brat. She is very well behaved.'''' Jane said, looking at her daughter, to which Cutie nodded her head.

    Leena scoffed at mother and daughter''s acting. Mother, father, and daughter had created a perfect n.

    ''''''Cutie,e here,'''' Jane called her daughter, who was ying with Carrot.

    ''''Yes, mom.''''

    ''''You must behave well. Don''t anger your Leena, alright? Remember all the points I said at home.''''

    ''''Yes, mom.'''' Like a well-behaved kid, she nodded her head. Her mom only told, she has to behave well until the housewarming party. She will keep her word.

    ''''Alright, go, and y with Carrot,'''' Jane put her daughter down and turned to her friend. ''''When is Reeseing?''''

    ''''She wille in a while. Madam is busy nowadays.'''' Copsing on the bed, Leena propped her elbow on bed. ''''Reese also confessed her feelings for Andrew.''''

    ''''Wedding bells are going to ring soon.''''

    ''''She has to get a green signal from her brother.''''

    ''''That venomous snake.'''' Jane squeezed Carrot''s plush toy as if it was Jasper.

    ''''We will think of himter. Let''s go. We have to start with the preparations.'''' With that, Leena and Jane went out of the room.

    ....

    Meanwhile, Devin finished a meeting, and just when he entered the living room to check up on Leena to see what she is up to, a servant informed him of another visitor. He didnot expect Kyle here. ording to Leena, Kyle is not going to attend the party because she has some other ns.

    ''''Hi Kyle, how are you?'''' Devin felt she is a little anxious today.

    ''''I am good. How are you? I mean your_''''

    ''''Didn''t you tell me you had some other ns?''''

    Kyle gripped her dress tightly when Leena''s piercing voice entered into her ears. She realized her mistake when she sent a text to Leena that she would not attend the party. For the past two days, Landon has suffocated her to death with his tight security around her home. She was praying he should get stuck with a priority work on Sunday so that she can escape from the date, and to her relief, it happened. Landon''s dad was returning from a business trip, and he postponed their date to next week. He warned her not to go to the party, but she escaped andnded here.

    ''''Actually, Leena, I_''''

    ''''Leena,'''' Devin interrupted Kyle and turned to Leena. ''''It''s not good manners. She is our guest.''''

    ''''Even I was offended when she rejected.'''' She pouted her lips, staring at Kyle angrily.

    ''''I_I am sorry foring here unannounced.'''' Kyle wiped her tears, startling Leena. She is not a weak girl to cry for silly reasons. But Kyle had a hard time coping with her life for the past two days. She thoughting here would help her drowning heart, but she was wrong. What did she expect? A grand wee from Leena? She can understand Leena''s predicament. ''''Sorry for disturbing you. I will take my leave.'''' Kyle turned around to leave with a heavy heart, and not before she took a step forward, Leena caught her hand. ''''Are you crying?''''

    ''''No.'''' She whispered, trying to break free from Leena''s clutches, but she found Leena''s grip over her hand was firm.

    ''''I was only joking.'''' Leena''s voice turned gentle. ''''I didnot intend to hurt you.''''

    ''''I_I thought you were serious,'''' Kyle struggled to voice her words through a hup.

    ''''It''s because I am a natural actor. Does my acting worth Oscar?'''' Leena''s solemn words turned the gloomy atmosphere into mirth.

    Kyle hummed in response, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

    ''''Take her inside,'''' Devin said and went inside to let them have privacy.

    Instead of taking Kyle to the bedroom, Leena led her to the kitchen. ''''I will introduce my family to you.''''

    ''''The one ying with the cute pupper is Cutie, my brother''s daughter.''''

    ''''Hello, Auntie.'''' Cutie obediently bowed her head which surprised Leena the second time. When did this brat turn into the most obedient? Until the housewarming party, Cutie uttered in her mind. Her mother promised she would give her a little brother or little sister if she stays with Leena for two weeks without annoying her. Her mom and dad also know two weeks is highly impossible. So, finally, they cut down to one day.

    ''''Aww! You are so adorable.'''' Kyle lifted the girl, and kissed her cheek. If she has a daughter in the future, she will want to have an obedient girl like Cutie.

    One by one, Leena introduced Aunt Jpeno, Nick, and Jane to Kyle. In the process, she forgot the most important person. When Leena heard a growl directing at her, she realized. ''''Oh, my Carrot! I am sorry, baby. Let me introduce you to our guest.'''' Leena nced at Kyle. ''''She is Carrot. My baby.''''

    ''''Hi, Carrot.'''' Kyle squatted to her height and ruffled Carrot''s head. ''''I am Kyle.''''

    As a gesture that she approved of her friendship, Carrot extended her paw. Kyle epted a sweet smile on her face.

    Just then, a servant arrived and informed them about another visitor, Kurt. The moment Kurt''s name was mentioned, Aunt Jpeno fled out of the kitchen like a Usain Bolt. ''''I will go, and receive him.''''

    ''''''His nightmares will start again,'''' Nick muttered with a grin.

    Hearing Kurt''s name, Kyle felt butterflies in her stomach. Without her conscience, she turned her heels.

    ....

    On the other hand, Kurt stood outside impatiently, waiting for someone to open the door. He kicked the door with a bang when they were dying his time. ''''Doesn''t this house have a sensor? How long you are going to take_''''

    His voice stuck on the throat when the door widely opened. Standing in front of him wearing a huge grin was none other than the nightmare of his life. ''''A_untttttt Jpenooo.'''' Kurt muttered in disbelief. How? Why is she here? Should I take a detour and run? Unlike Nick, Kurt was not lucky this time.

    ''''You are as strong as an OX.'''' Kurt stiffened when he felt the pair of hands squeeze him from behind. Why must I run into her?

    His thoughts ceased when he heard a girl''sughter from inside. He peeked at the girl and was shocked for the second time. Kyle? Why is she here? But that''s not the point.. He lost his pride in front of this woman again. Can this day get any better?

 Chapter 328 - Cute

    The man who stands a mile away from women was taken advantage of by a woman? There was no way Kyle could repress her roaringughter witnessing the bewildering scene. Suppressing herugh, she looked in Kurt''s direction. In the next second, she looked away coyly, catching her breath secretly. She doesn''t know why, but his smile is affecting her.

    Her heart started beating faster than she anticipated. For god''s sake, stop it, Kyle. You have a boyfriend. But her mind was in no control of her thoughts. She couldn''t help but take a peek at Kurt.

    In a less formal out, with solid blue jeans and a ck shirt, he was pulling off the youthful vibe. A sturdy built, and she would look like a lilliput in front of him. Is he handsome, or am I feeling that way? Why didn''t I feel this way during school?

    On the other hand, Kurt''s mind was also in entropy. Of all the people, why does it have to be Kyle? Every time something terrible happened to him, this loose case has witnessed it.

    ''''Kurt boy, how long it has been?'''' Kurt was drawn out of his thoughts. For a moment, his gaze sauntered inside, wondering her expressions, but there was no trace of her. Where did she go?

    ''''What are you searching for?'''' Aunt Jpeno snapped her fingers at him.

    Drawing his lips together tightly, Kurt red at Aunt Jpeno. ''''You still not over that weird habit?'''' Had he knowns Aunt Jpeno was here, he would have been sitting in the office and taken up the task of torturing criminals in the cell.

    ''''You know it already.'''' Aunt Jpeno winked at him. Stepping aside, she made the entry for him. ''''Come inside. we haven''t talked for a long time.''''

    ''''How did yound here?'''' Kurt entered, a step behind Aunt Jpeno. This is the only way he can save himself from her.

    ''''It''s a long story. Maybe, some other time.''''

    Kurt nodded his head and looked around the house.''''Where is Devin?''''

    ''''Devin is on the terrace. You can go and talk with him for a while.'''' Replied Leena, showing up in front of him. ''''I hope you know the way.''''

    Kurt nodded and went up, asionally peeking down. Where did she go? Did I see her, or was it my imagination? He brushed the thoughts aside when he reached the terrace where Devin and Nick were setting up for the barbeque area.

    ''''Had a good time with Aunt Jpeno?'''' Nick mocked the moment he saw Kurting towards them.

    ''''Half-baked potato.'''' Kurt sprinted towards him and kicked Nick''s knee, making thetter wince in pain. ''''Why didn''t you give a heads-up when I called you yesterday?''''

    ''''My leg!'''' Hobbling over, Nickmely walked to the nearby bench. ''''What are you? An Ox?''''

    ''''You deserve a better kick,'''' Kurt roared, looking at the barbeque setup. Greenery in the background and the magnificent resident with the view of the groves, added radiance to the ce. ''''My appetite has increased just seeing the setup, Vincy. Continental for the starters?''''

    ''''Your imagination is beyond,'''' Devin said, checking the gas grill.

    ''''Grilled fruits and veggies for the starters,'''' Nickughed merrily. ''''''What did you expect?''''

    ''''If your wife is a vegan, you can''t let your friends starve,'''' Kurt said, sitting on the chair to enjoy the weather. This terrace brings lots of memories to Kurt of their friendship. All his friends would hang out away from the hustle-bustle when they find free time.

    ''''You can directly talk with Leena if you have issues.'''' Replied Devin knowing the answer.

    Kurt turned silent, not interested to argue with women. He will better survive a day without his baby food. Just then, Wilbur arrived carrying his daughter.''''Here you are, Vincy? My daughter is searching all the ces looking for you.''''

    ''''Dein,'''' Cutie screamed, sprinted towards Devin.

    Devin turned around, and his eyes softened as the breeze flitting over the flowers seeing Savny. ''''Hi, Savny.'''' Devin lifted her and pinched her cheeks. ''''You look adorable in this dress. Who brought you?''''

    ''''Dad. I have lots of fll desses in home.'''' Her hands wide opened to show the volume of her dresses. ''''Did you bing remote car?'''' She asked.

    ''''I can''t refuse if little Savny asks. It''s in my room.'''' Devin squeezed her cheeks and carried her inside.

    ''''Your sister should have witnessed, Will.'''' Nick cackled.

    ''''Don''t even bring her.'''' Wilbur sighed.

    Nick, Wilbur, and Kurt cackling over some fun jokes were enjoying when a servant arrived and brought Kurt to the living room upon Leena''s order. His rage tore open when Leena handed him a shear and basket to cut the fresh flowers from the back garden for the water pot. When he denied it, she gave the task of helping Aunt Jpeno in the kitchen. Obviously, Kurt chose the former.

    ''''Is this what she meant losing the tail? I should have known her better.'''' He muttered and reluctantly went to the back garden. To his surprise, he caught the sight of a certain girl who was cutting flowers. So, it''s not his imagination. ''''Hey, Loose case, what are you doing here?''''

    Kyle pursed her lips and sharply looked at the man. ''''Why do you call me loose case always?'''' Kyle was angry at Kurt for calling her loose case, but at the same time, she was happy to see him here.

    ''''Because you are one,'''' Kurt looked at the shear and the basket in his hands. The hand has held the powerful guns and killed criminals. Now he has to cut a flower? No way.

    ''''On what basis you concluded?'''' She questioned. As far as she knew, she hadn''t acted like a loose woman.

    Dating a criminal without knowing his background was enough to conclude. But instead of voicing out his words, Kurt stared at her and smiled. ''''I don''t have mood today. I will tell you when we meet next time.'''' Having said that, he threw the shear and basket in front of Kyle. ''''Cut the flowers. Put your body to work, at least now.''''

    ''''Kurt!'''' Kyle screamed, blowing off the top. Why does he keep humiliating me? Kyle cried. No wonder he is single. She wondered who is that unlucky girl going to marry this woman-hater. As if poked with needles, her heart seared in pain, thinking of some other woman next to Kurt. God! what''s wrong with me?

    ''''What is it?'''' Kurt asked. ''''It''s for your benefit. Do you want to scold me?

    ''''No.'''' Kyle suppressed the urge to scold him. She moved away from him and began cutting the flowers. This is for the better.

    Kurt thought of taking a walk in the garden with nothing to do. While doing so, he remembered Landon. He will better use this opportunity. ''''What''s your boyfriend''s name, Kyle?'''' He approached her but maintained a distance between them.

    Kyle paused her actions for a split second to look at him. ''''How do you know that I am in a rtionship?''''

    ''''I saw you with him in the Signature hotel,'''' Kurt said.

    ''''Oh!'''' Was her short reply.

    ''''He seems to be rich. Where does he work?'''' He questioned naturally, without putting doubt on her.

    ''''I am not telling.'''' Why does he want to know her boyfriend being rich? For that matter, isn''t he also rich? She doesn''t want to think about Landon when she is having a happy time here. While simultaneously working on cutting the flowers and talking with Kurt, Kyle didnot notice she held a rose flower this time, and when she noticed, the thorns already prickled her finger, and drops of blood started spurting out. ''''Ah! My finger.'''' She ced her finger into her mouth, but a hand forcefully pulled it out.

    ''''Dirty girl. You are cutting flowers, and don''t you know you will inject germs into your mouth?'''' Kurt chided her brashly.

    ''''Always rinse it in water, pat it dry, and apply an antibiotic cream. But right now, I will only bandage it because we don''t have.'''' Kurt pulled a bandage from his back pocket, which he always carries due to his work conditions. Peeling the wrap with his teeth, he sheathed it around her index finger. Kyle''s brain numbed all the time he was holding the hand and tending to her wound. If not, she was squatting, she would have fallen on the ground.

    ''''Kurt,'''' Kyle called him in a daze without her conscience.

    ''''Hmm?'''' He hummed with a questioning look,pletely forgot that he is still holding her hand.

    ''''Y_ou look cute when you talk sweetly.'''' ''Kyle''s words befell before she controlled her brain.

    ''''W_hat?'''' Came his perplexed voice. His face flushed a shade of red instantly. What is this girl talking about? He felt something strange in his body when Kyle called him cute. What is it? Never he felt this feeling?

    ''''Nothing. I_I am going inside.'''' Kyle pulled her hand, and taking the basket from the ground, she fled out of ce.

    Kurt: '''' ''''

 Chapter 329 - They Were In A Relationship?

    His initial reaction was utter silence. Then he tried to digest the information yet couldn''t decode what that loose case meant. Numbness spread into his cheeks and then into his mouth. Kurt turned on his feet in a squatting position and looked at the retreating figure while his hands searched to pick the shear from the ground.

    ''''She called me, Cute. Is it apliment?'''' Kurt slowly lifted his other hand and touched his face, and soon realized it was searing hot.

    He maintains a distance from girls for no reason and barely interacts with them, school, or the office.

    "Is it because I heard apliment from a girl for the first time I am feeling this way? That''s it.'''' Kurt nodded his head vigorously byforting himself with that thought.

    He got up to leave but turned back. His gaze shifted from the rose nt and then to the sheer in his hands. As he emerged out of the back garden, the rose nt cut into pieces had fallen off the ground

    ...

    On the other hand, sitting in a bed, Kyle bit her nails anxiously while her footsteps tapped on the floor impatiently. She had made a big mistake today. What will he think of me? How on earth am I supposed to show up in front of him for the rest of the day?

    ''''What''s wrong with you, Kyle?'''' Leena asked, examining her anxious face. Aftering back from the garden, Leena felt Kyle is nervous over something. ''''Did something happen over there?''''

    ''''No.'''' Kyle shook her head. ''''I am tired. Can I rest here for a while?'''' Kyle pleaded. It''s the only way to not show up in front of Kurt.

    ''''You havee all the way to rest here? No way. At least, not today.'''' Leena dragged Kyle by the arm out of the room. ''''Let''s go to the terrace and fill the water pot with flowers.''''

    Kyle was gripping her heart in her hands until they reached the terrace. She was relieved when she didnot find the man she is trying to avoid from the time she hade from the back garden.

    On the other hand, watching her brother and Nick enjoying ying with Cutie and Carrot, she fumed at them, ''''Wilbur, and Nick.'''' Both the men raised their brows questioningly.

    ''''Devin is a patient, and you let him do all the work?'''' She demanded and approached Devin. Dragging him to the nearby chair, she said. ''''Sit, and enjoy the weather.''''

    Devin sighed as if it was a naturalnguage of his heart. Patient again! How long I have to endure that title? ''''I am fine, Sweetheart. My would ispletely healed now.'''' He suppressed the urge tosh at her.

    Leena refused to harken Devin''s words. Turning to the other two, she bashed at Nick and Wilbur again with her emotional drama of family and friends. Both murmured coherently and began working.

    ''''You can make even the innocent guilty, Leena,'''' Kyle smiled as she filled the roses on the outlying of the pot.

    ''''I have some skills under my sleeves.'''' Leena winked. A whileter, Jane informed that Reese and Andrew havee. Leena introduced Kyle to Reese. Harley already knew Kyle as both have studied in the same school.A bitter Leah, and Austin also arrived. To Leena''s surprise, even Jasper had turned up. Trying every possible way to meet Harley but failed in doing so, Jasper went to the terrace to chat with his friends at least. Every wall was filled with joy, and every room was holdingughter.

    ''''You know Devin, but why don''t you know Harley?'''' Leena questioned Reese as she inted the balloon. Had Reese knew about Harley, she should have recognized her when they first went to WD.

    ''''I heard Harley''s name but haven''t met her. Jasper doesn''t allow me to attend any family gatherings.'''' Reese pouted. Her brother alwayses up with an excuse and confine her to the house.

    Leena nodded her head understanding the situation. Her Francy and Reese''s brother are two peas in a pod. Devin was so close yet far away from her. Had she met him before, both might have fallen in love earlier and avoided all the dramas in their life��Devin losing his memories and forgetting his first love, and she could have avoided her ident. His first love always reminds her of a thorn in the heart. Brushing the thoughts aside, Leena asked the same question to Harley.

    ''''I also know Reese''s name but haven''t met her.'''' Harley lied smoothly. For fifteen years, Jasper had kept Reese away from Andrew for a silly misunderstanding. After they started dating, Harley tried to mend the sworn enemies'' rtionship, but both were equally stubborn. She can understand Andrew''s predicament also. How Jasper tortured Andrew, she had witnessed it with her eyes. Once Jasper had gone overboard by ying a ghost prank on Andy. Poor Andrew was caught with psychogenic fever for three days due to chronic stress. Jasper didnot think things would turn out this way. From then on, both stopped ying pranks on each other, but their rivalry didnot end.

    Thinking of that man, Harley''s mood soured, and she had no spirit to work. ''''My back is aching. I will go and take a walk in the garden for a while,'''' Harley said and went out when she heard a reply from the rest.

    A whileter, Reese got a call from Andrew, and she also left with another silly excuse.

    ''''She is enjoying.'''' Jane giggled.

    ''''Let her.'''' Leah grinned and turned to her cousin. ''''How is your dating life, Kyle?''''

    ''''You are in a rtionship?'''' Jane eximed. ''''What''s his name?''''

    ''''His name is Landon.'''' She said.

    ''''How is your rtionship progressing?'''' Leah asked.

    ''''I don''t know, Leah. He is sometimes overbearing, which I am not liking.'''' Kyle monotonously replied, brushing the bandage of her index finger thinking of some other person while answering the questions of her boyfriend. Where did he go? She hadn''t seen him after she came back from the garden.

    ''''If you are not sure, don''t let him enter without protection until your...o.'''' Leah shrieked when a hand rapped her thigh. ''''Leena! What did I do?''''

    ''''Because you are polluting her mind.'''' Reprimanding her friend, Leena nced at Kyle. ''''Don''t listen to her words, Kyle. When ites to rtionships, it''s all about trust. Don''t let someone change who you are. What you allow is what will continue. Remember this!'''' Exined Leena thinking that Kyle could catch her point. She wonders how she got to be damn lucky to have Devin in her life.

    ''''Thank you, Leena. I will keep your words in mind'''' Kyle genuinely thanked her.

    Meanwhile, Reese walked into the back garden, where Andrew asked her to meet him. The garden was so vast that it had enough privacy to have anyone enjoy themselves without getting noticed. Twilight wasing foreshadowing the rising sun. While waking down, Reese heard murmurs of a man, and woman, but soon they started to fade away. Curiosity killed the cat. Reese was about to follow the noises, but a hand yanked her, causing her back to fall into the sturdy chest.

    ''''Rew.'''' She smiled and turned around.

    ''''You can recognize me without looking at my face?'''' Andrew asked, surprised. When Reese confessed her feelings, Andrew felt as if he was drowning in the clouds. Never he thought she harbored the same feelings for him.

    ''''I missed you.'''' The hint of mint scent on Reese caused him to lean forward. Unable to resist the temptation, he seized her lips and plunged into her mouth for a deep kiss. Within a week, both have progressed their rtionship a leave ahead and share their first kiss as well.

    When Andrew''s hands began traveling south, Reese pulled back. Both were panting, catching their desperate breath. ''''I am sorry, I lost my_''''

    Reese covered Andrew''s mouth with the back of her hand. ''''Don''t. I don''t want us to end up doing here.'''' Reese whispered. ''''Where were you all the time? Since morning, I haven''t seen you.''''

    ''''Your brother is keeping a tight watch on me.'''' Andrew sighed, hugging Reese tightly.

    ''''God! I don''t know what to call you two! Why do you both fight in the first ce?'''' Andrew kept mum for the question.

    ''''I will let you brother answer the question, Ree.'''' He would have told her the truth if there was no third person involved, but Harley''s involvement in their rivalry had tied his mouth.

    ''''I wonder I will ever get an answer from you or my brother,'''' Reese sighed. ''''The guests will starting soon. Go inside.'''' Reese said. It was a wonder that her brother hadn''te looking for them.

    ''''Okay.'''' Before leaving, Andrew kissed Reese''s forehead making her blush. Calming her rapid beating heart, Reese was about to leave, she heard the faint voices again.

    ''''Who could it be?'''' She walked down the slope, and soon the noises started to flutter in her ears.

    [I am telling you again, I haven''t agreed to the breakup! Why can''t you see my sincerity]

    ''''Jasper!'''' Reese whispered, covering her mouth. What is he doing here? She moved further down to have a clear idea of the other voice.

    [....hell..I am not interested to hear your dramas. I was hoping you wouldn''t make a scene, but I was wrong. I should have known you better]

    ''''Isn''t it Harley?'''' Reese''s eyes widened in shock. ''''Jasper, and Harley! Why are they talking about a breakup? They were in a rtionship before?.....''''

 Chapter 330 - Like My Daughter

    [My dad is demanding to get married. Tell me, do you want me to reveal our rtionship]

    [Don''t you dare! You fuck or marry any girl; I am least bothered]

    [Didn''t we pass the stage already. Talk with me, Harley. Did someone threaten you? How long you are going to keep mum]

    Reese had eyes like saucers when she started hearing the fights between Harley and Jasper. They have dated in the past, but nobody is aware of it? She knows Jasper had dated many girls, but somehow he broke with them in one or two days due to bizarre reasons. But this piece of news is new to her.

    A littleter, Reese began hearing the cries of Harley, and soon they were reced by moans and groans. Reese''s face morphed as if she swallowed Leena''s weird foods. ''''God! What are these two! One minute they fight, and in the next minute they kiss like hungry beasts,'''' She whispered, closing her mouth with the back of her hand.

    Reese quickly hid behind the bushes when the approaching footsteps began near her area, and through the space between the leaves, Reese saw Harley''s racing footsteps. Secondster, she watched her brother screaming Harley''s name and followed after her.

    Not until the footsteps faded did Reese came out of the hiding. Anxiously, she bit on her nails. ''''So many things happened between them. I have to tell this matter to Leena.'''' She rushed inside the home, and the first person Reese bumped into was Harley. ''''You scared me, Harley.''''

    ''''I am sorry. Why are you looking so nervous?'''' Harley asked.

    ''''Nothing. I_I am looking for Leena,'''' Replied Reese, examining Harley''s reddened eyes, and her eyes also caught sight of the bruised lips.

    ''''Your lips...they are bleeding,'''' Reese said.

    Harley pressed her lips tightly to hide them from Reese. Shepletely forgot to check in the mirror after she returned. He must have done it intentionally. She went to the back garden for a walk without knowing that the beast was following her.

    ''''I identally bit my lips. Leena must be on the terrace.''''

    Reese thanked Harley and went off. On the terrace, she saw almost all the families arrived and spending quality time with each other. She dragged Leena from the busy voices into a quiet room despite Leena''s fit.

    ''''What is it?'''' Leena asked impatiently. ''''Everybody has arrived. We can talkter, Reese.''''

    ''''It''s very important, Leena.'''' Reese said. ''''My brother and Harley are in a rtionship. They have dated before.''''

    ''''Did you lose your screws somewhere?'''' Leena calmly asked. Harley and Jasper? Leena shook her head immediately. Neither she had seen them looking at each other or talking to each other.

    ''''I swear, Leena!'''' Reese exined. ''''They were_''''

    ''''Then why doesn''t anybody knows about it? We assumed your brother and Andrew were in a rtionship, and it turns out to be a deception. We are yet toe out of that, and you havee up with another story of Harley and Jasper.'''' She questioned, crossing her arms. After she learned about Andrew''s and Jasper''s point of view, Leena decided not to judge unless she sees it with her eyes.

    ''''Go, change your dress, ande back to the party.'''' Having said, that Leena stormed out of the room.

    ''''I saw them together. Why can''t Leena believe me?'''' Reese cried in exasperation. Harley is a lovely girl, and her brother is also a friendly person who doesn''t get involved in fights unless it meant Andrew. Why did they both fight then? ''''Does Andrew knows about it?''''

    ''''I will leave this matter aside for today,'''' Reese muttered and went into the spare room to change the dress.

    ...

    Flickering string lights hanging to the trees from behind. The prextex balloons floated along with the asional breeze caused by the trees. Cutie and Carrot were jumping and running after the balloons to catch them, forgetting about the food. Poor Andrew and Nick were grilling in the barbeque canopy while Wilbur and Jasper served the guests. Devin was sitting with her mother-inw, mom, Aunt Jpeno, and others, enjoying the happy time. Kurt was nowhere in sight. They knew he would have run away seeing the women''s count here.

    ''''It''s her housewarming party, and we have to do all the work?'''' Jasper demanded, scowling at Devin.

    ''''We have no choice_''''

    ''''Jasper, get the grilled mushroom here.'''' Mabel and Lily shouted at once.

    ''''These old women.'''' Jasper cursed. ''''They are behaving as they had never taste mushrooms.''''

    ''''Wilbur, bring the grilled Pineapple. They taste exotic.'''' Wilbur heard Francis shouting voice and sighed.

    ''''How many pineapples will he eat? He almost finished ten sticks for starters alone.'''' Picking the barbeque sticks, Wilbur approached him. cing the barbeque sticks on Francis''s te, Wilbur said. ''''This is thest stick. I can''t cut the pineapples anymore.''''

    ''''Then I will dly reject your two weeks'' leave.''''

    Without uttering a word, Wilbur turned and went back to the canopy.

    ''''You are behaving too cheesy, France,'''' Fredrick said.

    ''''But it worked.''''

    ....

    ''''Meemaw, are you liking the food?'''' Leena asked her grandmother.

    ''''Everything is good.'''' Margaret sweetly smiled at her granddaughter. ''''You need to visit home and see what''s happening there.''''

    ''''What''s happening?''''

    Margaret peeked at her son, who was busy chatting with his friends. Heather was a little distance away from them, so she doesn''t need to worry. ''''Your mom and Francis are talking for hours daily after dinner,'''' Margaret whispered.

    ''''Is it?'''' Leena burst out in happiness. ''''That is good progress.''''

    ''''It''s time we should start the n,'''' Margaret suggested. She looked at his son, and sighed at his stubbornness.

    Leena beamed and nodded her head. ''''I will talk with Francis.''''

    She spent time with her grandmother for a while and then went to talk with her friends. Reese tugged Leena''s dress the moment she arrived and signaled her to look at Harley''s lips. As Leena looked at Harley, she noticed her bruised lips as well. ''''I am still not sure.''''

    ''''I heard noises from the back garden. They were fighting with each other.'''' Reese said. Her eyes were switching between Jasper and Harley continuously.

    ''''Don''t look at her all the time, and nt a doubt on her. We will talk about this in the office.'''' Leena reprimanded Reese in a hushed voice.

    ''''Okay.''''

    ncing at Kyle, Leena asked. ''''Do you like the food?''''

    ''''It''s very nice, Leena.'''' Kyle smiled. ''''I will take my leave. Night has fallen, and it will be hard to find a cab considering this house is in an isted area.''''

    ''''You came by cab in the morning?'''' Leena asked in surprise. ''''You didnote in your car?''''

    ''''It''s a long story which we will save it forter. And yeah, I didnot bring my car.'''' Kyle said. Escaping from Landon''s guards itself was a big task, and had she taken the car, he would have noticed ande after her. Kyle was wondering what kind of rivalry he has with Leena and Devin. She wanted to ask if Leena knows about her boyfriend but didnot get the proper time.

    ''''Don''t worry about that. We have many people here. I will ask someone to drop you at home safely.''''

    ''''I will go by Cab. I don''t want to bother_''''

    ''''Don''t try to argue, Kyle. Leena has taken the decision already. It''s not safe to go alone,'''' Jane said, and Kyle nodded her head.

    Jane got up when she saw her husband sulking, sitting next to the barbeque. ''''I will go and serve the dishes.''''

    ''''I am done eating. I will also join you.'''' Kyle said, and with that, both left.

    Meanwhile, Evelyn and Jasper''s mother, Mabel, just finished dinner, were having a conversation sitting in a quiet ce. It was not an ident, but Evelyn intentionally brought Mable away from Everybody to talk with her privately. ''''How is life going, Mabel?''''

    ''''It was good, but not anymore, Eve.''''

    ''''Why?'''' Evelyn asked. ''''I forgot to ask. I heard your mother-inw has returned. Is it true?''''

    ''''That woman hase back for no good. We have no peace in the home from the day she hase, Eve,'''' Mabel added with a sigh.

    ''''You and I have worst mothers-inw''s, and we can''t help it,'''' Evelyn chuckled. ''''What is she up to?''''

    ''''She is adamant on getting Jasper married to her friend''s granddaughter,'''' Mabel said, ncing at the stars in the sky.

    ''''The girl who is working in Jasper''s office?'''' Evelyn questioned, and Mabel nodded. Evelyn guessed it right. That damn old woman!

    ''''I don''t like that girl, Eve. She is very arrogant. I don''t want her as my daughter-inw.'''' Mabel muttered. Now that her husband knows her son doesn''t harbor feelings for Andrew and Reese''s life is also getting settled, her husband''s sole focus turned to Jasper. Every day he brings the topic of marriage, and Jasper outrightly rejects it.

    ''''Then what kind of girl you want?'''' Evelyn questioned, slowly bringing Mabel into the track.

    ''''Sweet....ambitious.. kind-hearted, the girl should mingle with everyone...''''

    ''''Like my daughter, Harley?''''

 Chapter 331 - Stay Safe

    Two years ago, the happy pie of her life had turned into a broken doll. Evelyn didnot know that her daughter and Jasper were in a rtionship until he secretly contacted her, exined everything that happened between them, and asked her for help. Her daughter, suddenly talking about a breakup, must have a solid reason. Eve has a gut feeling that Jasper''s grandmother is involved in their separation. She waited for Harley to open up, but no. There is no use in ruining dates anymore. Evelyn decided to change the course of the n.

    At the sudden mention of Harley, Mabel nced at Evelyn with a source of amazement. Harley is very close to their family, but the thought of making her a daughter-inw never transpired to her mind. It was not only Harley. Mabel had not thought of any girl because her mind had solidly established a feeling that her son likes Andrew.

    ''''Are you serious, Eve?'''' Mabel examined Evelyn''s face to see if she meant it.

    ''''Does my face looks like I am joking?'''' Evelyn questioned back, trying to imitate with a serious expression. ''''What do you think of my daughter?''''

    ''''Of course, I like Harley, Eve.'''' Mabel''s words were genuine. ''''But that old woman is stubborn on bringing her friend''s daughter into our home.'''' After her father-inw passed away, that woman had taken full authority over the household. She was scared that her husband would snap at her one day, dropping the mother title aside.

    ''''Jasper is also not showing interest in any girl.'''' Mabel''s shoulders dropped at the thought.

    ''''Is it?'''' Evelyn smiled, knowing about the oue. ''''Then try asking if your son is willing to marry my daughter.''''

    Mabel nodded her head, although she knows the answer already. Her son will outrightly reject it. But Mabel doesn''t want to voice her thoughts in front of her friend. Trying is better than nothing. Evelyn has raised her hopes. Now, she wants Harley as her daughter-inw.

    ''''Let''s go. Heather and others must be waiting.'''' Evelyn said. She had yed her part, and the ball is in Jasper''s court now. She has to wait to get a word of how he will y his counterpart against his grandmother. She knows that woman will reject Harley and try her ways to manipte. What a vile woman, Evelyn thought to herself.

    ''''Let''s go. It''s alreadyte.'''' Mabel nodded, and they got up and were back to the ce again.

    Back at the terrace, finishing the dinner, Arnold called Leena. ''''What''s that girl''s name?'''' He pointed his eyes to the girl who was sitting inside the canopy. He had been observing the girl in blue from the time he hase here. She is not only beautiful, but he felt a natural charm in her��a perfect match for his son.

    Leena pinched in between her brows. So, his eyesnded on Kyle now? She wondered if uncle Arnold had approached all the young girls in the country for his son. What is the use when father and son are not in sync? Leena knows it is not going to yield any results, but still, she replied. ''''Her name is Kyle. She is Austin''s cousin.''''

    ''''Sawyer family?'''' Arnold''s smile deepened at the mention of the name. ''''Is she married?''''

    ''''No, but she has a_''''

    Leena''s words were still unfinished; Arnold has gone, and she saw him going in Kyle''s direction. Is he that desperate to find a girl for his son?

    Kyle was enjoying the view when she heard someone address her from behind. When she turned back, she saw a man standing in front of her, with a smile on his face. As she observed his face, she felt him a little familiar.

    ''''I heard you are Austin''s cousin?''''

    ''''Umm..yes.''''

    I am Arnold Weller.''''

    ''''Arnold Weller!'''' She repeated the name, and soon another name stuck in her brain. ''''Kurt is your_''''

    ''''My son. Do you know him?'''' Excitement was written over Arnold''s face.

    ''''We studied in the same school. I was his junior.'''' Replied Kyle with a smile. That exins why she felt him very familiar. So, he is Kurt''s dad.

    ''''I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kyle, Uncle,''''

    ''''A very bright name.'''' Kurt, and Kyle. Arnold muttered under his breath. Both names start with the same letter. Arnold prayed that this match at least should work out. He is getting tired of searching girls for that stupid son. All his friend''s sons are married and happily settled, except that dunderhead son.

    ''''Thank you, uncle'''' Kyle felt father and son are pr opposite. Father is very friendly, while son always wears a serious face as if he is a dead man.

    ''''Are you working?'''' He questioned. Work or no work, Arnold doesn''t mind. He has enough wealth for the generations to feed. He only needs a daughter-inw. He will worry about the childrenter.

    ''''I am a heart surgeon, Uncle.'''' She replied.

    ''''Good profession. Only doctors can cure parents.'''' He questioned again. ''''Where do you live?''''

    ''''Why do you want to know where she lives?''''

    Arnold tightly clutched the canopy pole as if he wanted to crush it, hearing his son''s voice. He will appear right on the time when he is involved in an important discussion.

    Hearing the familiar voice, Kyle immediately looked at the towering figure. Where did he go since morning? Their eyes met, and both turned away awkwardly when the morning scene reyed in their minds.

    ''''Don''t mind my dad''s words.'''' Kurt briefly nced at Kyle as he said. Since morning, he had been sitting in the nearby park alone, embarrassed to turn up in front of her. He arrived here only when his stomach screamed for food.

    ''''Let''s go, dad. You don''t have work here.'''' Kurt uttered in a sinister voice, but Arnold didnot budge from the ce.

    As the son and father were in a heated conversation, Leena arrived and informed Kyle that Nick would drop her at home.

    ''''Where do you live, child?'''' Arnold asked, looking at Kyle.

    ''''Redwing s, uncle.''''

    ''''Why bothering Nick? My son also lives nearby Redwing.'''' Arnold turned to his son and sternly dered. ''''Drop her at home.''''

    Leena suppressed her smile, watching Kurt''s zing inferno as if he wanted to burn his father.

    ''''No worries, uncle. I will go with Nick.'''' Kyle said. She can feel Kurt and his dad are at each other ends.''''Kurt hadn''t had dinner also. I better go with Nick'''' She tried to reason, thinking that Arnold would drop the idea.

    ''''Ah! My son has a habit of eatingte at night. He can eatter.'''' Arnold''s shameless answer surprised not only Kyle but also Leena.

    Kyle helplessly looked at Leena, asking for help.

    ''''Let him have dinner first, Uncle Arnold,'''' Leena suggested. ''''He must be hungry.''''

    ''''Fine.'''' Arnold sighed, and while eating, he settled next to his son until he finished his dinner, afraid that he would escape from his clutches as usual.

    ''''Drop her at home, and call me. If I hear aint that you are_''''

    ''''Stop with your drama, dad,'''' Kurt screamed when his patience started to wear off hearing his dad''s lectures.

    When Kyle opened the front door of the car, Kurt immediately stopped her from stepping in. ''''wait...wait..wait...Sit in the backseat.''''

    ''''Why? Nobody is going to sit in the front seat, isn''t it?'''' She questioned.

    ''''I prefer the seat to be empty,'''' Kurt replied in an impassive tone. ''''I hate someone invading my privacy.''''

    ''''Do you feel I am not clean?'''' Kyle asked in a whisper, hurt by his words.

    ''''I_I didnot mean in that way.'''' Kurt rified, but Kyle''s disappointment in her eyes was visible. Damn this girl! ''''You can sit in the front seat.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' As Kyle climbed the front seat, Kurt''s expressions hardened.

    During the whole journey, Kurt''s back was as stiff as a wall. Kyle tried to strike a conversation, but his reply was all in monosybles except when he asked for the house directions.

    ''''Stop here; the sky blue building is my home. I can walk from here.'''' She said. Landon''s men are guarding the front gate, and climbing thepound is the only option left for her.

    At a distance, Kurt observed several men dressed in ck waiting at the blue building. ''''Who are they? Why are they standing near your home?'''' His one hand reached behind to take out the 92Fs for protection.

    ''''They are actually...my boyfriend had put them for security.'''' Kyle opened the car door.

    Why is Landon posing security around Kyle? Did he find out? But he is extra careful when reaching out to Kyle. He will have to investigate this matter.

    ''''Thanks for the lift,'''' Kyle said, bringing him out of the thoughts.

    Kurt nodded his head, and before she closed the door, he called her. ''''Kyle.''''

    ''''Hmm?'''' Kyle nced in his direction. Seconds passed, Kurt didnot utter a word. Finally, what felts like an eternity, two words traveled from his mouth, which utterly shocked Kyle.

    ''''Stay safe.''''

 Chapter 332 - Vixen

    Although Kurt dropped her at the house nearby, he didnot start the car. He wanted to ensure Kyle reaches her home safely unless he has to listen to his dad''s talking-tos. A surprise had filled his face when he saw Kyle changing the course of her direction.

    Kyle removed her sandals and held them in her hand. She nced back for onest time, climbed thepound wall covered with bushes, and then jumped onto the other side. Without making a noise, she slipped into the home.

    ''''Why did she sneak into her house like a thief?'''' He wondered in disbelief. It''s not his ce to worry about her. He reversed the car and was off home.

    Meanwhile, tired of taking a shower, Kyle copsed on the bed after changing intofy wear. She texted Leena that she had reached home safely and closed her eyes. She had one of the best days in her life today. The fun, and the banterings with all those people, clearly she had never experienced anywhere before. Had she gone with Landon, she would have been stuck in the same boring hotel eating the rich yet dull food. A happy smile stered across her face as she closed her eyes, and in the next second, he had appeared again.

    Kyle red up from her bed instantly. ''''What''s wrong with me? Why does my mind keep running to him? No...no... I shouldn''t think about him,'''' She shook her head and began watching a movie to remove him from her thoughts.

    ....

    With all the guests had gone, the house was still lively with Cutie around. Except for grandpa Arthur, and Adney everybody hase, and she felt a little sad that grandpa Arthur was not around to make fun.

    ''''I feel like I am already tired tomorrow.'''' Leena held Devin''s arm as they reached downstairs.

    ''''Put an out-of-order stick on your head, and go to sleep.'''' Replied Devin, and when Leena fiercely looked at him, he has to take back his words.

    ''''Tootie,e here. Time to sleep.'''' Cutie shortly looked at Leena without replying and then resumed ying with Nick and Carrot with the new remote car that Devin brought to her. When Carrot rushes to crush the car, it will immediately turn in another direction and slip out of her zone enraging the pupper.

    ''''Nini, once mole.'''' Cutie pped her hands excitedly.

    ''''Didn''t you hear my words?'''' Leena asked again.

    ''''Eena..no..distub.'''' She paused and looked at Leena with her pitiful face. ''''Pease..I want to pay.''''

    Processing the broken words and then understood what she meant, Leena debated. ''''You can y tomorrow. Remember, you have Flute sses in the evening.''''

    Cutie hated the term schools and sses. Summer breaks are meant for rxation, but Cutie has no such thing in her life. Elsie, her friend, started going to tennis sses during the summer break. So, her jealous dad did an extensive search and picked Music for her. Wilbur enrolled her in a music ss without even asking her permission. At least, he has given a choice to pick the instrument on her own. After trying all the instruments over there, Cutie decided to go for the Flute because when she yed, the out-of-sync notes drove her dad nuts. She can never forget the awful face her dad made as if he has stepped into sewerage. That made her join the sses without a second thought, but soon she lost interest.

    ''''I am not going!'''' Cutie stubbornly said.

    ''''I didnot ask for your opinion. You have a ss tomorrow, and you are attending.''''

    Cutie looked at Nick and Devin through her teary eyes as though she wanted them to support her.

    Her sad face tugged Devin''s heartstrings. ''''We can think about her ssester, Leena. Go, take a shower. I will bring her.''''

    As Leena went up angrily, Cutie''s face glittered in happiness. Knowing that Leena takes at least an hour toe out of the bathroom, Devin joined Cutie. A whileter, Carrot went into her room to sleep when Cutie drifted off to sleep. Devin gently picked her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Leena was already fast asleep. He gingerly ced Cutie in the middle and tugged her with a dinosaur nket.

    ''''Why does Wilbur buys all wild things for Savny?'''' Devin kissed Leena''s forehead andy down on the bed. This is the first time he is sleeping without cuddling Leena when she is around him.

    .....

    The mottled sun zed through the trees. A woman sitting in the garden sipped the lemon verbena relishing the morning summer breeze. She looked at the maid standing a little distance away from her. ''''Has my granddaughter woke up?'''' Her face revealed every crevice and wrinkle on her face as she asked.

    ''''No, madam Imogen.'''' The maid politely replied.

    ''''Call my daughter-inw here.'''' Imogen ordered.

    Within a minute, Mabel was standing in the garden wondering what this old dame will create trouble in the morning.

    ''''Why is your daughter still in the bed?''''

    ''''She attended a party_''''

    ''''Whatever, I don''t care. Discipline your daughter properly.'''' She sternly dered. ''''Also, tell my grandson that I want to talk with him.'''' Very rarely her grandsones home, and she will better straight out the things today.

    Without asking the reason, Mabel turned to leave. Whatever it may be, she doesn''t care if she can stay away from her. Mabel knocked on Jasper''s bedroom door and walked in.''''Are you getting ready for the office?''''

    ''''Yes, mom,'''' Jasper replied; ncing at the mirror, he straightened the suit and tucked the tie back down onto his vest.

    ''''Your grandmother wants to talk to you,'''' Mabel said.

    ''''Regarding?'''' He asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ''''I don''t know. I didnot bother to ask.''''

    ''''You have learned ways to escape.'''' He chuckled. The main reason he stays away from home is her grandmother. She wondered how her grandfather handled this woman for such a long time.

    ''''I learned to escape from bad omen,'''' Mabel said and went out.

    Jasper got ready, and as he walked into the living room, he saw a maid massaging his grandmother''s forehead. ''''Grandmother, you called me for?''''

    ''''You are here?'''' The older woman spoke up through closed eyes. She then dismissed the maid, waving her hands. ''''About your marriage. I have chosen a girl for you.''''

    Mabel, Louis, and Reese also turned up hearing the news.

    Jasper pinched his eyebrows in frustration. Until yesterday, it was his dad, and now his grandmother has started. ''''I don''t want to marry a random woman, grandmother.''''

    Imogen knew she would hear such a response from his grandson. Is he still not over that orphan girl? What had that vixen done to his grandson?

 Chapter 333 - Celia

    When Imogen investigated Harley''s background, she was surprised to know Harley was an Orphan. She would have epted if Harley belonged to the Wang family, but she is a mere orphan depending on the Wang family. It was a surprise that the Wang family is treating that girl like a princess of their family. No wonder Elinor Catherina never liked her.

    She will never ept that girl into the Allen family. Two years back, Imogen tried all possible ways to separate her grandson and that orphan, and she was sessful. But she didnot expect her grandson to still hang onto that woman!

    ''''Jasper, it''s high time you settle. I have a girl in my mind. She is beautiful_''''

    ''''As I said, I will not marry a random woman. If she is beautiful, you can marry her.'''' Jasper dered and stormed out of the house. He will not marry anyone except Harley. It is her or no one.

    ''''Ungrateful brat.'''' Imogen spat out and went into her bedroom. Will you still hold your feelings if I make that orphan disappear? She muttered to herself with a wicked smile.

    Louis and Mabel looked at each other and went inside to talk privately. Reese scratched her forehead in frustration. She knows the reason her brother is refusing to marry any woman. He loves Harley, and Harley loves her brother, but there seems to be a misunderstanding between them. ''''Why can''t they sit andmunicate properly?''''

    Reese quickly got ready and reaching the office, she stormed into Leena''s office room and exined everything that happened in the home. ''''I am sure my brother is refusing because he still loves Harley. We need to talk. Call her, and ask her to meet us now.''''

    ''''I have a meeting with the client, Reese.''''

    ''''We can postpose_

    ''''No.'''' Leena promptly declined. ''''I have no meetings in the afternoon. We will talk with her once I finish with this one.''''

    Gritting her teeth, Reese agreed and texted Harley. Thousands of thoughts were swirling in her mind. Until Harley agreed to meet, Reese bugged her. By noon, Leena ended the meeting with the client, and both went to the nearby park where they asked Harley to meet.

    ''''Why is she noting yet?'''' Reese asked impatiently.

    ''''Stop asking the same question over and over,'''' Leena yelled at the restless girl.

    Twitching her nose, Reese turned to the entrance of the park gate, and the moment she saw the familiar figure, Reese screamed. ''''There she is!''''

    Leena shook her head at Reese''s actions. She is acting like a fangirl.

    ''''Why did you ask me to meet urgently?'''' Harley asked as she approached them.

    ''''Because I saw_''''

    Leena pinched Reese''s thigh, silently signaling her to shut her mouth. Patting the empty ce next to her, Leena gestured for Harley to sit next to her. She could feel Reese''s impatience, but Leena didnot shift straight away to the topic and talked about random things with Harley.

    ''''My mother-inw and Father-inw''s banterings are sure fun to watch!'''' Leena giggled.

    ''''They are my ideal couple.'''' Harley proudly said with a smile. She wanted to have a love story like her parents and thought she found it, but that man crushed her dreams.

    ''''So when are you going to marry?'''' Leena asked,

    ''''Me?'''' Harley awkwardly scratched her head with Leena''s sudden question. ''''I haven''t yet thought about it.''''

    ''''Do you like someone?''''

    ''''Huh..I_I no.'''' She meekly replied, clutching her dress tightly.

    ''''Liar,'''' Reese shouted. ''''I know you love Jasper. I have heard everything that happened between you and Jasper.''''

    Leena sighed, watching Harley''s face went ashen suddenly. Why is this stupid Reese so impatient. Leena held Harley''s hand and gently spoke up. ''''Don''t panic, Harley. We didnot pry into your life intentionally. It was an unexpected encounter. Reese heard you arguing with Jasper in the back garden.''''

    ''''I_I_''''

    ''''Is it true whatever Reese heard?'''' Leena calmly asked to which Harley nodded her head.

    ''''You want to share it with us? Our secret lies here. Neither I am telling it to Devin nor will Reese tell it to Jasper. I will assure you of that.''''

    Pressing her lips together, Harley tightly wrapped her arms around herself. She deeply inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth topose her thoughts.

    Leena patiently watched Harley until she regained her self-control over her thoughts. Reese also stayed silent this time.

    Without talking, Harley opened her mobile and scrolled through the hidden album and showed the couple of pictures that have crashed her life on that day.

    For a second, Reeze froze to death, watching her brother, along with a familiar woman on the bed. ''''It''s Celia! She is working in Jasper''s office, and also his good friend.''''

    ''''That happened when we were in a rtionship. Now tell me, how am I supposed to not get angry at him after seeing those pictures?'''' Harley calmly questioned both. Her blood flows into the veins when she sees the pictures. As if nothing had happened, the next day, he came back to smooth talk with her.

    ...

    Jasper informed his executive assistant not to disturb him for the whole afternoon. He called Harley again, and as usual, she didnot pick up the call. ''''Why are you so stubborn, Harley?''''

    He closed his eyes in vexation without noticing someone has pushed open.

    ''''You have a meeting in another ten minutes, Jas. Didn''t your executive assistant inform you?''''

    ''''I am not in a mood, Celia.'''' Jasper opened his eyes and nced at the woman. ''''You can drive the meeting for today.''''

    ''''What happened?'''' She walked towards him and gently held his hand. ''''Are you not well?''''

    ''''No, it''s Harley. I do not understand why she refuses to talk with me.'''' He said and looked at Celia as if he is drowning in sorrow. ''''Tell me, Cel. Where did it go wrong? Why did she suddenly break up without reason.''''

    Celia stiffened her smile and returned to normal in a moment. How long are you going to linger on that woman, Jas? Was the rejection two years ago not sufficient?

 Chapter 334 - Break Her Legs

    Celia wasforting Jasper to the outside, but a volcano was building up inside her body, ready to burst out any time. How long I have to wait for you, Jasper? Will you be mine if I get rid of her?

    Her happiness had no bounds when Jasper and that orphan broke up two years ago. She joined in his office, tried every possible way to get close to him, and to some extent, she did. Jasper started treating her as his friend, but Celia could never cross the friend zone and be his only love. At the least, Celia thought he would agree to her grandmother''s request after the breakup, but no. He is still hell-bent on going behind that woman despite the humiliation she is causing him.

    ''''Don''t you feel humiliated every time you go and beg her to love you back? If she has rejected you several times, she has moved on....'''' Celia''s words caught in the throat the moment Jasper pulled back his hand from her grip. ''''Get out!''''

    ''''Jasper.'''' Celia sucked in her breath. His eyes dripped with malice, cold, and spitefulness.

    ''''Get out of my sight before I throw you out!'''' Jasper spat out. Just because he treats her as his friend, she dares to cross the line.

    The atmosphere around the room dropped a point, sending chills down Celie''s spine. ''''I didnot mean to_''''

    ''''Don''t make me repeat.''''

    Celia pulled her lips in foil at the novelty of his voice. It''s not wise to anger this man at this time. She got up and left the room, closing the door behind.

    An imcable expression overlooked his face as he leaned his head on the chair. Harley''s eyes carry hatred for him, but the same eyes also hold the love she once had for him. He doesn''t want to admit it, but the fight between him and Andrew has caused him a great benefit. Harley''s unexpected confession on the road, probably no one has received in such a weird approach, has caused him to realize his deep feelings.

    .....

    Meanwhile, on the other end, silence conquered the park, except the whooshing summer winds blowing across them. Reese had a solemn look on her face, for she is unable to digest the news. She thought Jasper''s love was Andrew, and she learned it was her misunderstanding. Yesterday, she found her brother likes Harley, and now she learned her brother has toyed with another woman breaking Harley''s heart.

    ''''What exactly happened?'''' Reese asked. ''''Why didn''t anyone know you and my brother were in a rtionship?''''

    ''''We kept our rtionship secret because..I wanted to. Everything was going fine until Celia appeared. She joined his office as an intern, and with the close family ties she had with the Allen family, I see in every business party she attends along with him. He assured me she is only an employer. But my insecurities grew, and we started having unnecessary arguments. One morning, I got up to see these pictures on my mobile.''''

    ''''Did you confront Jasper?'''' Leena asked, grabbing Harley''s hand. ''''Did you ask him if he slept with her? Isn''t it clear someone is deliberately trying to break your rtionship?''''

    ''''It doesn''t add it up to the fact that he cheated, Leena. The pictures have proved his loyalty.'''' Harley sucked her breath, staring at a distance.

    Reese gazed at Harley''s teary eyes. She got up, squatted in front of her, and gently held Harley''s hand. ''''You might have mistaken. Jasper is not such kind of person to cheat_''''

    ''''Reese.'''' Harley interrupted, not intended to agree to Reese''s thoughts. ''''Cheating is a choice, not a mistake. I know he is your brother, but sorry. He is a cheater. I can ept anything but deceiving. I am not going to ept him into my life again. Once a cheater, always a repeater.'''' She spoke up in one breath.

    While Reese and Harley were conversing, Leena was looking particrly at the pictures. She zoomed the pictures, trying to interpret them. The background seems inappropriate��blur background with no correct form of lines or shapes, Leena thought. Something is definitely wrong. The photos carried Leena back to the time she experienced a scandal in her university. Those fleeting memories, which she never wanted to remember, have haunted her for years. People sure like to y with the lives of others.

    ''''Don''t judge a person until you know the whole truth, Harley,'''' Replied Leena as she turned to face Harley. ''''If I say the pictures are fake, will you believe?''''

    Harley scrunched her brows as she looked at Leena. Did Leena mean they are fraudulent? But the man in the pictures, along with Celia, is him. ''''It''s Jasper in the pictures, Leena_''''

    ''''Give me a day. I will find if the person in the pictures is Jasper or not.'''' Leena interrupted Harley''s views. She has studied a lot about fakes after she had experienced the scandal. Jasper''s two eyes are not focusing on the same things precisely, and the pose of his right shoulder doesn''t match with the left. She is ny-five percent sure the man in the pictures is not Jasper.

    ''''You are telling the pictures are fake?'''' Harley''s asked in surprise.

    ''''I can''t say hundred percent, but yes, there is a chance. I will find out the answers.'''' Leena smiled��time for some hacking tonight.

    ''''Can you really do it, Leena?'''' Hope raised, a smile returned on Harley''s face.

    ''''I wanted to tell you one thing, Harley.'''' Leena continued. ''''Love withoutmunication is like life without oxygen. Checking the authenticity of the photos will solve the problem, but what if another issue arises in the future? Will you again throw him out of your life?''''

    Harley grazed her lips in between her teeth. She understood what Leena meant.

    ''''Had I walked off from your brother''s life without confronting him when he was involved in the scandal, we would never be the same even after I learned the truth. You have to build trust. The moment Devin knew of the scandal, he didnot keep me in the dark. We solved it together. You have wasted two years, and if you keep dying, someone wille and take your man away. Do you want that to happen?''''

    Harley shook her head and stared at her palms with an intense gaze. Why didn''t I confront him two years back? Is he really innocent?

    ''''Don''t stress your brain.'''' Leena chuckled, watching Harley''s deadened expressions.

    ''''Take your time, and make a wise decision, Harley,'''' Reese said, lifting Harley''s chin. If Harley bes her sister-inw, she would be the happiest.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Harley hugged Leena and Reese. ''''I will think about what you said.''''

    ''''Good girl.'''' Leena patted her head like a mother praising her children ''''Let''s go. I have to drop Cutie in her music school.''''

    ''''I wonder why she chose Flute of all the instruments.'''' Reese giggled, imagining Cutie ying off the sync notes.

    ''''Obviously to scare people away.'''' Leena shrugged.

    All the threeughed. Harley drove to the office while Reese and Leena walked back to their office happily without knowing trouble was heading from the other end.

    ....

    In a quiet room, a sobbing woman hadid her head on thep of another woman. ''''Why can''t he see my love, grandma. Every time he talks about that bitch; I feel like my soul has sucked out of my body. Two years back, we did everything to separate Jasper and that woman. Why does he prefer that orphan? Am I not beautiful?''''

    The older woman turned to her friend, who was sitting next to her with a serious expression. ''''Imogen, I can''t see my granddaughter crying. She has stayed with Jasper ever since he has taken up thepany. Please do something. You promised that Celia would be the daughter-inw of the Allen family.''''

    Imogen gently grasped her friend''s hand while thinking of a n to get rid of that orphan. ''''I don''t back down on my promise, Minerva, my friend. Celia will be Jasper''s wife and the daughter-inw of the Allen family. Wait, and see how I crush that girl. I will never let that orphan near my grandson,'''' Having said that, Imogen dialed a number. Within an hour, a young man entered the hall and bowed down to Imogen.

    ''''I have a job for you, Axel.'''' Imogen handed a picture and said. ''''I don''t care if you break her hands or leg, but I want her to live,'''' Imogen uttered with a malicious smile. Let''s see if my grandson still goes behind that woman after she loses her beauty.

    The man licked his lips, tracing the picture. ''''She is beautiful. Can I have a taste before I dive into the work?''''

    ''''No.'''' It was Celia who declined his request. It''s not that Celia was showing mercy on Harley. She is only thinking of the possibilities that will end up leading to clues. By chance, if the police find semen in her body, the man will be the prime suspect for the case.

    ''''Don''t try anything stupid.. Finish the job, and leave no trace of evidence behind.''''

 Chapter 335 - Menbury Avenue

    Leena was brought to her knees by the time she dragged Cutie to the music sses. She knows crying and throwing tantrums is Cutie''s way to achieve what she wants, but the reality was hard. No wonder Jane has a headache of sending her to school. With lots of struggle, one of the people from the administration pulled Cutie into the ss. Leena stayed with Nick in the reception until the one-hour sses got ended.

    Thest one to appear after the ss was Cutie, wearing a downcast guise as if she had created the trouble. A tall, lean man walked to the administration holding Cutie''s hand, asionally throwing a grimaced expression at the kid.

    ''''What did she do?'''' Nick wondered.

    ''''Let''s go and find out,'''' Leena muttered, and both walked towards the reception. While they were a few steps behind, the tall man''s shrieking voice as he spoke to the administrative team registered into the ear holes. The people over there were having a hard time dealing with the teacher.

    ''''This kid is a monster. Always in for troubles. Call the head and her parents. I want_''''

    ''''Excuse me..'''' Leena interrupted the man, causing him to nce in her direction. ''''I am here to pick Savny. May I know what happened?'''' She asked and pulled Cutie from his grip. Cutie jumped onto Leena''s embrace the second Leena outstretched her hands.

    ''''Hmph! Are you her parent?'''' Twisting his face, he pulled strands of his front hair and started twiddling with his index finger. Like a mother-inwining of her daughter-inw''s behavior, hemented. ''''Verrrryyyy badddd Savny! She always creates trouble in the ss, and today, she hit me hard with her flute when I asked her to practice well...''''

    ''''It was Misseke, eena,'''' Cutie whispered and scowled at the skeleton man, narrowing her eyes. She didnot mean to hit him. It all happened by ident, and she even said sorry, but he dragged her here toin to Leena. Next time, she decided to pluck that nasty curly hair strands from the root, which he treasures more than his life.

    ''''Don''t panic. I will talk with him,'''' Leena muttered and nced at the teacher. Cutie bullies people but doesn''t go far in hitting them until they touch her bottom line. ''''Is there proof that she has hit you?'''' In a serious tone, she questioned.

    ''''Look at my beautiful forehead, which this kid has ruined entirely.'''' He swayed the twisted curl to the side for Leena and Nick to see.

    How much pressure can a kid apply, provided that the silver flute hardly weighs two bananas? ''''Are you sure Savny hit you? I don''t see any bruises over there. You look like you are the one who bullies kids.'''' Leena remarked and turned to the people standing in the reception area and ordered. ''''My kid is falsely used here. I want to meet the manager.''''

    Cutie was squealing in happiness, looking at her flute teacher, which didnot go unnoticed by him. Veryyy Baddd Savnyyyy! He muttered under his breath.

    ''''Madam, sorry for the trouble.'''' Shortly, a man arrived and sincerely apologized to Leena, ring daggers at the flute teacher for creating trouble to a bigshot. ''''Please, leave the matter to us. We will take care of it.''''

    ''''I don''t want him to continue as the teacher for Savny. Either change her ss or change the teacher.'''' Giving onest sickening look at the man, Leena and Nick left the music ss along with Cutie.

    The man twisted his front hair scowling at Leena''s retreating figure. ''''Hmph! Just like Savny!! Verryyyy baddd behaviorrrr!''''

    .....

    Harley has no mood to work after she came back talking with Leena. Also, at night, she had a hard time sleeping. Leena''s words deeply reflected on her. She checked all the texts Jasper had sent. Not a day went by without his message, despite their breakup. Like a fool, she smiled to herself, seeing his tantrums over the messages, and the night passed by just like that.

    It was another usual morning, but Harley felt her mind went clean as if ahuge burden lifted from her body. At the office, she reminisced their memories without working. Just then, Harley received a call from Leena to inform her about the pictures, but Harley denied it, not intended to know the truth. She will directly confront Jasper this time and seek answers for herself.

    Taking a deep breath, she called Jasper, wondering what his first reaction would be, but the man didnot pick up. For the third time, Harley called, yet it went into a voice call. ''''Where did he keep the phone?'''' She muttered and picked up the car keys and started to his office without knowing the darkness was slowly engulfing her.

    ...

    Meanwhile, a little while ago, desperate to find the truth, Jasper straight away knocked on Andrew''s door the moment he arrived back from the office.

    The door slowly opened, and Andrewzily looked at his sworn enemy. ''''Why are you here?''''

    Without talking a word, Jasper pushed open the door, walked past Andrew, and settled on the couch.

    ''''I am not in a mood to fight today. Get out of my_''''

    ''''Andy,'''' Jasper''s sudden soft voice appalled Andrew. Did he call me Andy? How long was it? Fifteen years, it has been, he long heard the name. Memories of their happy times started floating in front of Andrew.

    ''''Please tell me the truth.'''' Jasper''s voice was barely a whisper. ''''I beg you. Except for you, and Harley no one knows the truth. For our old time''s sake, please tell me what happened. Harley doesn''t tell me anything. I am counting on you at least.''''

    Andrew felt ayer of unsettling emotion. He promised Harley he would keep it a secret from Jasper, but he is not able to hold it anymore, watching Jasper''s helpless face. ''''On the day before she broke up with you, Harley received naked pictures.''''

    Jasper''s face contoured with a confused expression. ''''Naked? Whose naked pictures? And how does it rte to our breakup?'''' Perplexed, Jasper questioned.

    ''''The pictures of you and Celia in the bed, naked.'''' Andrew''s revtion whammed Jasper. ''''This is not true.'''' Jasper stuttered; his mind outrightly went nk. Someone has framed it. He never cheated on Harley, and the thought itself never urred.

    ''''Celia''s and your pictures have broken Harley''s heart_''''

    ''''So, she believed I cheated on her and broke up.'''' Jasperpleted, the bitterness in his voice faded to weary sadness. He knows Harley doesn''t like Celia, although he assured her that they only share employee and associate rtionships. He never expected the reason to be this shocking. Someone is trying to sabogate their rtionship. He has to talk with Harley and confess the truth.

    ''''I am going to meet her.'''' Jasper got up to leave. Before he opened the door, he nced at Andrew over his shoulders. ''''I didnot cheat on Harley.''''

    ''''I thought so.'''' Came Andrew''s fast reply. He knows Jasper is not such a kind of person. Though Jasper tried to convince Harley to confront him, her hatred caused a blind eye to look keenly at the surroundings.

    Jasper drove to WD and barged into Devin''s office room despite Daniel tried to stop him. ''''Where is Harley? Is she not in the office?''''

    Lifting his head, Devin propped up his chin with his elbow on the table. ''''Who allowed you in? I expect you to learn some etiquette''s when you step into my office.''''

    ''''I will keep that in my mind next time,'''' Jasper said. ''''Can you now tell where Harley is?''''

    ''''She is in the office_''''

    ''''She is not in the office room!'''' Jasper interrupted. ''''Can you call her. I left my mobile at home.''''

    Devin called Harley''s mobile twice, and it went unattended. Strange! She picks his Call in the first ring. He then called the reception and learned she left the office two hours ago. Devin called home, and her grandfather informed Harley hasn''t yet arrived.

    ''''She is not at home also?'''' Jasper asked tersely.

    Devin shook his head. ''''Where did she go? She doesn''t have many friends to the point of ditching the work to meet them.'''' Devin could onlye up with one friend. He called Leena, but he received the same response from her.

    ''''I_I am scared..'''' Jasper muttered, copsing on the floor.

    ''''Don''t panic. She might have gone to meet a friend.'''' Devin assured him, but he knows he is trying to convince himself. Something is unsettling in his heart. Without making any dy, he called Leena and asked her to track Harley''s mobile location. Within five minutes, he got to know her mobile track stopped at Menbury Avenue.

    ''''Menbury Avenue? Why did she go there? It''s the exact opposite direction to the home.'''' Jasper''s tension further grew along with Devin.

    ''''Her track location remains constant. For an hour, she hadn''t moved from that ce.''''

    Devin dialed Leena''s number.. ''''Hack the CCTV footage of Harley''s car as fast as you can.''''

 Chapter 336 - Damage Happened Already

    Evelyn just got home from the hospital, Grandpa Arthur informed Harley hadn''te back from the office. She let the matter aside, assuming her daughter would have gone to visit a friend. But it was half-past seven; Harley neither picked the call nor called back, raising the rm. Harley rarely goes to a friend''s ce, and if she goes, she will call and inform her even if she is busy.

    ''''She is not picking the calls, father-inw. I am scared.'''' Evelyn said panic had set in her legs. ''''Adney is also not here to track her location.''''

    ''''Don''t panic. She might have gone to her friend''s home. I will right away call Devin and Rick.'''' Grandpa Arthur assured Evelyn, but he was also seized by fright, and it was confirmed when Devin informed him Harley''sst location is showing at Menbury avenue.

    ''''Why did she go there? She has no friends in that ce.'''' Evelyn whispered in disbelief. Something is wrong here.

    Everybody''s heart was beating at a rapid rate as they reached Devin''s home. ''''Did you trace her car, Leena?'''' Fredrick asked, anxiously looking at Leena''sptop.

    ''''Yes, Father-inw. I am following her. An hour ago, she entered Medieval street...'''' Leena said, keenly focusing on the vehicles behind her car. Strangely, they have been following ever since Harley was off the office premises. ''''She parked the car to the east near a gift shop and entered the shop. Within a minute, the subway truck has stopped next to the car, and behind it, another food truck arrived,pletely blocking Harley''s car.''''

    Leena watched the truck counting the time for the people to step out, but in a trice, a ck screen appeared on theptop like a twist in fate, surprising her. ''''Damn it!''''

    ''''What''s happening? Why is it showing ck?'''' Jasper questioned, sweat drenching his body despite the air conditioning. When he knew the truth and wanted to set things straight, his Lillie is gone, away from him.

    ''''They have jammed the security cameras of the entire area. This is probably to capture Harley without being noticed!'''' Leena''s revtion put the home inplete silence except for the clock ticking on the wall.

    Jasper''s throat tightened. He felt the water creep out of his eyes. ''''Leena, quickly check when they entered the CCTV focus again.''''

    As Leena fast-forwarded, she found the three vehicles moving in an array for quite some time, and within five kilometers'' range, they parted, and started moving in three different directions.

    ''''Her phone was thrown outside of the car,'''' Leena said. ''''The two trucks'' direction will eventually lead to the outskirts of the city. Harley must be taken in one of them.'''' Leena nced at Devin without a word, and with an understanding, he nodded and called Kurt to track the license te of the two vehicles he sent.

    Evelyn sniffled; streams of tears flowed faster than her heartbeat when she thought of the worst possibility. Who has done this? Why did they kidnap their daughter? What would they acheive?

    Rick pulled Evelyn and hugged her. Complete hopelessness converted in him, but he cannot lose it, not at this time. ''''Nothing is going to happen. We will see our daughter''s happy face soon.'''' He said with a determined expression. Whoever it is will pay formitting this horrendous sin.

    Fredrick turned to Leena. ''''Leena, how long has it been we lost contact with the CCTV footage of the two trucks?''''

    ''''Approximately half n hour,'''' Leena said. ''''If we can start the search via choppers, we can hasten the location, but thews, and restrictions_''''

    ''''Choppers will fly in a couple of minutes.'''' That was all Rick''s reply before he made a call to his secretary ordering him to summon the team. ''''I am going with the pilot.'''' Evelyn joined him despite his objection. Jasper also wanted to go, but Leena didnot let him. Chopper search is alone not enough to find the exact location of the food trucks. What if they have stopped the trucks and took her somewhere? She needs to track the exact ce in the fastest way possible.

    ''''Jasper,'''' Leena called him. ''''I will cut this short. Your break up with Harley two years back is rted to someone close to you. I think she is the one behind this.''''

    ''''Is it Celia?'''' Jasper questioned, tightly gripping his knuckles. When Andrew confessed the truth, he had a hunch that it is Celia.

    ''''Yes,'''' Leena said. ''''An onlinepany faked the pictures of you and Celia''s. She has contacted them and paid for the pictures. The track records all lead to her. There is a higher chance she is involved in Harley''s disappearance. She might be knowing Harley''s kidnapping location also.''''

    ''''Give me her house address,'''' Nick said. ''''I will go now.''''

    ''''She will be in the office,'''' Jasper said. ''''Let''s not waste time and meet her directly.''''

    Before going, Jasper looked at Leena. ''''I will send you a message from her mobile, and you can have a direct entry of the contacts if you want to track the location.''''

    Jasper and Nick reached the office in fifteen minutes without caring that they are viting the traffic rules. Jasper barged into a certain room and nced at the girl spitefully.

    At the sudden sound, Celia snapped at the door and was quite surprised to see Jasper here. Has hee here to apologize for what happened yesterday? Since night, she was angry, sad, that Jasper was mad at her because of that bitch, but her happiness returned seeing him today. ''''Jasper, when did youe_''''

    ''''Where is Harley?'''' Jasper spewed with a malicious gaze. There was only disgust for her. He trusted her, and he got retribution for his trust. How much has Harley cried seeing those pictures everyday?

    Celia''s body went cold with dread all of a sudden. Why is he asking me directly? Did he find out everything? Her hands went mmy just thinking of it. There is no way he might have found out. The man said he would clear all the evidence.

    ''''I_I don''t know what you are talking?''''

    A pair of hands around her neck ceased her thoughts. Jasper squeezed her throat tightly. She tried to hold his hand, but with each seeding try, his grip tightened around her.

    ''''J_as_per p_lease...'''' Celia coughed, catching her words. ''''I_I don''t is_''''

    ''''Stop pretending your act. I know everything. Where is Harley?'''' Jasper loosed his grip around her throat and turned to Nick.

    When Nick held her hand, Celia''s face turned pale. ''''I swear I don''t know.''''

    ''''Will you tell the same thing when I cut your finger?'''' Nick pulled a small size scissor and held her pinky finger in between the des.

    ''''Please..no.'''' Celia cried, begging him to spare her. ''''I really don''t know where Harley is, but there is one person who knows.''''

    ''''Who is it?'''' Jasper demanded.

    ''''Your grandmother.'''' Celia said. ''''The n was all made by her from the beginning.''''

    Jasper''s eyes went wide. Grandmother? Why would she involve in Harley''s kidnapping? He knows she is a ruthless woman, but there is no reason to kidnap Harley. What benefit she will get by torturing Harley. ''''Do you think I am a fool to_''''

    ''''I am not lying, Jasper,'''' Celia pleaded. ''''She knows you are in a rtionship with Harley, and she doesn''t want Harley to be Allen''s family daughter-inw because she is an orphan. She called a person yesterday and assigned a man to kidnap Harley.'''' Celia revealed everything and med Jasper''s grandmother. Saving her life is more important now.

    Jasper''s mind went nk for a second. His grandmother? Until now, his own family member is plotting against him without his knowledge? If it was any other day, he would have dealt with her in his way. This is not the time to think of revenge. Harley is in a situation of life and death. Rescuing Harley is the top priority. ''''What time did she call him?''''

    ''''Afternoon. Around three.'''' Celia said.

    Jasper called Leena and exined briefly. ''''My grandmother called a person yesterday around Afternoon. That must be the assassination''s number. If we are lucky, he will be riding one of the trucks.''''

    ''''I got him.'''' After Leena received the mobile number, she hacked his grandmother''s mobile within seconds and got the contact number.

    ''''I got the location,'''' Leena shouted. ''''It''s outskirts of the city. I am sending you the location map. Tell the pilots to move in that direction.''''

    ....

    Helicopters whirled in the air. Cars surrounded the house, it more looked like a dungeon. Armed men climbed out of the car with guns, and surrounding the house.

    Evelyn held on to her husband''s shirt tightly as she stepped out of the chopper. Rick held her, and brought her in front of the house, and ordered the men to break open the door. With one thud of the armed man, the door hung to hinges. Evelyn raises her head, and nced at the ce which has turned into a pool of blood. At the sight of her daughter state, tears uncontrobly flowed.. The damage has already happened.

 Chapter 337 - Torture

    An hour ago..

    Her vision still blurred as she opened her eyes. Harley couldn''t talk. Her mouth was sealed with tape. She blinked her eyes to lubricate her eyes to see things clearly. She gazed at the surroundings. Despite summer, Harley felt cold here. Trees must surround the house, or she is in the outskirts, she thought. The room was pitch ck to fathom anything arising in the darkness. Where am I? Why did they bring me here? Slowly, memories flooded before she lost consciousness.

    She parked the car near the gift shop to buy cologne for Jasper. She already knows she would hear a positive response from him, so she thought..why not give him a present, and surprise him. The ce is not a famous one, but it holds a special ce in Harley''s heart because that''s where he proposed suddenly, surprising her.

    Harley didnot waste much time over there as she already knows his taste. She quickly purchased a gift, and when Harley stepped out of the shop, she saw two Subway food trucks parked close to her car, unable to get out of the space. Harley directly walked towards the food truck to reprimand them for the obstruction, but she felt someone''s presence behind her all at once. Before Harley turned around, she felt a sharp striking punch an inch behind the bottom of her right ear, causing her dizziness, disorientation followed by blurry vision.

    A littleter, when she opened her eyes, she was lying on the shabby ground, her arms knotted with a rope. The smell disgusted her as if they hadn''t cleaned the ce for life.

    Why did they kidnap her? Who exactly did it? Was it for money or sex? Thetter thought sent chills run down her spine. There is no sound from her kidnappers in the room. If she can untie the cords before they arrive, she has a greater chance of escape.

    She got up to a sitting position and gazed at her sneakers. Creating friction between her toes, she loosened the shoe''s vamp, thereby loosening the shoces. Then, with the tip of the shoe''s toe cap, she grazed the heel counter of her left shoe until it ckened from her leg.

    A small object covered in duct tape was sitting on the insole of the shoe. She carries a razor de in the shoe for safekeeping, and she didnot know it woulde to use today.

    Bringing her wrists together, Harley rotated them back and forth at an angle to create a space, and when she found it, she slipped down to the shoes. She grabbed the duct tape and slowly peeled off the rope from her writs, her heart pounding at an rming rate.

    Harley''s heart leaped in joy when the rope fell off the hands. Hope raised, but in the next second, they were crushed when the door was pushed open, and a man''s voice echoed into her ears. ''''You got a nerve to escape from my clutches?'''' The man said as he walked towards Harley. Behind him, another man followed him. He tied the girl and went to call Imogen to tell her that he has kidnapped the girl. He didnot expect the girl to wake up and also attempted to escape. She is not as weak as he thought.

    Harley trembled at the sinister voice of the man. Still, she turned to the man and put up a nonchnt expression on her face. Of course, there were only two men with weapons carrying in their hands, but still, it''s a ratio of 1: 2. If she is truthful to herself, she neither knows martial arts nor can withstand against two bulky men. With the light entered into the room, her eyes nced over the shoulders, and she found a brick a few steps away from her.

    ''''Why did you kidnap me?'''' She questioned, slowly taking a step towards the target. ''''Who asked you to do it?''''

    ''''I am afraid the person who hired me doesn''t like spilling the beans, dear'''' The man named Axel chuckled and slowly took a step towards her. ''''Stop right there.'''' He ordered and then gestured his partner in crime. That was all he needed for an iron rod tond on Harley''s knees. She cried in agony, for the hit was too sudden for her body to handle.

    The pain spread throughout the body. Her body stumbled before she fell on the ground, gasping for air. The pain was unbearable as if someone blew a hole in her heart with magnum. She could feel her bones crack when she took the heavy hit causing her joints to bleed in.

    ''''Tch tch! Was it too much for your body to handle?'''' He chuckled and squatted in front of Harley. He grazed her face with his gloved hands. A surge of electricity seared in his body as his lustful eyes peered her body from head to toe. The moment he saw her in the picture, he wanted to have her for himself tonight, but that older woman doesn''t want to have any mishaps. Otherwise, it will affect his pay. If not he were bound to the mission, he would have had his way with this woman.

    ''''D_on''t touch me.'''' Harley felt nauseous at the mere touch of him, but she couldn''t break herself free from him.''''My dad and brother will soon find you, and kill you.''''

    ''''Do you think we are fools?'''' The manughed again, amused by her words. ''''You are wrong there again. There is no way your dad will know your whereabouts. This ce is far, far away from the city, and no one can track this ce.'''' He continued. ''''Don''t worry. I am not going to kill you. My only mission is to break your legs, and I am done. If you cooperate with us, we will release you soon'''' He felt the urge to remove the mask and kiss her lips as his lustful looks didnot leave her body, itching him to take her then and there.

    ''''If it is money, I will pay m_ore....'''' Harley negotiated. The man seems to have been distracted as his eyes were elsewhere. Although disgusted, Harley felt it was a chance given by heavens to escape. Seizing the chance, her hands slowly traveled upwards in search of the brick which she had seen a little earlier

    ''''Brother, let''s negotiate.'''' The other man''s greed piked up at Harley''s offer. ''''Her family is rich. If she pays us more than that_''''

    ''''You fool.'''' Axel tore away from her body and looked at the other man with ring eyes. ''''She is trying to fool us with the negotiation. Once we release her, she will take her to... aaahhhh..''''

    A scream reverbarated the entire house. Axel held his head in agony, copsing onto his knees when he felt something hard-knock his head.

    ''''Brother!'''' The other man screamed at the sight of his brother''s state, and while his guard was down, Harley seized the chance and grabbed the iron rod and knocked his leg in a split second.

    Just then, the room reverberated with helicopters whirling around the air. Harley''s heart drummed in anticipation. Her dad and brother must have found her location. She lost all the hopes thinking that they wouldn''t know about her whereabouts, but they found her. She has to manage a little bit of time. If she can escape from here, her dad will take care of the rest.

    ''''Don''t bother about me. Catch her!'''' Axel shouted. He can hear the noises of cars; How did they find the location when they cleared all the evidence? He had another door to escape but not without teaching this woman a lesson.

    Harley''s bleeding knees didnot let her stand up even. She slowly started crawling to get out of this ce as soon as possible. She barely took three steps when one of the men reached out to grab her ankle and pulled her firmly.

    ''''P_lease leave me.'''' Harley pleaded. Her cries only intensified the pleasure in both the men. The iron hit on her knees had taken a worse toll on her body, numbing her senses, and with the man''s now firm grip, her senses started to send reports back to her brain��bruises, cuts, scrapes everywhere. She can''t take this anymore.

    ''''How dare you to hit me, B*itch. Breaking your legs is not enough. I should have killed you in the first ce,'''' The man named Axel pulled a dagger from his pants. Harley''s eyes widened, and before she transpired what''s happening around her, a dagger pierced into her stomach. It seems the man was not satisfied and was about to stab on the wound again, and the other man dragged him by his arm. ''''We have to leave, brother.'''' In a split second, both escaped from the other end of the door.

    Blood oozed out of her body, and her vision went blurry, and thest thing she heard was her mother''s scream before she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 338 - O Negative

    Present..

    ''''Harley!'''' Evelyn''s voice cracked, holding her daughter in her arms. ''''Please wake up, dear.'''' Tears whirled through her head. The bright red forthy blood was pulsating from her stomach. If the blood flow doesn''t stop, her daughter will eventually lose herself. Evelyn tore her dress and draped it around Harley''s waist as a protective defense to prevent more blood froming out. Fredrick''s tears spilled over and flowed down his face when he looked at his daughter''s face turning pale.

    ''''We need to take her to the hospital as soon as possible.'''' Then, as Evelyn said, Fredrick gently lifted Harley and ordered the armed men. ''''I want those bastards alive.'''' He said before storming out of the ce carrying his daughter. Torture was the only emotion maddening in his mind.

    ''''Yes, sir!'''' The armed men sternly nodded, and once they were out of sight, their quest to the hunt began.

    Fredrick brought Harley to the nearest hospital in the chopper. Evelyn and Fredrick waited outside the emergency room as the doctors were examining Harley''s wound.

    ''''She is bleeding in her knees also, Rick. They must have struck her hard!'''' Evelyn''s hand quivered as she held her husband''s hand. ''''I am scared.''''A month back, the family grieved in pain for Devin, and before a bit of happiness embarked on their faces, they are in the hospital again, grieving for their princess.

    ''''Nothing will happen to our daughter, Eve. She will be fine.'''' Fredrick tightly clenched his fists. An iron rod! He will remember everything.

    The emergency theatre opened, and a nurse stepped out of the room. ''''Are you the patient''s parents?''''

    ''''Yes,'''' Evelyn answered.

    ''''We need to transfuse blood to her as soon as possible. Either one or both of you must be O negative. Can you go to theb department and check for the procedures.'''' The nurse said.

    Evelyn and Fredrick stiffened at once. Harley''s blood type is O negative, the rarest blood type. Therefore, either both father and mother or one of the parents must be O negative for children to acquire. But Evelyn and Fredrick neither of them has such.

    ''''D_on''t you have it in the hospital?'''' Evelyn asked hopefully. She knowsO negative is the rarest blood, and it is always in demand by hospitals and blood centers. But she still hoped for it.

    ''''We are running out. It''s hard to find O negative donors, madam, and our team is reaching out to hospitals. Our hospital doesn''t have O negative blood readily avable right at the moment. What''s the problem with you or your husband giving blood to your daughter?'''' The nurse questioned, rather intrigued.

    ''''Nothing. I_I will be back in a minute,'''' Evelyn said and dragged Fredrick with her to talk with him. Both made calls to the hospitals and friends they knew, but O Negative blood bags were not in the stock.

    ''''What do we do now?'''' Evelyn asked in a whisper. ''''Can we search for any O negative donor? We will pay them a huge sum of Money.''''

    ''''Money is not the matter, Eve. It takes time. Besides, it''ste in the night. So who is going to respond to us at this rate?'''' Fredrick voiced his thoughts. ''''Instead of going rounds in the circle, let''s make a better choice. Call him.''''

    ''''No, Rick. He will know about Harley_''''

    Fredrick ced a finger on her lips to hush her. ''''No more word. Call him. We have to save our daughter.''''

    Evelyn reluctantly nodded her head with no other choice.

    ''''I am sorry, Nellie, for breaking the promise. But, unfortunately, I don''t have a choice except to call him. I have to save your daughter,'''' Evelyn muttered under her breath and dialed a man''s number whom she is desperately trying to keep Harley away from him. His presence alone would infuriate her, but today, she doesn''t have a choice except to hear his voice. The call ringed and eventually went into voice mail. Frustratingly, Evelyn called his number again, but she received the same response. ''''Why is this bastard not picking up when I needed his presence today?'''' Evelyn cursed the man. He must be drinking in one of the bars at this time.

    ''''What do I do now, Rick. He is not picking my call. Can you ask someone to drag him here? He is the only source of hope we have.'''' Evelyn turned to Fredrick, and then...suddenly she remembered another person. Without a second thought, Evelyn dialed another number. She thanked God when her call was lifted.

    ''''Aunt Evelyn? Is that you?'''' Evelyn heard a surprising voice from the other end.

    ''''Where are you?'''' Evelyn cut straight to the point.

    ''''I am in Boston. I am here for a business.'''' She heard him answer from the other end.

    ''''Good! You are near.'''' Evelyn sighed. ''''Listen carefully, Ethan. I will text you a hospital address, and I want you to be in New York within an hour.''''

    ''''In an hour? Why? Is there a problem_''''

    ''''No more questions. Count the time,'''' Evelyn interrupted. ''''I am hanging up.''''

    As the call ended, Ethan nced at the mobile and frowned in surprise. He never expected a call from Aunt Evelyn, but today she called him.Why did she suddenly call and ask me toe to a hospital? Did something happen over there? Not the time to dwell on questions. He sensed an urgency in her voice. Ethan immediately got up and made his way to New York.

    It was midnight when Ethan reached the hospital. As soon as he called Evelyn, she arrived and straight away dragged him to theboratory department and spoke to the charge. ''''I have got O negative donor. Please do the blood test for any infections.'''' Though Evelyn knows Ethan is clean, but verification is an important part of the blood transfusion.

    Ethan was perplexed again. How does Aunt Evelyn know my blood type is O negative? Oh yeah! Hepletely forgot! She must be aware of it because his dad''s blood group is also O negative!

 Chapter 339 - Dead Friend

    When Ethan learned it was for Harley, he has to transfuse blood, he got nervous about her condition. At first, Evelyn didnot exin the situation when asked. Then, after he was taken to the emergency for the direct transfusion of the blood, terror thundered down on him as he witnessed Harley''s state. Knees wrapped with bandages, blood-stained gauze around her stomach, cuts, and bruises. He wanted to talk to the doctors, but he let his mouth control and looked at the pale girl as the nurse needled into his artery.

    The surgery went on till the morning.Doctors informed Harley was out of danger of the wound attack in the stomach. ''''She has fractured knees which take time to recover. So you have to be a little patient.'''' The doctor''s exnation relieved everyone in the family. Harley is out of danger, and that''s all they needed right now.

    Standing at the end of the hospital corridor, Jasper finally breathed a mouthful of air and walked out of the hospital. A while ago, when he arrived at the hospital, his fear became visible, creeping over him like a hungry beast immobilizing his brain. The torture Harley suffered for one hour was evident as he watched her injuries.

    With Harley being safe, Fredrick turned to Louis and Mabel sharply. ''''Do you know the person behind my daughter''s state?'''' A while ago, the armed men found the two kidnappers, and they didnot need to use much force. A firm kick in their stomach with their custom weapon was all they needed to utter the truth. He expected to be a business rival to y with his weakness by kidnapping his daughter, but shocked was Fredrick when he learned it was Imogen, Louis''s mother. There is no reason for that woman to torture his daughter beyond pain.

    Mabel and Louis shook their heads. Fredrick''s friendly voice suddenly sounded indifferent to Louis''s ears. When he woke up in the morning, his son called and informed Harley is in the hospital, injured, and their family is responsible for it. He didnot understand what he meant by that statement, and before Louis could ask further, Jasper hung up. Louis and Mabel hurriedly arrived at the hospital, and tears welled upon seeing Harley through the ss window. Mabel and Louis tried to console Fredrick and Evelyn, but both turned their back against them.

    ''''Your mother hired kidnappers to break my daughter''s legs. What exnation are you going to give?'''' Fredrick''s question stunned the couple. His tone remained calm, but Louis heard the storm in his voice.

    ''''You might have mistaken, Fredrick. My mother has no reason_''''

    "It''s grandmother, dad.'''' Reese appeared to rify the two families. ''''She and Celia joined hands and hired the kidnappers to torture Harley.''''

    ''''W_hy?'''' Came a stammered voice of Mabel.

    ''''Imogen wanted Jasper to marry Celia, but brother loves Harley.'''' Reese''s revtion came shocking not only to the Allen family but also to Fredrick and Arthur. So, this is the reason.

    ''''She dares to do that!'''' Grandpa Arthur came forward with clenched fists. He knows that woman is brutal, just like Elinor, but he didnot think she would go to the extent of torturing his granddaughter beyond repair. ''''Take me to that witch woman. My hand needs a little exercise.''''

    Meanwhile, the restless older woman called the kidnapper relentlessly, but the man hadn''t picked up her call since yesterday. Celia is also not responding, raising the rm in her heart now and then. She got up from the bed and slowly walked outside to order the servant to prepare a car, but the house felt empty. ''''Where are my son and daughter-inw?''''

    ''''Madam, they went outside early in the morning.'''' The maid said.

    Imogen waved her hand to dismiss the maid and then called back to deliver a message. ''''Ask the driver to prepare the car_''''

    ''''Not so easy to escape. Until I collect my answers.'''' Imogen''s head snapped in the direction of the voice. A source of bombshell expression buckled on her face seeing Arthur at her doorstep. Behind him entered her son and Mabel with a batallion force. Imogen gulped hard. Did they find out? She questioned herself. Is that the reason the kidnapper is not picking the calls?

    ''''Why?'''' Was the only question posed by Louis.

    ''''I will not let a low birth like her enter the Allen family.'''' Grandpa Arthur marched forward in rage, but Louis held his hand and stopped him from taking a further step.

    ''''An illegitimate daughter of the Welton family talking about low-birth?'''' Arthur mocked at the woman. ''''If not for your cheap tricks on Samuel, you would be the begging in the streets.''''

    Imogen''s face went hot and pinched with resentment. The undeniable past she wanted to avoid was brought to the surface again.

    ''''Why did you do it?'''' Louis asked. ''''Her body was covered in blood and bruises when she was brought to the hospital.''''

    ''''You are talking as if she is dead.'''' Imogen added with a mock. She is not scared of the men standing at the doorstep. She knows her son will not send her to prison. On the contrary, he promised his father that he would take well care of his mother and protect her.

    Louis let out a bitter smile. He expected she would ept her wrongdoings, at least now, but he underestimated this woman. What else did he expect from a heartless mother? He never got a motherly love from this woman. She never talked softly and hugged him dearly as a mother does with her child. All she wanted was the status. He controlled the tear that was about to fall from his eyes. This woman is not worthy of it. Louis turned to the men who were standing outside the door, ready for the orders. ''''Take her away.''''

    With themand, two men marched forward and held Imogen''s arms. ''''Leave me, you insolent brats..'''' Imogen tried to free her arms, but how much an old woman like her can withstand the trained men.

    When the threats didnot work on the men, Imogen nced back at her son and began her emotional drama. ''''Son...they are taking me away..you promised your father to keep me safe.. Please..save your mother...''''

    Her cries turned into the air as the men dragged her into the car mercilessly. Jasper and Fredrick were waiting near the car didnot spare a nce at the woman. ''''Tell Sara and ra she is the special guest,'''' Jasper said. Sara and ra are alone enough to create enough nightmares.

    He looked at the retreating car through his bloodshot eyes. When it was out of the reach, Jasper then nced at Fredrick, his eyes turned soft. ''''Uncle, I_I am sorry for all the happenings_''''

    Fredrick turned and left without sparing a nce at Jasper.

    ....

    Evelyn watched her daughter from the ss window with no expression on her face. No tear left to cry, and no emotion left to feel. Is she getting used to this? She thought.

    Mabel walked towards Evelyn and gently held her hand. ''''Eve, we are sorry for_''''

    ''''I am going out for a walk.'''' Evelyn released herself from Mabel''s grip, and stormed out of the ce, sparing no nce at Mabel.

    Leena and Reese held Mabel''s arms and consoled her. ''''Don''t worry, Aunty. Mom is not herself since yesterday. Give her some space. She will be fine.''''

    Mabel nodded her head with a smile. She can understand Evelyn''s situation. Harley suffered because of her family. Her face filled with disgust for that insolent woman.

    ...

    Evelyn just walked out of the hospital to clear her mind. She doesn''t hate Mabel, but she cannot ept that one of her family tried to hurt her daughter. While Evelyn was making her way to thewn, another headache brewed. Since morning her mobile started ringing from the person who she called yesterday for the O negative blood. ''''What is it?'''' She lifted the call atst.

    ''''My phone was in silent mode, and I missed your calls, sister.'''' Evelyn heard an apologetic voice from the other end. ''''Was it something important you wanted to tell me?'''' She could feel hope-filled in his voice.

    ''''I called you by mistake. I didnot intend to talk with you.'''' Evelyn said. ''''I am hanging up_''''

    ''''Wait, Evelyn.'''' He stopped her before she finished her thoughts. ''''Nellie is not in Germany. I asked Ethan also to search, but we couldn''t find a trace of her. Can you please tell her whereabouts. I am begging you.''''

    ''''I don''t know where Nellie is, and don''t bug me calling every time.'''' Evelyn calmly responded, controlling the urge tosh at him. Even if he searches the entire world, he will never find her dead friend alive, and thanks to his wife. Evelyn was d that she and Fredrick had protected the baby Harley from that evil woman before the cmity stroke. If that woman gets to know Harley is alive, she stopped imagining.. She will not let anything happen to her daughter.

 Chapter 340 - I Missed You

    Evelyn didnot wait to hear the man''s nonsense; she hung up the call, called Ethan, and asked him to meet at thewn.

    ''''Thanks foring on time, Ethan. I owe you a big thanks.'''' Evelyn said, looking at the tall figure walking towards her, a few steps away.

    ''''O negative blood is scarce. I am happy that you called me, aunty Evelyn. Harley is safe.'''' Ethan sat at the corner of the bench and gazed at the aze sky with the fire of the setting sun. ''''How did you know my blood group is O negative? I suppose you don''t know my mother''s blood group.''''

    Ethan curiously questioned. When he received a call, Aunt Evelyn''s voice sounded as if she was sure about his blood group.

    Clearing her throat, Evelyn said. ''''You are not supposed to ask questions to your elders.''''

    Ethan rigorously nodded his head. There was an awkward silence, for both didnot had a topic to proceed with the conversation. It was Ethan who broke the silence atst. ''''Harley is my bestpanion during my school days. She will cry if I forget to give her a chocte one day even. I also named her twiggy for being skinny.'''' Ethan exined an incident that made both Ethan and Harley got to know each other.

    ''''Is it?'''' Evelyn turned to Ethan in surprise. So, the brother and sister bond started during their childhood? Evelyn smiled at the thought. ''''Harley never told me.''''

    ''''She might be scared that you would reprimand her for talking with me,'''' Ethan joked, a smile on his lips. Once Devin saw Harley epting chocte from him, he dragged her away, throwingser atomic res, which is still evident in his memory.

    ''''I never hated you. You are wee to visit our house any time, Ethan'''' Evelyn genuinely said. When Harleyes back from school, the first thing she does isin about Devin and Ethan''s fights. It''s all because of that vicious woman nting ego in Ethan''s mind, which has sprouted into a tree along with his growth.

    ''''I know. Thank you, Aunty'''' Ethan smiled. He has learned lessons from the worst mistakes. His mother has made him into a puppet for her selfish needs, and he suffered beyond repair. ''''I will take my leave then. I wille back on the weekend to see Harley again.''''

    ''''I hope your visit here remains a secret. I don''t want your dad to know as well,''''

    Ethan nodded and left. He understood Aunt Evelyn''s predicament. His dad has been bugging ever since asking for his childhood friend''s whereabouts. But, unfortunately, he doesn''t know what exactly happened, but Aunt Evelyn refuses to answer his questions.

    ....

    As Evelyn walked back to the hospital, Devin dragged her mother to the corridor. ''''What''s happening here? Why did Ethan suddenly show up?''''

    ''''B_ecause he has O negative blood group,'''' Evelyn said, looking at the water purifier. She felt the design was more beautiful than her son''s brooding stares.

    ''''As if I don''t know that fact. You are hiding something_''''

    ''''I have urgent work at home. I have to go back.'''' Evelyn red her hands from her son''s grip and dashed out of ce.

    Devin looked at the retreating figure and sighed. She is hiding something. With that thought, he went to Harley''s room, where Leena and Reese were sitting next to her.

    Devin gently stroked Harley''s forehead. She has lost her charm in a day, he thought. If not for Leena''s quick reflexes to track the exact location, the situation would have worsened.

    He nced at Leena, a smile on his lips. ''''Where is Savny?''''

    ''''She is sleeping. Aunt Jpeno is taking care of her.'''' Jane and Wilbur wanted toe the moment they knew about Harley, but Leena stopped assuring them that she is out of danger.

    ''''Take care of yourself. Eat well.'''' He kissed her forehead and whispered. ''''I am going to the office.''''

    Leena grinned with a double thumbs-up sign, to which Devin chuckled, and made his way out.

    ....

    When Harley opened her eyes the next day, she was petrified to see her legs draped with bandages. The kidnapper''s words ringed in her mind, scaring her. Soon, the doctor assured her that she would quickly recover, which was a huge relief to her. One by one, everybody visited her, and soon the room was left with Leena and Reese. Reese was squeezing oranges using a manual juicer while Leena and Cutie were eating the fruits.

    ''''Like a pig, you are eating from the morning.'''' Reese chided Leena and handed the freshly squeezed orange juice to Harley. She then helped Harley lean against the headboard.

    ''''Because I am hungry all the time.'''' Leena shamelessly added with a grin, and Cutie followed the same.

    Taking a sip of juice, Harley nced at the door as if she was expecting someone. Her family members and friends, everybody hase to meet her, except him. Does he know that I am in the hospital? Why not? Reese knows Uncle Louis, and Aunt Mabel came to talk with her. She was hell shocked when Leena exined the incidents that happened yesterday. She never expected Jasper''s grandmother is the mastermind behind the n.

    Harley nced at Reese. ''''Where is Jasper?''''

    ''''He is_ he is busy with office work.'''' Reese lied. She doesn''t know where that stupid brother is. He is neither in the office nor in the home. She sent Andrew to search for him, but God knows where he is hiding.

    ''''Oh.'''' Watching the disappointed expression on Harley''s face, Leena grabbed Harley''s arm to reassure her that everything is going to set right.

    Harley nodded her head, though not convinced. By nightfall, a nurse came and went after checking her vitals. With nothing to do, she counted sheep before she fell asleep. At midnight Harley gently stirred from her sleep when something wet fell on her hands, and when she opened her eyes, she found nothing except darkness. ''''Did I imagine, or is it him?'''' Harley muttered.

    The next day Harley waited, looking at the doorstep for Jasper to turn up, but only to feel disappointment. When she asked Reese, Harley heard the same excuse.

    At midnight when she was asleep, Harley felt the same familiar feeling again. Her hand turned wet, and this time she opened her eyes and caught the hand before the person made out of the room. ''''Jasper. Is that you?'''' Harley got up and leaned back on the bed.

    ''''Are you leaving me alone to guess your identity likest night?'''' Harley felt his hand stiffen in her grasp. ''''Is it because I can''t walk that you refused toe near_''''

    Harley''s words hadn''t finished. The figure turned around and ced a finger on her lips to silence her. ''''Never ever talk like that, Harley.''''

    ''''Why did youe here now?'''' Harley questioned sternly. Like a cat who roams around the house during the nights, he is exactly behaving the same.

    Jasper switched on the lights without speaking a word and looked at Harley''s squinting eyes as she adjusted to the light. She looks pale, he thought, but still the most beautiful girl in his eyes. He wanted to hug her, but he cannot forget the hatred she has for him. How much he controlled himself to confront her, only he knows. His family was responsible for her situation, which makes it indirectly he is responsible for her state. ''''I am sorry foring here announced. Please sleep. I will leave.'''' Before Jasper took a step forward, Harley caught his hand again. ''''Can you look into my eyes and tell if you meant? Didn''t you miss me? Don''t you want to talk to me?''''

    Jasper turned around. He could no longer hold the heartbreak. He threw his arms on Harley hugged her gently without touching the wound of her stomach. ''''I missed you. I missed you a lot, Harley. I missed you giving forehead kisses for two years. I can deal with anything in this world except your absence. But how can I show up in front of you

    when I am the one responsible for your state. How am I supposed to show my face?''''

    Harley released herself from the hug and cupped his face. ''''Don''t me yourself. It''s not your fault. The fault is also mine. I made it hard for you.'''' Harley kissed him on his lips before she muttered. ''''I am sorry for keeping you in the dark.''''

    ''''You don''t need to be sorry,'''' He kissed her forehead, the warmth he craved of her, in an innocent way for two years hase back again ''''I_I didnot sleep with Celia. Those pictures were fake. My grandmother, and Celia_''''

    ''''I know. I am sorry for judging you with those baseless pictures.'''' Had she talked with him two years back, she would have been the happiest girl on the earth. Unfortunately, she is responsible for misunderstandings.

    ''''Next time, ask me if you have a doubt. Don''t assume by yourself..'''' Jasper chided.

 Chapter 341 - Destiny

    The following day Jasper peeked left to right and held the doorknob of Harley''s hospital room. Before he pressed the hilt of the door, he felt a pair of hands on his shoulder and then followed by a familiar voice. ''''You should have also checked behind the hospital corridor to see if I am watching.''''

    Jasper turned around and swallowed hard, considering it was Fredrick. His future father-inw already started the war against him. Jasper had the best night yesterday with Harley, not perversely. A heart-to-heart talk until the morning to clear their misunderstandings and made up for their two years. Finally, at dawn, he left home afraid that Uncle Fredrick or Aunt Evelyn would turn up anytime here to check upon Harley. Jasper dares to end up on the wrong side of the book. Sure, his evil grandmother had left a significant impact. She heard the news from Sara and ra that they enjoyed the two gifts. Along with his grandmother, Celia is also enjoying a good time with her. Brushing the thoughts aside, Jasper turned to look at the serious face directing at him.

    ''''Uncle, I_I am only trying to...see if the door is working...'''' Jasper mumbled and cursed internally, clearly not the words he wanted to utter.

    Fredrick looked at Jasper for a while seriously, and with a stern voice, he spoke up. ''''Perhaps sneaking into my daughter''s room, and_'''' Before Fredrickpleted his thoughts, he sensed a pair of hands pping on his shoulders as well, and then his son''s voice broke.

    ''''Stop with your torture, dad. It''s not his mistake.'''' Devin motioned Jasper with his eyes to go inside, and before Fredrick snapped, Jasper was off and inside the room.

    Fredrick jerked off his son''s arms, veered around, and nced at him with a server scowl. ''''Don''t you have work?'''' He wished to tease Jasper a little more time, but his son has spoiled the game. At first, he was shocked when he learned Jasper and Harley loved each other whichter, Evelyn told everything that happened in the past. Although Fredrick doesn''t want to let Jasper near her daughter, Fredrick thought about her future for the whole night. He can force her daughter to marry another man, but he knows she will not lead a happy life. Her happiness lies in this man. Nevertheless, Jasper''s sincerity for Harley has moved him and the only reason he let him enter near his daughter.

    ''''Dad...are you there?'''' Fredrick snapped out of his thoughts and nced at his son.

    ''''Honestly, I am finding your serious acting funny. You better keep it to yourself'''' Devin snapped and turned on his feet, and he was off the corridor.

    Fredrick scowled at his son''s tant remark. I had acted in a movie when I was young, and how dare he call my acting funny. Had Devin listened, the next question he would have asked was: was the movie released at least.

    Brushing the thoughts aside, Fredrick peeked into the room through the window where Jasper was feeding soup to Harley. Smiling to himself, he left not to disturb them.

    On the other hand, as soon as Leenapleted her work, Leena, Reese, and Cutie straight awaynded on the hospital to keep Harley out of boredom. ''''I heard you reconciled with my brother. Andrew told.'''' Reese grinned as she grabbed the oranges from the basket to make juice. Her mother and father are discussing Jasper''s and Harley''s kids already just after their reconciliation. Her mom and dad never change.

    ''''That Andrew doesn''t keep anything to himself,'''' Harley muttered. How did he know? Just morning, Jasper left, and he knows it already? Did they two be friends? Harley doubted it would ever happen. The world maye to an end, but not their enemyship.

    ''''It''s not because he can''t keep for himself. He got a brilliant memory. Once he sees or hears anything, he will never forget.'''' Reese brandished Andrew.

    ''''Tell me about it.'''' Harleyughed. ''''Unlike my brother who goes and asks people if they have met each other already_'''' Harley covered her mouth when Leena sharply turned in her direction.

    ''''I shouldn''t have said.'''' Harley hollered. She made a mistake. Devin warned to keep a secret from Leena.

    ''''What do you mean by asking people? Complete the sentence, Harley.'''' Leena shouted.

    ''''Nothing, Leena. I just blurted nonsense.'''' Harley tried to reason. Devin wille for her throat if it goes into his ears.

    ''''Sense or nonsense, I will decide. Now tell me.'''' Leena beckoned Harley and then addressed Reese. ''''Take Cutie out for a while.'''' She doesn''t want anyone to know Devin''s memory loss.

    ''''Why?'''' Reese questioned, intrigued about the topic, but Leena''s cold eyes caused her to shut her mouth, and she quietly slipped out, taking Cutie along with her.

    ''''Now tell me?'''' Leena demanded Harley.

    Quickly, Harley told Leena about the panic attack when Devin received Birds of Paradise flowers from one of his fans on the day he returned to the office. Without keeping to herself, Harley exined the incident that happened at the hotel where he met a girl and asked weird questions. As Harley spoke, a sense of disquiet heightened in the atmosphere, and panic look crisscrossed on Leena''s face.

    ''''I think he didnot mean it, Leena. He was just curious.'''' Harley said, gulping hard. Did Leena misunderstand his intentions?

    His condition is worsening, which is bothering Leena. So Devin didnot lift the call on that day because he got a panic attack again. Yet he didnot tell me. So he is searching for that girl secretly, Leena thought bitterly.

    ''''Fret not. I will not bring this topic in front of Devin.'''' Leena assured Harley. A whileter, she returned home along with Cutie. Aunt Jpeno and Nick invited Leena to y the magic mama game, but she turned the offer and hit the bed.

    She flipped on the bed to catch a wink, but Devin''s first love was keeping her thoughts insane. At the same time, she heard the footsteps, followed by a worried voice of Devin. ''''Leena, are you not well?''''

    ''''I am fine.'''' She leaned on the headboard, and following Devin''s concerned gaze, she decided for truth. ''''A little mood off perhaps.''''

    ''''Did something happen in the office?'''' He climbed on the bed and gently pulled her into a hug, his chin resting on the shoulder, inhaling her scent. Finally, Devin thought. With Cutie''s entry, forget about their lovemaking; kissing and hugging have be extinct in his dictionary as well. He cursed Wilbur for having his happy time while he has to have cold shoulders every day.

    ''''How was your day?'''' Leena changed the course of the topic, not intended to linger on that thought. ''''Are you finding hectic without Harley?''''

    ''''Nothing as such, Sweetheart,'''' Devin detached from the hug, pinched her cute nose. ''''Apart from that, I have good news.''''

    Leena nodded in acknowledgment, and Devin continued. ''''About the doctor consultation for my memory loss, I talked with him, and we will go and meet him this Sunday.'''' As excited as Devin was, Leena''s spirits dampened further with the sudden bomb drop. He seems to be very excited to know about that birds of paradise girl! But is she ready to know about her? Her answer is no, not now, and not in the future also. Life with Devin is flowing like a paradise, and why bring her into their life and ruin it?

    ''''Can we postpone to some other day?'''' Leena asked in a subdued tone. She has made up her mind. Every time Devin asks, she will give an excuse. Then, one day, he will understand that she is not interested to know about his memories.

    ''''Why?'''' Came his rather disappointing question. Devin sensed something is bothering Leena, but he knows she will not open her mouth if he asks now. Something is off with her.

    ''''Cutie wants to go to the amusement park this Sunday. I want to go as well,'''' Despite Devin''s disappointment, Leena lied but nned to turn it into a reality. She doesn''t need much effort, though. She has to ask Cutie, and she will readily agree. She likes anything ying with water.

    ''''Alright,'''' Devin smiled, hiding his despondency. If his sweetheart likes to go, he can''t say no to her. ''''I will take you there on Sunday.''''

    ''''Thank you, Devin.'''' Leena squealed and hugged him tightly. ''''Can I ask you a question, babylicious?''''

    ''''Of course, Sweetheart.'''' Came his immediate reply. ''''Anything you can ask.''''

    ''Will you leave me if your first lovees back into your life.'' Leena wanted to question but kept the thought to herself. She knows the answer already, or perhaps, Leena convinced herself. It didnot matter.

    Her heart pained to think about Devin holding some other woman''s hand.

    Leena thought she escaped from restricting Devin knows about his first love, but little did she know that destiny is bound to take a course.. Whatever is meant for you wille to you.

 Chapter 342 - Yoga

    Momentster, Leena felt the pair of hands disembarked from the hug and began fondling her curves through the sheer fabric. She knew that a simple touch of his hands against her skin could turn her on without any effort. It has that drowning effect on her, Devin''s drowning effect.

    "Leena..Sweetheart...Been a long time, isn''t it?" Devin dizzily uttered her name, putting his mouth close to her ear. His mellifluous voice, soft as breath as even had her legs shiver, inexplicably made her hum in response. Shortly, in a split second, Devin shifted his back to the bed, grabbed her waist, spun her around, and pulled Leena on top of him. After shifting the home, not even once they did it. Just like Wilbur, Devin started facing frustration.

    "Did you act in an of the action movies?" Came Leena''s shocking question. His unexpected stunts made her think otherwise. She liked it though, can''tin.

    "No, but I am a natural actor." He winked and bit her tempting cheek, causing her to yelp. "Why is it so sweet? No wonder my favorite fruit is in your cheeks...

    He halted his thoughts swiftly. It was Devin''s turn to groan when Leena followed his steps and bit his right cheek.

    "Why is it so bitter? No wonder my favorite fruit is not in your cheeks." Leena fluttered her eyelids innocently, hiding her smile at Devin going jelly over here the poor fruits. "Are you jealous?" Leena squished Devin''s cheeks which he swatted away in the next second, and furiously looked at her. Pressing her lips, Leena held Devin''s jaw and made him turn towards her. "Fine..you seem to be angry.I will leave_"

    Leena attempted to get up, but that went futile when Devin roughly yanked her and rolled on top of her. "Not so easy, Sweetheart..." He whispered. Cutie is ying with Nick and Aunt Jpeno, and he will not let this chance slip from his hands. He knows he can''t have her for the whole night��one round, if not at least a quickie against the wall. Just the thought slipped from Devin''s mind, and he heard a kid''s screaking voice.

    "Elena..Nini is beatn me." Leena''s eyes turned horror and swiftly pushed Devin from atop, but Savny was a step ahead to witness the scene. Cutie rushed into the bedroom in distress toin to Leena, and her eyes widened like sockets watching Devin on top of Leena. Momentster,rge volume tears started flowing steadily, which caught Leena and Devin on the hop.

    "Cutie.." Leena jumped from the bed and lifted her. "Why are you crying?"

    Without answering, she sobbed as she hugged Leena protectively and gazed at Devin with her teary eyes. She can''t hate Devin because he is the most handsome boy she had ever seen. "Don''t beat Elena.." Once Cutie saw her mommy on top of her dad, and although she wanted to ask why her mom is beating dad, she didnot confront them because Cutie felt her daddy needed a little whipping for always bullying her. She can''t have anything happen to Leena. Leena saved her from the flute teacher by reprimanding him, and Cutie wants to repay by standing for Leena.

    "I am not beating your Eeena." Devin smiled, releasing a deep sigh, got up from the bed, and took Cutie into his arms despite her reluctance.Since this will probably not be thest time she catches them in the act, Devin wants toe up with some clever ways to exin what''s going on without having to exin what''s going on. "We were practicing Yoga on the bed. That''s all, Savny.'''' Devin hoped she would not probe much into the details, but it was only his thought.

    "Yoga? I know Yoga. I also want to do." Cutie curiously said with her sparkling eyes. She knows Yoga. Last year summer break, her dad put her in kid''s Yoga. She went for a week andter stopped when the silence in the ss bored her to death. Cutie will take up around four to five courses every summer break, but everything will go dead in one or two weeks, and her dad will start lectures which she is used to.

    ''''No yoga! Get into the bathroom. Time for your shower,'''' Leena said and picked Cutie from Devin''s arms. It''s not that kind of Yoga, Tottie. Leena thought. Before Leaving, Leena exchanged looks with Devin, and both smiled. Hard to exin, especially Savny.

    Bitterly Devin made his way out. He ought to call Wilbur and ask when he is returning from his trip. He must be enjoying whenever he remembers his state. As Devin went outside, Nick was sitting alone by the swimming pool, in deep thought. ''''What''s bothering you?''''

    ''''Nothing.'''' Looking into the pool, he watched the water creating endless ripples. ''''Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water. One''s actions can create a far-reaching effect, Isn''t it?'''' Nick''s voice had a hint of pain as he spoke, and it didnot take much time for Devin to catch his sufferings. The only person can shift Nick''s emotions.

    ''''Did you see her?'''' Devin''s question earned a slight hesitant nod from the other end.

    ''''Why did she abandon me, Devin?'''' Nick questioned, and he knew Devin also has no answers. ''''Does she know how much emotional trauma I underwent?''''

    cing a hand on Nick''s shoulder, Devin patted and spoke up. ''''I don''t pretend we have all the answers. But your question is certainly not worth thinking about. You will save yourself heartache if you ept that some questions don''t have answers.'''' He exined, thinking that Nick will take a hint and forget the past.

    In the end, I am left with heartache. Nick bitterly thought. He sat in silence for a while, and when the maid called them for dinner, the thought of food erased caused Nick to forget about that woman from his mind, and he went inside the house along with Devin.

    .....

    The following day, Kyle woke upte in the morning. The reason was, she fought with Landon untilte at night. The concept of bodyguards around her house is irritating her. Her life has turned like a fish in the mesh with the imposing security around her house. She wished her life would turn to be happy with Landon''s entry like all other couples but instead, it is creating havoc.

    Along with his overbearing attitude, something is wrong with him. Landon is hiding some secrets causing her to think of their rtionship. At this rate, Kyle doesn''t know when she will freak out on that man and end their rtionship.

    Brushing the thoughts aside, she got fresh and dragged her tired body to the hospital. She didnot even had the mood to cook breakfast. Lucky, she had no major surgery today. With the stress she is undergoing today, Kyle doubted she would take up the task. She went to check up on the patient she operated on yesterday and went back to her cabin. She slumped on the chair, and not before she closed her eyes for a minute, a nurse rushed into the cabin. ''''Doctor Kyle, you have a patient. He wants to have some questions rted to the heart.''''

    ''''Can you ask Lever to take it up. It''s just an infromation'''' She said, with eyes still closed.

    ''''But...but the patient exclusively wants to get treated from you. He has permission with the hospital dean,'''' The nurse said. With his intimidating height, the nurse trembled to ask further questions.

    ''''Tell him Doctor Kyle is busy.'''' Kyle shooed the nurse away.

    ''''Alright.'''' The nurse fled away from the office.

    Kyle closed her eyes and thought she was free, but the nurse returned to irritate her. ''''What now?'''' Kyle shouted when her patience was running out.

    ''''I am sorry, Doctor Kyle. He is not cooperating with Lever. He only wants to get treated with you.'''' The nurse whispered. She had seen many patients, but that man is the most stubborn one. Besides, the nurse girl found him very healthy, and God knows why he hase to the hospital. He is a big-size brat, The nurse thought. Rich people are always floating in money. ''''He sternly dered he wants to speak with you only.''''

    ''''What''s his problem?'''' Kyle pinched the skin on her forehead with a silent cry. Why is my day so messed up today? With aggravation, she got up and followed the nurse. Before Kyle entered the hospital room where the person was put, she heard the screams of a familiar voice from inside.

    ''''I don''t care if you are Doctor Lever or Doctor Pancreas, or doctor kidney, I don''t want to get treated by anyone except Doctor Kyle.''''

    ''''Sir, please understand.'''' Kyle heard the junior doctor, Lever''s voice. ''''She is busy_''''

    ''''I am a VIP patient of your hospital. I am extraordinarily dissatisfied with your hospital management_''''

    His words caught in the throat when the door was pushed open, and a woman entered.. His voice ceased to exist.

 Chapter 343 - Deserve Better

    Their eyes met across the crowded room. Like movies, Kyle didnot share a knowing smile. Instead, she examined him with her steely eyes. Kurt was the first one to break the contact while he couldn''t stand those captivating eyes. What''s happening to me? They are just eyes.Since the housewarming party when she called him cute, it has taken effect on him. Kurt brushed the unfamiliar emotions aside.

    He was doing well when she went to meet Harley at the hospital yesterday, and just in a day, he went sick? Kyle''s eyes darted to the man next to him. A giant was standing with a smile on his face. Something is fishy with these two.

    ''''Doctor Kyle, atst, you havee?'''' Kyle jolted out of her thoughts when her fellow Doctor Lever whispered into her ears. ''''Do you know him? This patient is creating lots of trouble. He called me Doctor pancreas and Doctor Kidney.''''

    ''''I can hear your voice,'''' Kurt said. ''''Is it my fault that you named yourself a human Organ?''''

    ''''Sir, my name is L.E.V.E.R. Not Liver,'''' She enunciated each letter crisply.

    ''''Whatever.'''' He scoffed. ''''Both sounds same.''''

    He hates girls but has a knack for bullying girls. He called me a loose case which is worse than pancreas and Kidney. If Kyle had shared it with Lever, she would be satisfied, but she doesn''t want to give that satisfaction, ''''Don''t mind him. He is one spoiled rich chaebol. Go out. I will take care of him,'''' She whispered in a muted tone.

    ''''dly. Nobody wants to stay in his presence.'''' Giving the man an austere look, to which she got a scowl in response from Kurt. She left, taking along the nurse with her.

    Atst, the room was left with Kurt, Kyle, and a man who has not left Kurt''s side. Is she Landon''s girlfriend? The giant thought, How did she fall for that nasty bummer? She is so beautiful. ''''I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Clemence.''''

    Kyle smiled as acknowledgment and turned to the man who was lying on the bedzily. ''''What health issue you got?'''' She questioned as she marched towards Kurt. He is as strong as a bull, and she felt funny imagining Kurt here. How does he look in a hospital gown?

    ''''A wound in his chest.'''' The giant answered instead. ''''But not a biggie.''''

    ''''Doesn''t he have a voice?'''' She asked and leaned forward to remove Kurt''s shirt buttons, and in thest moment, before she reached for the front button, Kurt pushed her away frantically and screamed at her. ''''Hey, loose case. W_hat are you doing? I don''t like this behavior.'''' If not for his fast reflexes, he would have lost his sanity. This loose case always tries to take advantage of him.

    ''''You are talking about my behavior?'''' She mocked at herself, enraged by his actions. ''''I am a doctor. How am I suppose to examine the wound?'''' She cross-questioned. ''''You don''t want to get treated by any doctor other than me, and now you will not let me examine your wound. Are you expecting me to do some magic and cure your wound?'''' Kyle shouted, causing Kurt to close his ears. Argh! She has a very loud mouth. Louder than Andrew.

    ''''Silence is the virtue.'''' Clearing his thorat, the giant came in between the two to stop the fights. But, unfortunately, the beautiful Doctor also has a point. ''''Let me talk to Sir in private'''' The giant then addressed Kurt in a whisper when Kyle moved to the corner, giving them a private space. '''' She is doing her duty as a doctor. I know you hate women but bear with it for some days. We cannot miss this opportunity which we nned meticulously. We have already discussed this beforeing here.''''

    ''''Fine, but you have to stick to me,'''' Kurt spoke up in a hushed tone. This hospital is full of women''s herd, which is scaring him. His office is the best where he rarely sees the woman.

    ''''Roger that, sir!'''' He saluted in military-style.

    For Kyle standing at a little stretch away, Kurt and the giant actions looked like both were nibbling their ears. She wondered what on the holy earth they were talking about until the giant turned and threw an apologetic smile at her. ''''You can examine Sir''s wound now.''''

    By the time Kyle reached the hospital bed, Kurt had opened the shirt buttons lessening her burden. As a doctor, she had seen the number of human bodies, and she was used to it, but her hands slightly trembled as he held Kurt''s shirt for the first time. Is it nervousness?

    When Kyle leaned forward, the scent of her shampoo, which wafted into the air, caught his nose. Kurt''s brain shut down for a second, and unconsciously, his hand slightly lifted to touch her silky locks, but in thest second, he jerked it off when she heard Kyle''s voice.

    ''''Are you for real, Kurt? Did you expect me to treat this wound?'''' Her jaw dropped to the floor, seeing the wound on his chest. An invisible would which she can''t even spot. It looked like a wound made by a dartboard pushpin. For an F.B.I. agent, a gunshot would even is not a big deal, and he has created a scene for such a minor wound?

    ''''It doesn''t require medication. Soon, it will fade off. You can go home.'''' Kyle said. He must havee here to treat her a fool.

    ''''Wound is a wound, Doctor. Don''t judge it by the size,'''' The giant added. ''''It can cause infection also.''''

    ''''Exactly. It''s my wish to stay here.'''' Kurt supported. ''''I have paid for this room for the entire week. For the seven days'' stay, you will be my chief Doctor.''''

    A week for getting treated for a wound? Now Kyle doubted he hade here with an ulterior purpose. He must have visited this hospital on a mission. But who is the target? As far as she knows, the hospital doesn''t have any big shots at present. She will let the matter aside and keep quiet. Is this the reason he wanted to get treated only by me? So, he is trusting me.

    ''''Do whatever you want.'''' She turned on her heels to leave. However, a smile returned on her face without any effort as she made her way to the cabin. His presence is affecting her quite a lot. Kyle expected it to be Landon, but her heart is swaying in a different direction. Is it good? Obviously no.

    With only two of them in the hospital room, the giant scanned the room and the bathroom for a suspicious item and returned to the room. ''''Everything is clear, Sir. Your one-week presence here will be treated as secret.''''

    ''''Good.'''' Kurt nodded.

    ''''Do you think the Doctor is suspecting us?'''' The giant asked.

    ''''No doubt in that.'''' Kurt shrugged, leaning back on the headboard. With the eensy-weensy wound on his chest, not only her, any doctor would get suspicious. That''s the reason he didnot let any doctor near him until Kyle arrived. Kurt deliberately made a petite wound on his chest, giving Kyle a chance to guess his motives.

    ''''Then, if we start interrogating about Landon, she will catch our act.'''' The giant said.

    ''''We are not interrogating about Landon,'''' Kurt said. ''''We will only nt a seed of doubt in her mind.'''' The whole concept of Kurting here was to manipte Kyle''s thoughts. Once the doubt arises in her mind, Kurt has a n to strike.

    ''''And she will believe? He is her boyfriend. Her loyalty lies to him,'''' The giant said.

    ''''Her rtionship with Landon is hanging over the hinges. It may break at any time.'''' Watching the confused expression on the giant face, Kurt exined. ''''I have been tracking Kyle''s calls for the past two days.'''' The day he dropped her at home, Kurt suspected Landon''s strange behavior and began trapping Kyle''s phone calls. It''s not only for mission purposes, he wanted to make sure she is safe from that criminal. That man is no good, and that loose case doesn''t know anything happening behind him. Kurt felt like he has taken up the task of protecting her as well along with this mission.

    Kurt''s suspicion was confirmed with yesterday night''s phone call. In between their fight, he learned the truth behind keeping bodyguards around Kyle. At some point in time, Kurt felt pity for Kyle for having an overbearing boyfriend. Her cries somehow inflicted him yesterday. It''s not even a month they started dating, and it is already on the verge of copsing.

    ''''The doctor deserves better, Sir.'''' The giant voiced his thoughts. ''''She seems to be a nice girl.''''

    Kurt didnot respond. Indeed, that poor girl is innocent and deserves better.. Kurt doesn''t want to admit that he wished Kyle to break up with Landon and start a new life before she goes deep into the rtionship.

 Chapter 344 - Mission Accomplished

    A whileter, the giant went out to have fresh air leaving Kurt alone. With no color in the office and Kurt being a misogynist, they have only men in their team. So, atst, with lovely nurses and gorgeous doctors, the giant got a chance to enjoy himself here.

    On the other hand, Kyle ordered lunch from her favorite restaurant. She eats breakfast in the home and prepares lunch as well, but today she had not even had time to eat breakfast. Famished, she was ready to take a bite, but Someone crossed her mind. ''''Did he eat? Will he get adjusted to the hospital food?'''' The cafeteria food here doesn''t taste bad, and it doesn''t taste good either.

    ''''Sharing is caring.'''' She nodded to herself and made her way to Kurt''s room. On her way, she met Doctor Heather and exchanged pleasantries, and was off to his room. Lucky that Kurt didnot enter into Heather''s eyes, and the first person to know would be Leena.

    Kyle knocked on the door, stepped in, and saw him lying on the bed. ''''Kurt, are you sleeping?''''

    With the slightest noise, Kurt woke up from his sleep. ''''A small nap. You cane in.'''' He then stretched his body, cracking his neck sideways. The flexed muscles on his forearm looked as if they were going to rip out of his shirt. How does he look without a shirt! Kyle thought. My holy mind, she cursed internally. Had Kurt heard her inner thoughts, he will throw her out of the room without any mercy. She better concentrate on the food. ''''Had your lunch? I brought lunch to share with you.''''

    ''''Take it back. I don''t particrly appreciate sharing. My assistant will bring the lunch.'''' His words betrayed his senses as his eyes continue to linger on the food bag.

    He could have politely declined. This man has no courtesy at all. ''''Fair enough. I am not bothered. I havee here all the way to invite you, and my food is already turning cold. Even if you mind, I n to eat here.'''' Without seeking his permission, she pulled the wheeling console table, settled in a chair, and unwrapped the box. When Kyle saw his eyes switching on to the lunch bag, she offered him and asked if he wanted to have a taste, but the stubborn man denied, looking away.

    The smell of rice Burrito and Sweet potato Panzane dishes watered in Kurt''s mouth. He tried calling the giant, but that derpy didnot pick the call. ''''He must be enjoying sighting girls.'''' He muttered, looking at the boxes.

    When Kurt couldn''t hold it anymore, he snatched the Sweet Potato Panaze box, which Kyle was gobbling up like a malnourished girl. ''''S_weet potatoes increase the weight, and you are already overweight. You better go on a diet.'''' Kurt was praising himself foring up with such a brilliant idea. Without knowing, he seeded in hurting Someone''s emotions.

    Kyle doesn''t know why but her heart was in deep hurt with Kurt''s every insult. How many times she has to tell him that she is not overweight.

    ''''D_o you like only skinny girls?'''' She asked in a whisper, squeezing the spoon tightly. Words traveled from her mouth before she repressed them.

    Kurt paused eating and gazed at Kyle''s gloomy face. She was fine before, what happened now? ''''Honestly, I don''t like any girl.'''' Was his tant reply, and then resumed eating. But deep down, his heart refused to ept his mind this time.

    ''''No wonder you are the Monday of life to every girl in our school.'''' Kyle snatched the Sweet potato Panzane box and stormed out of the room, leaving Kurt speechless. Poor Uncle Arnold. His dreams of finding a girl for this man will only remain as fantasies in this lifetime.

    ''''Monday of girl''s life?'''' He pointed the finger at his chest in wonder and then nced at the door. ''''You are the nightmare of my life.'''' She could have left the dish here. The dish tasted delicious. Kurt angrily picked the mobile and made a call to the giant.

    ....

    Back in the hospital, while Jasper was helping Harley to clean her body with a wet cloth, he received a call to the extension regarding a visitor.Almost done with the washing, Jasper agreed and granted the person entry.

    ''''Who is it this time?'''' Harley asked. Her visitor''s count is increasing day by day.

    ''''Someone you might want to see. Let me bring him here.'''' Jasper said and made his way out of the room where Ethan was sitting on a chair. ''''Ethan!''''

    Smiling at Jasper, Ethan got up and approached him. ''''How is Harley?''''

    ''''Good. She is recovering'''' All of a sudden, Jasper hugged Ethan, surprising him. ''''Thanks for saving her.''''

    ''''You are treating me like a God, Jasper. I only donated blood.'''' All of a sudden, the enemies he thought were turning into friends. Devin himself called yesterday night which was already a wonderment to Ethan, and to his horror, he thanked him for saving Harley''s life. For the whole night, he couldn''t sleep with his unexpected hospitality.

    ''''Your little effort has given a second chance for Harley to live.'''' Jasper released himself from the hug and said. ''''I don''t have words to thank you. I will be forever grateful to you. Off you go. Harley will be surprised.''''

    Ethan nodded, and as he pushed the door open, Harley squealed his name.

    ''''Did you expect me here already, twiggy?''''

    ''''No, and that''s why I am surprised. How are you? You haven''t called me for months. It''s been a long time I have seen you.'''' Harley babbled like a parrot and extended her hand, expecting her gift as Ethan approached her bed.

    ''''What do you want?'''' Ethan pulled the chair near to the bed and cluelessly questioned. Of course, he already knew what she is looking for. Teasing her is his hobby since school days.

    ''''Did you forget?'''' Harley sulked.

    A pout on her lips was so cute that Ethanughed and pulled a bar from his pocket. Harley''s eyes glimmered in happiness and grasped the chocte from his hand. ''''I knew you would not forget this.'''' Choctes are not short for Harley, but receiving from Ethan is special to her. A bond Harley cannot exin has developed without her conscience since her school days.

    ''''No eating until you recover fully.'''' He rebuked her like a brother to his little sister, and in response, Harley bobbed her head like a goat.

    Keeping the chocte safely, she turned to Ethan. ''''Thanks for saving my life, Ethan,'''' Harley said, taking his hand into her.

    ''''How can I not save my little twiggy when she is in danger? I will be there for you always.'''' Ethan smiled, pinching her pointed nose. Now that he looked closely and carefully, Harley''s nose mirrored his dad''s.

    ''''Thank you, Ethan.'''' After she woke up, Her mother told her they had O Negative scarcity, and Ethan became her life savior. She was surprised to know both Ethan and she shares the same blood group. Sometimes Harley wonders why her parents abandoned her. Had she not eavesdropped on Elinor''s conversation with her parents, Harley wouldn''t have known such kind of word exists in her dictionary. A happy family with a caring mother and aunt, a doting father and uncle, a kind grandfather, two protective brothers, and secretly she included Ethan into the list.

    A whileter, Jasper joined, and all the three chatted until the evening.

    ....

    Kyle was preparing to go home when Kurt called her mobile and demanded she should visit him. She wondered how on earth he got her number.

    ''''What is it?'''' Kyle asked, looking at the man who was busy reading something on hisptop. The Giant was not in the room.

    ''''Nothing. I will be happy if you can rmend a pill to my wound on my chest.'''' '' Kurt lifted his head and shed a smile at her.

    ''''C_an you please stop smiling, Kurt.'''' Kyle turned her head when the same feeling happened on the day he visited has transported to her heart.

    ''''Why? You like my teeth?'''' Kurt broadened his smile this time.

    Kyle: '''' ''''

    Oh, Lord! Kyle cried! His EQ is below the belt. She needs something else to distract, and her gazended on the piece of news Kurt was reading. ''''What are you reading?'''' She tried to peek, but Kurt tilted theptop to the other side.

    ''''Studying a case,'''' Kurt casually said. ''''A pharmaceuticalb and a hospital cooperate in developing drugs that have a high risk when injected into the patients.''''

    ''''Damn these terms. I can''t understand this doctor and pharmanguage.

    Kyle''s interest spiked at the mention of the two professions. But, fortunately, she and Landon belong to the same industries. ''''Can I have a look at it? Maybe I can help you in understanding terms rted to medicine.''''

    ''''It''s a secret,'''' Kurt said, slowly luring Kyle. ''''But if you keep it confidential, I will tell you.'''' His question earned a vigorous nod from Kyle.

    As Kurt opened a file with a confidential sign in the middle of the worksheet, Kyle excitedly looked at the top page. Her first reaction was a thunderbolt shock: Cross hospital and Leiusbs. Leiusbs was the only name hitting her brain continuously! Kyle closed her eyes and then opened them, thinking that the name would disappear. But it was standing in bold letters. No, it can''t be!

    On the other hand, Kurt smiled in satisfaction, watching Kyle''s bombshell expression.. Mission aplished.

 Chapter 345 - Earthquake

    With an immediate impact, Kyle snatched theptop and began reading the content inside. Her shock turned dread and then into utter speechlessness. Leius pharmab is the most reputable industry for its quality, and she can''t believe that they are mixing the drugs like Xanan that are dangerous in the long run when consumed.

    ''''How did the drugs pass the criteria of the quality management system?'''' Kyle addressed Kurt. ''''The quantity is minor, but it has serious potential which cannot be ignored. It can harm patients. Did any of the otherpanies raise this threat?''''

    ''''No. Unfortunately, the Leius Pharmab CEO is also the medical advisor for many of the Pharmapanies. The loyalty of the others obviously lies with him.'''' Kurt defined gaze didnot miss the evident jarr in Kyle''s face. It''s not only Landon, but someone from the Government also has a hand behind it, making it a cakewalk for their illegal business.

    Kyle doesn''t want to believe Kurt, but she has no reason to deny also. The evidence clearly points to Leius Pharmabs. Is this the reason he changes the subject when she talks about hispany matters?

    Kyle put down theptop on the bed and nced at Kurt. ''''I am going home. Take rest.''''

    Kurt nodded, and as Kyle was close to open the door, he called her. ''''Kyle.''''

    Kyle turned back and looked at him with a slightly curious gaze. Kurt wished to tell her to stay away from that criminal, but rather, he kept the thought to himself. ''''Good night.'''' He said.

    ''''Good night.'''' She replied and left with a smile. She reached home and immediately called Landon. As she expected, he didnot pick, and Kyle presumed he is in a meeting. Late in the night, she received a call from him. Kyle would have ignored him if it were some other day, but she is searching for the answers from him. Sliding the green button, Kyle lifted the mobile to her ear and greeted him. ''''Hi,Were you busy when I called?''''

    ''''Hell lot of meetings, babe,'''' Landon said with a tired sigh. ''''Are you still awake? It''s half-past twelve.''''

    ''''I was waiting to talk with you.'''' Kyle bent her words that would please him. ''''We were supposed to go on a date, but it got canceled at thete minute. How about we go thising Sunday?''''

    ''''You seem to be ready, babe.'''' He teased, and his intimate way of calling her made her disgusted, but she endured it. ''''I will take you to my private ind_''''

    ''''Why private ind? Take me to the ce you live.'''' Kyle suggested.

    ''''Alright, babe.'''' He said with a smile. Does she want to do it in my home? It is said done. A littleter, Kyle gave an excuse and ended the call.

    Kurt, on the other hand, pulled out the headphones. He felt like a stalker creeping up on the affairs of a couple. d he didnot hear any vulgar talks. ''''Smart girl! She is making a move already.'''' He said and nced at the giant sleeping like a pig with an opened mouth on the guest bed. ''''Weird fellow.'''' He muttered and switched off the light, anticipating for the Sunday.

    ....

    Three days passed in a blink, and finally, Sunday has arrived. The first rays of sunlight lit up the room. The chorus of melodic birds drifted into Devin''s ears, causing him to stir. Feeling something heavy on his head, he opened his eyes. Like every other day, he lifted the tiny legs from his face and ced them on the pillow. Her head is down to the south on Leena''s thigh. Along with the cold shoulder, his insomnia also started with Cutie''s relentless tossing and turning at nights. ''''Wilbur has quite nerves to go for another.''''

    Devin got up and went to Leena''s side. ''''The first thing I think of when I wake up is you.'''' He kissed her forehead and went for a workout.

    Three hourster, freshly showered, Cutie was looking radiant in a short-sleeved ck dress. She finished her breakfast and started ying with the kitchen set, waiting for Leena to get ready. Leena asked if she wanted to go to the amusement park two days back, and Cutie readily agreed.

    When Leena didnot turn up for a long time, Devin went to reprimand and drag her here, but all he did was stare at the gorgeous beauty with an open mouth. A standout loose asymmetric shirt style dress with particolored on each side, gray to the right, and white to the left. A robe loosely tied to the side was entuating her waist. An enthralling beauty with angelic purity. She was just breathtaking.

    ''''Like what you see?'''' The angelic voice brought him out of his fantasy image of his lovely wife.

    ''''I don''t always trust what I see. Even salt looks like sugar.'''' Devin''s mood elevated at Leena''s sudden shift of emotions, from rage and then a grimacing shot at him. Did Devin think Leena wouldn''t give him back?

    ''''Ants reject the salt and carry away only sugar. Let me see who is going toe and make my life sweeter.''''

    ''''Obviously, it''s me.'''' He shamelessly added and hugged her from behind. With his chin on top of her shoulder, he addressed the lovely girl in the mirror. ''''I have sucked salt for half n hour to get the taste of sugar out of my mouth. So, I am the one who can make your life sweeter.''''

    ''''You are indeed a sweet talker, Devin.'''' Turning around, Leena jumped onto him, and with the fleet reflexes, Devin caught her and ced a firm hold on her lower back.''''If you keep doing this, there is no amusement park.'''' His whispering words had soothing, almost seductiveness in them. ''''I will have to confine you to the bed.''''

    ''''As much as I want to, we can''t postpone.'''' With the closeness, Leena uttered her honeyed words, he was already turning rock hard. Leena could feel the heat, and if it were any other person, she would have ignored and dragged Devin to the bed, but bratty Cutie will kill her with the cries.

    Along with Cutie and Carrot, Nick and Aunt Jpeon also prepared toe to the Amusement park, and they were off to the park. At the amusement park, everywhere they went, eyes were on the couple. Unfortunately, the first thing Cutie dragged Leena and Aunt Jpeno was a ck hole with four-story enclosed slides.

    Leena being a scared cat, shivered as she stepped high up the rail. ''''I am scared, Devin.''''

    ''''This is nothing, Sweetheart. Don''t get scared of darkness. Remember what I said.'''' Devin reassured and went down to receive when Leena arrives, sliding from the hole.

    The moment Leena slid into a four-story encloser, she screamed as it sshed her into total darkness. By the time she reached the inner tube and finally fell into the water through the hole, she felt like her soul left the body. As if nothing happened, Cutie and Aunt Jpeno were ying.

    ''''Where is he?'''' Leena looked around when she didnot find the man anywhere around. ''''I should have dragged him into that hole.''''

    A little whileter, Cutie wanted to pee, and Leena took her to the bathroom. She called Nick, and Devin, but both didnot pick up. ''''Where did these two leave?''''

    Unfortunately, while searching for the bathrooms in the vast wondend, Leena identally crashed into a person, and a purse of hers fell on the ground. ''''I am sorry.'''' Leena picked the purse, and as she looked up to hand it over, she was surprised to see a familiar blonde woman. ''''Morvena! What a surprise to see you here?''''

    ''''Hi, Leena.'''' Morvena pretended to be surprised, which she didnot. ''''I am here with a friend,'''' she replied and looked at the little girl who was holding Leena''s hand tightly. ''''She is..''''

    ''''My brother''s daughter.'''' Replied Leena, and she nudged Cutie to say hello to the auntie, but Cutie threw tantrums holding onto Leena''s thigh like a scared cat. When Cutie doesn''t like anyone, even if you drag, she will not consider looking at those people, and right now, she didnot like the blonde woman.

    ''''Don''t mind. My neice is a little shy.'''' Leena awkwardly looked at Morvena and has to change the subject to not let the Doctor misunderstand. ''''How are you? When did youe to...''''

    ''''Eeena..Dein.'''' Cutie cut off Leena''s words and pointed the finger at Devin holding Carrot''s leash. When she found an escape, Cutie dashed towards Devin.

    Morven''s eyes sparkled hearing Devin''s name. She didnot care if Leena would find her behavior strange, Morvena turned around, and with utmost Devotion, she looked vacantly at Devin, at Devin alone.

    ''''He is my husba_''''

    ''''He hates dogs, but he changed.'''' Without tearing her eyes away from Devin, Morvena uttered. ''''Never have I seen him tending to a dog.''''

    And then Leena''s world crashed like an earthquake.

 Chapter 346 - Weird

    ''''He hates dogs, but he changed.'''' Without tearing her eyes away from Devin, Morvena uttered. ''''Never have I seen him tending to a dog.''''

    Leena''s world crashed like an earthquake.

    With every footstep he took towards Leena, her heart was drumming, striking terror into the soul. Yet, despite the dreadful situation she was in, Leena couldn''t help but recall Morvena''s words to boot. How does Morvena know Devin''s likes and dislikes? Even she learned about his fear of dogs when Devin first encountered Carrot face to face. He doesn''t share his personals with the media either, and if Morvena knows about his likes, she must have known Devin quite well. And that''s not the only thing bothering Leena. The utmost devotion Morvena was showing to Devin was not what she had expected.

    ''''Leena, what are you doing here?'''' The sudden loud and unexpected sound spiked her anxiety levels. Has hee here? Is he going to recognize Morvena? Leena raised her head and fearfully looked into Devin''s eyes to see if he acknowledges Morvena, but Devin didnot even bat a look at the woman at once.

    ''''I_I was talking to a friend,'''' Leena whispered in a trance without taking her eyes off Devin, and then she pointed her eyes at Morvena. ''''She is Morvena_''''

    ''''Marja Morvena.'''' With the usual haughty expression, Morvena put a stop to Leena''s words as if she was thin air. Then, turning to Devin, she extended her hands towards him for a handshake, her face docile like deer now. ''''Pleased to meet you.'''' Finally, after a long time, she is seeing him close up. He has be more handsome, for she can''t take eyes of those Hazel eyes. She has purposefullye to Amusement park to see Devin, and Morvena was delighted to see him from afar, but bumping into Leena was by mistake. Ever since she saw Devin acting lovey-dovey with Leena, her hatred for Leena only heightened. This woman is the dread of her life.

    When Leena mentioned the name, Devin''s eyes shifted to the woman standing in front of him with her extended hand. Devin outrightly pulled Leena by her waist without tearing eye contact with Morvena. ''''I am sorry. I don''t want to shake hands with anybody. I am caught up with the recent virus phobia. I hope you don''t mind.'''' Devin didnot miss the high-and-mighty expression when the blondie cut Leena off when she tried to introduce her to him. She can show arrogance in front of anybody, but to Leena in his presence?

    Standing next to Devin, Cutie internally giggled when Morvena''s face looked like a crumpled lizard as she pulled off her hand in embarrassment. To further drive the pompous aunty away from her, Cutie tugged Leena''s dress. ''''Eeena, I want that.'''' She pointed her finger at the bumper car''s location.

    ''''Leena?'''' Devin called, tapping on her shoulder, and with Leena''s unresponsiveness, he caught her hand and dragged her along with him without sparing a nce at Morvena.

    Morvena clenched her dress until her knuckles turned white. If Enger has not threatened her with the secret she is desperately hiding from many eyes, Morvena wouldn''t have given a damn about his stupid threats. She doesn''t want to end up like her mother, ab rat in the clutches of the wrong people. Giving onest look at the couple, Morvena turned her heels and left in the opposite direction.

    Meanwhile, while Cutie was stepping into the Bumper car with her partner Aunt Jpeno, Leena couldn''t help but look in Morvena''s direction. Why didn''t Devin recognize her? Morvena knows Devin, but Devin hadn''t shown any sign of acknowledging her. Is she the part of his memory?

    ''''Leena?'''' Devin called her, but there was no response again.

    ''''Leena, what happened? You are zoning out again.'''' Devin tapped her shoulder to bring her back to the world. She was fine before and after meeting that blondie friend of hers; she is in the middle-of-the-road since then.

    ''''Am I?'''' She responded, her mind still distracted.

    He doesn''t know what''s bothering her, but Devin held Leena''s hand and pointed to the cars to divert her attention. ''''Let''s go and ride the bumper car. You love that, isn''t it?''''

    ''''I am just...I will be right back.'''' She jerked off his hand and raced in the direction shest saw Morvena.

    ''''Leena..wait..'''' Devin called her, but she turned a deaf ear to him. Just then, Nick arrived after riding a Ferris wheel, and as he looked at the retreating figure, he frowned. What has got into her that she is racing like a lightning bolt.

    ''''She is behaving weirdly today.'''' Devin voiced his concern.

    ''''When did she behave normally?'''' Nick voiced his thoughts with a shrug. ''''Don''t get so worked up. I will go and bring her back.''''

    Meanwhile, Leena searched all the ces but couldn''t find the woman she is looking for.

    ''''Morvena, where are you...well..wait there..I wille back.''''

    Atst, when she heard someone call Morvena''s name, Leena''s eyes sharply followed the girl''s direction, and in no time, she found Morvena in the lounging area, capturing pictures of nature on her camera.

    Leena slowly walked towards the woman. ''''Morvena, can I talk with you for a while?''''

    Morven sharply turned around, quite surprised to see Leena here. ''''What do you want?''''

    ''''I want to talk with you,'''' Leena repeated.

    ''''Talk with you? Why? To bear another insult?'''' She then addressed her friend, who was looking curiously at Leena. ''''Let''s go, Tes.''''

    ''''Please, wait.'''' Leena hastily held Morvena''s hand to stop her, and the other girl, Tessa, Jerked her off. ''''Didn''t you hear? She doesn''t want to talk.''''

    ''''Look, I don''t know who you are. I am here to talk with Morvena. You better stay away.'''' As much as Leena wanted to rip the girl''s face off, she neither has the time, nor her brain is working properly.. Ignoring the leach, she turned to Morvena and questioned rather seriously. ''''Do you know Devin before? Have you met him before?

 Chapter 347 - Will You Give Back

    ''''Well, we have a long history.'''' Morvena chuckled and looked at the blemish mark on Leena''s neck. She marched forward and whispered into Leena''s ears as a provocation. ''''He might be rough at times, at least he was when we did. I don''t know about you, but you should at least cover them with a concealer.''''

    Her heart crumpled into pieces the second time. The most disgusting thing Leena heard ever. So they did it, and he doesn''t remember a thing. Morvena knows Devin is her husband and still talked about their intimacy in front of me, his wife. Does this woman has little moral values? Is she really a doctor?

    ''''Oh! Are you Devin''s girlfriend?'''' It was Tessa, whose gaze mocked Leena, peering her from head to toe. ''''Of course, they know each other. For your information, Devin and Morvena dated in the past, if you don''t know. He hase to the hotel to search for Morvena because she sent him the Birds of Paradise flowers.''''

    Leena covered her mouth at the shocking revtion. Tears brimmed in her eyes, threatening to fall, and how long she can hold them, she doesn''t know. Leena heard from Harley that Devin got a panic attack again when he received the flowers. ''''A_re you the one Devin first loved?'''' She finally asked..no managed to ask with the inner turmoil she is undergoing.

    ''''What if I say yes?'''' Morvena asked with amusement dancing over her lips. ''''Will you give him back to me? Will you give back my love?''''

    Morvena paused, and Leena''s tear-filled eyes made her happy and somehowpensated. ''''That was a stupid question to ask. You wouldn''t give him back to me because you have fallen for him as well.''''

    ''''What do you know about him?'''' Showing the camera, Morvena said with a scorning chuckle. ''''Do you at least know he is a famous photographer? Everything he likes has be my hobby, including photography. I follow him everywhere on social media, at least to get a glimpse of his face. Madly in love with him for how long? I don''t remember, and you.. you havee in the middle and took him away from me. Do you how painful it is when he didnot recognize me? Your happiness was supposed to be mine, but you snatched it. Go, and live the life with him which I am sparing it to you.'''' Morvena bitterly said. Tessa could feel her friend''s endurance reaching over the limits. Never had she seen Morvena lost theposure, and today''s bombast proved how much her friend loved Devin.

    Morvena is Devin''s first love, but Devin doesn''t recognize her. Is she saying I have separated her from Devin? But why did he lost memories of only a particr person? Is it her?

    ''''Why doesn''t he recognize you? Why did he lose his memories?'''' Leena managed to ask the one question lingering on her head atst.

    ''''That''s you to find out,'''' Morvena said a matter of fact. Silence prevailed for a while, and without uttering a word, Morvena was about to leave, Tess interrupted. ''''For your information, Devin is still searching for my friend, and once he finds his memories back, prepare yourself to leave him_''''

    ''''And who are you to say that?'''' Morvena and Tess sharply turned to the intruder except for Leena. She is in no state to listen to anything. Her heart is crumpled. She was standing like a body without soul.

    ''''Who are you?'''' Tessa questioned with a frown.

    ''''And who are you?'''' Nick questioned back, gently held Leena''s hand, and patted it to bring her back to reality. He had listened to everything that happened here, between the three women. Nick didnot understand much of it, but he grasped the essence. The blondie is Devin''s first love which was hard for him to believe. As far as he remembers, he had never seen this woman with Devin. He has seen girls go fangirling over him, but directly iming Devin as his love?

    How dare these people bully the great Leena taking her vulnerable situation for the grant. ''''Listen to me..the two of you. I don''t know who you are, but trust me, you are ying with the fire. If not, Leena is in her sane mind, you wouldn''t be standing here. d that you didnot experience it. Get out of this ce before I rip the two of you.''''

    ''''What did you say_''''

    ''''Tess.'''' Morvena held her friend''s hand. ''''Let''s go.'''' It''s not good if Devines here, and all the hell will break loose seeing this woman''s cry. Pathetic woman! He is treating her as if she is the queen of his kingdom.

    At the sight of their disappearance, Nick turned and gazed at Leena. The first time he saw Leena miserable was when Devin had an ident, and then today when she met the blondie. That stupid woman blurted out some nonsense into her mind. ''''Leena, don''t mind her words. She is lying. Devin has not loved anyone, and I assure you of that. I have never seen him looking at anyone with devotion with the way he looks at you.''''

    Had she not known about Devin''s memories, Leena would have believed, but she knew it is no longer true. The fear which has haunted her finally hase back. Will Morvenae back again, or will Devin go back once he regains his memories? Then what am I to Devin? Will he leave me just like that? Leena closed her eyes. ''''Let''s go. Devin will panic.'''' She said. ''''Don''t tell anything that happened here to Devin.''''

    ''''But he should_''''

    ''''Don''t tell him, Nick. Please.'''' Leena pleaded, almost begging. She doesn''t want him to have another panic attack anymore. He already suffered enough, and she doesn''t want to add additional burden to his te.

    ''''Alright,'''' Nick agreed. He only agreed for now, but if it reaches out of his hands, he will have to talk with Devin. He has a gut feeling that the blondie woulde back to create trouble. Leena is like a sister to him, and he will not let anything happen to her.

    Until evening Leena has to have her utmost willpower to control the urge to cry.

 Chapter 348 - Impossible

    When Kyle stepped out, a car was already pulled at the entrance of her house. Unlike her friends and colleagues, she lives in an individual house leading a peaceful life, and now she has to deal with the house guards. She opened the car door by herself, stepped in, and noticed Landon was still on the phone. He briefly looked at her. ''''Why did you wear Jeans?'''' Was all he asked, and then resumed talking. Am I his girlfriend? Kyle thought to herself. He doesn''t even spare a nce at me?

    For an hour, Landon continued speaking, and only when he sensed Kyle''s difort, he ended the call. ''''Sorry, babe. She is my friend and a kind of nagging woman...'''' He said, eyes on the road.

    ''''That''s fine. She must be an important friend'''' Kyle again twisted her words, throwing a smile at him. She would be happy if he continued talking until they reached their destination.

    The house looked like a pce surrounded by greenery. The moment they went inside, several servants arrived and greeted them. Landon ordered them to leave for the day and took Kyle to the master bedroom. ''''Do you like it, babe.'''' He pulled the distracted Kyle into his embrace. Gazing into her ck pools, he inspected her from head to toe, making her cringe in fear. ''''You look sexy. I can''t wait to have you today.''''

    ''''Likewise.'''' She smiled. Kyle''s hands went damp at his sugar-coated words. Surprise and shock filled her face, watching the bed decorated with flowers. I have to find something valuable and get out of this ce as soon as possible. This stupid man has sent all the servants away, and what if he forces on her? Kyle briefly looked at the environment, and she literally scolded herself for looking in the wrong room. ''''Your house looks beautiful, Landon. Can I have a look at it?'''' Draping her hands over his neck, she asked instead in a seductive voice. What am I doing? Kyle was disgusted, but she is left with no choice.

    ''''You sure are bold, babe. Why don''t I see this side when we are in public?'''' Licking his lips, he leaned forward for a kiss, and in the next moment, Kyle ced a finger on his lips. ''''Not so easy. You have to wait for it'''' Maintaining eye contact with him deeply.

    ''''You are driving me crazy, Kyle. I will not let you go unpunished today'''' Running a hand through his hair, he patiently toured the house. ''''This is my study room. It''s nothing here. Do you want to go in here as well?'''' Kyle nodded her head, and with a deep sigh, he opened the door and let her in. Like in all other rooms, Kyle thought she would not find anything, but she noticed small containers on the private shelf of the study, to her surprise. Got it! Those must be pills.

    ''''Come on. Let''s go. You have seen enough,'''' Landon finally added. ''''We have wasted_''''

    ''''Ahhhh! My stomach!'''' Kyle screamed and clutched her stomach in exasperation, scaring Landon out of wits. ''''What happened? Are you all right?''''

    ''''It hurts suddenly. C_an you bring some water?'''' She slumped on the floor, hand on her stomach. ''''Please.''''

    ''''O_kay. Wait here.'''' Landon has just stepped outside; Kyle put a stop to her act. She tore the page from one of the books, spilled the pills into it, and put it in her jeans pocket. Then, as if nothing happened, she continued pretending the act. After Landon arrived, she drank the water, excused with a stomach ache reason, and left the ce in a hurry. Instead of going home, she took a cab and directly went to the hospital to talk with Kurt. Not before she opened the door, she froze when she heard the conversation happening inside.

    ''''So, the doctor suspects Landon, and she is going to his house to find the evidence'''' The giantughed, taking an apple piece from the te. ''''You did a better thing by tracking her phone calls, Sir.''''

    ''''Don''t slip your tongue in front of her. She shouldn''t know our purpose ofing_''''

    ''''You don''t need to try hard to conceal the truth, Mr. Weller.'''' A voice, as t and hard as a stove lid, sent a chill on Kurt''s spine. He gulped hard, watching her brooding eyes.

    ''''H_ello Kyle. I didnot expect you here_''''

    ''''You were using me for the case?'''' Kyle yelled, looking at the sides for any object to break Kurt''s head. ''''Who permitted you to track my calls?''''

    ''''I didnot intend to_''''

    ''''Get out of this hospital before Ie back. You will never get any information from me.'''' Kyle turned to leave, but then she picked a remote and tossed it in Kurt''s direction. Not expecting such violent behavior from Kyle, the remote hit his forehead with an impact before he dodged it. By the time Kurt was back into his senses, Kyle was already gone.

    ''''Does it pain, Sir?'''' The giant asked, atst, suppressing his smile.

    Kurt rubbed his forehead. ''''Crap load of pain.'''' Did she get hurt? How do I tackle this situation!

    ....

    Meanwhile, on the other hand, Morvena sat in a chair, gripping her dress. The room was eerily silent until she heard a bone-chilling voice. ''''You escaped from my men''s clutches and dared to meet him despite my warnings. How dare you talk with Leena about Devin''s memories.'''' That said, Enger wheeled the chair and ceased the swivel with his leg when he came face to face with Morvena. Her legs trembled as Enger leaned forward. ''''I should have guessed your cheap tricks. What do I do with you now?''''

    ''''I_I didnot mean to_''''

    ''''Nash,'''' Enger ordered without taking his eyes off the scared stiff woman sitting in a cold sweat. ''''Tell Brett to escort her to Russia.''''

    ''''Enger..please..'''' Morvena pleaded. ''''I will not create_''''

    ''''SILENCE!''''

    Morvena was startled. The whole room turned dead silent. Enger signaled Nash to take care of the business and stormed out of the room.

    ''''I will take care of her business. Don''t get worked up, Enger.'''' Nash said as he settled in front of him. ''''I don''t know what exactly happened between you, Morvena, and Devin five years back. But I would suggest you have got an opportunity to utilize.''''

    ''''What do you mean?'''' Enger questioned with a frown.

    ''''With today''s event, there is a chance of misunderstandings between Leena and Devin. Leena already trusts you. If you rub a little salt on the wound...Do you know what I am trying to say?'''' Nash exined.

    ''''Good job, my friend.'''' Enger patted Nash with a knowing smile.

    ....

    It''s been three hours, Cutie and Devin are waiting for Leena toe out of the bathroom. ''''Eena!'''' Cutie screamed, but there was no response. It''s because of that lizard aunty, Cutie thought to herself. She saw Leena crying when they were in the amusement park. Pouting her lips, Cutie poked Devin''s arm. ''''Eena!''''

    ''''She wille.'''' Scatterbrained, Devin patted Cutie''s head. Since morning, Leena''s behavior was arbitrary. He could sense she is hiding something from him. ''''Savny.'''' He called and lifted her in his arms. ''''Nick brought you a Barbie doll. Don''t you want to y?''''

    ''''Barbie doll.'''' Cutie squealed in happiness and let Devin carry her forgetting about Leena. Devin dropped Cutie with Nick and returned to the room.

    ''''Leena.'''' He gently knocked on the bathroom door. Once, twice, he called her name, but there was no reply. A feeling of dread crept up from the pits. He rushed and rummaged through the cabs and finally found the key. When he opened the bathroom door, his life shed before his eyes. Words caught in his throat, watching Leena''s pale face lying in the freezing bathtub. ''''Leena, wake up. Please don''t scare me.'''' Devin patted her cheeks. Heart began to hammer in his chest with herck of response. His hand reached the dress hem to discard the wet dress, but then a hand caught him. ''''I am fine.'''' Leena opened her eyes, her tone went cold.

    Devin''s mind and body finally rxed when he heard her voice. His happiness only lived for a split second. In the next moment, it turned into rage. ''''I warned not to take cold showers. Do you ever listen to my words?'''' He sted her for her negligence over health. When Devin lifted her dress again, Leena jerked his hand off. ''''I can change my dress.''''

    ''''Does it matter? I have seen every_''''

    ''''Can you please go out.'''' Leena cut him off in a rude way. ''''I need some privacy.''''

    Devin was paralyzed to the spot at Leena''s indifference. In just seconds, Devin felt like he has be a stranger in her life. Not once Leena acted in such a way, even when they first met. She is not even looking into his eyes now. Where did it go wrong? He rubbed his chest when the pain seared into his heart. It was worse than when he took the bullet. "Is something bothering you, Sweetheart? We can talk_''''

    ''''I will be happy if you don''t bother me for a while.'''' That was all it took Devin to leave her alone.

    When the door was closed with a loud thud, Leena copsed on the floor in a crying mess. She steadied her breath to calm her panic, but nothing was helping her. The voice of Morvena was hunting her ever since she came back from the park.

    [The happy life you are leading was supposed to be mine]

    [Do you know anything about him]

    [Morvena and Devin still love each other. He wille back to my friend soon]

    ''''Why her! Why her of all the people! I hate you..I hate you, Devin....'''' But hating Devin was possible? Leena knew it is impossible.

 Chapter 349 - Cheating Wife Innocent Husband

    It was half-past midnight when Leena opened the bathroom door. Holding the walls for support with no energy left to walk, she slowly made her way into the walk-in closet. She changed the dress and returned to the bedroom. She picked the nket and pillow from the bed and went out without sparing a nce at the man who was eagerly waiting for her to turn to him and talk with him.

    ''''She even hates my presence now?'''' Devin felt like a mockery from the heavens. What on earth happened to act in such a way. He wanted to run to her and hug her until she was all okay. But he can''t. Afraid of her rejection, afraid that she would turn him down again just as she did in the bathroom. The thought itself scared him. Devin never thought he would witness those cold eyes directing at him. He never imagined he would have to hear her distant voice, but he did witness and heard today. It''s not his Leena. She would never do this to me.

    Devin went down and kicked Nick''s bedroom door until it was opened. ''''That crazy Leena disturbed my sleep a while ago. Who is it now?'''' Eyes still closed, Nick yawned and stretched his body.

    ''''Did Leenae here already?'''' Devin questioned.

    ''''Yeah. She hase and took Savny with her.'''' Rubbing his eyes, Nick nced at Devin''s face, and he could sense a worried expression. ''''What''s wrong with you? Didn''t Leenae back to your room?''''

    ''''Did something happen in the Amusement park when you went to bring her back?'''' Devin questioned back instead of answering Nick''s question.

    Nick stiffened at the memory of the amusement park. He never hides anything rted to Leena from Devin, but he did promise to Leena today. ''''Nothing. She is fine.'''' Nick lied.

    ''''If you say so,'''' Devin calmly responded and went back to his room. What Nick failed to notice was Devin had seen the split hesitation on Nick''s face. Something happened. Did that blondie said something to her?

    Devin couldn''t sleep with his mind consumed with the thought of how much easier it would be if Leena were by his side now. He felt like a part of his soul has been ripped apart without having Leena in his arms.

    Without his conscience, his legs made their way out and checked all the spare rooms. Finally, Devin found her sleeping in one of the rooms. Through the sheer curtains, the night sky cast a light needed enough into the room. Her face shone like stars in the night sky. Squatting in front of the bed, he gently stroked her cheeks. ''''I know you will sleep like a log even if you take a nap in a firece.'''' With that said, he kissed her forehead.

    ''''I cannot sleep because my mind knows I can''t sleep without you in my arms. It''s a bad habit, isn''t it?'''' He paused and stroked her hair before continuing. ''''If you think I am crazy, I am not. It''s my unconditional love for you. Please don''t stay away from me, Sweetheart. I can''t live without you, and you know that. I love you.'''' He spoke his mind, although knowing that Leena doesn''t hear him.

    Devin was reluctant to part away from her, but Leena seems to be really hating his presence for some reason. With a heavy heart, he went to his room to give her space.

    The moment Leena heard the door gently being closed, tears forcefully squeezed out of her eyes. ''''Sleep like a log even in the firece? I would have said yes if you hadn''t crashed into my life, idiot. Even the slightest sound of your footsteps can awake me from the deepest slumber.'''' As Leena uttered those words, she opened her eyes and looked over the wall clock. With the bit of light passing into the room, she could see the clock with the picture of Devin lifting her in the air. Nick oftenins that she has filled every corner of the house with their photographs. But she was least bothered. All she wanted was to see Devin wherever she goes.

    She wanted to talk to him and hug him, but she was scared that she wouldsh out at him again as she did in the bathroom.

    Her mind cannot let go of Morvena''s thoughts for a second. Whenever she sees Devin, the love he has shown to that woman in the past would torment her. ''''Why didn''t I meet you before? Why is that bully your first love?'''' She cried until there was none left, and somewhere around the time, she drifted into sleep when the fatigue enveloped her.

    The following day, Devin heard from Aunt Jpeno that Leena had already left for the office and Cutie in the morning. He got up early in the morning to catch a glimpse of her and, if possible, talk with her, but she is already gone. How worse can his mood get today? ''''Why didn''t you go with Leena?'''' Devin sharply turned to Nick.

    ''''I_I was asleep.'''' He sheepishly added and looked at the breakfast table. He was even scared to look into Devin''s eyes. ''''But she is safe.'''' Nick assured him.

    ''''That poor girl didnot even eat breakfast. She is worried over something since yesterday.'''' Aunt Jpeno''s voice filled with concern. She packed the breakfast and handed it to Nick. ''''I want Leena toplete all the three boxes; otherwise, prepare your buns for squeezing.''''

    Nick gulped hard as he nodded his head. He has to keep them safe from her hands. ''''I will go to the office now.''''

    Before Nick got up to leave, Devin stopped him. ''''Nick.''''

    ''''Yes, Devin.''''

    ''''Do you want to say something to me?''''

    ''''I_I" Nick shook his head in the end.

    Devin expected he would at least hear the truth, but it seems Leena has strictly warned Nick to keep it a secret. How long they are going to keep, he will see.

    ...

    With the boxes untouched, Nick couldn''t help but worried about both Devin and Leena''s state. Both are tormenting themselves with a simple misunderstanding. All thanks to that stupid blondie.

    ''''Leena, believe me, I have been with Devin since childhood. That blondie is lying. Why don''t you confront him and ask?''''

    Even if she confronts him, it will yield Nothing. If she tells Devin had lost memories of only one person, Nick will probablyugh at her. How did he conceal everything without leaving any clue for others? With no sleep,her mind started throbbing with the memories ofst night. ''''I am going out. Please don''t follow me.''''

    ''''No, Devin_''''

    ''''I want to have some privacy.'''' Having said that, Leena made her way out of the office.

    Alone she strolled in the shopping arena for a while. If it were another day, she would have purchased half the shopping arena, but here she was wandering alone empty-handed. A whileter, she sat alone on the top floor, watching the hustling city through the windows.

    ''''Hey, Leena!'''' Her head snapped with a start and again surprised to see her mysterious friend along with a woman. He whispered something into her ear, and with that, the woman made her way out.

    ''''Hi, Enger.'''' Leena forced a smile. Why do I bump into him whenever I am in a bad mood. Last time it was in the hospital, and she has to miss talking to Devin when he first woke up after the ident.

    ''''It''s been a long time we met.'''' He made himselffortable on the opposite chair. ''''How is your husband?'''' Enger stressed. Leena''s face looked as pale a paper. It seems like Morvena''s words have provoked deeply, just like Nash said. Good that he followed her here. He only hoped Devin would note to cling onto her again.

    ''''He is doing good.'''' She said. ''''Was it your girlfriend?'''' She pointed to the retreating woman who was ascending the steps.

    ''''No way.'''' He chuckled.''''She is only a friend. My heart is stolen by someone already.''''

    ''''That''s pretty cool.'''' Her eyes held happiness for him. ''''Who is she? You rarely mentioned girls when we were chatting. Do I know her?''''

    ''''I am pretty sure you know her,''''Enger wanted to propose to Leena most grandly. But that can be der. Strike the iron when it''s hot is his motto. With Leena and Devin''s misunderstandings, he has to grab the chance. With their misunderstandings, she will now think of him.

    ''''Umm..I don''t remember,'''' She replied in uncertainty.

    ''''Well, how will you know when the girl is_''''

    ''''Devin,'''' Leena muttered, cutting Enger in the middle. Her breath caught in the throat as she saw him walking towards her. The arrogance in him spoke as he walked with a carefree face. Leena''s legs trembled. She suddenly felt like a cheating wife caught by an innocent husband now.

    "Nick.'''' She heard him order with haughtiness.. ''''I want this ce to get vacated in another two minutes.''''

 Chapter 350 - End It With A War

    The top floor was emptied in a minute, with only four prominent people and the group of guards standing a little away from them. Leena felt like rattled in a cage. The timing has matched aptly. Fighting with her dear husband yesterday, crossing paths with her mysterious friend in the morning, and finally getting caught by her husband. Is this going to create another misunderstanding between Devin and me? Leena worriedly thought to herself. She didnot want to fight with him yesterday, but her instincts took over, and the fight happened. She was thinking of making his favorite dish to curb his anger, but again another bar.

    On the other hand, Enger''s face grew hot and pinched with resentment as he met Devin''s chilling eyes. When the moment hase finally to express his feelings, this bastard hase and meddled in his affairs. He has waited for this moment for so long to confess the deep feelings he has hidden for Leena since his childhood, but he has interrupted in thest minute.

    Enger was damn sure Leena would be pissed off with yesterday''s incident and thought she would have fought with Devin. Although it angered Enger that Morvena spilled a little about Devin''s past to Leena, heter gave a deep thought about it and realized he doesn''t need to fear because Devin would never regain his lost memories.

    Enger peeked at Leena, and as if he was thin air, she is not even looking in his direction, which irked him to his kernels. How many misunderstandings he has to create to make this girl leave Devin, and make her look at himonly with the utmost devotion.

    Leena slowly lifted her head and met Devin''s eyes, studying her every move intently without uttering a word. Devin''s gaze was frightening her. Never he looked at her with such an intent gaze. Every time she looks into his eyes, she finds kindness and love for her, but today she sees a different side of him.

    Is this calm before the storm? The next second it proved her right when his voice frenziedly raised beyond the scale. ''''Nick, take Leena out of this ce, right now!'''' He is not angry at Leena. He knows Leena would never cheat on him, but she is putting her guards down when Enger is scaring him around.

    Leena pursed her lips. Devin misunderstood! Putting aside her ego, Leena got up and hurriedly sprinted towards Devin. In a hasty tone, she spoke up; her words stuttered as his cold eyes made her cringe in fear. ''''We met identally_''''

    ''''Are you supporting him?'''' He interrupted spitefully. He knows Leena didnot intend to meet with Enger purposefully, but his anger best took him.

    ''''Are you doubting her?'''' Enger questioned, butting in the middle.

    Without giving a damn to his words, Devin shifted his attention to his wife, his eyes as dark as the grave ''''Go, and sit in the car if you don''t want to bring the worst in me.'''' Leena''s heart pounded with the effrontery in his voice, gravel enough to prate the deepest part of her soul. The first time she heard his impudence voice was when he took her to his witch grandmother''s pce, and never she expected today would be her turn. Those cold eyes she never wanted to see are hurting her. Leena felt in desperate need of water to quench her burning throat.

    With his one piercing gaze at the guards, they moved forward towards Leena. Pressing her lips together, Leena let them escort her. She didnot even spare a nce at Devin. All Leena was concerned about was Devin''s rage. She could have thrown tantrums at Devin for ordering her, but something in her warned her not to mess with the beast today. He is on a hunt today.

    The moment Leena was out of his sight, his attention now entirely shifted to the man. ''''This is my final warning. Stop following my wife.'''' The time hase to put a stop to this man''s acts.

    ''''We merely crossed paths, and you misunderstood.'''' Enger retorted with a fabricated smile. ''''Please don''t keep a tight restriction on Leena. It''s not good for your rtionship. She might run away also.''''

    ''''I appreciate your suggestion.'''' Devin offered a smile, sitting on the chair cross-legged hovered over with azy look on his face. ''''But if stalkers like you keep following my wife, I am left with no choice.'''' He shrugged a matter of factly and looked at Enger to find any traces of hesitation.

    ''''You are quite funny, Mr. Wang.'''' Enger chuckled. ''''What made you think of me as a stalker.'''' How did he make a guess? He has been hiding everything perfectly.

    Devin flicked his fingers, and the next second, a couple of letters were in front of Enger. Although Enger was taken back by this sudden revtion, he quicklyposed himself. ''''What are these?'''' He asked, ncing at the letters.

    ''''The recent letters you delivered to my office. I am surprised you can''t identify your own handwriting?'''' Devin questioned.

    ''''Probably you are mistaken. It''s not me_''''

    ''''Hiding your real identity..hiring agents to deliver the letters..Assassination attempt on me...You have managed quite well..but..'''' Devin paused his words as he picked the letter and sniffed it. ''''You have left me with this clue identally.'''' He lifted the paper in front of his eyes. ''''You failed to camouge the smell of chemicals which I can still smell on your body..just like now.''''

    Enger silently cursed under his breath. How did he miss this part? He was experimenting in theb and hastily arrived to meet Leena. ''''Have you known all along, or you are making a guess?'''' If Devin knows, so be it.

    ''''Does that makes any difference?'''' Devin retorted.

    ''''Well, Good that you have found out sooner." Enger stretched his hands as if a huge burden is lifted. ''''Let me make myself clear. You should have understood my caliber with the assassination attempt I made on you. That is only a sample of what I can do.''''

    When Devin didnot speak a word, Enger continued thinking that Devin is listening. ''''What did you say? Stop following Leena? She is my love. I have loved her ever since I have known my childhood. She is my only love. Death would be the only way to stop me away from Leena.'''' Enger paused, taking notice of Devin''s calm expressions. ''''You don''t have any proof to tell Leena that I am the one sending her letters. Slowly, I will take her away, and by that time, I will make sure Leena doesn''t feel anything for you. I will go to any extent to take Leena from you. Right now, you can rx. The game has only started now_''''

    ''''Correction! I haven''t yet started the game.'''' Devinzily chuckled as if not bothered by Enger''s threats.''''You started the game. I will end it with a war. Be prepared.'''' With that, Devin got up, and strolled out of ce. He is not going to tell Leena about Enger anymore. Let her find the real mask of this man. Devin''s instincts were telling Leena will soon discover Enger''s true nature.

    Nick was sweating buckets as he recalled the conversation between the two men. Two people are ready to dere war for Leena and can go to any extent to get Leena by their side! She is literally something. What charm did she put on these two?

    As Devin was heading out, Nick rushed to catch Devin and hastily spoke. ''''Why did you talk harshly with Leena?'''' Her hurt expressions are still vivid in his memory. When ites to matters of Devin, she is a real sensitive girl.

    ''''Sometimes she needs a little taming. I have spoiled her a lot.'''' Devin added. Such a big thing happened in the park, and she kept it to herself. If they prolong the misunderstanding, it would have led to a big catastrophe in their lives.

    ''''Home or office?'''' Nick interrupted Devin''s thoughts.

    ''''Home.'''' Replied Devin. He has to settle the matter with Leena as soon as possible. A little ago, he called Nick to ask if Leena had her breakfast, and one thing led to another. Finally, Nick spilled everything.

    He was d Nick confessed everything that happened in the park. But, just because a random woman hase and imed her husband as her first love, Leena listened and suspected his loyalty. Stupid girl. Where did she keep her brain?

    ''''Did you find where that woman is,'''' Devin asked. The root cause of the problem. If she were not Leena''s doctor and saved her life, he would have thrown her in the dungeon by now.

    ''''Yeah. She is currently in Russia.'''' Nick said. Yesterday she was in New York, and after creating a hurdle between the couple, she fled away as if nothing happened? Weird woman!

    ''''Prepare the ne then,'''' Devin said.

    ''''Why?'''' Nick questioned curiously.

    ''''We are going to Russia tonight,'''' Devin replied. Time to put that woman in the ce.. She has made his sweetheart cry, and by no means will he let it go.

 Chapter 351 - Deal

    Tapping her heels on the car''s carpet vigorously, Leena would peek outside the windows intermittently, anticipating Devin''s arrival. Did that Nick vomit everything to Devin? Obviously, he would have. The proof was evident in the form of Devin''s rage when she looked into his eyes. He will definitely get mad for not confessing the truth. Seconds turned minutes, and Leena still didnot hear the vibrations of certain footsteps. Atst, what felt like an eternity, the back seat door opened, and the atmosphere turned more aloof in the car as he sat next to her.

    ''''To home,'''' Ordered Devin to the driver, in his gruff tones. ''''Turn off the AC.'''' He then slid the windows to let the air inside.

    Although Devin didnot talk or turned his attention to her, Leena''s stomach filled with butterflies. Despite his anger, Devin didnot forget she has motion sickness. Neither of them spoke to each other, and right after the car came to a halt when they reached home, Leena got down and sped inside the house like a deer.

    ''''What''s with that speed of hers?'''' Devinined as he stepped out of the car. She is behaving as if she has seen a monster.

    ''''I told you..you scared her earlier,'''' Nick added.

    ''''And she scares me every day. Did I everin?'''' Devin retorted. Did she really get scared of me? He was a little harsh, but that was only for a while.

    As Nick and Devin walked into the house, Aunt Jpeno twisted her lips at Devin and Nick for intruding on her personal space in the daytime. ''''Why did youe early today?'''' She asked in an irritated voice.

    ''''For house inspection,'''' Devin said and headed to the room.

    ''''Always watching those cheek videos. Why does she like butts?'''' Nick muttered as he saw her sitting on the couch with a popcorn bucket on herp, watching beach videos where couples were dancing, barely wearing anything.

    ''''I heard you, goose fellow.'''' Aunt Jpeno winked at Nick. ''''If you are jealous, you can give me live entertainment. I am ready to watch,''''

    Nick''s mouth pinched shut as though holding back what he wanted to say. She has no shame at all. No wonder her husband ran away from her. In the end, he made his way back to the room.

    When Devin opened the bedroom door and stepped in, he saw Leena on the bed, staring at her nails with no expression on her face. She looked so cute with her nk expression; Devin thought, even if she kills him, it''s worth it. Without uttering a word, Devin went into the walk-in closet. With nothing to do, he was inspecting the closets to see if Leena had brought dresses again, he felt a gentle tug on his shirt.

    He briefly looked at her and then turned back. ''''Don''t talk with me.'''' replied as he pretended to work. ''''You seem to be extensively spoiled by me, and now have be highly selfish, caring only about your feelings and emotions. Why will you consider my feelings...''''

    His next words automatically seized when a lithe body swiftly crashed onto his back, showering her love through a tight back hug. ''''I am sorry for hurting you. .I couldn''t have imagined hurting you this much. I am sorry, Devin, I am sorry, I am the reason you are sad. Your feelings mean the world to me. I know it was childish to give the cold shoulder to you, and I regret it. Please talk with me. I can''t bear to see us fighting like this.''''

    Both were hurt, and both were on the verge of breaking, but the presence of each other made them stay still and hold together. Devin loosened himself, and when he turned back, a lump formed in his throat, seeing Leena''s red eyes.

    Cupping her face very tenderly, he kissed her eyes, the orbs which hide the shades of beauty like a rainbow. ''''I don''t know what all you heard from that woman, but remember one thing, Sweetheart; I will never quit loving you in a way I know I never will. With or without memories, you are the only one forever and always for me. I can never forget the girl who touched my soul, and it can never be any girl other than you, Leena'''' In the past, Wilbur and Ethan once confronted him about him loving a girl. Still, he refused to believe he had loved any other person before Leena crashed into his life. The moment he saw her, he knew she is the only one he has been searching for all his life.

    Leena jerked Devin''s hand on her face and embraced her hands tightly over him. ''''I am sorry. I will never doubt you or our love. Even if that womanes, I am not giving you away, even if your memoriese back.''''

    ''''If my memories are worrying you, I promise I will never look for them, Leena.'''' He kissed the back of her head and patted her back.

    ''''Don''t force yourself. If it meant to happen, it will,'''' Leena said, as she further pushed herself towards his body, leaving no space between them.

    Her blood bubbled like boiled water when she thought Devin made love to that bully. Did they do it, or she lied to provoke me? Whatever! She doesn''t care anymore. Devin is hers, and she will not give him away without any fight. Leena decided to find that bully''s address and teach her a lesson. ''''Devin, can I ask you a question?'''' She remembered Morvena talking about Devin being a famous photographer.

    ''''You already asked one.'''' He lifted her chin in a teasing way.

    ''''Very funny.'''' Her smile made his heart skip a beat. ''''Never let that smile slip away from your face.''''

    Leena smiled in response and nodded her head. ''''Now, back to the question.'''' She asked. ''''Are you a very famous photographer? I know you take the best shots but thought it was only your hobby.''''

    ''''If Ipare to the discordant pictures you take, then maybe I am considered famous.'''' Teasing Leena and watching her crumpled face can make his day anytime.

    Ignoring his tantments, Leena questioned again. ''''Quickly tell me the social media ount profile you have. You seem to be very mysterious.''''

    ''''Nothinges for free, Sweetheart.'''' Nuzzling his nose against hers, he said. ''''Perhaps if you tell your favorite photographer''s name, I will consider telling mine.''''

    ''''Don''t forget I am a hacker. Just because you are my husband, I am going easy on you.'''' She said.

    ''''Let''s make a deal then.'''' Having said that, he pushed Leena upwards, lifted her, and carried her to the bedroom. Gingerly cing her on the bed, he said. ''''If you find my name within two days without using illegal means, I will give a_''''

    ''''Sumer collection dresses from my favorite brands,'''' Leenapleted without leaving room for negotiations. ''''Say yes.'''' He has restricted buying dresses with his usual nagging. She has to try other means atleast.

    ''''Deal.'''' Devin gave a double thumbs up. Never will she leave her obsession over dresses, will she? He has got a trick to find the person''s name in seconds. Just that he needs to distract her for a while. Putting the dirty thought aside, Devin said.. ''''I didnot inform you before. I am going on a business trip tonight_''''

    ''''No!'''' Leena red from her bed, her voice raised an octave. ''''I will not let you go alone.'''' The memories of his ident are still livid in her memory. She will not let history repeat. Those pale eyes and her cries which she doesn''t want to happen anytime. He was on the verge of life and death and it was lucky that Devin passed that stage.

    ''''Listen, Sweetheart. I am taking Nick along with me. Nothing_''''

    ''''Devin..please..I am scared. Please take me_''''

    ''''I promise, I will be extra careful this time. You have to take care of Savny also,'''' He assured her. He cannot take Leena to that woman. He has to talk with her alone, and give a clear warning to her. With lots of coaxing, Leena finally agreed, giving additional instructions to Nick to keep Devin safe, especially women.

    ....

    It was a bright morning as the woman in the bed woke up. She stretched her body, and just then, a woman in a uniform entered into her room and bowed her head. ''''Did you feed breakfast to Winter?'''' Morvena asked in effluent Russian.

    ''''Yes, Madam.'''' The maid informed in Russian. With his madam''s care, the girl is doing well. Such a god''s gift to cure any patients will note to anyone.

    As Morvena got up, she received a call from the WatchGuard.. Her heart drummed in fear as he heard the news. No! It can''t happen! Why is he here? Did Leena tell everything, and Devin is here to take revenge or his memoriese back, and he is here to talk to her?

 Chapter 352 - Human Vertebrae

    Arge dark house nestled in the deepest part of the forest as if it has no connection to the human world. Nick only knew the name of the hospital Morvena worked as a doctor and thought her house location would be easy to find, but Hell no.

    There are many interesting facts he learned about that woman. She rarely goes to the hospital and lives away from the city in a dense forest. Only one person who happens to be Morvena''s colleague here knows her house address, and Nick has to catch him for the guide. They have to travel two hours by car, away from the city, and then walk on foot for half n hour into a creepy forest where sunlight is not questionable. On the safer side, Devin ced some of the guards by the car. If something happens, they cane and looks for them.

    As they crossed the tall trees, they finally spotted tworge houses. ''''This is it, Sir. Allow me to go back to the city, please.'''' The man said. Only once he visited this spooky house, and never he wanted to revisit it.

    Nick readily agreed and signaled a guard to drop him at home. He understood why her colleague was so hesitant to be their guide. A woman living away from humans! What is she?

    Nick noticed the house''s front yard also looked spooky with gnarled, twisted trees. Suddenly he felt like he was transported to a witch world. What kind of environment is this woman living? Thank God! Leena is not here. She would have run away the moment she stepped into this dark forest.

    Nick nced at Devin, thinking he wouldment on this ce, but he seems to be in another world. Probably he is also in a state of astonishment. Nick thought to himself. Little did Nick know, an ill omentled Devin. The familiar hammering pain in his brain is surging back.

    The voice that he hears whenever his memories strike him is whispering by following behind him, causing him to cringe in fear for the first time. Every footstep he took was with utmost thought.

    A vaguely familiar feeling triggered solid emotional reactions of this ce, reminding him of the previous negative experiences he faced. As he slowly walked, his eyes fell on arge rustic wooden b. His body suddenly came to a halt. He was here once! Once sitting here and talking to himself, a vision of his past has shed in front of his eyes.

    [My brain hurts a lot! I have not slept for weeks]

    [I am slowly losing my ability to recognize your face as well]

    [I never thought this is how my journey towards you wille to an end. Will I be able to recognize you if we ever cross paths.]

    Suddenly he was transported back to the world when he felt a slight tap on his shoulder. ''''Devin, are you with me?'''' Nick voiced his concern.

    It was then Devin snapped back to reality. ''''Yeah...I am here.....this ce is a little.....I don''t find a single reason to be here anymore'''' With uncertainty, he said.

    ''''I do feel_''''

    '''' '' Zdr��stvujte.'''' A man with arge beard greeted the two in Russian. ''''Zhdet Vas Madam Morvena.'''' It said Madam Morvena is looking for them.

    ''''Ummm..We don''t know Russian.'''' Using gestures, Nick began his neet skills which the bearded man failed to understand. ''''I..him..'''' Nick pointed his thumb at Devin as he exined. ''''no..speak...Russian.''''

    ''''Zaberi as Vnutr'' '''' Interrupting Nick, Devin replied.

    Nick was obviously shocked by Devin''s surprising reply in Russian. ''''How do you know Russian?''''

    ''''That''s a question for another time.'''' He told Nick and then addressed the bearded man and asked him to take them inside.

    It''s not only outside; the house inside looked creepy as well. The bearded man left them at the doorstep and headed back, although Nick shouted to stay with them. ''''Even people around her are weird!''''

    The two alone walked through a dark corridor where they could see candles dangling from the top. A celestial crystal ball graven models were craved to the walls wherever their eyes followed. ''''Is she a witch?'''' Nick muttered under his breath.

    While he was in a trance, a door in front of him automatically opened.

    As they both stepped in, arge blue-colored creature entered into Devin''s and Nick''s vision in the pitch-ck room. ''''Holy mother of Cow! Nick shuddered in fear as he saw a giant ck-colored jelly-like creature in the form of multiple human vertebrae swaying, that almost resembled a twisted snake. The tip of the beast was almost touching the ceiling. A dread formed on Nick''s face as its roots from the ground began moving towards them almost instantly. ''''Devin...!'''' Nick whispered, moving closer towards him. ''''That thing..That thing..it''s moving....''''

    ''''Don''t panic. Throw all the electronic devices you have towards it. Now!'''' At hismand, Devin and Nick threw the mobile onto the ground and stepped back. The radicles of that creature swiftly spread like tree roots, and in seconds it sucked the mobiles. But still, the creature moved towards Nick. ''''It''s targeting me again!'''' He cried, stepping back in panic.

    ''''Check if you have any other electronic device,'''' Devin shouted, and that''s when it dawned on Nick that he is carrying earpods. With shaky hands, he searched the pockets and tightly closed his eyes as he threw them on the ground. He prayed for his dear life as he sensed the creature towering above him and stopped a step ahead of him. ''''A_m I going to die here?''''

    ''''Drama king. Open your eyes. You are safe now.''''

    When Nick opened his eyes, the beast was already at the ce positioned for it. ''''What the f��ck!'''' Nick''s voice almost reached the ceiling. ''''Why is this creepy creature targeting only electronic devices.''''

    ''''It''s not a creature. That''s an electronic body. It is trying to grab the energy from every possible device.'''' Devin looked around the house. No wonder there is no electronic device here. Even if there is one, this body will attract and convert into electric energy.

    For the second time, Nick was bbergasted. He has seen fantasy creatures in movies, but hearing and seeing an electronic body is his first time ''''If it needs the energy inrger quantities. Where does this creature get such arge amount?''''

    .....

    I know I know...I have transported you guys Into a different world today..It''s not a story that I made up just now, it was thought when I began writing the story...there is no witchcraft or some fantasy elements in this book; whatever I write in this book, it''s science, logical, and with a reason.. It''s solely connected to Devin''s memory....you can now think what exactly happened to him years back....

 Chapter 353 - A Life

    ''''Biomimetic leaves. It''s a hybrid tree that can convert its energy into electric energy. It should be somewhere near this house. High heat levels can put electric devices in danger, and which is why the house is built in a deep forest.'''' Devin exined.

    ''''How are you so sure about this?'''' Nick questioned. He felt like Devin was talking as if he has experienced it.

    ''''Because..'''' Devin didnot reply after the word. There is a reason he knows. He was here, and it all started from here. He hase here to warn that woman, and in the end, like a twist of the tale, he got a bigger surprise.

    Devin looked around, and right opposite to him, there was arge passage. As they walked in, the door was already open, and when they stepped inside, a woman was standing near an open shutter window, with her back facing them. ''''Wee back, Devin.'''' She said without turning to them. ''''Do you remember this ce? It was your home for one whole year.''''

    ''''Was it you who wiped my memories?'''' With a disgust-filled voice, he questioned. One year home! Has she kept me in this prison for one year? Devin was wondering how one can remember everything but only forget memories of one person. If this woman created a super generation electronic device, wiping one person''s memories is not a big deal.

    ''''Yes. I made your memories disappear.'''' Morvena turned back, a smile on her face.

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''A deal.'''' She replied in a t voice.

    ''''A deal for what!''''

    ''''A deal to wipe out your memories.''''

    ''''Don''t mince the words.'''' He snapped at her coldly. ''''Who gave you the contract?''''

    ''''The person who gave me the contract also made a deal to keep it confidential from you.''''

    ''''What''s the exchange offer that person made with you?'''' Devin probed. A contract to wipe his memories?

    ''''Your memories in exchange for a life!''''

    ''''W_hat? I don''t understand!'''' She is speaking in puzzles, which is making Devin hard to understand.

    ''''You will never understand,'''' Morvena said. ''''Don''t try to search for him. Even if you search the entire world, you will not find him unless you get back your memories.''''

    Devin got a hint already. Him! So, it''s a man who had a pact with her. He only has to find that person. But how? This woman is neither ready to tell the person''s name nor ready to bent for money. He promised Leena not to look for his memories, but now that he knew someone gave a contract, he wants to dig deeper. What if the history repeats, and he loses his memories again. He can''t bear to lose Leena.

    Everything he has, wealth, fame, everything, but why did he want his memories? What benefit did he get by targeting my memories? There should be a reason.

    ''''You better stop looking for your memories, Devin. Your dear wife is already worried. What if your past lovees back to hunt you?'''' There was a mocking edge in Morvena''s tone.

    ''''With or without memories, no one can rece my Leena. The only reason I am keeping you alive after all the things you have said to her is...'''' He paused. ''''Because you saved her life. As per my memories, I don''t care if theye back or not. I only want to find the person who contacted you.'''' With that, he turned to leave.

    ''''Good luck in finding then.''''

    Before Devin stepped out, Morvena called him. ''''It takes four hours to step into the city from this dense forest. I can help you in_''''

    ''''No thanks. I can manage.''''

    With Devin, and Nick gone, Morvena sighed and went into the room to look for the electronic substance. She stroked the substance with the utmost care, knowing that it doesn''t feel any emotion. ''''I wish you were here to give a shoulder to lean on.'''' She looked at the towering figure with a smile. ''''I miss you, mom.''''

    ....

    ''''Whose memories you lost? Why did you lose? I am curious.'''' Nick thought of the possible scenarios. ''''My theory is, you might have seen a witch or Shaman performing witchcraft or shamanism, and they got scared that you will spill their secrets to the world, and you ended up losing memories of that person.''''

    ''''Your imagination is worse than Leena.''''

    ''''I learned from that worst.'''' He cheekily replied. ''''I have heard creatures eating flesh for food, but this is an exceptional case. Now have sacrificed our mobiles.'''' Nick started his babble as they walked in the forest. ''''I don''t have any problem because I am still single, but you are a married man.'''' Nick paused and then continued his rattles. ''''Leena would have called you by now. That creature had gobbled your mobile, and another mobile is in the car, which is far away. She would have called my number, which is already dead. With our phones not reachable, she will think... and you already know her...''''

    ''''Stop it, Nick!'''' Devin cut him off. He is ransacking his brain toe up with an alibi, and he is pulling his leg. When they hit the road and their car entered into their vision, the first thing Devin did was to check his mobile. Nick peeked into Devin''s mobile and giggled. ''''32 missed calls! I can see your future, Devin!''''

    His hand shook as he hit Leena''s number. ''''WANG DEVIN! Where the fuck you are! No phone calls! No messages!..''''

    ''''Sweetheart, please listen to me.'''' He hurriedly exined. ''''I_I just. actually..I.. '''' He cursed his brain for not catching up one story like Leena. ''''I lost my mobile, and I didnot know I had a spare mobile in the car. But the thing is, when I was ying some music...''''

    ''''I am not a five-year-old kid to believe. Always getting into trouble..Wait until youe home... You need a good lesson..''''

    It seemed to go on for hours, and by the time Leena shouted herself hoarse, Devin''s energy wholly depleted.

 Chapter 354 - VinquAero

    The bright stars brought a glow to the terrace that stretched to infinity. Devin sat in a chair without uttering a word but nodding his head asionally as Leena lectured him for his negligence. Savny was enjoying the show eating her evening snacks. He thought Leena''s roasting would stop with the phone calls when he was in Russia, but it continued after returning home. Devin is applying the golden rules his dad enlightened him with on the day of his marriage. Wife is always right, and now he understood the true meaning of the statement.

    ''''Eeena,'''' Cutie suspended Leena''s thoughts, causing Leena to look in her direction.

    ''''What?''''

    ''''I am hungly.'''' Cutie showed the empty bowl she just finished eating.

    ''''You are always hungry.'''' She snapped.

    ''As if you are not.'' Cutie internally muttered but didnot voice her thoughts. Otherwise, her lectures would shift on her instead of Devin.

    Giving a deathly stare to Devin, Leena held Cutie''s hand to leave. Cutie looked back in Devin''s direction and grinned, hoping that he would thank her for bing his saving grace, but all she received was a cold stare from him. She scowled at Devin defiantly. He has no courtesy at all.

    An hour passed since Leena started roasting Devin, and he didnot miss Cutie''s smile as if she was enjoying the show, and atst, when Leena went hoarse, she hase to his saving grace. And he has to appreciate her!

    ''''At least, she left me now.'''' Devin also made his way inside to have dinner.

    With dinner ended, Devin sent Cutie to Nick''s room and asked him to take care of her. When he stepped into the bedroom, he saw Leena leaning her back on the headboard, working seriously, with herptop on thep ''''What are you doing, my Kitty cat?'''' In a coaxing honeyed tone, Devin asked.

    ''''Updating my blog.'''' She replied in a t tone, concealing her smile about to break. Kitty cat? That''s a cute name! A brownie point awarded for you, babylicious!

    ''''What is the topic?'''' He climbed onto the bed, moved closed to Leena, and intimately sheathed his hand around her waist. Her freshly showered scent is arousing him already.

    ''''Look for yourself.'''' Replied Leena and looked away to distract the wild thoughts he was putting on her mind.

    ''''How to deal with the careless husband.'''' He read it out. ''''You are still mad at me? '''' With a shrieking yell, he threw theptop aside, and in a swift motion, he thrust Leena on the bed.

    ''''A million times, yes...o...'''' She cried when she felt a sharp pain in her ear. ''''Don''t bite my ear, idiot.''''

    ''''It''s not biting, darling. I am writing loving notes in the flesh.'''' In a whisper, he rubbed his face against hers, the dark stubble of his, leaving a tingling sensation on her body, and when his hand reached for her shoulders to discard the dress, her desire eventually heightened, but Leena held his hand. She looked past the closed door and said. ''''Savny mighte.'''' Her eyes lingered on the door, scared that Cutie would barge in. She doesn''t want a kid to see these underrated scenes.

    ''''Eyes on me, Sweetheart.'''' With his index finger, he turned her face to him. ''''Nick will take care of Savny.'''' Not even an Earthquake will disturb his time with Leena for tonight. With that, he crammed onto her lips into a hungry kiss, and both dominated for the entrance. Without tearing his eyes away from her, he discarded her dress to feel the nakedness of her fire. Leena held onto his arms feeling his strong muscles beneath his shirt.

    ''''Devin....don''t dy...please..put it inside.'''' She was craving to feel him deep inside her, but Leena knew he would not give her readily until he tortures her. But still, she tried to unbutton his shirt, which was stopped by a hand, which was not a surprise to her. ''''Not so easy, darling. You have to wait for it.''''

    His licked her sensitive spot on the neck slowly and sensually. She pulled him down to her bosom, but he didnot needed any direction from her. Within seconds, his mouthtched onto her right bud, which was standing erect for him to devour. She squirmed underneath, her toes curled, as he continued hisscivious ministrations. For a second, he stopped, and lifted his head, and looked into her eyes filled with desire. ''''Tell me exactly what you remember when we first had sex.''''

    He started again! Leena breathlessly muttered. Not a day goes by without his dirty talks. But she knew it''s Devin''s signature way to make her beg for more. She has experienced it several times. She has no choice except to surrender him. ''''I_I was a bit scared..because..it was my first time...'''' A deep moan traveled instead of her words when he slid his finger into her wet entrance.

    ''''And then..what I did?'''' He twisted her folds with his fingers to further drive her crazy. A groan escaped from the back of his throat, with the heat pulsating around his finger.

    ''''And then..You came closer to me..'''' She screamed when his fingers ran in and out of her entrance like a boar. ''''and you whispered...don''t worry, Sweetheart.. I will be gentle.'''' Is he taking revenge for the lectures she gave today? He was silent all the time when he was lecturing him, and she should have knows. Leena can''t help but admit that her mind and the body responds to his dirty talks so strongly.

    ''''Was I gentle, Sweetheart?'''' Her sexy voice and her erotic moans are driving him crazy. He wanted to tease her more.

    At first, Leena nodded her head, but then she shook. ''''When you entered so hard, I experienced Heaven and hell at the same time.''''

    A smile appeared on his face watching her enjoy his best physical attributes. Satisfied with her answer, he reced his fingers with his tongue andpped onto the heights of heaven. When Leena gripped the bedspread to stay put underneath him, Devin loosened them and entwined her hands with his. He wants her to experience theplete pleasure he gave to her and not shift it anywhere else.

    He flicked her deep wet folds and licked the juices that were sprouting from her entrance graciously. Hearing her unusual breathing, he knows Leena is near, very near, and in another three flicks, she wille. And he stopped without giving her what she wanted.

    ''''W_hat now!'''' Leena breathlessly asked. ''''I already told I experienced heaven_''''

    ''''Where do you follow your beloved photographer? What''s his name?'''' Devin wanted something more. He is waiting for this opportunity, and did she think he will let her go without knowing about that person?

    ''''You shameless idiot!'''' Leena screamed at the top of her lungs. ''''You told me not to use hical means, and you are the one to break them.''''

    ''''hical applies to only you, Sweetheart. I didnot let myself into the deal,'''' He said. ''''Now be a good girl, and tell me.''''

    Leena arched her back when his thumb grazed on her bud sensually. The pleasure he was giving her made her shudder and close her eyes. She surrendered and knew until he gets the answer, he will torture her. ''''I_I follow on Instagram..Name..VinqueAero.''''

    Devin at first nodded his head, but when he recalled the name, he was weed by a sudden onset of revtion. ''''What was the name?'''' He asked again.

    ''''It''s VinqueAero. Happy now?'''' She screamed. It''s happening again. At first, her first kiss, and now her favorite photographer. Is there a limit to his jealousy?

    VinqueAero! The moment Leena confirmed the name, Devin climbed out of bed, grabbed his mobile from the table, and turned towards the door.

    Leena : '''' ''''

    ''''Devin! Where are you going! '''' She looked at her sides for any object, and she found herptop lying on the end of the bed. She can''t throw this on him. In the end, she grabbed the pillow and hurled it towards the door. It hit his head, but it didnot bother him.

    ''''At least wash your hands, idiot!'''' She yelled at the retreating figure.

    ''''How can he leave me in the middle?'''' Leena pulled the nket upon her and knocked her head in frustration. How can he do this! In the middle of their intimate session, he fled away as if he was not bothered.

    Meanwhile, Devin''s happiness knew no bounds. ''''That''s my Instagram ID. Leena''s beloved photographer is me! Have I been jealous of myself until now?'''' He opened the ount to find Leena''s ID, and the actual problem started. With three million followers, how to search for Leena here?

    He went back to the room and heard running water sounds from the bathroom. ''''Leena must be in taking a shower.'''' Devin''s gaze shifted on her mobile. That''s it! Leena doesn''t put any lock.. If he can look into her Instagram ID, he will know the name.

 Chapter 355 - To Find Answers

    Just as Devin extended his hand to grab the mobile, the bathroom door flung open. He immediately retracted and snapped back at the furious figure standing by the door. Before he processed his thoughts, a strong kicknded on his knee, making him cringe in pain.

    ''''You deserve better than this!'''' Leena held neither sympathy nor wanted tofort him after kicking him. She climbed onto the bed and pulled a nket over her head, not intended to look at the man.

    ''''You are worse than a buffalo.'''' Shouted Devin

    ''''Watch your words! I am hearing!''''

    He lost the count of kicks he received to feel the pain anymore. Holding his leg, Devin slowly moved towards the bed. Everything that happened a while ago dawned on him. The revtion of her favorite photographer caused him to throw his senses out of the window and left Leena when they were intimate.

    Climbing onto the bed, Devin swiftly yanked the nket. ''''Shall we continue where we left?'''' He leaned forward for a kiss, but Leena pressed a finger as a barrier on his lips. Pointing her eyes down, she said. ''''You can try if you want the next kick tond at your precious ce.''''

    That was a hard blow to Devin. Devin simplyid back on the bed with the threat, and Leena turned her back on him with immediate effect.

    ''''Leena, I am sorry.'''' He shook her arm aggressively. ''''I will make you a banana smoothie?''''

    There was no response.

    ''''I will buy a dress then?'''' With no response, Devin thought for a while and then said. ''''The deal which we made still holds. Summer collection dresses_''''

    Before he spoke his unfinished words, Leena turned at him with a million watts smile on her face. ''''When will you order?'''' Like a happy child, she snuggled closer to Devin. ''''You are more thoughtful than my Francy. Husbands like you are not so easy to find.''''

    ''''Stop throwing biscuits at me.'''' He snorted. He doubted she would even sell him in exchange for clothes. ''''I am not Carrot.''''

    ''The cheeky boy has found out!'' Devin was looking so adorable that she wanted to pinch his cheeks, and she did it. ''''You are so cute, Devin!''''

    pping her arms, he asked. ''''When have you been following your beloved photographer?'''' He asked in an indifferent tone not to let Leena get a single doubt.

    ''''Since seven years.'''' She snorted angrily,ying her leg over Devin''s torso. ''''I like all the pictures,ment for every post, I even send messages, but that person doesn''t reply at all.'''' With a downcast face, Leena added.

    It was another surprise to Devin! Has she even texted him? He has to tackle her ount as soon as possible and see what messages she has sent to him.

    When Leena didnot get any reply, she diverted his thoughts to yesterday''s hot event. ''''What did you talk about with Enger?''''

    ''''That''s a secret for another time.'''' He shifted the position, and with hesitation, he asked another question. ''''Do you trust him, Leena?''''

    ''''He saved my life.'''' Leena didnot give him a direct answer. ''''But..I don''t know..something about him feels strange. Sometimes, I feel he is very contradictory to the friend I had in the past.'''' Trust? She doesn''t know if she can trust Enger. Leena doesn''t want to admit it in front of Devin, but she was very close to her mysterious friend. Like her, he loves photography, and that instantly kick-started their friendship. She got the bestpanion in him besides Reese and Jane. Thest message Leena received from him was on the day of her ident. She texted him countless times after she recovered, but there was no response from him. One fine day he showed up, but she couldn''t feel the closeness with him as she felt in the past.

    ''''Then look at him from a different perspective.'''' He hinted. ''Think big.''''Devin was having mixed thoughts. On one side, he thought it was Enger because the conversation between Leena and Enger was so smooth that he couldn''t pinpoint any w, but on the other side, his intuition refused to believe it.

    ''''Different perspective? Like how?''''

    Stroking her hair, Devin didnot make anyment on that part.He kissed her hair and whispered. ''''Go to sleep. We can talk about thatter. It''ste already.''''

    ''''Hmmm..'''' She mumbled, and as Devin patted her back in rythm, shey deep asleep.

    ....

    The afternoon sun bathed the hospital building with its warm light. Instead of going to the office, Kurt has been roaming around the hospital for the past two days to apologize to Kyle, but she doesn''t want to see his face as well. He doesn''t know what this feeling is, but Kyle ignoring him has caused a sleepless night. While he was in his thoughts, he felt a shadow and looked up to see a surprise.

    ''''I said not toe here and waste your time, and my time as well.'''' His heart skipped a beat hearing her voice and seeing her as well. The yellow dress she is wearing, Kurt doesn''t know what kind of dress it is, but itplemented her personality. Nothing was helping him to take his eyes off the beauty in front of him in awe.

    ''''Are you there?''''

    ''''Hello, Kurt! Are you there?'''' Kyle snapped her finger to bring him out of his thoughts.

    ''''I was...I was..'''' He felt short of words.

    Kyle sighed. Has hee here again to ask to help his mission? The thought irked her. ''''I hope you have nothing to say. I will leave.''''

    ''''Wait.'''' Scared that she would leave, Kurt grabbed her hand, and when he realized his mistake, he released it instantly. An awkward silence followed between the two. Kurt cursed himself for losing his sanity again while Kyle was looking everywhere except at him.

    ''''Are you still angry with me?'''' He asked, causing her to startle.

    ''''I_'''' Kyle stared at a distance without answering his question. Kurt took her silence as permission and began. ''''I am sorry for tracking your calls, and I deeply apologize for using you for my mission without your consent. But I didnot mean any harm to you.''''

    A sorry was not what Kyle expected from him. ''''Will you ever do that again?'''' She questioned in a stern voice, to which Kurt denied shaking his head. In actuality, Kyle''s resolve was breaking. Don''t judge the people by the cover suits Kurt better, Kyle thought. She has seen him and heard about him. A vicious and cold, but Kyle felt this is his real him��a soft-hearted Cutie who needs a little caring. She should be thankful to him for making her realize what sort of man Landon was. ''''Why didn''t you tell me before? About Landon doing illegal business.''''

    ''''Would you have believed my words?'''' He questioned.

    Kyle understood what he meant. Indeed she wouldn''t have believed Kurt readily for throwing dirt on such a reputablepany. ''''I will take your sorry.'''' She said with a smile.

    ''''D_o you like him?'''' He asked a question out of the line. When he realized he understood, he made a mistake again. He has to google the subject: how to control one''s tongue from speaking nonsense.

    ''''Huh?''''

    ''''I mean..do you love that criminal.'''' He felt like sitting at the edge of the cliff waiting for Kyle''s answer. He knows she has not went deep into Landon, and he has no reason to know, but here her he is! Slipping the tongue.

    ''''I_I don''t have mood today. I will answer when we meet next time.'''' Without answering, she ran away.

    Damn! This Loose case! Cursing the girl, he left for the day. She is using the same words against me which I used on her.

    ...

    Leena and Reese lounged on thewn during the afternoon break as Reese talked about Andrew. ''''He was shaking like a leaf when he leaned forward to kiss me.''''

    ''''So, you initiated it.'''' Leenapleted with a giggle. Imagining Reese, and Andrew, she couldn''t help but happy for both.

    ''''Absolutely, and like you said, I enjoyed it.'''' Reese''s face turned to beat red. ''''How did your first kiss go? Who initiated it? Devin or you? Was it super hot or so-so?''''

    My first kiss! Leena thought to herself. It was not Devin! She doesn''t remember much in the state she was in. Think big! Devin''s words ringed in her ears. For four years, she only chatted with him. Only two people know what happened that night. One is her, and the other is the man who saved her. His exnation will clear all the doubts. Leena unlocked her mobile and texted Enger. [Enger: Can we meet up?]

    There was an instant reply from Enger. He is so eager to meet me?

    [Sure. Text me the time and address]

    ''''Reese, I have something to take care of. Can you take care of Cutie until Ie back?'''' Leena asked.

    ''''Where are you going?'''' Reese asked.

    ''''To find answers!'''' Leena winked before she got up to leave.

 Chapter 356 - Lies

    Leena feels like she cannot avoid a certain someone''s shadow wherever she goes because the familiar voice shouted at her when she arrived at the parking area.

    ''''Where are you going without informing me?''''

    ''''Why do you keep following me?'''' She snapped at Nick in an irritating tone. '''' Are you a human turned ghost?''''

    ''''Not yet.'''' He replied sarcastically. ''''I am still a human, but if we stay as good friends now, we can be ghost friends when we die.''''

    ''''So that we can walk through the walls and scare people?'''' Leena threw the car keys, which Nick caught in perfect time.

    ''''Honestly, you don''t need to die to scare people. Your human presence can alone scare people '''' His reply earned a sharp re from Leena. Not that he minded. ''''So, where are we going?''''

    ''''To meet Enger.''''

    ''''What?'''' Nick screamed in horror. ''''Why do you want to meet him again? Did you forget what happened two days back? Do you want to anger Devin_''''

    ''''You talk too much. Drive to nts coffee.'''' She put the earpods so thatNick''s rallies would not reach her ears.

    ''''She always creates troubles,'''' Nick muttered before he started the car. An hourter, the car pulled at the entrance of nts coffee shop.

    ''''Stay here. I will be back in a while. I want to talk with Enger alone.''''

    ''''Are you sure.'''' He hesitantly asked. After knowing Enger''s real intention, Nick is a little skeptical about sending Leena alone.

    ''''Damn sure! I wille back soon.'''' Before getting down, Leena covered her face and made her way inside. She straight away walked into the private room. A smile weed her. ''''Hi, Leena.''''

    ''''Was Ite?'''' She asked, sitting opposite him, a smile on her face.

    ''''Not at all.'''' Replied Enger. Her smile looked so cute that he wanted to hold her close and kiss her. Brushing the wild thoughts aside, he called the waiter and ordered him to bring two Almondttes. An unexpected text from Leena has shaken him up today. For the first time, Leena volunteered to meet him, which means Devin hasn''t disclosed anything happened between them. Even if Devin had told, he is confident that Leenapletely trusts him. ''''Why did you want to meet me?''''

    ''''I wanted to apologize for what happened two days back. Devin is a little aggressive sometimes.'''' She confessed.

    ''''I don''t mind.'''' He said, stirring the cold Latte with the straw, a smile on his face. ''''I feel bad that I was the reason for your fight.''''

    ''''It''s not a big deal. It''smon between us.'''' When the words traveled out of her mouth, Darkness engulfed him for a moment which didnot go unnoticed by Leena. Was it my imagination, or my mind tricked me?

    The cold Latte which Enger ordered for her remained untouched on the table. ''''So...what else? I always talk about myself when we have a conversation. For a change, why don''t you tell me about yourself?''''

    ''''Me?'''' He chuckled. ''''You already know everything about me.'''' Deep down, Leena''s closeness warmed his heart.

    ''''Not everything,'''' Leena added, slowly drawing him into her court. ''''You haven''t talked about what you do?''''

    ''''That''s an interesting topic.'''' He nodded, taking a sip of the drink. ''''I have a small business, and I am doing quite well. By the way, I don''t have a family.''''

    ''''I am sorry for bringing_''''

    ''''No, no..No sympathy, Leena,'''' Enger cutoff, not expecting from Leena. ''''I am happy with my life. d to have a friend like you. Happy that I am your savior.''''

    ''''I must have troubled you a lot on that day, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Not at all.''''

    ''''A typical friend you are.'''' She smiled. ''''Umm..How did you alone take me to the hospital on that day?..'''' She paused, not missing a single reaction in his eyes. ''''I don''t have any recollection of memories that happened on that night. I was knocked downpletely.'''' She questioned, tightly gripping her dress under the table. This is it! Finally, I have sessfully drawn him into the conversation without nting any doubt. Now, it''s time.

    ''''Well,'''' Enger thought for a while before continuing. ''''You..You lost consciousness which drove me crazy. I was tending to your wounds with one hand, and with the other, I was controlling the steering. It was tough, but finally, I managed to drive to the hospital.'''' He studied Leena carefully to find him suspicious, and her sympathetic smile confirmed she believed it. Finally, Enger breathed in.

    Although Leena was perplexed, she didnot show it on her face. There was another person on that day. She heard her savior yelling at someone.

    ''''I am d you are living well."

    "That I am." He added. "What else you want to know?"

    "Girlfriends? Flings, for that matter. You know what I mean...'''' She yfully winked.

    Enger coughed and turned red at her words. He didnot expect Leena to be very bold in taking the initiative to talk about such things.

    ''''Someoneeee caughttttt red handedddd!!!'''' She dragged her words. "I don''t mind if you have. But if you don''t want to share, I will notpel.''''

    ''''Well, I wouldn''t mind sharing with you,'''' Enger added, looking down coyly. ''''I neither had girlfriends, not flings. Honestly, I haven''t had my first kiss yet.'''' He replied with embarrassment. Caught in his modesty, Enger didnot notice the sudden appalled expression on Leena''s face.

    ''''You hadn''t had kissed anyone until now?'''' She repeated the question in horror. Even she remembered kissing him, but why don''t he remember. ''''I mean..if not you..a girl might have tried approaching you?''''

    ''''Never.'''' He declined.''''If that had happened, I should have known, isn''t it?'''' He sought in a teasing voice. He married Winter on impulse four years back, but that was only on papers. His love, his everything, is only for Leena.

    Color drained out of Leena''s face. A realization dawned on her. No! It can''t be. Enger was not the one who saved me on that day. Who is this man! Why is he pretending to be nice to her and pretending as her savior? Have I been trusting the wrong person until now? Panic struck Leena''s breath from the mouth. She has to get out of this ce as soon as possible. ''''It was nice meeting with you. I have got urgent work. I will meet you some other time.'''' She got up to leave.

    ''''Hey Leena, wait.'''' She didnot hear and straight away dashed out of the room. Enger shook his head. She has not changed since childhood.

    .....

    ''''Who are you?'''' Leena questioned, sitting in her chair.

    Why did he lie? Why is he pretending as my savior? Many unanswered questions.

    Just in time, Leena got a call from her Francy, distracting her thoughts. ''''What is it, Mr. Hayes?'''' Leena''s voice was sharp and cold.

    ''''How long are you going to rebel against me?'''' Francis softly asked. It''s been a week he hadn''t talked with Leena, and when he calls, she replies in monologues.

    ''''Until you ept.'''' She repeated the same old thing.

    ''''You little monster...'''' Francis exhaled a deep breath before agreeing. ''''Fine, I will agree. But I am a little scared, Leena.'''' Heather is speaking with him like a normal friend, and he was scared she wouldpletely stop talking to him if he confesses to her. But on the other side, Leena is giving him a hard time not talking with him. Both mother and daughter know how to y with his emotions.

    ''''Leave that to me, Francy. I will train you.'''' There is Something she got to get distracted from the thoughts. She has already written a love proposal in a poetic way which Francis will love it.

    ''''Alright.'''' He doesn''t have anything except to trust in Leena. ''''Come home this weekend.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' She nodded her head fervently, and after a brief conversation with him, she ended the call.

    ....

    On Friday night, Leena, Cutie, and Carrot went to the Heacis mansion. She invited Aunt Jpeno as well, but she had priority work, so she declined the offer. After the dinner, Leena dragged Francis into the study room and ced a book on the table. ''''Read it thoroughly, ande up with doubts.''''

    ''''What is this?'''' He asked, flipping the pages. Every line, there was a scratch which is hard to understand. ''''Your handwriting is still the worst since school.''''

    ''''Because I have a gifted brain.'''' She answered, flipping her hair with arrogance.

    He ignored her narcissistic remarks and read the content inside aloud. ''''If I am the moon, you are the sun. The moon can''t shine without the sun. You are my sun, so I shine. Please ept my love, Heather. The day I decided to go on my knees for you is when I decided to tie shoces for baby Leena.''''

    Francis''s head spun for a second. Did she expect me to learn these cheesy lines at this age and propose to Heather?

    Since Francis is very well aware of her poetic skills, he had a hard time believing Leena had written these lines on her own.. Thest line was so beautiful that he wanted to frame it in his bedroom.

 Chapter 357 - Water Cycle

    With high hopes, Leena fixed her eyes on Francis''s expressions which sent him into disbelief. He must be proud of my poetic skills, Leena muttered under her breath with a sheepish grin. ''''Do you like the proposal I have written?''''

    ''''Did you write these lines? On your own?'''' It was hard for Francis not to be skeptical about Leena. Without any hesitation, Leena bobbed her head. She copied a little from Devin, but that''s fine. Devin is her husband, so she has all the rights.

    Closing the book shut, Francis looked at Leena, his tone serious. ''''This is a very cheesy proposal. I can''t do this.'''' He is not a teenager.

    ''''Then how will Mom know your feelings. Mom loves...'''' Leena shut her mouth when the words '' Mom equally loves you'' almost sprinted from her mouth. Control your mouth, Leena. It''s their moment. Francy would be thrilled if he hears the three golden words from Mom. They have wasted their youth with misunderstandings, and it continued��time to put a stop to this.

    ''''Cheesy or not, you will listen to my words this time.'''' Leena opened the book again and flipped the pages. ''''As it is a weekend, we are going for a pic in the countryside t_.''''

    ''''What Nic?'''' Francis shouted.

    ''''Pic,'''' Leena repeated.

    ''''I am noting. Pic is for kids.'''' Francis said.

    ''''You muste. My father-inw and mother-inw are alsoing, and I have chosen a spot for you amidst the woods.'''' Her eyes twinkled, imagining the scene already.

    ''''Rick ising as well? He didnot tell me.'''' That''s a huge relief. Maybe, this is the chance to confess his feelings for Heather. As Leena said, He doesn''t want to die with regret. Taking a deep breath, Francis grabbed the book from Leena''s hands, determined to make Leena''s dreame true.

    Meanwhile, Heather was listening to Cutie''s babblings sitting in her room. ''''I clied...but Dein..is yoga with eeena.''''

    ''''I do not understand, Savny,'''' Heather asked about how Devin and Leena are doing, and Cutie started speaking in gibberish. Heather didnot understand a word except for the word Yoga. A whileter, Cutie dozed off when she got tired, exining the incident that she saw in the bedroom.

    ''''What are Leena and Francis doing inside the study room for two hours?'''' Her curiosity piqued but didnot n to go and disturb them. It''s been a long time since both had talked, so she let them have their moments. With nothing to do, she opened her mobile and posed for selfies, her favorite pastime. Every day, she would talk with Francis for hours after dinner, and today she is feeling a little lonely.

    A little whileter, she heard her daughter''s scream before she appeared in the room. ''''Mom, you are still awake?''''

    ''''Hmm..'''' Heather smiled, keeping the mobile aside. ''''I was waiting to talk with you.''''

    ''''Why didn''t Devine?'''' Heather asked.

    ''''I told him to stay alone. Tired of seeing his face every day.''''Replied Leena as shey her head on Heather''sp. ''''I did the right thing, isn''t it?''''

    Stroking Leena''s hair, Heather nodded her head. Both chatted for a while, and Heather finally brought the topic that she and Evelyn wanted to discuss. ''''Are your periods regr, Leena?'''' She hesitantly questioned.

    ''''Of course, yes, Mom! I am very healthy.''''

    It looks like her daughter didnot catch her intention this time. But anyway, she understood, Leena''s periods are regr, and she has to stop dreaming again. It''s been a while they are married, and how long she has to wait to hear good news. Will I get the basketball team grandchildren? What is her tortoise son-inw still waiting for?Before she gets irritated, Heather changed the topic, and both continued talking until the tiredness propelled, and then they slept.

    ...

    It was delightful out in the shady woods as they arrived at the countryside for the pic. Leena''s idea was to go for a pic in the country, and she dragged the two families along with her. Grandpa Arthur and Margaret went fishing. By the happy look on their faces, one could see they are enjoying every minute.Fredrick was ying a snake anddder game with Savny. Francis and Leena were nowhere in sight.

    ''''This is such a refreshing ce, Heather,'''' Evelyn said as they yed a board game on the nket. ''''We shoulde here often.''''

    ''''Indeed, Eve. This is beautiful.'''' Heather smiled and looked at the surroundings. Except for Cutie, Carrot, Fredrick, there was no other person here. ''''Did you find about the people from the cruise ship?'''' Heather asked in a whisper.

    ��velyn signaled a yes with her eyes. ''''Let''s walk around the woods and talk.'''' Not before they took two steps forward, Heather received a call from Leena asking her toe into the woods. ''''Leena found a unique nt, and she wants to show us. Let''s go, Eve.''''

    Evelyn instantly denied Heather''s request. ''''Well, not to brag or anything, but you know about my husband. He can forget what he is doing while doing it. I can''t risk Savny''s life. You go and take a look.'''' Evelyn smoothly slipped. She doesn''t want to be an embarrassment to the two. Finally, the day hase. Today will be the happiest day of Heather''s life.

    ''''Alright.'''' Heather nodded and walked into the woods where her daughter asked toe. When she reached a certain point, she saw Francis sitting on a wood log.

    Francis nervously snapped in the direction of the rustling sound of nearing footsteps on the ground of the woods. The more Heather''s steps started to hear, his fear inside grew.

    ''''Francis?'''' Heather called him, surprised to find him sitting here alone. For some reason, Heather was finding him nervous since morning. ''''What are you doing here?''''

    Francis got up, his posture stiff and tensed. There was a rush of energy as if his heart was beating irregrly, or he felt that his heartbeat has moved to his head, he doesn''t know.

    ''''Are you not well?'''' Heather asked, feeling worried when she looked over his face. He was sweating excessively, contradictory to the cool Weather.

    ''''I_I am good.'''' He replied, wiping his face. ''''Weather is too hot, isn''t it? If there is any magic on this, it is contained in water.''''

    Heather '''' ''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''I mean, weforgetthatthewatercyle and lifecycle areone.''''

    Heather looked at him in disbeleif. What''s wrong with him? Has he gone mad?

    A little distance away, hiding behind the tree, Leena sighed. ''''Come to the point, Francy. Why the hell you want to talk about the Water cycle now?''''

    ''''Is there any progress?'''' Leena jumped in fear when she heard a voice from behind. ''''You scared me.'''' She yelled in a whisper, looking at her father-inw. Leena then addressed the first question Fredrick asked. ''''No progress. He is still beating around the bush.''''

    ''''I already knew this would happen.'''' Fredrickzily nced at his friend.

    .....

    ''''What''s wrong with you today?'''' Crossing her arms, Heather questioned. Since morning, he didnot talk, and when she tried to speak, he would speak in monologues, and now he is overtalking.

    ''''I_I have something to tell you.'''' He said, taking a deep breath.

    ''''You have been telling the same thing since I came here,'''' Heather said, her voiceced with irritation now. ''''Tell me fast. I have some other work.'''' She was in an important discussion with Evelyn about the cruise ship people, and here he is, wasting time talking about Weather and the water cycle.

    Francis flinched at Heather''s brash voice. ''''I...I ..you sun...I moon.. Sun is m_oon...Moon is..."He paused and slightly opening his palm. He briefly looked at the content before continuing. ''''Without moon.. no sun...Without sun...'''' He paused and again looked at his palm. ''''Leena was born...I shoce.''''

    ''''Sun, moon. Moon Sun...What the hell you are trying to say? do not understand a single word you are speaking.'''' Heather cut him off in the middle. ''''I am leaving. Come back, and talk when your senses are working properly.'''' With that, Heather left without looking back.

    ''''Why can''t she stay here until I confess. I am trying my best.'''' Francis cried, kicking the log.

    Leena and Fredrick looked at Francis as if he had grown three heads. "Francy has pen down the confession lines in his palm,'''' Leena ced a hand over her mouth. Last night, she trained him for two hours like a teacher prepares the children for the exam, and he failed the exam literally.

    ''''Never I have seen such a coward in my life.'''' Coming out of the hiding, Fredrick and Leena gave Francis a look of exasperation.

    ''''No wonder you are still single,'''' Fredrickmented.

    Francis''s face was red with shame. He doesn''t know where to put his face now. He thought he could confess his feelings bravely, but when Heather appeared, his brain went nk.

    Until now, Leena thought her Francy was brave, but no. She decided to make her mom to take charge from now.. She has put a faith on the wrong person.

 Chapter 358 - Nerd

    Evelyn''s eyes sparkled as she saw Heather emerge out of the woods, but she soon found something was a miss. There was no effervescence on Heather''s face. ''''Did you see the nt and flowers, Heather?'''' Heather''s face looked normal, which means nothing happened inside the woods.

    ''''''Oh no!'''' At the realization, Heather knocked on her forehead for ignoring the reason she went into those woods. ''''It''s all because of Francis. I came across him while I was going to meet Leena, and he started talking about, Water Cycles, shoces, all nonsense stuff. Ipletely forgot about Leena.'''' Something is wrong with him today to act timidly. He doesn''t see her face, and he is scared to look into her eyes.

    ''''Water Cycle, shoces? Why did he talk about that?'''' Evelyn was taken back. Has he wasted an opportunity again? He is the most cowardly person she has seen, Evelyn thought. Does he want to die single in this life?

    ''''Don''t talk about him, Eve. He has gone mad.'''' Saying that, Heather texted Leena and informed her to click pictures and show themter to her. Heather then addressed Evelyn. ''''Let''s sit down by theke and talk.''''

    Evelyn gazed at a distance but didnot find her husband to ask about Francis''s status. She let the matter aside for now. Evelyn then handed Cutie to her father-inw, and both the friends walked towards theke. ''''How is Harley doing?'''' Heather asked as they settled on the grass.

    ''''She is recovering,'''' Evelyn said, a smile on her face. ''''Jasper is not leaving her sight except when he is in office. She is happy.''''

    ''''Ah! You are going to have a doting son-inw in the future.'''' Heather beamed a brilliant smile.

    ''''Don''t forget you got the finest.'''' Evelyn retorted with a challenge, and Heather has to agree on that part. No one can match her son-inw in her eyes. Keeping aside their jokes, both turned serious as Evelyn opened a document on her mobile. ''''This is the list,'''' Evelyn said.

    Heather keenly observed the names of the people. Two decades passed, and the names felt foreign to her.

    ''''When I contacted the cruise linepanies, they provided the list of people, but I felt it murky,'''' Evelyn added.

    ''''What do you mean?'''' Heather questioned. So someone has deliberately plotted against her in the cruise ship?

    ''''I remember Harold and Paisley from our University attended the birthday party as well, but they were not included in the list,'''' Evelyn said with a hint of suspicion.

    ''''So, someone knows that we are searching,'''' Heather contributed to Evelyn''s thoughts. What sort of connections the enemy has to keep a close observation on her activities?

    ''''Exactly. Someone knows. So, I asked Adney to hack into their system, and he recovered theplete list of people.'''' Evelyn zoomed in on the document and began. ''''Do you remember Won-Shik? The man is from Korea. He studied medicine at our University.''''

    ''''I can''t forget thatnky,'''' Heather said as an understatement. ''''The nerd with sses, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Of course, the same dude. He used to hang out with a quiet and dumb girl.....what''s her name..I forgot...'''' Evelyn pondered. She gets all creepy vibes from those two, although they both are the most silent people in their ss.

    ''''Ruth. Ruth Vaughan.'''' Heather offered the name to Evelyn''s knowledge.

    ''''Yeah..that''s right.. She is the one. You remember names very well, Heather.'''' Evelyn patted her friend''s shoulder with proudness. ''''Proud of your memory.''''

    ''''Honestly, my memory is abysmal, Eve. But that woman is a special person.'''' Picking a dried leaf from the ground, Heather began ying as she spoke. ''''I wouldn''t have known that girl existed in our University if not for that incident.''''

    ''''That remains in my memory as well.'''' Evelyn joined her friend. ''''Dering her love to Francis in front of many students and getting tantly rejected by him. That''s an eyesore. I never expected to be that brave. She proved even quiet ones are deep and dangerous.'''' Evelyn sighed. Francis and Fredrick often visit their University to talk with Heather, and one fine afternoon when all the four were chatting, the woman appeared in front of Francis and confessed her feelings boldly. While Heather was in a state of shock, Evelyn observed Francis looking at Ruth with disgust. ''I don''t do things that make me want to vomit.'' His rejection has soared an uproar on that day in the university.

    ''''Francis was a little harsh on her? Don''t you agree?'''' Heather asked as she gazed at a distance, crumpling the dried leaf in her hands. She knows Francis got a line of women behind him, but for the first time, Heather has witnessed. At once, Heather got scared Francis would ept Ruth, buts she was relieved he didnot not. She decided to confess her feelings, but all hell-bent lost when she heard him dating another woman. She wondered why Francis remained single until now.

    ''''Harsh? He was actually cool.'''' Evelyn winked. It was a hot topic in the University for a while. Fredrick''s face was as dark as a frying pan hearing the girls uproar for Francis.

    ''''What is she doing now?'''' Heather was curious about Ruth. Everywhere she goes, whispers of mocking followed behind Ruth. After some days, Heather rarely saw that woman on campus.

    ''''I don''t know..Some say she got married, and some say she died in a fire ident..and I was not bothered to know about her,'''' Evelyn shrugged. ''''Well, let''s get into our business now. We are going off the track.''''

    ''''Right.'''' Heather sighed. Anything rted to Francis, her mind goes off the track. ''''Continue, Eve.''''

    ''''If my memory serves correct, I have not invited Won-Shik to Devin''s birthday, which makes him a little suspicious.'''' Evelyn voiced her thoughts.

    ''''What do you mean? Are you saying he might be Leena''s father?'''' Heather cried. Please god! Don''t let it be that bony nerd. She regretted drinking on that day. Has she confessed to Francis, prim and proper, her life would have been different today?

    ''''Don''t jump to the conclusion already. There were around two hundred plus people in the cruise.'''' Evelyn spoke in aforting way. ''''Also, Leena is very beautiful_''''

    ''''It''s because she is my replica,'''' Heather shouted.

    ''''Alright, alright. Control your temper, dear friend. We are yet to have proof that he is Leena''s father.'''' Evelyn patted Heather''s shoulder to calm the raging woman. ''''Won-Shik is in Korea. Let''s start with him. I will secretly send someone to get the samples for the DNA test.''''

    ''''Do it fast, Eve,'''' Heather muttered impatiently. Probably she will not be able to sleep before knowing the result. A whileter, both headed back to the spot. Francis was ying with Cutie when Heather saw him. The moment she saw him, he whisked away from the ce without looking back. ''''What''s wrong with him today?'''' She wondered.

    .....

    After Francis stormed off the ce with shame burning in his eyes, leaving Fredrick and Leena to discuss his after state, Fredrick and Leena started.

    ''''I proposed to your mother-inw without any shame, I went behind Evelyn although she didnot notice me. '''' Fredrickined. ''''What has gotten into that fool?''''

    Leena didnot utter a word this time. She agreed with her father-inw''s words. Bravery is not in Francy''s dictionary when ites to love. Her mom is betterpared to him in this matter. ''''Father-inw.'''' Leena sharply turned to Fredrick when she got an idea to make her dream a reality. ''''You told about a woman named Catalina who was behind my Francy. Can I have her number?''''

    ''''Why? '''' Fredrick questioned suspiciously.

    ''''Just give me.'''' Leena pleaded desperately. The terrible jealous woman disease will start now in the name of Heather. She will make her mom''s feelings out this time.

    ...

    On the same day, in the evening, Enger was sitting in the living room reminiscing about Leena and his talks. Is she starting to trust him? This was the first time Leena has talked about personal things with him. He couldn''t sleep at night, and he couldn''t work in the day. Nothing except looking at her pictures. ''''What are you doing to me, Leena?''''

    ''''How long will you keepughing to yourself?'''' Nash asked with a chuckle. After the encounter with Leena yesterday, Enger is not himself.

    ''''As long as I want.'''' Enger replied in a daze. ''''What''s the matter with you?''''

    ''''Landon is seeing a woman. What if it poses a_''''

    ''''Don''t mind about those trivial matters. We cannot stop him from having his personal life.'''' Enger said.'''' Besides, I am sure he will take care of himself without getting into trouble.''''

    ''''Alright,'''' Nash said.

    ''''Did you book a train I asked for?'''' Enger asked.

    ''''Yes,'''' Nash said. ''''Will you ever tell why you keep visiting Mexico? How long you are going to keep the

    Without replying, Enger got up, prepared to leave. A secret that he cannot share with anyone.. A secret he buried it deep inside him.

 Chapter 359 - A Tight Hug

    The evening sun cast a long shadow on the Veranda. Recently, her mind was upied with certain someone, and oddly she felt it''s not wrong. What is this feeling? This is the second time she is feeling this way. After she bid goodbye to her first love, another man entered her space. Am I love?

    ''''Let nature answer.'''' Swaying her body to the music, Kyle was in jubtion, weing the new feelings until a phone call disturbed her peace. She had a happy time for a week with Landone gone on a business trip and felt like she was back to her old self again, but herees the trouble. ''''Time to put a check to this rtionship.'''' She muttered and then lifted the call. In a minute, she ended the call and went back inside.

    As Kyle opened the door, Landon embraced her into a tight hug. ''''I missed you, babe.''''

    Kyle straight away pushed him away and took a step back. Watching the fierce frown on his face, she scratched her forehead, looking down in embarrassment. ''''I had just worked out and haven''t taken a shower yet.'''' She lied, getting better and best at it.

    ''''That''s fine'''' Landon quickly bought her lie with Kyle''s current appearance. ''''I am taking you to a ce. You have half n hour to get ready.'''' He said, and settled on the couch.

    ''''Where?'''' Kyle catechized him in suspicion. ''''Well, before that, I want to talk with you_''''

    ''''We can talkter, babe. Now go, and get ready.'''' With that, he shoved her into the bedroom.

    Although Kyle hated his attitude, she didnot voice her thoughts. Why waste her energy in arguing with him when it''s going to end today. Within fifteen minutes, she was in the car, and to her disappointment, Landon didnot talk with any of his friends. She tried to bring the topic of their breakup, but he would cut her off in the middle every time.

    When the car pulled to the entrance of arge house, her eyes sharply turned in his direction. ''''Whose house is it?'''' Does he want to continue where they left on that day? The thought itself sent colds in her body.

    ''''You will know it when we get inside.'''' He winked and led her into the house. Kyle looked over the ce, and the pictures of Landon hanging on the wall frames and two other people confirmed where they are. ''''Is it your parent''s home?''''

    ''''Are you surprised?'''' He questioned back instead.

    ''''Why didn''t you tell before bringing me here?'''' Her voice raised frantically in anger. He is making it even moreplicated. This is the problem with him. Every time, he makes decisions by himself.

    ''''Shh! Calm down, Kyle.'''' Landon threatened, his voice intense as he nced all over the room. He wanted to surprise her by showing his parents, and he thought she would, but not expected to act like a barking dog.

    ''''You should have discussed before bringing me...'''' Herst words caught up in the throat when she saw a woman descending from the stairs, and behind her, followed by a man.

    ''''Landon. Here you are, my boy?'''' A woman appeared in front of them with a sweet smile on her face.

    Landon''s eyes immediately shifted to the woman, and the man, a smile on his face. ''''Mom, dad.'''' He greeted them with a hug. ''''She is my girlfriend, Kyle.'''' He pointed his eyes, disembarking from the hug.

    ''''Kyle, she is my mom, Aspen, and dad, Howard.'''' Landon introduced them to Kyle.

    ''''Ah! So you are Kyle.'''' Aspen gave Kyle a look over, pulling Kyle into cumbersome. ''''My son talks about you every day.'''' She nudged her husband, and he only nodded his head in response.

    ''''Pleased to meet you.'''' Kyle smiled at both, not bothered to address them fitly. There was no genuine smile on that woman''s face, which Kyle could feel it.

    ''''Enough with the introductions,'''' Landon said. ''''Let''s go, and talk over dinner. Kyle must be hungry.''''

    ''''Sure.'''' Aspen gave a stiffened smile.

    As the maid served the dishes, Kyle''s anger subdued for a while, and her appetite rose as the aroma wafted into her nostrils. When she was about to put a spoonful of pasta into her mouth, a voice interrupted it.

    ''''What do your parents do?'''' Aspen asked as she forked a steak.

    ''''Her parents are_''''

    ''''Well, your girlfriend has a mouth, son.'''' Though Aspen''s voice was calm, it carried an edge of coldness. ''''Did I talk something wrong, Kyle?'''' Aspen questioned with a chuckle.

    ''''No.'''' She was used to that question. Kyle ced the spoon down onto the te. ''''My mom died when I was five. My Uncle brought me up.'''' As per her father, she doesn''t want to bring that man who never cared about her. He is the scum of the society who only knows to y with the feelings of an innocent woman.

    ''''Ah! It must be hard on you. Sorry to bring that up.'''' Aspen''s fake concern didnot go unnoticed by Kyle. ''''What about your dad?'''' She stressed the part.

    ''''I am not on talking terms with him.'''' Her voice was t, drawing a line not to interested to talk about his father''s affairs.

    ''''Sad for you,'''' Aspen said and turned to her husband, who seems to be waiting for approval to speak. ''''Why aren''t you speaking, dear?'''' Before a word came out of his mouth, Aspen nked. ''''Please try the Tuna Mushroom, Kyle. I have specially ordered the maids to prepare it for you.''''

    Kyle internally mocked Landon''s father. She was about to dig into the tuna Mushroom; Aspen''s mocking voice ringed in her ears again. ''''I heard your father never married your mother?''''

    Kyle''s grip tightened over the spoon. So, she investigated my family. ''''What are you trying to say?'''' She threw the spoon onto the table with a loud ng. ''''What do you want to know?''''

    ''''Kyle.'''' Landon held her arm. ''''Please..''''

    ''''I don''t object to your marriage with my son, but I would be happy if you keep your status low. Although, an illegitimate daughter like you doesn''t match the status of our family_''''

    ''''Mom, we talked about this,'''' Landon spoke up with gritted teeth. ''''Don''t embarrass her. She will feel bad.''''

    ''''I am talking about the facts, son,'''' Aspen added. ''''Nobody will be ready to ept an illegitimate girl as the daughter-inw. But I did for your sake. I want her to at least respect me_''''

    Kyle got up from the chair to leave, but Landon swiftly held her hand. ''''Sit down, Kyle. She will be your future mother-inw. Don''t make a scene here. I want you to go well with my mom.''''

    ''''Stop living in delusion, Mr. Derwin.'''' Her words were cold and sharp. ''''I never agreed to marry you, and neither I will.''''

    ''''It''s so hard to breathe the same air as people who don''t know to respect others.'''' She jerked his hand off and looked at the woman who was watching her with spite. ''''Keep your status to yourself.'''' With that, she stormed out of the ce despite Landon''s shouts.

    She was holding her eyes in such a way that kept the tears inside the lids. Is it my mistake that I was born as an illegitimate daughter? Why does everybody me me for the sin my scum fathermitted? Only when Kyle walked a little distance away from the house, she realized. She left her phone and purse inside. She will never step into that home again. How do I go home now? Wiping her tears, she stopped a cab and stepped in. ''''Where to madam?'''' The driver asked.

    Where to? She questioned herself. Landon would follow her to the home. She doesn''t want to see his face anymore.

    .....

    The case was back to square again. Kurt thought he could pull out all the information using Kyle, but she caught him red-handed in the hospital. ''''Damn that, Loose Case.'''' He closed the file shut to make dinner. In the middle of the process, he received a call from the Watchguard.''''I don''t like disturbances, and you know that.''''

    ''''I am terribly sorry, sir, but a girl is causing a disturbance. She wants to meet you.'''' The man said, utterly polite.

    ''''A girl at this time?'''' Kurt shuddered. He can''t risk. ''''Send her away..''''

    ''''Until unless you pay my cab fare, I am not leaving this ce.'''' Kurt heard an irritating distant voice. Who is here to create trouble again.

    ''''Sir, please..''''

    Kurt ended the call and went out of the house to reprimand for disturbing his personal space. ''''Who is that causing the problem here?'''' His expression changed to incredulity when he saw a face, a familiar face. ''''Kyle? Why are you here? What are you doing..''''

    Not a word traveled from his mouth. He was totally shocked by the woman''s audacity.. His throat constricted when he was embraced into a hug followed by a huge gasp, and roar from Watchguard.

 Chapter 360 - No Escape

    Kurt stood there numb in a state of stupefaction. Heartbeat hammered into his brain at the sudden closeness of her. His first instinct led him to push her away, and when he did, he felt her hug more intense this time as if she wanted to crush his bones. Never Kurt felt helpless in his life.

    ''''You can continue your romance in the bedroom.'''' With a start, Kurt''s attention shifted to the man standing by the yellow cab. Romance? Kurt wanted to strangle the man for making such a nefariousment. Can''t he look and tell he was forced into a hug? With one tug, Kurt forcefully pushed Kyle off his embrace and stood three steps away from her. He was d she didnot attempt to attack him this time. ''''I will take care of your matterter.'''' He shot on her.

    ''''Who are you?'''' Kurt asked, pointing his eyes to the fat man.

    ''''The cab driver.'''' He pointed his thumb to the car before addressing Kurt. ''''This girl stepped into my taxi without a single penny.'''' The driver exined, a scowl on his face. Her dress sense appeared to be vibrant until he asked for his cab fare.

    ''''Did you?'''' Kurt snapped at Kyle, and her silence confirmed his questions.

    ''''You are unbelei..forget it.'''' He wanted to trim her brain for her carelessly roaming but then backed off. He called the security guard, who was in a daze of the incidents happening around him until Kurt''s ring voice knocked him out of the senses. Kurt then informed him to look after the driver''s business. He went inside, giving a stern nce at Kyle; neither he asked her to follow him nor asked to leave. Kurt didnot let the driver drop her at her house, which means he is allowing her into the home. With a smile, she followed behind him.

    Kurt crossed her arms when she stood in front of him. ''''Why?'''' He questioned.

    Kyle felt Kurt''s question a little hypothetical. Is he asking about the hug or for stepping into the cab without money? She chose to act dumb. ''''What, why? I don''t understand.''''

    ''''Don''t try to act innocent. Why did you..'''' He was contemting with appropriate words to ask why she hugged him earlier, but the thought alone turned his face red. ''''Forget it. I_I will drop you at your house. Let''s go.''''

    ''''I will stay here for today.'''' It was not a question. Kyle made a direct statement which frightened Kurt further.

    ''''What..no! You cannot stay_''''

    ''''I am hungry. Can I have something to eat?'''' She cut him off with his naggings. Her priority is to feed her stomach now. That stupid woman didnot even let her take a bite, treating her as untouchable.

    Kurt didnot know how to react now to the shocks he was receiving tonight. At first, she came to his house without invitation, and he is still not aware of how she managed to find the address. Next, she hugged him, and now, she is shamelessly asking for food. Can I throw her outside? Forget it! He already made a mistake letting her inside in the first ce.

    ''''Only for today, you will stay here. I will throw you out of this house tomorrow morning.'''' In an annoyed mood, Kurt led her to the dining room.

    As if he has taken a babysitting job, he was filling the te of Kyle''s, and she was eating sumptuously. ''''What am I doing?'''' He internally mocked himself. The dinner went by silence, or so Kurt thought when he heard Kyle''s voice, a voiceced with pain. ''''Kurt.''''

    ''''What happened? Is food not liking to your taste?'''' He asked with concern.

    ''''Is it my mistake that I am born as an illegitimate daughter?'''' Kyle asked a question out of Kurt''s imagination.

    ''''What?'''' He didnot understand why she brought a strange question.

    ''''Nothing.'''' Kyle shook her head and dug into the food. She is having a happy time here with him, and it would spoil her mood if she brings that woman''s topic. ''''The food is delicious. I can eat this dish every day. Can you make it tomorrow before I leave?'''' She asked in anticipation.

    ''''Do you want me to throw you out of the house right now?'''' He barked. Is she thinking of me as her servant?

    ''''Ah!'''' Kyle closed her ears shut. ''''Fine, fine. I am sorry. You don''t need to make it.''''

    ''''You better be.'''' Rest of the dinner, Kyle didnot talk while Kurt was seriously thinking about Kyle''s earlier statement. After dinner, he showed her the room she will be staying in for tonight. His heart pained to see a woman upying one of his rooms. Only tonight! He thought to himself.

    When Kyle was about to close the door, Kurt called her. ''''Kyle.''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''There is no such thing as illegitimate children, only illegitimate parents,'''' Kurt said. ''''Good night.'''' With that, he turned and left the room.

    Kyle closed the door and leaned on it, a happy smile on her face. He may act tough, but she knows deep down that Kurt is a very kind-hearted person.

    When the cab driver asked for the drop location, the first person in her mind was him��immense happiness built in her when she saw him at the house entrance. With the pent-up emotions she underwent earlier, there was no way Kyle could handle her feelings, and right after seeing him, she dashed towards him and hugged him. ''''Is it a sign that I havepletely fallen for him?'''' Kyle confessed to herself.

    While Kyle was happy that she admitted her feelings to herself, a red g raised in her head. ''''He doesn''t like girls.'''' Kyle cried in defeat. ''''How do I work this out with him?''''

    ....

    On the other hand, Kurt made sure he closed the bedroom door properly before going to bed. He can''t risk another attack from that woman. She is taking advantage of him in every situation she gets.

    Kurt closed his eyes, but the image of Kyle hugging him kept reying in his head. ''''What the hell are you doing to me, Loose case!'''' His resolve was slowly breaking without his awareness.

    ....

    The following day, Kurt tiredly got up and went into the kitchen to make coffee but was startled when she saw the girl here. ''''What the hell are you doing here?'''' He asked in exasperation.

    ''''Ah! Nothing.'''' Kyle smiled, raising the coffee jar. ''''I was making coffee for us. Go, and take a shower. I will make the breakfast.'''' Having said that, she began searching for the ingredients in the refrigerator.

    Kurt: '''' ''''

    Does she think that it is her home? Controlling her rage, Kurt held Kyle''s and began dragging her out of the kitchen. ''''I don''t need your services. Make your breakfast at your home.''''

    ''''You are hurting my hands.'''' A warmth settled on her face as she looked at his protective hands wrapped around her.

    ''''I am not even applying a little pressure on you.'''' Before Kurt opened the door to throw her out, the inte buzzed, and when he looked at the screen, he felt another headache steeped into his house. ''''No way.''''

    ''''Any problem?''''

    ''''Nothing.'''' Kurt turned back and shoved her into the bedroom. ''''Stay here for a while. Don''t step out this room until my orders.''''

    ''''But why?'''' She innocently asked.

    ''''No more questions.'''' With that, Kurt closed the door. Taking a breath, heposed himself and opening the door.

    ''''My son!'''' Kurt heard his dad''s screaming voice, followed by a bone-crushing hug. ''''I missed you.''''

    ''''Likewise, dad.'''' Kurt disembarked himself from the hug. ''''W_hy are you here?''''

    ''''What kind of question was that? I can walk into my son''s house anytime.'''' Arnold shoved his son aside and walked in, looking at every nook and canny to find the person he wanted to see.

    ''''What are you searching for?'''' Kurt skeptically asked as his dad opened the guest room door. To Arnold''s annoyance, it was empty.

    ''''I am just inspecting if you are keeping the house clean.'''' He shrugged, and atst, with all the other rooms inspected, Arnold stood in front of Kurt''s bedroom door.

    ''''No, dad.'''' Kurt blocked his dad from opening the door. ''''I don''t like anyone entering into my bedroom, and you know that.''''

    ''''You are right.'''' Arnold nodded. ''''Let''s talk in the living room then.'''' He waited for his son to buy his lie, and the moment Kurt took a step forward, Arnold tricked him, unlocked the door in a split second ''''Gotcha! I caught you!'''' He screamed when he found the person he is looking for.

    ''''Is it you, Kyle?'''' Arnold woke up to a call from the security guard from his son''s house. His happiness knew no bounds when he learned a girl is staying in his son''s home. He drove her to see the girl without any dy but didnot expect it to be Kyle. Finally, my daughter-inw has appeared.

    Damn it! Kurt cursed internally.. There is no escape now.

 Chapter 361 - Winter

    Kyle was stunned to see Kurt''s dad when the moment door was unlocked. Is this the reason Kurt locked me inside? She kept aside the picture she was seeing, stood up from the chair, as stiff as a pole.

    Arnold''s eyes lingered on the picture, but a secondter, he turned to Kyle, a smile on his face. ''''We meet again. How are you?''''

    ''''H_i, Uncle.'''' Kyle hesitantly raised her hand and waved, looking past his shoulders. The look on Kurt''s face was so menacing that she got intimidated by it. Is this also my fault? Kyle cried.

    Kurt swore like a trooper, not on his father but the rat. He knew who it is��the security guard, always waiting to inform his whereabouts. Before his dad would imagine beyond the thoughts, Kurt started. ''''You have misunderstood, dad. There is nothing_''''

    ''''Yes, yes.'''' Turning to his son, Arnold vivaciously nodded his head. ''''A girl staying in a man''s bedroom for the whole night? Definitely, I have misunderstood.'''' There was a hint of mocking in his voice.

    A sigh escaped from his lips. Kurt gave up. There is no way this stubborn man will listen. He hase here listening to the false proof of that security guard, and no way his dad will believe him. ''''Assume whatever you want. I don''t care.'''' He then addressed Kyle, his voice cold. ''''Time for you to go home.''''

    ''''Did you had breakfast, Kyle?'''' Arnold questioned, snubbing his son''s thoughts.

    ''''Not yet, Uncle.'''' She whispered in a meek voice.

    ''''So am I,'''' Arnold added brazenly, turning to Kyle. ''''The Weller family doesn''t let the guest leave the house starved. Let''s go.''''

    Kyle looked at Kurt, asking for permission, but she found the same expression- Angry, furious. His face can be taken as a reference for the angry birds game.

    ''''Don''t intimidate her, boy.'''' Arnold could feel the tension his son was creating on the poor girl.

    ''''Don''t mind him, child. He is born in that way.'''' Under his protection, Arnold led her into the kitchen. Kurt didnot follow them, for he was not interested in listening to his dad''s piercing questions about yesterday''s incident. Let her pay the punishment for willingly staying here.

    ....

    ''''So, you are telling someone has tried to harass you, and you havee here to talk with Kurt,'''' Arnold asked. Quite eptable theory, but he will not believe.

    Kyle nodded her head in response. ''''I was scared he woulde to my home again. So, I thought it would be a good thing to stay here.''''

    Scared that she would get caught in the act, Kyle diverted the topic to Kurt''s hatred among girls in school. She hit the right button because Arnold''s face instantly turned red in rage. ''''That insolent brat. He is bringing shame to my ancestors.''''

    Both bitched behind Kurt''s back about his behavior, and a whileter, they didnot had anything to talk.

    ''''Curious of the picture on Kurt''s bedside table?'''' Arnold broke the silence.

    ''''I was looking at the picture.'''' She didnot sound desperate, but in actuality, Kyle wanted to know very badly.

    ''''His mother.'''' Arnold gazed at a distance as he spoke.

    ''''She is..'''' Kyle didnot finish her thoughts as she watched Arnold''s joyful eyes turned heavy.

    ''''My wife, in.'''' He said. ''''She is Kurt''s mother. When Kurt was a kid, he was a momma boy. Sometimes, even I would get jealous of the attention that brat receives from in.''''

    ''''A naughty kid he was.'''' Arnold chuckled when the memories of his once-happy family began ying in front of him. ''''He would y pranks on his mother in, which would make her want to pull his hair, but with one look, Kurt would melt her heart.''''

    ''''in has to feed him breakfast every day, prepare him for school, drop him at school, bring him back, read bedtime stories until he is asleep. But one day...'''' His voice choked. ''''My son learned to do it alone.'''' And his heart also shattered on the day. He never saw the same jovial boy again.

    Kyle stood rooted, watching Arnold''s inner turmoil. She never expected Kurt has a tragic past.

    ''''So, don''t get repelled by his words or actions. He might act cold to everyone, but he doesn''t mean to hurt anyone.''''

    ''''I would never, Uncle.'''' Kyle shook her head. She felt Kurt''s coldness rather cute.

    After breakfast, Arnold didnot force Kyle to stay at home. Although he wanted to spend time with her, he kept the thought watching his son''s gloomy face. Both exchanged numbers in front of Kurt, bing good friends.

    ....

    Sundays are meant to be jolly days for Leena. It''s half-past ten in the morning, and she was still not up from the bed. The pic has tired her both physically and mentally, and she decided to give enough rest to her body.

    ''''Baby, you can''t skip breakfast.'''' Heather gently tapped on Leena''s shoulder.

    ''''Can you please stop with your naggings?'''' Leena dizzily muttered, and with that, Heather went away.

    Her mom and Meemaw came twice to wake her up, which Leena didnot heed to them. A whileter, with one spank on her back, she jolted awake with a start. Has hee? Who else dares to spank the great Leena except him?

    ''''Words doesn''t work on you, isn''t it?'''' Devin stood next to the bed, waiting for the sloth to get up. Sleeping on the stomach, with her arms freely falling on the bed, Devin swallowed hard when the urge to take her from the back tempted him. But the next moment, the desire died down when he remembered the tattoo on her back. Scary tattoo! He still couldn''t fathom why a mere tattoo is affecting him.

    ''''And you stop ogling at my back.'''' Shouted Leena before stretching her body.

    ''''I can''t keep my mind to myself around you. You are a living temptation, Sweetheart.'''' He huskily replied, hugging her from the back.

    ''''I love when you say those words.'''' Leaning her head on his back, she said. ''''When did youe?''''

    ''''Early morning, and since then, I was waiting for you to get up.'''' He practically used her of ignoring him. Without Leena, he couldn''t sleep at night, and when he woke up in the morning, he straight away came back to see his Sweetheart, and here she was sleeping like a log.

    ''''I am sorry, babylicious..'''' She pouted. ''''I was tired yesterday.''''

    ''''This is thest time I will hear you skipping breakfast.'''' With that, he shoved her into the bathroom.

    A whileter, still in the shower, Leena called Devin and asked him to bring the dry brush from the wardrobe. Atst, frantically searching, he found a long wooden brush with bristles, soft to touch yet firmer. ''''Why does she need a brush? Is she going to clean the bathroom with this?''''

    ''''Leena.'''' He knocked on the bathroom door and handed the brush. Before she closed, Devin held on to her. ''''You don''t need to clean the bathroom.''''

    ''''Pffftt..Are you making fun?'''' Leena closed the door shut. ''''Not in a mood.''''

    ''''But I was serious, though.'''' He muttered and went back to the bed.

    By the time Leenapleted her activities and went back into the room, it was already afternoon. ''''What are you doing?'''' Climbing onto the bed, Leena nestled into Devin''s arms.

    ''''I saw a photo album while searching for the thing you asked.'''' He said, flipping the page, a smile on his face. The pictures started from her childhood, and she is so cute in every image that he wants to frame them in the room, which he solely designed for her. Funny though, he found her face familiar in his memory.

    ''''You were wearing piggy tails?'''' He teased her in some of the pictures to see her annoyed expressions.

    ''''I will take the album back if you keep teasing me!'''' She tried to snatch the book, but Devin raised it high, not in her reach.

    The pictures were neatly organized ording to her age, and at one point, he found a school picture. Leena was wearing a school uniform, standing next to a girl, a bright smile on her face. ''''I have seen you either with Reese or Jane? Who is this girl?''''

    ''''She is my school friend. I lost in touch with her after school. So, I am not in contact with her.'''' Leena continued. ''''A very kind girl. She was often bullied in school. So, I was her_''''

    ''''You are the hero who saves the damsel in distress,'''' Devinpleted.

    ''''Exactly.'''' Leena nodded her head with a happy grin. ''''Irony is, I saved a boy in my school when he was involved in fighting with a gang. It happens to be her friend. As gratitude, her friend would send me Bananas, snacks, what not..but I never ept anything from strangers. Although I loved bananas, I didnot risk because Francy would kill me.'''' Leena went on and on, brandishing her achievements.

    Saved a boy? ''''What''s her name, Leena?''''

    ''''Winter.''''

 Chapter 362 - Shed The Truth

    To confirm his suspicion, Devin asked little more details about the boy whom Leena saved when she was a child, and there was nothing all she could remember. He knows it''s hard for a five-year-old kid to remember everything in detail. There is something about this boy, making him suspicious. Without confronting Leena, why has he been sending her snacks and other stuff? Why did her friend suddenly lose contact with Leena?so

    Keeping the thoughts aside, he flipped the pages and began concentrating on the pictures. Again, there was one more picture that caught his attention. Leena, Reese, and Jane were posing for a photo wearing down jackets and gloves. That''s not the only thing it caught Devin''s attention, but the drop earrings Leena was wearing. The crystal drop somewhat looked like the one in his memory. He can''t be sure, but he is finding a little simr to it. ''''This picture...'''' He pointed, questioning her.

    ''''When I was still studying. All our friends went to Montana for a trip.'''' Exined Leena. ''''This trip was one of the nightmares in my life.'''' She didnot got the chance to talk about this incident, and since she remembered, Leena thought of sharing with Devin.

    ''''What happened?'''' He calmly asked, still looking at the eardrops Leena was wearing, his thoughts in a jumble.

    ''''Reese and I were skating in the snow, and the rookies are we. While teasing and ying with each other, we both fell into the thin ice. At a point in time, we got separated inside the cold waters. The shock of cold water made me drowned through the waters, and everything went nk. When I woke up, I was in the hospital, and Ethan was next to me.'''' For months, Reese and Leena shuddered whenever they thought about ice.

    Devin attentively listened to Leena, caressing her back, his expression disheartened. ''''Sometimes, I get scared of you. You are very careless getting into the danger, do you know that?'''' He gently chided.

    ''''I know.'''' She pouted, embracing his arm. ''''Don''t worry, Devin. I have been very cautious after my ident.'''' The bad thing that happened in her life has put her on the path to the best things. That one incident has entirely changed her life. It taught her a life long lesson. Whom to trust, and whom not to trust.

    ''''I will trust you.'''' He kissed her head and got up. ''''I wille in a while. Don''t sleep. We will go home after Ie back.''''

    ''''Roger that, sir.'''' She gave him a military salute, earning a smile from him.

    While keeping the album back into the wardrobe, Devin withdrew the picture of Leena and the other girl from the album. Winter, it is. His instincts are telling; Winter has yed a significant role in Leena''s life. To what extent, he has to find out soon. Devin then went out and dialed a number. It''s the second time his nemesis is receiving his attention.

    ''''To what extent I owe you this call?'''' Devin heard a sarcastic reply from the other end.

    ''''Aren''t we cousins?'''' He questioned, plucking the bluegrass out of boredom.

    Smooth talker! No wonder Leena fell for you badly, Ethan thought bitterly. ''''Had you said this before Harley''s ident, I would have epted we are cousins.'''' Ethan retorted. ''''Why did you call me? Are you going to thank me again for saving your sister?'''' Ethan thought he got away with the joke, but Devin''s reply knocked him again when he told, in actuality, Devin called up to thank him.

    ''''Golden words are not repeated,'''' Devin said. ''''I was not a part of Leena''s life before, but thanks for protecting Leena from drowning.'''' His words were genuine as if he poured from his heart.

    Ethan''s memory triggered back to that incident hearing Devin''s thoughts. The day has shaken him when he couldn''t locate Leena''s whereabouts. ''''I would be d it was me, but I am not the right person you should be thanking.''''

    ''''What?'''' Confusion sprawled across his face.

    ''''It''s not me who saved Leena from the waters.'''' Ethan began. ''''By evening, we were able to locate Reese, but not Leena. The search continued till the morning, and when we almost lost hope, I received a text from a number. It said Leena is safe, and there was a written address to pick her up. I followed and found Leena safe in a house and I took her to the hospital.''''

    ''''Do you know who the person is?'''' Devin''s pitch waspelling.

    ''''No. Leena was safe. So, I didnot bother to look after the person.'''' Ethan shrugged matter of factly. Now that he thought, why didn''t I check for that person?

    ''''So, you literally took the credit of saving her while you were not.'''' Devin hissed at him.

    This bastard! Ethan wanted to and pluck Devin''s hair to see how he looks without hair. If he has taken advantage, he would have readily agreed that he was the one who saved Leena when Devin asked. ''''No matter what, that girl was hard to please. She is way tough.''''

    ''''No wonder she hates you.'''' With that, Devin cut the call leaving Ethan cursing at him further.

    There is some force shielding Leena whenever she is in danger. ''''Who is this person?'''' Devin wondered before going inside. Leena was organizing the wardrobe when he went into the room. Suddenly he remembered Leena asking for a bathroom brush, and that''s what he called it. ''''What exactly you do in the bathroom for two hours, Sweetheart?'''' He asked.

    There she got a chance to y with him. Turning to his side, like a wild seductress, Leena brushed close to kiss. ''''First, I will slowly undress, thinking that it was you who is touching my body, and then..'''' A finger on her lips stopped Leena. Her words crawled in to snuggle, causing him to drug himself in her venom. ''''Sweetheart, don''t y with the fire. Do you want to end up there?''''

    She pulled a face in front of him for spoiling the fun. ''''Then I am not telling you.'''' Leena ran towards the bed away from him, only to end up in Devin''s arms. ''''Not so easy, darling.''''

    ''''Leave me, idiot.'''' She screamed when he started attacking her weakest spots and finally ended up indulging in their wild passion.

    ...,

    The next day, the bright evening was lit up with the city''s sparkling dazzles, but the atmosphere in a specific room was as cold as the winds of Antarctica. The new executive assistant was sweating buckets as she stood in front of Devin. ''''There is a meeting in another half n hour, and you are now informing the file is not in the office. How careless can you get?'''' His calm voice sent chills down her spine.

    ''''Sir, I_until evening..'''' She paused, swallowing hard, at the same time, giving her brain to think of an alibi. ''''I thought the file is in Harley''s office room, but then she informed_''''

    ''''Get out.''''

    ''''Sir...'''' The executive assistant asked for confirmation.

    ''''I don''t repeat it twice, Bell.''''

    Bell was gone when Devin fast spoke hisst words. She wondered when Harley woulde and save her from the torture of this man. Her happiness knew no bounds when she learned she is recing Harley for some days, but least she understood; it was torture working under him.

    ''''Scared mouse.'''' He muttered in irritation. By the time he goes and brings the file, it will take an hour, and he can''t take the risk. ''''Leena must be home.'''' He dialed Leena''s number immediately. ''''Sweetheart, are you home?''''

    ''''Yeap. I am back. What''s the matter?'''' As honey as it calmed Devin''s anger.

    ''''There is a file in the office room in one of the lockers. Can you send it to the office? It''s quite urgent and confidential.''''

    ''''Alright. I will send Nick to the office then. '''' Leena ended the call and went to the office room.

    Meanwhile, Devin was checking the presentation in the mail waiting for Nick to bring the file to the office. A whileter, as if he was hit by the lightning bolt, Devin''s face went head. He now remembered something important that Leena shouldn''t see. ''''No..no..She can''t see now.'''' He called Leena, and with no response, Devin immediately called Nick, and then again, there was no response from both.

    Scratch with the meeting! He ordered Bell to cancel the meeting and drove home.

    ''''Why are you running?'''' Nick shouted, pausing the Bat-Man cartoon, looking at Devin who was running as if his life depended on it.

    Without answering, Devin opened the door, and when he saw Leena, there was no stopping. In the middle of the room, Leena was standing, holding a paper. There were some other letters and pictures scattered on the floor.

    ''''What are these?'''' Leena fiercely gazed at him, demanding an answer, but Devin stood there with a catatonic expression.. The time hase to shed the truth.

 Chapter 363 - Secret Investigation

    A while ago, when Leena withdrew the file from the safe, she spotted a sketch of a picture. An open mouth at the front and a twisted zebra tail to the end. Long back, she remembered Devin telling her about a fun activity in the office. He got a puzzle to solve, and he asked her if she can identify it. ''''But why did he keep this in a safe?'''' She wondered. When Leena pulled out, beneath it, there were pictures of hers.

    ''''What the!'''' Every part of her went into a pause seeing those pictures.

    ''''Why did he keep my pictures in a safe?'''' Every image seems to be captured secretly. When she was in a shopping arena with her friends or went on a trip with her friends, everything was shot secretly. Who the hell is this stalker?

    There were also letters addressed in her name. Each passing second, a sickening thought was engulfing Leena the more she read the letters. A whileter, Leena heard the quickening footsteps and looked at the person, demanding an answer. ''''What are all these? Why do you have all these creepy things in your locker?''''

    ''''Leena...calm down..'''' Leena stepped back in fear when Devin took a step forward.

    ''''Don''t panic, Sweetheart. I will exin everything.'''' Coaxing her, he carefully approached her. Watching all those pictures and reading the letters, Leena was in a state of agitation to perceive the surroundings. When she felt a pair of warm hands embracing her, her ragged breath calmed down, and slowly she weed him into her.

    Until Leena felt better, Devin patiently held her in his arms, helping her catch her thoughts properly. ''''Wait here. I will get some water.'''' He whispered.

    ''''No. Don''t leave, Devin. Please..'''' Leena pleaded. The handwritten letters were too much to handle for her poor heart. Who is this creepy stalker?

    ''''Don''t panic. I will stay with you. I will stay with you.'''' He whispered, caressing her head gently. No matter how strong she is, she also has a weak point, and all Leena needed was the person she wanted to be with. A littleter, when Leena calmed down, Devin carried her to the bedroom.

    Kneeling in front of her, Devin raised her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. ''''Don''t get scared. I am here for you, always. Nothing can harm you.''''

    Jerking his hands off, Leena hugged him tightly. ''''I know that, idiot. I was scared when I saw the pictures, especially after reading the letters.'''' Sheined. It was so disgusting to read the letters even. Goosebumps crawled across her body when she read the letters written in blood.

    ''''I know, Sweetheart.'''' He muttered. He expected such a reaction from Leena, and the sole reason he didnot show these creepy pictures and letters to Leena. Instead of directly answering her question, Devin started from where it began. He exined when the stalker started sending the pictures and Reese delivering them secretly to Francis without Leena''s knowledge.

    ''''Since four years, the person is stalking me without my knowledge?'''' Leena shuddered at the feeling. That stupid Reese also backstabbed? She will take care of that snoring tractor tomorrow for hiding such a big truth from her. ''''Do you know who it is?''''

    ''''First, tell me, do you suspect anyone?'''' Devin questioned instead. There is a very chance that Leena will suspect Enger. Even if he tells her that it is Enger, he doubts Leena will believe in him. That man had calcted everything that would happen in the future before he introduced herself to Leena as her friend. He remembered how she supported him, and then it led to their fights.

    ''''Suspect?'''' Looking at the pictures on her hand, Leena mocked herself for having such a blood-curdling stalker. She studied in an all-girls school, and there is no chance of having a stalker. Coming to the university, she rarely talks with the boys except for Ethan. No, it can''t be. He is not such a kind of person. She has fans across, but how can she suspect one person without any clue. ''''I_I am not sure, Devin.''''

    Without answering Leena''s question, he picked the sketch and held it in front of her. ''''I lied about this when I told you it''s a part of a fun activity in the office. This is one of the packages I received from the stalker.''''

    When he sensed Leena was listening, he continued. ''''This is a wildstyle graffiti sketch the stalker gave to find a clue about him. I didnot know what it was until I cracked the puzzle and ''then came to the conclusion that it''s an alphabet.''''

    ''''What''s the alphabet?'''' She snatched the picture from Devin''s hands and carefully studied it. Now when she deeply looked through Devin''s point of view, the puzzle dawned on her. ''''It looks like C..C.. C?'''' Leena''s eyes widened at the realization. Enger Cassius Lennox. ''''Is it...Is it Enger?'''' She lifted her head to see Devin''s expression, and the calm look on Devin''s face confirmed her suspicion. The name wouldn''t have hit her brain if not she had caught Enger in the act.

    ''''He is the one. Everything happening in our lives is_''''

    ''''Your ident...'''' Leena covered her mouth when she connected all the dots. Her eyes were bleeding with pain when she realized Enger''s obsession with her.

    ''''Leena.'''' He gently called her as he wiped her tears. The guilty look on her face was evident to his eyes. ''''Don''t ever me yourself. It''s not your mistake. We will solve this together. Your battle is my battle.''''

    Devin''s heartfelt words would coax her if it were some other time. Every nerve in her body aroused likeva. Phsyco! He showed all the kindness and wished Devin''s speedy recovery when he was the one behind everything?. ''''I will not spare his life today.'''' Before Leena got up, Devin hugged her tightly.

    ''''It''s not the time, Leena.'''' His hands were itching to bring that man''s downfall, but he will wait and see what kind of game he has up to his sleeves.

    ''''I know he saved your life, and it''s hard to believe he is the one...'''' Leena seized his words from further speaking by cing a finger on his lips. She now understood why Devin couldn''t handle the sight of Enger.

    ''''He is not the one who saved my life.'''' Leena finally revealed. She wanted to investigate further before sharing with Devin, but Devin gave a bigger surprise today.

    ''''What?''''

    Taking a deep breath, Leena exined everything that happened between Enger and her. She can sense he is trying to hold back the anger.Never she thought, her friend would be her stalker. Speaking of a friend, is he my friend for real?

    ''''I will talk_''''

    ''''Eeena..'''' A crying voice of a kid broke their thoughts.

    When Cutie woke up from sleep and came running to Leena, she went to feed her dinner, breaking the conversation to discuss the matterter in the night.

    Devin also made his way to the living room to talk with Nick. ''''Nick,'''' Devin called him loudly to bring him out of the cartoon world.

    ''''What?'''' He asked, without breaking his eye contact over the TV. Every night, the creature he encountered in Russia would torture him in his nightmares. After the dreadful encounter with the electronic device, he bade goodbye to those horror movies temporarily.

    ''''Did you find about Winter''s information?''''

    ''''Her full name is Winter Brown. Her father died six years back. She was working in Leius pharmabs until three years and then resigned from the job due to her health condition. Recently she died when her health condition worsened.'''' Nick continued. ''''Poor girl. She died at an early age. But why do you want to know about this girl?''''

    ''''That''s all you got?''''

    ''''Yeap.''''

    Died? Something is wrong here. He remembered Kurt digging on the case of that Pharmapany. He texted Kurt''s number and asked him to check on a person named Winter brown, who worked in Leius pharmabs.

    ''''I will be back in a while,'''' Devin told Nick. ''''Take care of Leena.''''

    ''''Where are you going?'''' He shouted.

    Devin left, bored to answer Nick''s questions. He straight away drove to a ce and knocked on the door. He was weed by a shocking look on the man''s face as the door opened.

    ''''Dr. Walter. Close your mouth. Flies might roam in the nights.''''

    He immediately closed his mouth shut, and opened the door wide open to let him in. ''''You booked an appointment. I waited for the whole day in the hospital, yet you didnote. Suddenly you appeared in front of my house unannounced to joke around? What do you think of me?''''

    Initially it was Devin''s n to meet him to exin his bizzare amnesia, but Leena wanted to go to an amusement park, and he can''t say no to his Sweetheart. ''''Let''s talk about thatter, but right now, I need your help.''''

    ''''The great Devin wants my help?'''' Walter chuckled, amused. ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I want you to secretly investigate the person who brought Leena to your hospital.'''' Right now, he can''t trust anyone except Walter.. He will see if Enger''s name will pop out, or some other man wille out of the shadows.

 Chapter 364 - Lab Rat

    Devin looked around the house and made himselffortable. ''''Did you hear what I said?''''

    ''''Yes.''''

    ''''Then why aren''t you talking?''''

    Walter was taken back by the sudden request from Devin. For a second, he thought Devin has appeared in front of his house by mistake. He is a doctor, not a detective. It''s not his upation to investigate. ''''Are you sure the question meant to me?'''' He was rather cynical to see Devin''s positive expression. ''''But why me? You can ask the hospital head. Didn''t you already find the person?''''

    ''''He is not the one. I don''t trust the hospital anymore. I can only rely on you at present,'''' Replied Devin. Atst, influential businessmen like Carlos Elison was also manipted by Enger. If he tries to investigate Carlos, Enger will find out. He has to carry this y in secret. What sort of identity does Enger possess that their search for Enger didnot even reach the tip of the iceberg?

    Walter didnot understand what Devin meant by ''I can only trust you'' ''''I don''t think I can do that. I am not working in the hospital anymore. Besides, I am not a detective.''''

    ''''But I am sure it''s not a big deal to you.'''' He added with determination.

    Is he thick-skinned, or has he been the same since the beginning, and it''s surfacing now? Walter internally thought to himself.

    ''''I don''t want the hospital head or the dean to get involved in this investigation,'''' Devin said. ''''Make sure the person directly contacts me when you find out.'''' He made a big mistake involving them in the matter previously, and he doesn''t want to make the same mistake again,

    ''''I haven''t yet agreed to this..''''

    ''''Apart from this.'''' Devin changed the course of the topic. ''''I have something else to talk about with you.''''

    ''''What is it now?'''' A sigh escaped from Walter''s lips. He wondered who is the owner of this house now.

    ''''Can one forget memories of only one person or a thing?'''' He hesitantly questioned. The thought itself makes no sense to him, but here he is, suffering from a rare disease.

    ''''Why do you want to know about that?'''' Walter asked, his eyes bulged.

    ''''I am just curious,'''' Replied Devin. ''''I know this sounds strange to you, but I want to know what''s the science behind it. Now, will you answer my question?''''

    ''''It''s a littleplicated.'''' Taking a deep breath, Walter began. ''''If the brain''s higher functions are used, memories can be interrupted and blocked. Too much obstruction will weaken the neural connection in brains and hit particr memories. With this, the memories can shut down as soon as you start to remember.'''' He continued ''''But it''s only in theories. We were not able to implement this on anyone. For years, we doctors have been researching, but we hadn''t had a breakthrough yet.''''

    Not a breakthrough yet? So, she is the first one to do it. The theory is put into practice, and I am a sessfulb rat? Devin wondered in disbelief. That blondie operated on me, tortured me, and put me in that prison for a year until Ipletely forgot my memories? How did I fall into her trap in the first ce? He doesn''t have any recollection of going to Russia anding back home as well.

    ''''What happens if someone has vivid memories but doesn''t want to recollect them?'''' He raised another question. The panic attacks are slowly taking a toll on his health, and he is worried it would turn out to be a hazard in the future.

    ''''Is that someone you?'''' Walter asked. The way Devin is sounding, he can sense he is talking about himself.

    ''''No.'''' Replied Devin.

    ''''Then why are you bothered? '''' Conceding Devin''s silence, he can understand he is trying to hide something. ''''Bring the patient. Unless I examine, I cannot make assumptions.''''

    ''''I will try.'''' Before Devin got up to leave, Walter hesitantly asked. ''''H_ow is Leena?'''' It''s been a long since he has seen Leena. Although he knows she doesn''t have any feelings for him, first love is hard to forget.

    ''''Not so well. Does that bother you? Get yourself a girlfriend.'''' Throwing an atomic re at Walter, Devin stormed out. Enger, Ethan, and now him. How many flies is she going to attract?

    Walter wanted to knock on Devin''s head. After getting all the information, he can''t even answer one question. This man doesn''t know the meaning of kindness. Cursing and cussing, he closed the door shut.

    Driving home, when Devin made his way inside the bedroom, Leena red up from the bed as if she was anticipating his return. ''''Where did you go?''''

    ''''Small business,'''' Devin smiled and leaned over for a quick kiss, and it seems Leena is in another world. ''''What''s wrong?''''

    Leena didnot answer him, for she knew Devin also knows what''s troubling her. He tried to kill Devin, her world, her life. Without Devin, the world is nothing but a pit of darkness. If something happened to him on that day, Leena dreaded to imagine that.

    ''''Sweetheart, it''s not the time. Until we know his identity, we cannot make a move on him.'''' He exined.

    ''''Okay.'''' Leena hugged him tightly.

    ''''You are tired, Leena. Let''s sleep. We will talk about this tomorrow.''''

    Like a spoiled kid, she widened her arms, telling him to carry her to the bed. ''''Am I spoiling you too much?'''' Before lifting her, he rubbed her nose and then took her to the bed.

    ''''You carry Cutie, but not me?'''' She pouted, staring at him angrily.

    ''''''Too bad, my Sweetheart is jealous over a kid?'''' A smile curved on his lips. It''s a never-ending satisfaction when he is the subject of Leena''s Jealousy.

    ''''Jealousy? Not in my dictionary.'''' She said with a carefree shrug. Rolling on top of him, Leena asked. ''''Where exactly did you go on a business trip?''''

    ''''Didn''t I tell you? It''s Sweeden.'''' He lied without batting an eye. If Leena had seen the dense forest, she would have run away when she saw the creepy home.

    ''''Why didn''t you wear your watch before going?'''' She studied his face intently, but she couldn''t make out anything from him.

    ''''I forgot.'''' This time he swallowed hard. d that he didnot carry the Watch. Otherwise, the creature would have eaten it by now.

    Leena didnot question further. When Devin didnot pick up the call on that day, she tried to track his location through the GPS she installed in his Watch, and to her surprise, it was showing their home. Then she understood, he has not worn it. Leena felt like he has purposefully forgotten. Anyway, Devin is safe, and he is with her. She doesn''t want to dwell deeper into the matter. They already have a lot to handle on their te.

    ''''I will kill you if you are hiding something from me.''''

    Devin fervently nodded his head. For now, he escaped from the demoness''s wrath. He will tell the truth he learned when the timees.

    ''''Why did you put a lock to your mobile, Sweetheart?'''' Devin asked, changing the subject. Since the day he knows Leena''s beloved photographer is him, he tried to look into her mobile, but trespassing the security of a hacker''s is highly impossible.

    ''''My mobile, my wish.'''' She stuck her tongue out at him and pulled the nket on top of her head.

    Her childish act made himugh to the fullest. Devin decided to find out the name of her profile on his own. He tugged Leena, and automatically, she snuggled closer to him. Leaving all the burdens aside, both had a happy night together in their own bliss.

    ...

    The following day, Devin woke up to a wild ringing on his mobile. He tried to ignore it, but the other party seemed to be very desperate. When he saw the contact number, it was Kurt. ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I want to talk with you about Winter Brown. I found out something about the picture you sent me yesterday. Come to my home as soon as possible.''''

    ''''Alright,'''' As soon as Devin got up, he left for Kurt''s home when he got a text from him asking him to meet urgently.

    ''''How do you know Winter?'''' Kurt asked the moment Devin entered the house.

    ''''Leena''s friend.'''' He said a matter of fact.

    ''''I found something interesting about her,'''' Kurt revealed.

 Chapter 365 - Blushing Face

    The night Devin texted, Kurt was still in the office. So, he pulled Winter''s information from the database and learned she worked in Leius Pharmabs before quitting unexpectedly. That instantly piqued his attention. His further investigation reported that she was a drug addict and was admitted into the hospital due to depression and a nervous breakdown. He ordered his team to dig deeper without letting them go home, and by dawn, they found all the mysterious connections rted to Winter.

    ''''For a normal girl like her, she is very mysterious,'''' Kurt told Devin, flipping the pages of the report. ''''And she is very close to Landon.''''

    ''''Who is Landon?'''' Impatiently Devin snatched the record from Kurt.

    ''''He is the CEO of Leius Pharmabs,'''' Kurt added. ''''Thanks for your time, Vincy. You helped me to look in another perspective as well.''''

    ''''You asked me toe here to talk about your case?'''' His anger got the best out of him in the morning. He hase here thinking Kurt would give valuable information, but it''s all beside the point.

    ''''Of course. It''s my case rted.'''' Kurt confidently replied.

    When Devin was about to throw the file on the table, his hands paused as his eyes briefly caught a name. A familiar name. To confirm it was not a mind-environment coincidence, he glued his eyes to the name. ''''Marja Morvena. She is rted to Winter?''''

    ''''Ah! Yes. It seems that she is Winter''s cousin.'''' Kurt said. ''''But she is not of many benefits to my case because Winter rarely meets her.''''

    To Kurt, there is no use, but Devin got hugely benefited. He flipped the pages to read Morvena''s background. Winter''s Elder uncle married a Russian woman and settled in Russia along with her. Seven years back, Morvena''s mom mysteriously disappeared, and her dad was suspected of her murder. So, he has been escaping from the police since then. The mysteries of Morvena''s are increasing every passing day. She created a supergene machine, made his memories disappear. What is she? Time should only answer his questions.

    ''''We can know more about Winter through Landon,'''' Kurt said. ''''I have a n_''''

    ''''I am going home.'''' Devin cut him off, clearing knowing Kurt is luring him into the trap in the name of Winter. He got the information than necessary.

    ''''Aren''t you helping me?'''' Comined Kurt, but Devin was already gone.

    ''''Will Kyle help?'''' Unconsciously, Kurt''s hand reached his forehead, where she hit him with the remote. ''''Loose case has be violent.'''' His thoughts then flew back to the day she embraced him into a bone-crushing him and instantly felt like strange emotions billowing in his body.

    ''''No, I can''t let this happen. I am a man of word. No woman shall pass into my life.'''' He picked the report and focused on the case with determination, but momentster, he threw it on the table and went into his room, when his focus shifted elsewhere.

    ....

    Back at home, Leena was preparing Cutie to take her to the office while Cutie was bbering gibberish in her brokennguage. ''''Fute teacher came to my ss. He did this..'''' Not knowing how to exin, Cutie exined it through gestures. Leena felt Cutie''s signals are better understandablepared to her talks.

    ''''So he is annoying you again?'''' Cutie nodded her head to Leena''s question. Although Cutie changed the ss, the flute teacher is still pulling pranks on her. He asionallyes to the ss and scowls at her, and Cutie is also a step ahead. She once pinched on his thigh without making it obvious.

    ''''Next time, aim for his ring hair,'''' Leena suggested.

    Cutie giggled and eagerly bobbed her head. Recently she has immense fun with the flute teacher, and that''s the only reason she is going to the sses without throwing any tantrums. Once Cutie was done with her dressing, she went to the living room to torture Nick and Jpeno.

    ''''When is your brothering back?'''' Leena heard Devin''s voice as he arrived and hugged her from behind.

    ''''Didn''t he tell you?'''' She asked, feeling his hassle. ''''Probably another ten days.''''

    Devin felt like punching Wilbur right on his face. Ten more days, he has to wait! While going, Wilbur informed Devin that he would be back in a week. It''s close to a month, and now he is back to square again. Devin put the thoughts of killing instincts and turned his attention to Leena. He wanted to ask how Morvena became her doctor but dared not to. The name itself can bring doom to their lives.''''I have a meeting with clients. I may bete to home.''''

    ''''Hmm..Alright...I will miss you.''''

    ''''Definitely, I will miss you.'''' Turning her around, he pecked her lips. ''''Love you.''''

    ''''I love you more than my clothes and bananas.'''' Leena paused, and before Devin interrupted, Leena said. ''''Don''t ask me to prove it.'''' His anticipation died now in seconds.

    ''''You are a mood killer, Leena.'''' Devin messed up Leena''s that she neatly groomed.

    ''''Ah! My hair.'''' Leena mirrored his actions and pulled his hair in addition to the mess up. Devin didnot dare to pull a prank on her again.

    And then it took another half n hour for Leena to groom her hair. ''''Let''s go. I am excited to go to the office today.'''' Linking her arms into his, Leena pulled Devin along with her. ''''Aren''t you asking why I am excited?''''

    ''''I don''t want to waste my energy when the answeres anyway.''''

    ''''Even then, you must ask.'''' Leena reminded husband''s duties to Devin. ''''I will ignore your mistake for today. Back to the topic...I have hired a new girl for Renya''s recement. She will be arriving today. I am excited to meet her.'''' With that, Leena went to have breakfast in happiness.

    ''''I wonder how long she willst after knowing about you,'''' Devin muttered with a shake of his head.

    While Carrot, Leena, Cutie, and Nick were about to leave for the office after breakfast, Aunt Jpeno called and came rushing towards them. Handing the box, she said. ''''I made vegan chocte chip cookies. Eat them for snacks.''''

    ''''Ah! Thank you, Aunty.'''' The scent of cookies further heightened her happy mood.

    ''''Text me how they taste.'''' Aunt Jpeno said with excitement and turned to Nick. She looked at her hands which are itching for a prank. Engrossed in his mobile, Nick didnot see the danger approaching until something sneaky arrived behind his back. Before his brain converted the image impulse into the object, the damage was already done.

    ''''Woah! Squishy, and Mushy hot cross buns you have.''''

    ''''Aunt Jpeno! I am going to kill you!''''Nick screamed at the top of his lungs, and when he lunged forward, she ran as fast as Zeus lightning bolt and closed the door.

    Leena''sugh bubbled up like a summer breeze. ''''This is what happens when you lose concentration.''''

    ''''I am going to kill her one day.'''' Grumbling, Nick made his way to the door, criticizing himself for his carelessness.

    ....

    As she stepped into the office, Leena straight away went to Reese''s cabin to settle the old ounts. ''''Reese Allen, do you know what betrayal is?''''

    Reese immediately googled and answered. ''''Exposing to danger by treacherously giving information to someone.''''

    ''''Sadly, betrayal neveres from enemies. Isn''t it?'''' She questioned, crossing her arms.

    Reese gulped hard when Leena''s words made sense to her. So she found out? Who is it? Her Francy or Devin?

    At the same time, Nick settled in his chair, and then he remembered theptop he forgot in the car. Thinking of revenge against Aunt Jpeno, he forgot that he is in the present. ''''I will take revenge on her.'''' Getting up, he made his way to the door and pulled the handle backward, without knowing a woman at the other end pushed forward.

    When the door opened, at the sudden incursion, the girl tripped forward and screamed for the fall, but instead, she felt a pair of hands wrapped her waist.

    ''''Lemon or Orange.'''' She muttered, inhaling the fragrance of her closeness.

    ''''It''s G_rapefruit,'''' He whispered in a trance, drowning in her ink pools.

    ''''I like it.''''

    ''''Sorry?''''

    ''''I mean..the scent.'''' The girl stuttered in a low voice, but still, it reached Nick''s ears. His face turned beet red.. His blushing face reflected the glow of his heart.

 Chapter 366 - Merl

    Nick felt newfangled at how he could flush at a stranger''s praise. When the murmurs sprang in the room, he realized he was still holding the woman in his arms without taking eyes off the beauty. Her jet-ck and her long, freely flowing hair caused him to stargazed at her.

    ''''I am fine.'''' She said. ''''You can release me now.''''

    Sensing the girl struggle in his arms, Nick immediately straightened his back and backed off, two feet distance away from her.

    Awkward silence wheedled in between the two.

    ''''Who are you?'''' Nick cursed at himself for bringing an off-the-beat question. He sees several clients whoe and goes every day, and never he posed such a question. ''''Umm...I didnot mean to_''''

    ''''Ah, that''s fine.'''' Nick watched her eyes twinkled as she spoke. ''''I am here to meet Leena. I am Merl. Merl, Sojen.''''

    ''''Pleased to meet you. I am Nick.'''' He introduced, with style edged to his voice.

    ''''I always loved that name on someone, and am d I finally found one.'''' She smiled, pulling her short dress down as a distraction.

    Nick stroked the back of his neck, unsure of what to reply. Is she flirting with me ormenting genuinely? Nick dared to question her. In the end, he gave her an awkward smiled and led her inside.

    ''''Stay here. I will bring Leena.'''' He opened Leena''s office door and guided her to the chair.

    Nick then straight away entered Reese''s room and disrupted both the woman''s serious discussion. '''' You can argueter. A girl is waiting for you in the office room.''''

    Leena checked the time and nodded. ''''It must be Renya''s recement.'''' Leena then turned to Reese. ''''I will deal with youter.''''

    ''''I will deal with youter.'''' Reese mimicked Leena and followed her to the office to see how the new girl''s face looked. Nick tagged behind her as well to see the girl for another time.

    ''''I thought you would call me beforeing here,'''' Leena said, entering the office room.

    ''''I was supposed to..but Ipletely forgot seeing something divine.'''' Merl''sst words were a whisper as she darted her eyes to the man who just entered. ''''I hope you are not bothered by my early presence.'''' She quicklyposed and addressed Leena.

    ''''Not at all.'''' Leena smiled and gave Nick a questioning look, but he was too involved in something else to look at Leena.

    Reese''s hawk-like eyes were drifting from the girl to Nick, clearly noticing something between the two. She nudged Leena, pointing her eyes towards Nick and the girl. ''''Look at them.''''

    Merl shyly tucked her hair and darted her eyes away when Nick looked at her. On the other hand, Nick readjusted his shirt and ran ahand through his hair in an attempt to tidy himself up and make himself better.

    Leena, Reese : '''' ''''

    It''s happening under their nose. Leena never expected Nick has this side of an angle in him. ''''Alright, Merl.'' Leena raised her voice to bring the romantic couple into this world. ''''Reese will show your seat and exin the work.''''

    ''''Umm...Thanks.'''' She went along with Reese without tearing her eyes away from Nick until she reached the door.

    ''''I am so happy?'''' Leena said, crossing her arms when Reese and Merl were out.

    ''''Me too,'''' Nick muttered, watching the girl from the ss door as if she has cast a mist of magic on him.

    Leena shook her head and kicked Nick out of the room. Since the day Nick hase to the office, she has not seen him interacting much with women, but this is the first time he has seen him interested in a girl. Is it love at first sight? Although Merl has a good educational background, she will not let Nick take the wrong step without knowing anything about the girl.

    ''''What a progress on the first day.'''' She smiled and sat on the chair. She nced at her mobile to check notifications. Her mood went down the hill when she saw Enger''s text. [Enger: I am drinking a banana smoothie at your favorite restaurant.What are you doing, Leena?]

    ''''Wish magic existed,'''' Leena angrily muttered. She badly wanted to put poison in that ss right now. She changed the name Enger to Psychopath Enger and sent him a fake reply. [Yum, Yum banana! I wish I were there]

    [Psychopath Enger: Drink it. I am sending a virtual banana juice. Enjoy!]

    ''''Phtoo!'''' She spitted. ''''He doesn''t haveedy sense as well.''''

    Leena plowed her anger and energy into something positive. She pressed the switch on her bracelet, and immediately, her babylicious serious working face popped up. How can he look so handsome even while working? Leena pouted. ''''Are you controlling yourughter?''''

    Like a bolt, Devin''s eyes snapped to the wristwatch. ''''Will you stop scaring me by suddenly turning up?'''' With the quietness around in the office, the sudden, rming sound caught the wits out of Devin. Sometimes, when Devin makes her angry, Leena will take revenge by switching that damn button of the bracelet when he is in a conference. She ys all weird ringtones in front of the employees. If Leena decided to release the software to the outside world, he is sure all women would be ready to buy it to spy on their husbands.

    ''''Happiness lies in annoying my husband.'''' She giggled. ''''What are you doing?'''' Without giving him a chance, Leena began the story of Nick that happened in the office. An hourter, Leena stopped eating Devin''s brain and started her work.

    When it turned evening, Leena dropped Cutie at the music ss and waited until it ended. Whileing back, she crossed paths with the flute teacher, who was twiddling his front hair. ''''What?'''' She asked impatiently.

    Hmph! He muttered under his breath. Baddd behavior! Pointing his index finger at Savny, he growled. ''''Veryyyy badddd Savnyyyy....She pinched my thighs yesterday.'''' He againined to Leena.

    ''''Human behavior flows from three sources: Desire, emotion, and knowledge. But for people like you, ites from stupidity.'''' Having said that, Leena walked past him. While going, Cutie turned back and stuck her tongue out at him.

    ''''Hmph. Like mother, like daughter. Veryyyy badddd girlssss.'''' He muttered before turning to walk away.

    ''''What''s your Flute teacher''s name, Cutie?'''' Leena asked, ordering the driver to start the car. All the strange people she met have freakish names. Uncle Pumpkin, and Jack Condom, Aunt Jpeno. She wondered what''s the name of that ringmaster.

    ''''Ged.'''' Cutie said. Ged? With Cutie''s broken words, Leena knew she made a mistake asking the question to her.

    ....

    The following day, when Leena was getting ready for the office, Nick demanding her toe to his room. Surprise, shock, all emotions heaved, seeing the new Avatar of Nick. A grey bomber jacket, paired with ripped jeans, was looking dapper, added to his fitness.

    ''''H_ow do I look? Is it bad? or okay?'''' Nick eagerly asked, tapping his foot on the floor.

    ''Are you courting the new girl Merl?'''' She directly questioned.

    Nick''s eyes widened. ''''W_hy would I? I am just trying a new outfit'''' Nick walked past Leena, not looking into her eyes. How did Leena find out so quickly?

    ''''It''s definitely for her.'''' Leena smiled. While having breakfast, Leena received a text from Kyle, asking if she can meet after the office at a shopping mall. Her love for dresses is a never-ending saga. She immediately agreed to meet Kyle.

    ....

    The shopping mall was fully crowded in the evening. Sitting inside the car, aptop in hisp, Kurt was watching the GPS tracking device of a criminal''s car, which their team threw a tracker in the automobile''s glove box under the seat car. ''''Get ready. She is close. That woman is real dangerous. Deal with her carefully.''''

    ''''Yes, sir.'''' The team stepped out of the different cars and dispersed into the crowd like normal people.

    With the purpose of a mission to catch a certain woman who is slipping from the FBI fingers bymitting serious thefts, Kurt stepped into the shopping mall, and the real problem started when someone addressed him. A familiar voice tortures him by calling from every different number as if her father is the owner of a SIMpany. Standing in front of him, she was grinning, slurping her lollipop..Kurt immediately turned in the opposite direction to escape without knowing, another storm was awaiting.

 Chapter 367 - Phobia

    Leena, Reese, and Cutie went to the shopping arena and met Kyle at the agreed spot. ''''Whoa! That lipstick color on you looks magical.'''' Reese eximed in delight, looking at Kyle''s glossy lips.

    ''''Thank you, Reese.'''' Kyle bashfully stroked her soft lips. ''''It''s dark apricot from a new brand which I am using for a month. I have another set of lipstick. Do you want to try?''''

    Reese eagerly nodded her head, and the three went to the restroom, leaving Leena alone. Pouting her lips, Reese applied like she is a queen of Elizabeth, clicked pictures, and sent them to Andrew. Kyle applied another coating, a proud smile on her face.

    Cutie scorned. They are behaving like the Great Alexander as if they had conquered the world like him.

    ''If you readers wonder how a brat like me knows about Alexander, you have to me my dad, Wilbur Hayes. He would show that Purple Cloak man as an example before I go to bed. He expects me to turn like him. As if I will.''

    When the trio went back, Reese noticed Leena standing on the same spot where they left. Reese sighed, for she knew what''s going with Leena.

    The colorful dresses on the mannequins of each shop drew Leena''s soul almost immediately. As if they roared into life, the voices pierced into Leena''s ears.

    ''Leena, look here. I am the newly designed Mermaid silhouette. Please visit me.''

    To her left was Matt and Nat''s clothing brand. Her feet tickled to run in the direction when shortly to her right, Monkeegenes brand called. ''Leena, I am designed in a blue Pinafore. It''s your favorite color, isn''t it.''

    Soon behind her, a soft voice hissed. ''Pick me, Leena. I am a floral dress, and you are a floral goddess.''

    Tempting was the only passion running in her mind. Her head snapped in all directions. She wished she had five heads like the Hindu God, Lord Brahma, to crave her thirst all at once.

    ''Stop it,'' Leena telepathically shut their mouths. ''Be patient. I wille and visit you all.''

    The voices stopped tormenting with an immediate effect.

    ''''It started again?'''' Reese asked Leena, seeing her 360 degrees shift of emotions.

    ''''What started?'''' Kyle questioned, squeezing Cutie''s cheeks though the kid squeaked, swatting Kyle''s hands away. She is unable to keep her hands away from those chubby cheeks.

    ''''Leena''s phobia,'''' Reese said wearily. ''''ording to her, the clothes call her and beg her to buy them.''''

    ''''Such kind of phobia exists?'''' Kyle eximed.

    ''''Of course...'''' Leena said a matter of factly.

    ''''It''s an alibi she chose to escape when her Francy used to take a ss.'''' Reese butted in. ''''Now she might have started on Devin as well.''''

    ''''It''s not an alibi. It''s the truth.'''' Leena argued.

    ''''Whatever, madam floral Goddess.'''' Reese giggled to taunt Leena. ''''Let''s go. Time for shopping.''''

    ''''Good that you reminded me. Let''s visit Matt and Nat. I have to buy that Mermaid dress before someone takes over my possession.'''' Leena pointed to the shop and then dragged all the three.

    ''''Hey, Leena!'''' Kyle cried. ''''It''s my shopping, though.''''

    ''''Then you will surely regret it,'''' Reese giggled. Within half n hour, Leena pulled them into four shops and brought a dozen dresses for herself. Atst, Leena listened to Kyle''s pleas when she had no bags in her hand. ''''It''s your friend''s wedding, and you need a dress. Isn''t it?''''

    ''''At least, you know..''''

    ''''Hey, Crazy Leena. What are you doing here?'''' Kyle stopped talking when she heard a shrill voice from behind.

    Leena surprisingly looked at Wendy, who was panting. ''''What''s up, Lollipop? Why are you here?''''

    ''''Searching for that FBI agent. Did you see him here?'''' She asked, looking at all the corners. She has definitely seen him running into this shop.

    ''''Why would hee here?'''' Leena said. Is she still not over that Sweedish Butler?

    Kyle yelped in wonder when she heard Kurt''s name. Isn''t she the lollipop girl I have seen in the bathroom? Now that Kyle observed her keenly, she realized, she had seen this woman in Austin''s wedding as well. Is she searching for Kurt again?

    ''''He is escaping from my clutches again,'''' Wendy said, slurping her Lollipop.

    ''''I did not see him.'''' Replied Leena.

    ''''Damn that man! He is always escaping.'''' She snorted. ''''And Reese...I heard you are in a rtionship.''''

    How did she know? Reese wondered. She is like a radio broadcaster, collecting all the gossips. ''''Yes.'''' She replied monotonously.

    ''''Even you got a boyfriend, but I still haven''t,'''' Wendy cried, sucking the Lollipop. ''''Carry on..I have work.'''' Wendy said, and her eyes snapped at the men''s trail room. He must be hiding there. Wendy disdainfully looked at Kyle from head to toe before she turned to leave.

    ''''Weird woman,'''' Reese muttered.

    Cutie hugged Leena''s thigh, licking her lips as she looked at Wendy''s retreating figure. ''''Eena..loipop.''''

    ''''No.''''

    ''''Peese, eeena..'''' Her eyes moistened. She badly wanted to grab the Lollipop Wendy was carrying in the other hand, but she did not dare. Leena would give her a big ss.

    Leena lifted Cutie in her arms. ''''Worms will grow in the stomach whoever eats lollipops, and soon trees will emerge. Loipop aunty had a big tree in her stomach. Children made fun of her. So, the doctors operated on her to remove it. Do you still want to eat and grow the tree?''''

    After listening to the story, Cutie shuddered when she imagined a tree growing from her stomach, the branches emerging out of her dress.''''Nooooo..''''

    ''''Good girl,'''' Leena patted Cutie''s head. She picked a couple of dresses and handed them to Kyle. ''''Try them. Let me see how they look on you.''''

    ''''Okay.''''

    Almost all the trial rooms were busy. Finally, Kyle was relieved when the room at the end of the corridor was unlocked. One second passed, two seconds passed, the person didnote out of the room.

    ''''What is she doing?'''' She walked over the corridor, and she slightly opened the door. Her hand reached up and sped the throat. It was not a woman. A familiar person, she knew. ''''You are in a...''''

    There was no moment of hesitation. Kyle was yanked into the trial room by a solid muscr hand. ''''Shhhh..Don''t scream...'''' Pushing her body to the wall, he closed her mouth with the back of his palm and locked the bolt with his other hand.

 Chapter 368 - Skipped, Skipped, Skipped A Beat

    With his hand sped onto her mouth, and the threatening re in his eyes was alone enough to keep her mouth shut. The warmth of his breath fanned her neck as he leaned forward.Her heartbeat was in a mess, standing an inch away from him. If not she were holding the railing for support, her feet would have given up at the frequency they trembled.

    ''''Don''t panic. It''s me.'''' In the end, he lifted his hand. His eyes softened when he noticed she was scared.

    ''''You have got a way to scare me always.'''' She scorned fiercely.

    Ignoring her bombasts, he said. ''''I need your help to escape from this room.'''' His voice was low, without any inflection.

    ''''I am not your servant.'''' She snapped, pushing him away.

    ''''Why you....'''' Kurt stopped cursing immediately. Hepletely forgot. Madam will only entertain requests. ''''Kyle...'''' He forced a smile. ''''Please help me.''''

    ''''It''s not a big deal like the restroom you enteredst time.'''' She said, azy expression on her face. ''''Take right, and walk straight. If someone asks, tell them you havee here by mistake.''''

    ''''NO!'''' Kurt denied.

    His father must have a hard time raising this child. Kyle mused. ''''Why do you keep running into girl''s personal? Last time, it was the bathroom, and now it is a trial room. Funny, though, I am the only unlucky person to witness your eyesores.''''

    ''''I didnot intended to. I have run into a problem.'''' Kurt added dejectedly. All the me goes to that Lollipop. She is like a viscous oil, a part of it still sticks, even after washing. Instead of thinking about the criminal, Kurt''s curiosity piqued on something else today. He wanted to know if that Lollipop sleeps with that stick in her mouth during nights as well.

    ''''Wait here,'''' Kyle unlocked the door and peeked. Almost the corridor is getting lined up now. She immediately closed the door shut before someonees rushing. What do I do now? She has an idea but doesn''t know if this misogynist agrees to it.

    ''''Let''s do one thing.'''' Kyle''s ears turned pink. ''''We will go together. If they ask, I_I will tell them that you are my boyfriend...and you are here to see my dress..''''

    ''''Absolutely not.'''' Kurt denied it again.

    ''"Then what am I suppose to do?'''' Kyle cried, slumping on the floor. What''s so big deal in going out? She has seen men straight away walking into their girlfriends or wives '' rooms without any shame. ''''Then you don''t have a choice. Unless the lights go off...''''

    ''''That''s a good idea.'''' Kurt smiled, made a call to his assistant, spoke a few words, and ended the call. ''''The entire shoppingplex will ckout in another ten minutes.''''

    He was talking as if he had won a medal, but Kyle kenned him as a coward who cannot face a woman. If she voiced her thoughts, he woulde growling at her like a dog.

    ''''Did you get any breakthrough in the case?'''' Kyle asked, breaking the silence. Ten minutes of silence would do no good in the small room.

    ''''Back to square,'''' Kurt said. ''If only you helped me but dared to utter.'' ''''How is your rtionship with him? D_id you break up?''''

    ''''No. We are good now.''''

    Kurt gripped the iron rail tightly. Why does my heart feel empty? Am I sad that she is dating that criminal, or is it something else?

    ''''Aren''t you asking why I am talking despite knowing he is a criminal?'''' Kyle lifted her eyes to meet him.

    What else? Puppy love. That criminal might have called her babe, and she would have melted like Sugar upon hearing his sweet coated words. Then the reconciliation. A babe for a grown-up girl?''''I am not bothered.'''' Secondster, Kurt changed the question. ''''Why?'''' He has eight more minutes. Let''s hear what she has to say.

    ''''My mother died of a disease when I was young.''''

    He witnessed a wave of sadness pinned on her face.

    ''''Luckily, I didnot end up in the streets.'''' Kyle continued. ''''I had only one thought running in my mind after the night you showed the truth. What if they are not lucky like me. Since then, I have been gathering a little about Landon. I wanted to tell you this but didnot find the right time.''''

    ''''So you are talking to him to help me?'''' Kurt questioned to confirm his doubts.

    Kyle nodded her head, and in a spur of the moment, she was embraced into a hug. ''''Thank you, Kyle, but don''t act recklessly and put your life at risk. I will call you tonight and tell you what you exactly need to do.''''

    ''''Ummmm..okay.'''' She whispered, standing still like a statue. ''''Ca_n you release me..

    Kurt immediately pulled back when he realized he had made a mistake on impulse. ''''Actually, I_I was..''''

    Darkness ignited the room like an ember of coal. Kurt felt he got saved from the embarrassment.

    ''''I will look outside first,'''' Kyle changed the topic and unlocked the door. The shlights turned on everywhere, but the people across the corridor are moving out. ''''It''s clear.''''

    Without any hazards, Kurt passed the trail rooms area on Kyle''smand and parted their ways.

    ''''Hey, Reese,'''' Kyle called, appearing in front of her.

    ''''What took you so long?'''' Reese asked, shing the mobile light across Kyle''s face. ''''Damn this power! Irresponsible management.''''

    ''''The dress was a little tight at my waist. So, I had a hard time wearing it.'''' Kyle said. ''''Where is Leena?''''

    ''''That shopaholic doesn''t care dark or light when ites to clothes. She must be somewhere, picking dresses.'''' Reese said, tightly holding Cutie''s hand. ''''Let me call her.''''

    Kyle stood next to Reese, waiting for Leena. Suddenly, a voice whispered close to her ears, startling her. ''''Thank you. Have a safe journey.''''

    And then he was gone. She followed his silhouette in the line of shlight torches. Momentster, the brightness lit the entire building. He turned back and smiled at her.. Her heart skipped, skipped, skipped, a beat.

 Chapter 369 - Hidden Under A Veil

    Upon reaching home, Kyle threw the shopping bags into the closet and tiredly copsed on the bed. His scent still lingers on her dress; probably it happened when he hugged her in the trial room. She can''t believe the misogynist initiated the hug this time. Each passing day, her feelings are turning stronger for him. Kyle wished she could open Kurt''s brain and see if he feels at least something towards her. ''''Does he like me? Obviously, it''s a no. One-sided loves are pathetic.''''

    Just then, Kyle heard her favorite song, the ringtone she set for her mobile. Her heart hammered into the chest as she looked at the number. She gripped the mobile in her hands tightly, pondering what to speak when she hears his voice. Fanning her face, she lifted the call. ''''Hell..''''

    ''''What took you so long to lift my call?'''' His barking voice hovered over hers.

    ''''I just arrived home,'''' Kyle said. There is no word of kindness in his dictionary. He shamelessly used her twice to escape from the same woman and now treating her like a speck of dust. Next time, even if he begs, she decided not to help him.

    ''''I will send a package to your hospital tomorrow,'''' Kurt said. ''''Open it secretly.''''

    ''''What''s that'''' She asked. It would be good if he gives a heads-up to prepare her mind. The bananas and socks are the most unforgettable gifts she ever received.

    ''''Can''t tell in the call. I will call you tomorrow.'''' Kurt said. ''''Go to Sleep. Don''t talk with that criminal for hours.'''' His voice stern, void of any emotions.

    ''''Anyway, you will know the conversations. You have a knack for tracking calls of others, isn''t it?'''' Kyle said in a mocking voice.

    ''''I_'''' Kurt was tongue-tied. She brings the topic in every possible way to taunt him. ''''Good night. I have...''''

    ''''Wait, Kurt...Don''t hang up.'''' Kyle quickly stopped him. ''''I am bored. Can you talk for a while?'''' She knows he disagrees.

    ''''I am too busy to entertain you.'''' With that, Kurt hung up.

    Shortly after the call ended, Kyle''s mobile buzzed with a message notification. [Kurt: I am telling you again, Kyle. I am going to drag that criminal into prison. You better stop getting attached to him.]

    Is he jealous? No way! Kyle snubbed his message with scorn. She has more pressing matters than to think about Landon. For example: How to initiate the conversation with Kurt? Her poor brain hit with an idea instantly. Leena! She quickly finished her dinner andy down on the bed. Grabbing her mobile from the stand, she texted Leena. [Kyle: What kind of question to ask a friend to prolong the conversation]

    To her surprise, Kyle received an instant reply. [Leena: Man or Woman?]

    [Kyle: Man]

    [Leena: Is it your boyfriend?]

    Kyle hesitated for a second, but in the end, she typed a yes.

    [Leena: Ask him what''s the first thing he washes when he shower]

    ''''What!'''' Kyle spontaneously closed her eyes at the dirty thought that her poor brain imagined about Kurt. ''''Oh My God! Leena is very shameless. She speaks the unparliamentarynguage always.''''

    [Kyle: Leena, isn''t it a little personal question to ask?]

    [Leena: Then ask him how good he looks naked on the bed?]

    [Leena: If you feel that''s also personal, probably, you can ask how big was hisst Poop.]

    Kyle: '''' ''''

    ''''I will go mad if I chat with her for another five minutes'''' Kyle threw the mobile onto the bedside table and closed her eyes. Without any mercy, Kurt will put her in prison for talking unparliamentarynguage. Bad Leena! Does she talk about all these things with Devin? He must have suffered a lot in her hands.

    At the other end,ying her head on Devin''sp, Leena giggled as she imagined the funny expressions of Kyle. ''''She must be scared reading those messages, isn''t it, Devin?''''

    ''''Babylicious, are you there?''''

    Leena poked his leg when he didnot respond to herments. ''''Devin.''''

    ''''I..am here..''''

    Leena could make out he is zoning out entirely. She got up and tugged the sleeping Cutie with a Spiderman nket. ''''Is something bothering you?'''' She asked, her voiceced with concern.

    ''''Nothing.'''' He smiled, caressing her cheek. ''''Go to sleep.''''

    ''''After you.'''' She pulled him to the bed, and bothy asleep with Cutie in the middle. When Leena went into a deep sleep, Devin opened his eyes and turned to her side. The moonlight from the sheer curtains cast an eternal glow on her peaceful sleeping face.

    Lots of questions swirling in his mind with no answers. His memories rted to that Blondie. Leena''s tattoo. He hasn''t figured out why he feels a strange pain when he sees her tattoo on the back. He often feels it is trying to convey the darkest moments of life he has led in the past.

    And there is Winter''s connection to Morvena. On top of that, a nameless enemy of him has given a contract to Morvena to wipe out his memories. Until now, he didnot find a single clue about the person as if he is nobody, who hasn''t existed on earth. All the clues are there in front of him but hidden under a veil. The search is useless until he searches for the veil. The dots cannot be connected looking forward. He can only connect them looking backward.

    Above all, he is more concerned about the impending future danger. Why is Enger not making a move yet? The two-faced man has something up his sleeves always. The warning should have triggered his ego, enough to attack him or at least to make his second move. But nothing strange things urred until now. Life is running smoothly. Or am I missing something minute that I am ignoring? With thoughts running, Devin closed his eyes and drifted to sleep when his eyes felt heavy.

    .....

    Three days passed in a blink with the same routine life. Leena was a bit early for the office to meet with an important client. Her stomach was almost screaming by the time the meeting ended. Before she got up to leave to have something to fill her stomach, the door was pushed open and entered a poised woman, a ss in her right hand and to the left, a paper bag.

    ''''Good morning.'''' Leena smiled charmingly.

    ''''Morning, Leena.'''' Putting the ss on the table, Merl smiled. ''''A banana smoothie, and your favorite Tofu, Kale sandwich.''''

    ''''You don''t need to,'''' Leena said.

    "I am honored, honestly,'''' Merl said bashfully. ''''I am your big fan for a long time.''''

    ''''So sweet of you, Thanks again!'''' Compliments are not new for Leena. Taking a sip of the banana juice, Leena closed her eyes. ''''But how did you know they are my favorite?''''

    ''''Umm..Nick said...'''' Merl muttered awkwardly, tracing her fidgeting over her dress.

    Pressing her lips, Leena nodded her head, repressing her smile. Their rtionship is progressing way fastly, and smoothly, Leena thought. But she doesn''t have any objection. Leena has been observing Merl for close to a week, and the girl is quite good and active at her work.A little nervous and timid girl, though, which is ignorable. Leena also did a little background check on her, and the family is living well. What more she needs for Nick?

    ''''Thank you, Merl.'''' Leena smiled. ''''You can go and work.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' Merl excused and made her way out. When she opened her office door, she noticed a tall man sitting on the chair, his back facing her. ''''Nick? Is that you?''''

    Nick turned around and smiled. ''''Yeah, it''s me. How is everything here?'''' He softly asked.

    ''''Good. I am adjusting.'''' She nervously replied, ncing at the floor. ''''Do you want to discuss anything with me?''''

    ''''Nothing.'''' He got up and slowly approached her. Standing in front of her, he gently stroked her fingers and waited for her to protest. But nothing that he expected hase. She is responding. Is it a sign that she likes me as well? ''''You look beautiful, Merl.'''' He wants to take one step at a time before he confesses his feelings for her.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Merl shyly tucked her hair behind her ears.

    How can one be so angelic, and pure at the same time? Her innocence made him forget the brutal world he faced in the past.

 Chapter 370 - Bitchology

    In the afternoon, Merl went to lunch along with her colleagues. Nick insisted oning with her, but she denied telling it would lead to misunderstandings. Nick didnot object, for he knows Merl has a fear of being misjudged.

    Bliss is built in the bustling business park, and when the team made their way to the foodcourt, Mandy was the first to rush towards her favorite California pizza kitchen. Almost everybody was a woman in thepany, and Merl wondered if Leena is prejudiced against men. But then again, Leena is close to Nick, so she brushed off the thought.

    Twenty minutester, everybody gathered and settled on the chairs. Mandy had a barbeque Peking duck and Bacon pizza loaded with extra cheese. Chicken wings and mashed potato for sides. Two bottled sodas to make her eat less.

    ''''You are supposed to go on a diet, Mandy,'''' Naomi said, taking a bite of burrito.

    ''''The weight I am losing is going to the person I hate.'''' Mandy''s chubby cheeks puffed as she loaded her mouth with the chicken wings. ''''So, I am putting a stop to dieting.''''

    ''''Is that hate towards Leena madam?'''' Megan giggled. Mandy is like a roaring lion behind the scenes, and in front of Leena, she is a scared rabbit.

    ''''Not Leena. Call her Witch.'''' Mandy corrected. Everybody burst outughing except Merl.

    ''''Don''t criticize Leena.'''' Merl bit her lips nervously before voicing her thoughts. ''''She is a very good person.''''

    ''''Oho!'''' Mandy drank the soda through the straw and burped before putting down the can. ''''It''s because you haven''t seen her true colors, Merl. She is a big fatty bully.''''

    ''''Stop it, Mandy. Did you forget the punishment you receivedst time for bitching on Leena?'''' Naomi and Megan reminded.

    Ignoring the two, Mandy nudged Merl toe forward and whispered. ''''She has dated many women in the past.''''

    ''''W_omen? But she is married...'''' Merl stopped short when she saw Leena, Savny, and Reese standing behind Mandy''s chair. Merl swallowed when Leena gestured, ''don''t talk'' to all the girls sitting next to her. Even Naomi, who was sitting next to Mandy, sensed the powerful aura, but Mandy didnot.

    Biting down the pizza, Mandy said. ''''She was forced into marriage because her uncle saw through the acts. He got scared that she would tarnish his reputation. So, he convinced his friend, and reluctantly, his son has to marry this crazy. You might have already known who the man is...He is the heartthrob for girls. Poor my Devin..'''' Mandy wiped her tears and looked at Merl to see if she was listening. Merl nodded her head to continue under Leena''smand.

    ''''She was secretly dating Reese before marriage. I heard that she built an ind for Reese as a token of their love.''''

    Reese clenched her fists, ready to knock Mandy''s head, but Leena stopped her.

    Mandy stuffed the mashed potato into her mouth and then continued. ''''Although that witch is married, I heard a rumor that she is still not over Reese, and they secretly fool around masking behind Devin.''''

    ''''Done with your bitchology ss?'''' Mandy choked on the food when she heard the voice from behind. She slowly turned her head like a scared kid in the ghost movies. Ghosts are betterpared to Leena in Mandy''s view. ''''L_eena..I was telling them how good...you are to the employees.''''

    The girls around her bit their tongues to keep fromughing.

    ''''It''s funny how obedient you act on my face,'''' Leena said, her voice insipid. ''''It''s hrious how you talk shit behind my back, and it''s downrightical that you think I am unaware of it.''''

    ''''Leena..'''' Merl hesitantly spoke up, like a scared bunny. ''''Don''t reprimand Mandy. She probably did not mean to hurt you.''''

    ''''Oh, Merl! You are too innocent for this world.'''' Leena felt pity for the girl. Everything she sees positive around her. Leena wondered how Nick is going to handle this innocent being.

    ''''For the punishment.'''' Leena shifted her gaze to Mandy. ''''One-hour yoga practice for the whole month.'''' With that, she left with Reese, and Cutie tagging behind her.

    Mandy''s world crashed. One-hour yoga practice? Thest time when Leena gave a one-day punishment, the whole week, she got up with a sore body. How is she supposed to handle it for a month?

    ''''Don''t worry.'''' Merl gently grabbed Mandy''s hand. ''''I am the one taking sses. I will go easy on you.''''

    ''''Thank you, Merl. You are so sweet.'''' Mandy looked at Merl like a goddess at that moment.

    ''''Let''s go. It''ste already.'''' Merl said, and all were back to the office.

    Meanwhile, Leena and Reese were giggling like hyenas recalling Mandy''s nasty face. ''''I have to bow down to the way she made up your story...What was that...ind as a token of love...pfft..''''

    ''''She is the gray sprinkle on a rainbow cupcake.'''' Leena switched the button of her bracelet, unable to hold herself from sharing Mandy''s incident with her babylicious.

    Reese''s eyes broadened as she watched Devin''s face on the bail of the bracelet. ''''Holy mother of Gods! How did you do this?'''' Reese tortured Leena until she turned off, and his face was gone. With a frustrated sigh, she exined the story behind the bracelet. ''''I can track, I can listen to his voice, I can even see him. Happy?''''

    ''"Can you do one for me, Leena? Please.'''' Reese pleaded. She can see Rew''s face anytime and perhaps spy on him sometimes.

    ''''No.'''' She declined. ''''It''s exclusive to my Devin.''''

    ''''Pretty..please.'''' Reese pleaded again. Just then, they heard a knock, and Merl appeared.

    ''''I need your signature on the approval file.''''

    Leena scanned the papers thoroughly before signing the document. ''''Here you go.'''' She handed back the file.

    ''''Thank you. The bracelet is beautiful.'''' Merl said, unable to take her eyes off the beautiful. ''''Where did you buy it?''''

    ''''It''s custom-made,'''' Leena replied, grazing her fingers over it.

    Merl smiled and went back to her seat before looking at the bracelet for onest time.

 Chapter 371 - Puppet

    Days passed in a blink of an eye. It''s been three weeks; Merl began working in thepany, and Nick has turned into aplete love-sick fool by now. Sitting on the terrace, Nick was enjoying the evening summer weather, chatting with Merl.

    ''''Nicky boy!'''' Aunt Jpeno screamed, approaching him. ''''I heard you are in love with a woman with all your butt. How can you forget telling this to your aunt Jpeno? Aren''t we one family?''''

    ''''Here she goes with butts again,'''' Nick muttered, scowling at her. No wonder her husband ran away from her.

    ''''Nicky boy''s bums are no more yours, Aunt Jpeno,'''' Leena merrilyughed, peeking into Nick''s mobile. ''''You look damn good without make-up...Buttercup...Woah! What is this! I smell cheese.''''

    ''''Leena!'''' Nick locked his mobile instantly, turning red in mortification. ''''Don''t you know what privacy is? You are the most shameless creature in the world.''''

    ''''Are you talking about me?'''' Aunt Jpeno butted in, twinkling her eyes.

    ''''That was a nice one, Aunt Jpeno.'''' Leena high-fived her.

    Nick wanted to bang his head on the wall. He can''t deny the fact that both are shameless creatures.

    ''''Did you ask her out?'''' Leena questioned, averting her eyes at him.

    ''''Not yet.'''' Nick sheepishly replied. ''''I am taking her to dinner tonight..so..'''' He scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. ''''Will she ept me?''''

    ''''Trust me.'''' Leena smiled, patting his shoulder like an elder sister. ''''Nobody can reject my nickelodeon brother.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' His voice choked, eyes watered hearing Leena address him as his brother.

    ''''You made a good choice choosing Merl,'''' Leena affirmed, ''''I quite like her.''''

    ''''Is it because she brings you banana smoothies every day?'''' Nick teased

    ''''A part of it.'''' She shrugged. Since the day Merl started working, she brings banana smoothies without fail.

    Just then, Nick received a call from Merl informing him that she is starting from her home. His heart began racing at the speed of a lightning bolt.''''I am going.''''

    ''''I hope your proposal goes as nice as your butt.'''' Aunt Jpeno wished him good luck with a serious face. Nick''s face looked like a crumpled newspaper hearing her nastyparison. He will take care of these two bullies when hees back home.

    Nick drove to the hotel, all the while thinking of Merl. He approached the table reserved for the two, cursing inside in ancient Greek when he spotted Merl. ''Ma Dia!''

    Diva! She was looking beautiful yet divine. Donned in a red dress, he felt short of words to describe her beauty. Next time when he thinks of beautiful things, he will never forget to count herself in.

    ''''Hey..'''' He greeted, sitting opposite to her. ''''When did youe?''''

    ''''Five minutes back.'''' Merl smiled, and in her smile, Nick felt he had seen something beautiful than the stars.

    Control, Nick! To ease his nervousness, Nick ordered food, all ording to her taste. He tried to bring the topic, but he would flinch back anxiously every time he opened his mouth. In the end, he volunteered to drop her at home to try his luck over there.

    ''''Nick, are you alright?'''' Merl asked as he halted the car at home. ''''Do you want to say something?''''

    ''''I_I..'''' Taking a deep breath, he started. ''''Don''tugh at me..but would you like to go movies, hiking, cliff diving forever with me?'''' He mentally prepared himself to propose to her in a cheesy way like the girl''s usually love, but everything went nk at the sight of her. Nick waited for Merl''s response. One second, two seconds passed. He didnot hear a word from her. His mood dropped an octave. ''''Forget it.'''' He said. ''''Think that I never asked..''''

    ''''When do you n to take me to a movie?'''' Merl spoke out, atst,ing in eye contact with him.

    Nick''s mood brightened in moments. ''''Are you telling..''''

    Merl unlocked the car door and ran into her house as fast as she can.

    ''''I will take that as a yes,'''' Nick screamed at the retreating figure. Before closing the door, she looked at him, a shy smile on her face, and that was all he needed for the confirmation. ''''She is so cute.''''

    He immediately called Leena to share his happiness. The whole night he didnot sleep thinking of his future with his love.

    The following day Nick got up to have a beautiful morning with his girlfriend, but all he got was work. He cursed Devin for assigning crucial work on the first day of his dating life. He sent a text message to Merl that he would be a littlete to the office. She was sad, and he could feel it by the way she addressed him in one syble. All thanks to certain someone. He reluctantly got up to get ready.

    ....

    ''''Your usual banana smoothie, Leena.'''' Merl put it on the table, along with the report of a client, for review.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Leena took a sip, and before Merl went back, Leena called her. ''''I heard you both are dating.''''

    Merl timidly nodded her head. She talked for a while with Leena regarding Nick and went out, only to bump into the man. ''''When did youe?''''

    ''''Just now. I did finish the work to meet you.'''' Peeking at the employees, Nick dragged her into the office room. ''''I missed you.''''

    ''''T_his is office.''''Merl stuttered, pushing him away at an arm''s length. ''''Leena strictly prohibited office romance.''''

    What kind of rule is that? There is not even a male species in the office except him.

    ''''Nick, can I ask you something?'''' Merl''s question brought him out of his thoughts.

    ''''Anything for you.''''

    ''''Can you bring me blueberry muffins from voroso.'''' She asked. ''''I am craving to eat them.''''

    ''''Sure..'''' This is the first time Merl is acting spoiled around him. Although voroso is a little far from thepany, Nick didnot mind it since it''s Merl.

    ''''I will be back. Wait for me.'''' He said, to which she eagerly nodded her head.

    Momentster, Reese pushed Leena''s office door. ''''What are you doing?''''

    ''''Work,'''' Leena replied monotonously, trying hard to concentrate on the report.

    ''''Okay,'''' Reese said. ''''I am going out for a while. Rew wants to meet me urgently.''''

    ''''Okay,''''

    Why is she suddenly speaking like a cold CEO? It is Leena. So, anything is possible. Reese muttered before going out.

    Leena closed the file shut as if she was pushed into a concussion. The things around her felt dizzy. She felt like her innards were being reced by some ck hole. Her face went as pale as her eyes. ''''What..is happening..'''' Leena rose from the chair, and then again, her knees also felt week. Never she felt helpless. Nick hasn''te to the office, and Reese just went out. She didnot even had the voice to call for help.

    Her breath felt heavy. With her shaky hands, she grabbed her mobile to ring Devin, but the weight of the tiny mobile felt like a giant rock in her hands. Momentster, the mobile crashed to the floor.. With one step backward, she crumpled like a puppet suddenly released of its strings.

 Chapter 372 - Target Success

    By continuously sitting in the same ce, Merl eventually got bored. She took a break and went outside to chat with either Mandy or Naomi until Nick returned to the office with her favorite blueberry muffins. ''''How do you feel, Mandy? Are you in pain?''''

    ''''I am going to kill that Witch one day.'''' Mandy grimaced, massaging her arms to ease the soreness. She hates exercising, and that Witch knows to hit the right spot. As if is she has no work in the office, she picks on me constantly.

    ''''Kill the Witch? Everybody knows you are a scared rabbit in front of Leena.'''' Stated Naomi. Her sarcastic tone earned a deathly stare from Mandy. The three of their talks shifted to the recent gossips, while Merl''s gaze shifted to her wristwatch now and then.

    ''''You guys carry on,'''' Merl got up to leave, but Mandy held her hand.

    ''''Stay.'''' Mandy insisted like a spoiled child. Nobody here cares about her except for Merl. So, she wanted to spend time with her and also bitch on that Witch for some time.

    ''''I have to fetch a review document from Leena to prepare for the next ss..'''' Merl gave a legitimate excuse. ''''We will continue at lunch.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Mandy unwillingly agreed.

    Merl knocked on Leena''s office door and waited. With no response from the other end, she pushed open the door and walked in. ''''Leena?''''

    ''''Leena, where are...'''' Her hands flew to her chest, witnessing the scene in front of her.

    ''''Leena!'''' She screamed, enough to wake the dead before making a run towards her. Fear dreaded on her, seeing Leena lying on the ground unconscious.

    ''''What on the earth happened to you? You were fine in the morning.'''' Merl patted Leena''s cheeks, but shey unresponsive. Hearing the screams, the employees came running to the office room one by one. Cutie, who was ying with Carrot, also jogged into the room. ''''Eena!'''' She cried, tapping Leena''s arms. Carrot was whimpering, running around Leena in circles. Both were not ready to part from them, although the employees pulled them.

    ''''OMG! Leena! What happened to her?'''' Naomi cried, approaching Leena hastily, but Merl stopped her.

    ''''Everybody..Would you mind moving aside? You are suffocating her. Please cooperate.'''' Merl checked pulse. It has dropped, and she knew Leena has to be taken to the hospital. ''''We need to shift her to the hospital soon.''''

    ''''Nick and Reese are not in the office.'''' One of the employees shouted. ''''I will call the ambnce.''''

    ''''NO!'''' Merl''s thundering voice startled the employee. Knowing that her tone scared everyone, she immediately smiled, her tone soft as she spoke. ''''Leena is a celebrity. Let''s not make an issue by exposing her to the public. I will take her to the hospital in my car.''''

    Everybody nodded in agreement. Mer''s statement made sense to them.

    ''''I need a person to assist me.'''' Merl quickly nced at Mandy. ''''Can you help me, Mandy?''''

    ''''Of course,'''' Mandy ensured. Sadness gloomed over Mandy''s face, for she was unable to take Leena''s pale appearance. She is better a bully, Mandy thought.

    ''''I will also join you,'''' Naomi suggested. She can''t leave Leena alone.

    ''''No! Stay here, Naomi,'''' Merl stated sternly. ''''Take care of Savny. She is alone. When Nick and Reesee back, please inform them.'''' Merl said. Bright light blinked under the table. Merl faintly looked at Leena''s mobile, which has fallen onto the ground. It was Reese''s number. Shepletely ignored and turned to the faint Leena.

    Naomi pulled the crying Cutie into her arms. She held Carrot''s leash and dragged her out of the room, although it was shooting and growling at her for separating her from Leena.

    ''''Let''s go,'''' Merl told Mandy. The others stepped forward to help, but Merl lifted Leena and carried her out of the room, mandy following behind. Mandy was surprised at how the fragile girl was able to carry Leena without making any effort.

    Merl gentlyid Leena on the back seat. With Mandy looking after Leena, she started the car.

    ''''There is a hospital nearby,'''' Mandy said, switching on the Google maps. ''''Let''s take....hey! you are going in the wrong direction.''''

    ''''I know what I am doing.'''' Without heeding Mandy''s words, Merl started the car in the opposite direction. Half n hourter, the car pulled into the entrance of a Cross hospital.

    A nurse quickly checked Leena''s pulse and looked at Merl. She briefly nodded her head. ''''Please stay here.'''' She then pushed the patient inside the hospital room.

    ''''I am scared,'''' Mandy said with concern-filled eyes.

    ''''Don''t worry. She will be fine.'''' Merl assured her friend. ''''Wait here. I will inform Nick and Reese.''''

    Mandy waited in the corridor for an hour, but neither the doctors came out of the room to inform Leena''s condition nor Merl. She would have called her if she had mobile, but she forgot to carry it in her frenzy state.

    While pacing in the corridor, Mandy noticed Reese and Nick at a faint distance. ''''How is she!'''' Reese confronted Mandy. When she and Nick returned to the office, Naomi informed that Leena fainted, and Merl has taken her to the hospital. They called Merl several times to ask for the hospital name, but she didnot pick the call. But both were d that Merl was with Leena. When Nick was close to track Merl''s mobile location, they received the call.

    ''''We don''t know yet. The Doctors haven''te out to exin the situation,'''' Mandy exined, sadly ncing at the door.

    ''''Don''t worry, Nick.'''' Merl finally appeared. ''''Leena will be fine.''''

    ''''Since an hour, the doctors haven''t reported anything?'''' Reese muttered and turned to Nick. ''''It must be something serious. Inform Devin, right now.''''

    Nick swallowed hard, for his doom has approached. It was his duty to protect Leena, but he failed in the mission. The call got connected. Nick felt like he was transported to the bone-chilling continent as he slowly informed about Leena''s condition. ''''I am dead meat today.'''' He murmured.

    Within ten minutes, the hospital''s top floor thundered with rough footsteps. The deep hazel eyes turned into dark, mysterious ocellus. Knowing very well about Devin''s temper, Nick knew he is enraged.

    ''''Where were you when she fainted?'''' Devin''s voice sounded like a raged volcano.

    Nick tightly gripped the mobile in his hands. If he tells the truth that he went to a cake shop to bring muffins to his girlfriend, Devin would not think a second to throw him out of the building. ''''Devin..I.."

    ''''It''s not his mistake.'''' Merl came forward to Nick''s rescue. ''''He was not in the office when Leena..''''

    ''''WHO ARE YOU!'''' He demanded, andplete silence ensued in the corridor with the authority of his voice. Merl shuddered, holding Nick''s hand. Nick wanted to support Merl, but given the current situation, it would anger Devin further. As if a rescue squad appeared to support the life, the hospital room opened, and the doctor came out. Devin''s attention rapidly shifted to them.

    ''''Nothing to worry about. She will awake soon. It''s a food poison. She will recover in one or two days. You can go and see the patient.'''' The doctor informed. Before walking down the corridor, he exchanged looks with Merl.

    Devin slowly approached Leena. He sat by the bed, the fierce eyes reced. Tenderly he kissed her closed eyes. ''''You scared me again, Sweetheart.'''' Momentster, he heard a faint murmur.

    ''''W_ater.''''

    ''''Wait a second.'''' He poured water from the ss jug into a ss. He got up to help Leena drink through the straw. But the novel looks in her eyes confused him as if he was a stranger. ''''What''s wrong?'''' He softly asked, caressing her cheeks which Leena swatted away. ''''Don''t touch me. Who are you?''''

    Giving her one deathly stare, he helped her to lean on the headboard. ''''Your performance doesn''t even deserve an academy award.'''' Memory loss for food poisoning? Devin smirked shaking his head.

    Leena weakly whimpered. She wanted to y with him. How did he find I was acting? Was I obvious?

    .....

    From the shadows, a woman emerged out. She looked at the top building of the hospital and smirked. [Boss: Target sessful] She sent a text.

    [Good Job, A]

    ''''What are you doing here?'''' She quickly hid the mobile and turned around to see Nick smiling at her.

    ''''Informing Naomi about Leena''s condition..'''' Merl smiled at him, hiding her scorn.

 Chapter 373 - Taming Dog

    A rush of anger overwhelmed Nick. Merl has risked bringing Leena to the hospital, and Devin''s cold tone towards her, instead of feeling gratitude, irritated Nick. He has no appreciation.

    Nick led Merl to the nearby rock and made her sit. ''''Sorry that you have to see his aloof side on the first meeting. He is a little sensitive when ites to Leena.''''

    ''''I understand,'''' Merl said, her tone considerate. ''''I am not offended. On a lighter note, I am d to see him in person. He looks divine!'''' For a second, when Devin arrived, Merl forgot she was on a mission and was feasting her eyes on him.

    ''''Oh.'''' Nick looked at his foot to foot. ''''Then why are you dating me?'''' His voicecked luster. It''s not new to him that Devin is a feast to girls, but hearing from Merl, jealousy overpowered him.

    Suppressing her smile, Merl turned Nick''s face to her. She smiled upon seeing Nick giving her a ck look. ''''You look cute when you are jealous, Nick. Will you be happy if I say you are the most handsome in my eyes?'''' Merl instantly found his cheerful face again. A smirk escaped before Nick could notice. She didnot know taming this dog was as easy as a cakewalk when she first encountered him. She will not be surprised if Nickes behind her wagging his tail if she throws a biscuit at him.

    ''''Of course, I am happy. I want to be that one and only one in your eyes,'''' Nick said as he passed a paper bag. ''''Here you go. The blueberry muffins you asked for.''''

    Merl gave an exasperated sigh. ''''You carried them all the way here?''''

    ''''I thought you might be hungry.'''' He sheepishly said. ''''Anyway, let''s go inside. Leena might have woken up.''''

    ''''Yes..'''' Just then, Merl''s phone vibrated again, and she pressed the lock button to keep the number being noticed by Nick.

    ''''Who is it?'''' He asked.

    ''''Ah! It''s my father.'''' Merl said. A lie, which she mastered without batting an eye.

    ''''When are you introducing your parents to me?'''' Nick asked. He is excited to meet her parents and ask Merl''s hand for marriage.

    ''''They are not staying with me..I will introduce them when theye to meet me.'''' She replied faintly and changed the topic before Nick further questions her.''''I haven''t called my mom since morning. She must be worried. You carry on. I will be back in a while.''''

    After Nick headed into the hospital, Merl called the number. Her eyes darkened. Her aura changed like an evil witch who carelessly cut your body andughs while you are bleeding. ''''What''s the matter.''''

    ''''Please..At least once..I want to see my daughter Merl..''''

    ''''Your daughter is safe! If you bother me again until Iplete the mission, you better forget her. I will give her the most gruesome death you even wonder.'''' With that, Merl hung up, not bothered hearing the cries of the old man. She got up to leave to not stir a suspicion for Nick. On the way, Merl threw the blueberry muffins into the trashcan. With a look of disgust, she looked at the trashcan and strolled into the hospital. If not for Nick, it wouldn''t have been possible to seed in her mission. She has to hold the leash of that dog around her for a while.

    .....

    Reese scratched the back of her neck nervously when Devin called him into the room. His brooding stares did nothing but brought trouble to her mind. ''''Speak something. You are looking like a cold man that I read in the novels.''''

    ''''You are fooling with your boyfriend during office hours?''''

    ''''He asked me to meet him urgently. Besides, I asked Leena''s permission.'''' Reese muttered, dared to look at Devin. She went to the usual coffee shop they often visited and waited for half n hour, but that stupid hasn''te. She called back only to hear that he didnot send any message. Reese returned office, cursing at Andrew for lying, and then she received another shock. Leena has fallen sick.

    ''''Leave her, Devin. You are acting like a kid ming everyone. I fainted due to food poisoning. No one to be med here.'''' Leena added. She swore on the banana, had her Francy been here, Reese would have fainted without food poisoning.

    ''''I agree with Leena.'''' Nick butted in, appearing out of nowhere. ''''He scolded Merl when she risked her life to bring you here on time,'''' Nickined to Leena.

    ''''Merl brought me here?''''

    ''''Yes,'''' Nick exined everything that happened after she fainted in the office. Leena felt guilty for troubling that girl, but at the same time, her heart warmed with happiness.

    Reese exined Mandy''s bravery which Leena attentively listened to like a curious kid. Devin, on the other hand, his thoughts went haywire. Why did she drove one hour when she could practically find a hospital nearby?

    ''''How are you, Leena?'''' Devin jolted out of his thoughts, hearing someone call Leena. He looked at her appearance. Shyness in her face, innocence in her eyes, and simplicity in her dressing. Does her inner appearance feel the same?

    ''''I will be fine'''' Leena smiled with gratitude. ''''Thank you for bringing me here.'''' She nudged Devin to thank her, but he stood like a statue as if he didnot heed to her words.

    Nick fumed mes at Devin, but he didnot dare to voice his thoughts.

    Once they left, Leena turned to Devin. ''''She brought me here to the hospital, and can''t you say two words of thank you?''''

    ''''I will thank herter.'''' He never trusts innocent people. Devin gently pushed Leena onto the bed. ''''You will not be going to the office for at least two days.''''

    ''''Two days? I can''t..''''

    ''''No more discussions.'''' He cut off the discussion. ''''Now sleep.''''

    When she closed her eyes, Leena slept untilte in the evening. She went home in the evening; Aunt Jpeno med herself for the food poisoning, although Leena assured her that it''s not her fault.

    The moment she walked into the bedroom, she tiredly copsed and dozed off again.. She wanted to spend time with Devin, but one side of her head was exploding as if she has undergone an operation.

 Chapter 374 - Pineapple Face

    The chandeliers mounted on the ceilings shone like the jewelry of architecture, reflected on the woman''s face brilliantly. Dressed in a peach-colored knee-length dress, her delicacy has captured someone beyond imagination, added with her smoking hot features. ''''Is she beautiful or my eyes ying a trick?'''' Kurt muttered, staring at the woman, sitting a little distance away from her.

    ''''What did you say? I did not hear you.'''' Kyle whispered in a shallow voice. She squeezed the earpiece to her ear to hear his voice. With an earpiece on her ear, she was waiting for Landon to get information from him on themand of a certain FBI agent.

    ''''Nothing,'''' Kurt said, over the call, averting his eyes. ''''Don''t beat around the bush when that criminales. Finish off the task fast.''''

    ''''Only if you keep quiet...'''' Kyle stopped speaking when she found Landon approaching her. ''''Hi..'''' Kyle waved her hand.

    ''''I amte again, sorry.'''' Landon apologized, which Kyle didnot mind. Famished, he ordered dinner for the two without taking his eyes off Kyle''s figure.

    ''''Will you take another eon to start?'''' Kurt snarled at Kyle like a growling dog again. Did she dress up as a princess for this pineapple face? He didnot like the way pineapple was looking at her.

    Kyle, who was eating, threw the spoon on the table to express her anger. She nced at Kurt, a threatening re before addressing Landon.''''How is work going?''''

    ''''Good, babe,'''' He said. ''''Thanks for not giving upon us. About my mom...I know she is a little hard, but don''t worry. She will ept you. Also, I will make sure she will not interfere with your freedom. You can happily work after we get married.''''

    Kyle faintly nodded in agreement. Kurt, on the other hand, was looking at Landon as if he has grown three heads. Delusional bastard. Kurt wondered how on the earth that loose case agreed to date this pineapple face.

    ''''Is the food to your liking?'''' Landon brought up a light-hearted topic.

    ''''Good.'''' She smiled. ''''I didnot hear you talking about yourpany partners? Who are they? What''s your share in it?''''

    ''''Well, it''s a littleplicated.'''' He said.

    ''''Like?''''

    ''''Keep it as a secret. I am only the stand-in CEO of thepany. Don''t ask me why, and again it''splicated, which I don''t know.'''' Landon said. ''''But there is a man behind the creation of Leius pharmabs.''''

    ''''Who is it?''''

    Kurt''s attention has piqued.

    ''''He is very secretive. He doesn''t like his name mentioned to anyone unless he approved. I will introduce you to him if he permits.'''' Landon winked. ''''But I can tell you one interesting fact about him.'''' He continued when Kyle nodded. ''''Have you ever thought why ourpany has a different namepared to other pharmabs?''''

    ''''No.'''' Kyle shook her head. Kurt gave it a thought. Leius pharmabs. It is a bit different. The word sounds like Latin to him. Let''s hear from that criminal.

    Taking a sip of lemonade, Landon said. ''''Mypany''s name is thebination of my boss''s name and the woman he loves,'''' He had heard from Winter when she used to work in thepany that the boss''s obsession with a woman has reached the point that he has named hispany after her. He knows thest three letters are a part of his boss''s name, but Landon couldn''t find the woman''s name behind the first two letters.

    Kyle was awed by the revtion. How much love he had towards that woman to even name hispany after her? ''''Are they married?''''

    ''''I am not sure. Boss doesn''t like us questioning personnel.'''' Landon shrugged.

    ''''Oh.'''' She smiled. She didnot question him further. She has learned enough for tonight.

    Finished with the dinner, Landon was staring at Kyle like a predator. His eyes never left her exposing neckline, which didnot go unnoticed by Kurt. He was probably away from a woman for a long time, or Kyle was looking sexy; Landon doesn''t know, but tonight, she was making him feel like he wanted her so badly. He has been dating her for a month, but not even a kiss he could get from her. She slips off from his clutches like a grain of sand. Tonight, it is, he will have her. A wicked smile stered on his lips.''''Come on. Let''s go, Kyle. I will drop you at home.''''

    ''''You don''t need to..I have my car.''''

    ''''No..noo..It''s our date, and we are going together. I will ask a guard to drop the car at your home.'''' He said, sensually touching her arms. A red g raised in her mind. Why is this man always thinking about ravishing me? Kyle searched for an alibi to escape when she heard Kurt''s voice like a savior. ''''Get up, and run to the restroom. Now.''''

    ''''I want to use the restroom. I will be back.'''' Kyle excused herself and escaped into the bathroom.

    ''''This woman.'''' Landon sighed.

    Closing the door of the bathroom shut, Kyle heaved a long deep breath. ''''Thank you, Kurt.''''

    ''''I will wait at the parking slot. Don''t take the elevator. He might search for you.'''' Kurt said.

    ''''Are you seriously asking me to use steps?'''' Kyle screamed. ''''I am on the eleventh floor.''''

    ''''Utilize the chance to reduce the fat in your body.'''' With that, Kurt hung up.

    ''''How I wish to kill you million times.'''' Kyle jinxed him until she reached the parking slot. Panting, she found his car and stepped with the bit of energy left in her body. By then, she received a call from Landon.

    ''''Here goes another trouble.'''' Landon didnot believe the alibi Kyle told, and she didnot care as well.

    ''''He is a grease oil.'''' Kurt disdainfully said.

    ''''He is!....wait..wait...you are going in the wrong direction.''''

    ''''I know. Tonight you are going to stay at my ce.'''' Kurt said.

    ''''Why?'''' She liked the idea of staying with him again.

    Kurt didnot answer. His eyes were glued to the road. The way that criminal was ogling at Kyle with his nefarious eyes made his blood boil. The car weaved to the left suddenly and screeched to a halt with a bone-jarring force.

    ''''Why are we here?'''' She asked, taking notice of the neon lights of a clothing store.

    ''''Your dress is depressing to my eyes. Let''s go.'''' Walking into the store, He searched every corner of the shop and passed her a dress. A satisfactory smile evoked on his lips. ''''Change into this.''''

    ''''This? I will look like a clown!'''' Ancient robes were betterpared to the dress she was holding. But then again, Kurt didnot listen to her pleas, and to her surprise, he was praising the dress, the ancient dress she wore. ''He is like a storm, unpredictable and capricious.''

    ...

    For three days, Leena did nothing except for sleeping, eating, and chatting with Aunt Jpeno. But the uneasiness in her body didnot wear off. After three days of rest, Leena went to the office. The employees gathered, wishing her a speedy recovery which put her in embarrassment. For that matter, Mandy stopped bitching about her, which Leena didnot like it.

    Leena went into her office room. Momentster, Merl knocked on the door and stepped in. ''''How are you feeling, Leena?''''

    ''''I am good. Feeling better.''''

    Merl ced the banana smoothie on the table. ''''Here you go��your favorite.''''

    ''''Thanks, Merl. But I have to turn down,'''' Leena said. ''''My husband issued a strict order to no outside foods.''''

    ''''Oh.'''' Merl smiled stiffly. Her task ended when Leena fell. She doesn''t mind if Leena epts banana smoothies or not. She has brought the smoothie to avert the suspicion on her.

    Not more than fifteen minutes, Leena worked, the pulsing sensation started on the left side of her head. Feeling nauseous, she rushed to the bathroom and vomited everything she ate in the morning. ''''Is it food poison again? I am eating healthy foods, though. Nobody in the home has the problem. Why is it targetting me?'''' She opened a pill bottle from the drawer and poured two tablets into her mouth. Only then, her headache stopped torturing her.

    Leena didnot had the energy to look into Google. She directly texted her mom. [Mom: I have severe one-sided headache, mom. What might be the problem?]

    [Leena baby: One-sided Headache! It might be a migraine, baby. Since when it started?]

    [Mom: Three days]

    [Leena: Why didn''t you tell such a serious matter. Come to the hospital fast!]

 Chapter 375 - Exlie

    Leena thought of visiting her mom in the afternoon or after office hours since she has toplete three days of pending work. Although her headache subdued, it suddenlyes back and hits her as if a thousand volts of electricity ran into her body to burn her when she begins to work. Anger, frustration, worry, all negative emotions took a toll on her heart and body, trying to rob her into darkness.

    Leena texted Nick, and she received a reply that he went to bring ice cream for Merl. ''''Lovesick fool.'''' In her anger, she threw the file on the desk and trudged out of the room.

    ''''Are you busy, Reese?'''' Leena coldly asked, going into Reese''s office room.

    ''''Very busy.'''' Reese put down the file and looked up. ''''What''s up?''''

    ''''Let''s go and visit my mom.'''' She dragged her friend out, though Reeseined about her hectic work. Nick was busy courting Merl, and he is not avable at the moment to drive her. She knew with the headache, and anger; if she drives the car, it will do no good for the city. So, she pulled Reese.

    As they both were leaving, Merl called Leenaing out of the office room. Leena could sense the urgency in both her voice and her steps.

    ''''A_re you going somewhere, Leena?''''

    ''''Yes..and you don''t look quite well..Any issue?''''

    ''''Nothing..'''' Merl rubbed her palms to clear off her sweaty hands. ''''If you don''t mind, can I join you? I don''t have ss until the afternoon.''''

    Leena hesitated. She wanted to take Merl, but she is going to meet her mom for a checkup. Obviously, she doesn''t want to take a stranger. ''''It''s little personal.''''

    ''''Oh! I am sorry. Please carry on.'''' She rendered a smile and went back, her fists clenched.

    Leena felt Merl''s behavior was a little strange today, but she is in no state to consider anyone''s feelings when she has lots on the te. Reese and Leena went to the hospital, and when Heather started asking questions, Leena has no choice left except to exin the food poisoning incident.

    ''''Food poisoning?'''' Heather screamed. ''''You didnot n to tell me? Not even your Francy?'''' Heather sobbed; tears filled her eyes.

    ''''Sorry, Ma..'''' Leena felt more guilty now. She tightly hugged her mom and exined patiently ''''I didnot want you to panic. Please don''t get mad at me.''''

    ''''Only if you promise me you will not repeat this.''''

    ''''Yes, my dear sweet Mommy.'''' She beamed. Heather asked further questions, andter she made Leena undergo a CT scan of her head. To further avoid anyplications, Heather suggested a body checkup as well. ''''The CT scan reports wille by tomorrow. As for body checkup,e back tomorrow. Do not eat or drink 8 to hours before the checkup.

    ''''Roger that, Mom!''''

    ''''Take care of yourself, baby. Don''t fall sick.'''' Heather hugged, to which Leena happily nodded her head.

    ''''Aren''t you telling Devin?'''' Reese asked as they were heading to the office.

    ''''No, Reese. He has lots on his te already. There is e_'''' Leena stopped, controlling her mouth. Reese doesn''t know that Enger is her stalker. She doesn''t want to talk about that psychopath and ruin her already bad mood.

    They reached the office. Merl didnote to bother Leena. Surprisingly the pills prescribed by her mom worked on Leena, freeing her from her headache.

    Meanwhile, Nick received a call from one of the trusted forms about Morvena''s father''s whereabouts. He made an immediate call to Devin to deliver the message. ''''Morvena''s father is in Mexico. Two days back, she visited him as well.''''

    ''''Are you sure?''''

    ''''Pretty sure,'''' Nick said. ''''He is living in a small house, alone, away from the city. I have also received a recent picture of him sneaking into a convenience store. ''''

    ''''Let''s leave before dawn then. Let our trip be confidential.'''' Replied Devin over the call. Her dad must be knowing about the person who gave her the contract.

    ''''Are you sure he will know the truth?'''''' Nick asked.

    ''''Then we have no choice. We will use him as bait and let her daughter chose between him and the contractor.'''' Replied Devin before ending the call.

    ...

    The following day, the light of dawn seeped into the room. All the more, Leena stirred from sleep hearing the light footsteps. Dazed, she opened her eyes and watched Devin adjusting the cufflinks. ''''It''s Saturday. Where are you going this early?''''

    ''''Did I wake you up?'''' He softly asked, approached Leena. ''''I am going to Mexico. I will exin when Ie back.''''

    ''''Hmmm...stay safe.'''' Leena groggily said. ''''Call me when you reach there.''''

    ''''I will..'''' He whispered and kissed her forehead lovingly. ''''Go back to sleep now.''''

    Devin watched Leena going back to sleep with a smile on her face. Looking at her for onest time, he made his way out.

    When Devin and Nicknded in Mexico, the roads shimmered in the sun, and the city was bustling with the crowd.

    ''''I read Jpenos are native to Mexico.'''' Nick suddenly said.

    ''''So, you think Aunt Jpeno chose the nosey peppers as her nickname?'''' Devin countered.

    ''''Exactly.'''' Nick grinned, texting his love, Merl, that he safely reached Mexico.

    The car reached the location and slowed down from a hundred meter''s distance as the public and cops gathered.

    ''''What''s going on here?'''' Nick muttered, peeking out of the window,

    Devin ordered the driver to park the car. He was ready to get down when Nick said. ''''Don''t..You will be exposed. I will go and see.''''

    Nick got down, and a few minutester, Nick arrived back, his face contoured with no expression.

    ''''What happened?'''' Devin questioned.

    Wordlessly, Nick passed his mobile for Devin to read the news.

    Devin read it aloud; his mind blew open. [Enzo Brown, the Ex-Military officer who has been escaping from the police clutches for seven years, was found dead in his house.]

    [Enzo Brown, the prime suspect of his wife, Scientist Ekaterina''s disappearance, died of a fire ident early in the morning]

    For seven years, the man lived in exile and died the day he nned to meet him?

 Chapter 376 - Bug Detector

    Devin was close to knowing about the person today, and again a force intervened. Is it a mere coincidence that Enzo Brown died today, or is someone watching him closely. The conversation happened between him and Nick alone via call. What about his shy princess girlfriend? Did he tell her?

    ''''We will talkter about this. Let''s go back,'''' Devin said suddenly. ''''Drive to the airport.'''' He addressed the driver.

    After they both boarded the ne, Devin brought up a light topic with Nick. ''''How is your rtionship going with your shy girlfriend?''''

    Nick blushed, looking at his mobile where he set Merl''s picture as wallpaper. ''''We are pretty close now. Merl is a very caring and understanding girl.''''

    ''''I can see that.'''' Nick was too involved in the picture to catch Devin''s sarcastic remark. Devin sipped the wine in silent thoughts, and then he spoke. ''''So, didn''t you tell her abouting to Mexico?''''

    ''''I had to tell her.'''' Nick sighed. ''''She was getting worried. But rest assured, I haven''t revealed our actual intention.'''' Nick didnot expect Merl to be sensitive, but he liked it. He now has a family to think of.

    Hearing Nick''s response, Devin smirked a bit. He can''t trust Leena''s safety with Nick anymore. He will have to take the matter into his hands. For some reason, Devin didnot like the shy girl. Her painted ck nails, the barn owl pendant she was wearing, everything about her screamed negativity. Did Leena do an out-and-out background check before hiring her?

    Devin reached home by afternoon, but Leena was on the bed, sleeping, and she did sleep until he woke her up for dinner.

    ''''Leena, are you not well?'''' Devin asked, tending her head into hisp. She didnot spoke much during dinner as well.

    ''''My head is aching.'''' She said, embracing her hands around his waist.

    ''''We will go to the hospital?'''' He shifted her head into afortable position and massaged her forehead, inching along the scalp.

    ''''I will be fine. I had a check-up today. Mom told me it must be the post effects of food poisoning.'''' Tiredly Leena replied. The CT scan results indicated she has no problem with her head. Her body check results showed she is very healthy. But this sudden one-sided headache is torturing her.

    ''''Does it feel good?'''' He made small circles with his thumb on her forehead repeatedly.

    She faintly hummed before drifting to Lnd. Devin''s hands worked like magic. A whileter, he gingerly put her head on the bed and tucked her with the nket. Soon, he joined Leena into a deep slumber.

    .....

    The following morning, the hungry she was, Mandy raced into her favorite pastry shop and ordered a miniature cheesecake, a chocte strawberry, peanut butter cookies, and a regr coffee. Before she was about to pay, the cashier informed her her order was already delivered. ''''W_hoo paid?'''' She was barely able to stammer.

    ''''The man, sitting at table nine.'''' The cashier replied, busily attending to the next customer.

    Mandy sharply turned around and noticed a man diligently working at table nine. Theptop''s back screen covered his face, but she could feel he spoke to power and wealth.

    Why did he pay for my food? Is he in love with me? Illusory wings appeared at the back of Mandy''s shoulders, and she imagined herself as a Female lead of a Korean Drama. Proud and haughty, she trotted towards the table like a queen, but her footsteps halted, a few steps away from her. Her confidence crumbled to dust. Her heart pounded at an rming rate. Why is he here!

    ''''Come, and sit.'''' Mandy heard his authoritative voice. She stumbled over the chair before settling like an obedient kid.

    ''''Eat.'''' She followed his eyes, ncing at the paper bag on the table. ''''You need lots of energy to bad mouth on my wife.''''

    Mandy tapped her legs on the floor impatiently. Did that witchin, and he is here to take revenge on me? ''''I_I will never bitch on Leena. Please don''t kill..''''

    ''''What happened after Leena felt unconscious.'''' Devin cut her off.

    ''''What?''''

    ''''You know what I am talking about.''''

    Mandy felt like a prisoner dragged for investigation. ''''M_erl was the first to notice Leena unconscious.'''' Mandy started. She exined Merl refused to call the ambnce because she was worried about Leena''s reputation and how she denied going to the nearby hospital although she insisted.

    Devin pulled her mobile from her hands and gave a quick ring to his number.

    Mandy: '''' ''''

    ''''That''s all?'''' Devin probed.

    ''''Y_es.''''

    ''''You can go now.'''' He passed the mobile back to her. Mandy rushed out of the pastry shop the second Devin released her from the prison. Her face scrunched as if she tasted the first drop of lemon in the morning.

    ''''He is a terror. Why did I have to cross paths with him in the morning?'''' Reaching the office, Mandy tiredly copsed on the chair. No sooner, she received a text message from an unknown number. [A task for you. Carry out secretly.]

    ''''Is it him?'''' Mandy cried in horror. ''''Why is he targetting me?''''

    .....

    In the afternoon, Leena was about to knock on Merl''s office door to ask for a client''s review report; she heard Devin''s name. Curiosity killed the cat. She waited at the door, listening to them.

    ''''...He hates me, Nick.'''' Merl cried in Nick''s arms. ''''for some reason.''''

    ''''No, Merl. You are misunderstanding Devin.''''

    ''''So you are thinking Mandy is lying? He went to the pastry shop to talk with her. He knows what happened after Leena fainted. Yet, he confronted Mandy, and surprisingly, he investigated about me.''''

    ''''Don''t stress yourself.'''' Nick coaxed her. ''''I will talk with Leena.''''

    ''''No.'''' She sobbed again. ''''Please don''t. She will misunderstand her husband. I don''t want to create a rift between the couple.'''' She knows this dog will talk with Leena, and she wanted it to happen. A rift between all these three people.

    ''''You are so considerate, Merl,'''' Nick said. Although Merl didnot want to, Nick decided to talk with Leena. He can''t ept Devin''s indifferent behavior towards Merl.

    What the hell! Leena mouthed in horror. Devin went to the pastry shop to talk with Mandy? She wanted to ask Mandy, but hell no. She will exaggerate as if she doesn''t like the originality.

    Since the first encounter at the hospital, Devin doesn''t seem to like Merl. She very well knows he doesn''t make judgments on impulse. But why is he so biased over that girl?

    She made her way back to the office and texted Devin. [My Deep-V-Diver: Did you talk badly...]

    She erased the message and retyped it again. [I heard you spoke to Mandy. Is it true?]

    [Orthodox Saint: How did you know, Sweetheart?]

    [Deep-V-Diver: I heard from Merl. Mandy told her that you went to the pastry shop. Why do you doubt her?]

    [Orthodox Saint: Let''s talk at home]

    At the same time, Devin received a reply from Mandy. [I did everything ording to your n. I told my best friends Naomi and Megan about our conversation in the pastry shop. I swear on River Styx, I didnot talk with Merl. Honestly, I didnot see Merl since morning.]

    Then how did the shy girl know that I visited? Did she nt a bug in the office? Nick was in the office when he called to inform about Enzo Brown. Now, this happened.

    ...

    At midnight the dark office suddenly flickered with lights. A group of men entered the office carrying a bug detector in their hands. ''''Sir, your order?''''

    ''''Turn of all the routers and check every corner.''''

    ''''Roger that, sir!''''

    Crossing his arms, Devin stood there watching the men move the bug detectors around every corner of Leena''s office.

    Note: Updates will be a little slow for a while because I am writing second book..I will soon get back to the regr updates....

 Chapter 377 - Closely Watching

    Like predators, the men moved around the rooms, but the machines didnot even made a beep sound at once. ''''Positive, Sir. The office is not bugged.''''

    ''''Check again.'''' Under Devin''smand, the men began the search for the second time, but it didnot yield any results. The raged, Devin was, he ordered them to bring a brand new bug detector at midnight and made them hunt again until dawn. ''''There is nothing here.'''' One of the men replied. They wished at least now their Boss would leave them from processing this repeated work.

    Devin dismissed the team and drove back home; fury festered in him.

    ''''If there is no bug nted in the office, how did she know the things happening around Leena up to date?'''' Before going to his room, Devin unlocked Nick''s room without his permission. Like a pig, he was sleeping, drooling over the pillow. Devin scanned the room, bathroom, Nick''sptop carry bag..only to find nothing.

    ''Damn it!'''' He opened the bedroom door and gently closed not to wake Leena from her sleep. Without making a noise, he joined Leena, slipping into the nket, his mind didnot once let the thought of Leena''s safety.

    Morning arrived, Leena woke up with terrible ear pain. ''''Argh! Along with the headache, now this started?'''' She red from the bed and found the other side of the bed empty.

    ''''What''s happening to me? Are the post-after-effects of food poison that bad?'''' Rubbing her forehead, she went to the bathroom. She hasn''t appropriately talked with Devin for a week. Day by day, she is losing the will to live, which Leena dared to tell Devin. His heart will break in no time. Leena went to have her breakfast, thinking at least the food can cure her headache.

    ''''When did you get up?'''' Stepping down the stairs, she asked, massaging her temples.

    ''''Is it headache again?'''' Devin put down theptop and went towards her.

    ''''It''s killing me, Devin. Along with headache, ear pain started as well.'''' She slid into his warm embrace. ''''How long do I have to deal with these stupid food poisoning effects? I am tired.''''

    ''''That''s the reason I warned you not to eat outside food.'''' He scolded and led her to the dining area. Cutie was dutifully having her breakfast, asionally throwing the bread toast high in the air, which Carrot caught it. Leena and Devin ruffled Cutie''s hair to see her annoying scowl face.

    ''''Are you ming my food?'''' She cried, grabbing the banana juice. ''''I only had a banana smoothie that Merl brings from outside.''''

    About to open the lid, suddenly, his hands halted in mid-air upon hearing Leena''s words. The shy girl delivered banana smoothies for Leena?''''I will contact a neurologist today. We will go together. Is that fine?''''

    Leena hummed in reply. He caressed her cheek to calm her, but deep inside, anger swell in him like a tide. Leena gives utmost importance to her health. He would have ignored it if she had a headache for a day, but her condition worsened now.

    If the office is not bugged, then that woman did something to Leena in the hospital. Is that why she has been giving banana smoothies every day so that Leena doesn''t doubt when she fainted? Everything is making sense to Devin now. It''s not a simple headache. It was an attempt to make her sick. Who is she working for? Only two people''s names leaped in his mind. Enger, and the one who caused Leena''s ident. In no way, will Enger will try to harm Leena. So, is Merl a spy of the other? First, he has to clear Leena''s health condition. Rest willeter.

    While eating, Devin texted Doctor Walter to check his schedule. ''''The doctor is out of station.He will be back by tomorrow."

    ''''Okay. We will go tomorrow then.'''' She smiled. ''''Where is Nick, Tootie?''''

    ''''He must have gone to visit his shy girlfriend,'''' Devin added. ''''And now don''t ask me why I hate her.'''' One day, Leena will agree with his opinion.

    ....

    Tapping her fingers on the table, Merl nced at the message on her mobile. [Boos: You messed it up, A. Devin is thinking the office is bugged. You are almost caught.]

    [A: Everything was going well, Boos, until Devin came into the picture.]

    [Boss: I clearly warned you to be careful around him, but you slipped major clues. Not once, thrice.Now the situation is out of control. I will give you one day. Withdraw from the mission before Devin takes Leena to the hospital for check up.]

    Merl replied. [A: I can''t do it in one day, Boss. The situation isplicated. I need at least a week.]

    [Boos: By today, I want the task to bepleted, and by tomorrow, you will resign from the job.]

    Merl gritted her teeth. ''''How do I deal with the situation..''''

    ''''Merl. I brought your favorite blueberry muffins.'''' Nick passed the paper bag to her.

    ''''Thank you, Nick.'''' She smiled. An idea snapped to end the mission. If she can use this dog properly likest time, she can flee without any issues.

    ....

    The pain in the ear and headache didnot let Leena move forward with her work. Just then, she received a message from Devin. [Deep-V-Diver: What is my kitty doing?]

    Leenaughed aloud. [Orthodox saint: Kitty is working. So, what''s up?]

    [Deep-V-Diver: Listen carefully, Sweetheart. Something happened at the hospital when you are unconscious. Someone is closely watching your every move at the office. Be careful, especially around the new employee.]

    A mole in Bliss? There is no way her office is bugged. The security system she has developed is top-notch, and nothing will enter without being found at the entrance. For four years, she hadn''t encountered any problem, and her employees are like a family to her. Although Devin didnot hint about the new employee''s name, she knows it is Merl.. Why is he constantly warning me to be careful around her? If it were some other person, Leena wouldn''t have bothered, but now she has to take the matter seriously.

 Chapter 378 - Hard Realization

    Leena turned on the system to look into Merl''s profile. Education at Summerville school and Crystal Meadows college.

    She was about to take her mobile to text Reese but back down when Devin''s words ringed in her ears. ''Someone is closely watching us.''

    She keyed in the safe password and grasped the mobile she safely hid it. Her Satphone. Custom-built with robust encryption protocols. It will directly send and receive signals through orbiting satellites, and no one can track her.

    She switched on the mobile and typed a message to Reese. [Reese, it''s me, Leena. Did you do a thorough background screening on Merl before releasing the official letter to her?]

    [Why am I receiving a message from a different number? Anyway, back to the question. We haven''t yet visited her school or college, but her qualifications are good to go.]

    [Leena: Can you go by yourself to her school and verify her background today?]

    [Why? We start the diligence investigation at least after three months after the employee joins thepany]

    [Leena: Something about her is bothering me. I don''t have time to wait for three months. Visit her school today. Call me when you finish the work.. no..Don''t call..Text me to this number]

    [Alright]

    Assuring Reese with the work, Leena concentrated on her work, but the file dropped from her hands when the sudden pulsating pain started in her Ear. ''''Curse you!'''' She took the pill bottle from the desk and was about to put it in her mouth; the door pushed open. Nick barged in. ''''I want to talk with you, Leena.'''' His voice sounded serious and distant.

    ''"What is it?'''' She tiredly looked at him.

    ''''Devin is doubting Merl. She is hurt.''''

    ''''So? It has nothing to do with me. If you have issues with Devin, talk with him directly.'''' Leena nkly replied. She didnot like the change in Nick. It didnot happen for good. Years of friendship with Devin, he tossed it aside for his one-week girlfriend.

    ''''Nothing to do with you?'''' He scorned. ''''How can you talk so casually? It''s my girlfriend''s..''''

    ''''You have changed, Nick.'''' Leena interrupted him sharply. ''''You have changed for bad.''''

    Change? That has never happened. Infact, it''s Leena who is acting strange. Nick thought. ''''I didnot..''''

    ''''I have been having constant headaches for a week. Did you at least bother to ask me?'''' She calmly questioned.

    ''''What?'''' Nick''s tone softened at her words. ''''Do you have a headache? Since..''''

    ''''Get out!'''' She spat at him.

    ''''Leena, I don''t..'''' Nick shuddered when Leena threw the file on the table, impacting with a loud thud.

    ''''I will not repeat.''''

    Clenching his fists, Nick stormed out and closed the door shut with a loud bang to show that he is also angry at her.

    ''''Wanker idiot.'''' Leena uncapped the bottle, poured three pills into her mouth and rested her head on the table. ''Am I going to die? How long do I have to rely on pills? Before, it was a headache, and now pain in the Ear.''

    It was in the afternoon that Leena received a text from Reese to her Satellite phone. [Reese: Leena, a big mistake happened. I can''t believe we are being deceived. Where do I start? But one thing is sure. The new girl working in our office is not Merl]

    Leena''s imagination went wild. [Leena: What do you mean!]

    [Reese: The girl working in ourpany is fake. I will exin Everything when Ie to the office. But for now, I am sending the picture of actual Merl]

    The picture Reese sent was a photo on the notice board of a school. ''Merl Jones.'' A name was written under the picture.

    So, Devin was right all along. The girl in the office is a spy. She remembered the day she fainted, Reese and Nick were out of the office. She again texted Reese. [Leena: Did you meet Andrew on the day I fainted, Reese?]

    [Reese: Nah. That stupid told he didnot text me. I gave him a big ss]

    So, a phishing message was sent to Reese from Andrew''s mobile to separate her from me? Nick was already under Merl''s control, and it was a cakewalk to send him out.I was left alone with Merl.

    ''Leena, I brought you the banana smoothie.''

    ''I am a big fan of you, Leena.''

    ''Nick told bananas are your favorite. Here is your usual banana smoothie.''

    ''Be careful around the new girl.''

    ''Something happened where you were unconscious in the hospital.''

    ''My head is aching, Devin. Now it started to spread my ear as well.''

    Leena raised her hand to cup the left Ear. Her hands shook, disbelieving at the realization. No..no.. not until she sees with her eyes. Leena texted her mom. [Mom: Mom, this is me, Leena. Can you arrange a CT scan and an ENT doctor in secret? But not at the hospital]

    In a panic, Heather called Leena''s number. Reluctantly, Leena hung up. [Mom: I can''t talk with you, mom. I will exin Everythingter.]

    [Alright, baby. Give me some time. I will text you in a while.]

    It didnot take much time. Heather texted Leena with an address in less than fifteen minutes. [It''s my acquaintance and safe ce]

    [Mom: Love you, ma]

    Before leaving, Leena knocked on Merl''s office room. ''''How is work?''''

    ''''Manageable, Leena. Credit goes to you.'''' Merl grinned.

    Fake girl! She muttered under her breath. ''''I am going out to meet my mom. Can you look after the office for an hour?''''

    ''''Sure.'''' Merl nodded her head.

    Leena didnot dare to inform Nick. She fought with him just now. She wanted to tell Devin, but as he said, someone is closely watching her moves. She alone drove to the texted address.

    Neither Heather nor the doctor spoke a word at Leena''s request. The CT scan was carried out in pure silence. Although Heather was curious about why her daughter was behaving like an ADHD kid, she stayed in silence.

    The moment she saw the radiological images on the monitor, Leena''s soul left the body. A tiny ck dot in the middle of her left Ear��the reason for the headache and the ear pain.. So, it''s not the post food poisoning that''s causing her headache.

 Chapter 379 - Faraday Cage

    Heather assumed the ck dot she saw in the monitor was an insect or a bug that entered her daughter''s ear by mistake. That was until Leena typed something in her mobile and showcased it in front of her. Heather mped her mouth shut, widening her eyes.

    ''''You told there is a major operation tonight, mom?'''' Leena hinted at her mother to act along.

    ''''Umm..Yes, baby. I have, and I need to leave to prepare.'''' Heather doesn''t understand much of theputer world like her daughter, but she can presume by the way Leena refused to speak a word. Someone is tracking her daughter, and she needs to keep her mouth shut and act along with Leena. Sometimes, technology is a curse rather than call it a boon.

    ''''Thanks for your time, mom. I will leave to the office then.'''' Leena wrote a message to her mom, ''Don''t worry. I will take care of this matter.''

    Heather smiled and nodded, feeling proud of Leena. Before leaving, she hugged her and bade goodbye.

    As Leena began heading to the office, she sent a text to a number from her satphone. [Mr. Sweedish Butler, call my number and ask me if I cane to your office. It''s pretty urgent. I will exin everythingter]

    Leena hoped Kurt would see her message soon, and there he was. Instead of a call, she received a text from him. [Who is it? Are you, Leena?]

    She parked the car by the road with a sigh. [I believe no one calls you Sweedish Butler other than the great Leena]

    [Expected from the self-centered narcissist]

    [I will make my schedule free and hear your praises for the whole day. But right now, I don''t have time. Call my number fast, and do as I texted]

    Secondster, Leena''s phone yed her favorite ringtone. ''''What''s up, Mr. Sweedish Butler?''''

    ''''I_I mean..can youe to my office. It''s pretty urgent.''''

    ''''What''s the matter? Do you want my help in hacking? I am busy, though.''''

    Kurt exhaled a deep sigh. She is the weirdest creature he had seen. Isn''t she the one who asked me to call? Everything she talks about and every action she does is contradictory to what he expects. To go with the flow, Kurt said. ''''It doesn''t take much of your time. Will you pleasee and help me with a case.''''

    ''''Alright, I wille.'''' With that, Leena hung up, a happy smile on her face.

    Kurt was in a presumption that Leena had called him to pull a prank, but hell no. She has appeared in front of him for real. Wordlessly, Leena typed something in her mobile notepad and showed it to Kurt. [Don''t talk. Please take me to the Faraday cage of your office]

    Kurt gave her a questioning look. How does she know the FBI office has a Faraday room? With Leena''s pleading eyes, Kurt didnot question further and escorted her to the room, enclosed in heavy-duty aluminum foils that covered the room''s four walls.

    Leena copsed on the chair. Finally, she felt at home here. Only she knew how hard for a bbermouth like her to manage without talking. ''''Mr. Sweedish Butler, give me something to eat. I am dead hungry.'''' When she noticed Kurt stood there motionlessly, she yelled at him. ''''What are you waiting for? I helped you twice with your case.''''

    ''''She is unbelievable,'''' Kurt muttered and headed out, and half n hourter, he arrived back with a paper bag.

    Famished, Leena ate in silence, and when she almost emptied the bowl, she nced at him and said. ''''Call Devin and tell him that I am here. Give him a hint..anything, but he shoulde here.''''

    ''''Why..''''

    ''''Don''t ask any questions now.''''

    ''''Fine,'''' Gritting his teeth, Kurt did as Leene said. He went out of the Faraday room and made a call to Devin.

    "I called him. If he had caught the hint, he woulde here in half-n an hour.''''

    The most awaiting time had ended when Kurt got a call from Devin. The moment he stepped into the room, Leena jogged towards him and crashed into his arms.

    ''''Why are you here?'''' A while ago, Kurt called him and informed Devin that Leena hase to the office, to flirt with a man to induce jealousy. Devin knows that would never happen, but he was intrigued at why Leena suddenly came to Kurt''s office without telling him.

    ''''Someone is hearing us, Devin,'''' Leena said.

    ''''What do you mean, someone hears you?'''' Kurt questioned, looking around the room. There is no way anyone can hear their talks, especially in this room.

    Leena disembarked from the hug and showed a picture to Devin and Kurt. ''''My headaches are not because of food poisoning. This is the X-ray of my ear, and the ck dot you can see is not a bed bug or an insect. It''s a listening device.''''

    ''''It''s inside your ear!'''' Devin stared at her without blinking his eyes. ''''But you are talking here.''''

    ''''This is a Faraday cage. It will block all themunication signals. No one can hear us now.'''' Leena said and exined everything happening around her for the whole week to the clueless Kurt.

    ''''Is that the reason she was acting strange?'''' Kurt muttered to himself.

    ''''The new girl working in mypany is not Merl. She has joined the office as a spy.'''' Leena continued. ''''She nned to nt a bug in my bracelet, but she knew I would know it soon. So, she inserted it in my ear when I fainted, which means, as long as my bracelet key is turned on, she can listen to you as well. It''s like killing two birds with one shot.''''

    ''''But how did you pass through our security if you are carrying a listening device?'''' Kurt asked. ''''No listening device can pass through the entrance unless they are scanned."

    Pointing her finger to the ear, Leena said. ''''This bug is releasing the signals at very low frequency. It''s..practically invisible to detect. Least, I was unable to feel the weight of it in my ear even. That woman nned ingeniously before executing the n.''''

    ''So, Merl nned and sent men to kill Enzo Brown after listening to my conversation with Nick. Why? Is it because Enzo Brown knows the person who made a pact to Morvena to wipe out my memories? '' Devin concluded. This theory fits perfectly to the situation, but he can''t rely on theories. He needs solid proof.

    ''''Leena.'''' Devin held her hand. ''''I will call a doctor, and we will get rid of this bug,''''

    ''''Hmm...Okay.''''

    It didnot take much time to get rid of the bug. Yet, Leena didnot discard to let the enemy stay in delusion. Finally, Leena felt like she was free from the burden. Those one-sided headaches tortured her.

    ''''Thank you, Kurt.'''' Devin thanked his friend. ''''You were a great help today.''''

    ''''I did nothing. All credit goes to your wife.'''' Kurt was impressed by Leena''s ingenuity. Every time he meets Leena, her personality reminded him of his hacker enemy. Is she?...no! She can''t be. Elysian is a man.

    ''''If she is a spy, then aren''t you curious to know her boss?'''' Kurt probed.

    ''''We will deal with that.'''' Devin looked at Leena meaningfully, and the wicked smile on her face revealed a storm is approaching.

    All the way, Leenained to Devin about her ear pain like a kid. ''Drama queen.'' He muttered with a smile. After dropping her at the office, he said. ''''I have a meeting in fifteen minutes. I will leave for office.''''

    ''''dly.'''' She pecked his lips, and before Devin caught her, she whisked away.

    While going, Leena peeped into Nick''s room and found his seat empty but heard giggles of a man and woman in the next room. ''She has wholly trapped him. I have to start a n to bring this stupid out of her blind love.''

    Happy she was, Leena was listening to songs and working when Merl came in. ''''Leena, are you free after office hours?''''

    ''''Why?'''' She asked, sounding as sweet as honey.

    ''''We can have dinner and n for a movie: you, me, and Nick,'''' Merl suggested.

    ''''I would love to.'''' Leena noticed an instant joy in Merl''s face. ''''But I can''t. I have a strict warning from my husband not to eat outside food.''''

    ''''Then we can n for a movie alone.''''

    ''''Sorry! I have to take care of Cutie,'''' Leena said.

    ''''Oh..okay. Carry on.'''' Merl dejectedly went out, tightly gripping her fists.

    What is she nning? Is it another trap? Knowing about Merl, Leena nned to throw a bug in Merl''s bag, but the idea itself bored her. Instead, she kept track of Merl''s phone. The text messages were all addressed to a person named ''Boss.'' Who is this Boss? She wondered.

    ....

    Merl sighed as she stood in front of a house. Heaving another sigh, she trudged inside, passing the security gates. One of the men escorted her to the big room and went back, closing the door shut behind.

    Merl shivered at the sudden drop in temperature. She nced at her Boss, graffitiing a portrait of a woman on the big wall. ''''Isn''t she beautiful?''''

    ''''S_he is.'''' Everywhere her eyes followed, the walls filled with the graffiti painting of a certain woman.

    ''''I called Leena for dinner, but she refused. Would you please give me three more days? I will not fail this time.''''

    ''''Have you ever heard Enger Cassius Lennox giving second chances?''''

    At the other end, Leena''s mouth wide opened. While Devin was not surprised that Enger would steep low, for he knew his obsession over Leena. But he was more concerned about his hand in Morvena''s father''s death.. Enzo Brown was hisst hope, but why did Enger kill him? Unless he was the ''him'' who made a pact with Morvena.

 Chapter 380 - Get Out

    Enger was thest person Leena expected behind the hideous act. ''''This psychopath ims to love me, yet he went beyond harming me?'''' She mumbled in a hushed voice. The thought of Enger listening to her activities in secret for a week caused her body to shudder in fright. Internally, Leena breathed in relief when she remembered she and Devin didnot involve...

    ''''That muttonhead psychopath is a nightmare in broad daylight.'''' Cursing at him, Leena nced at Devin, and his nk expression confirmed he was also blown up, although it wasn''t true. She tapped on Devin''s shoulder to bring him out of the surprisend.

    ''''Through what source we are listening to his voice?'''' That was the first question Devin asked in a whisper. ''''Have you nted a bug in her?''''

    ''''No.'''' She winked at Devin. ''''I hijacked into her phone and activated the remote microphone in her mobile.''''

    Devin was so close to praise Leena for her ingenuity, but he closed his mouth shut, knowing that Leena will forget everything and sit on top of the Moringa tree blushing. Shaking his head, he shifted his attention to focus on the conversation when he heard Enger broke the silence from the other end.

    ''''I warned you thrice before you took up the mission. Leena shouldn''t get hurt and look at what you did. She is suffering from constant headaches. What punishment should I proffer you?'''' Devin no doubted he heard the threatening voice of Enger directing at Merl. He pulled Leena close to him possessively, so close to the point of crushing her bones.

    ''''Is he jealous of that psycho?'''' Leena muttered, returning his hug. Even if she says no one can rece Devin in her life, she doubted Devin would dwindle with his jealousy.

    ''''I am sorry, Boss. Please give me at least a day.'''' Devin and Leena heard Merl spoke again.

    ''''If Leena goes to the hospital and gets to know the truth, the first doubtes on you. Do you know...''''

    ''''Nothing you are thinking will happen, Boss.'''' Merl cut him off. ''''I will manage to get rid of the bug at..''''

    Devin suddenly heard a door creak, and soon a man''s voice reced Merl''s voice. ''''....Enger, I heard you are going to Mexico again. Why didn''t you inform me?''''

    ''''Get rid of the bug by tomorrow. I don''t want any more excuses.'''' Devin heard Enger''s voice directing at Merl.

    ''''Thank you, Boss. I will take my leave now.''''

    As Merl started to leave, the voices of Enger turned into a whisper to Leena and Devin.

    ''''Nash! I told you not to talk about my Mexico visit in front of others!''''

    ''''Well..it''s our A...she is close...we..d..''''

    The voicespletely faded into the air now.

    Leena closed theptop shut. Nash, the man she interrogated, was a close buddy to Enger? What is his identity? Leena hadn''t investigated Enger, but his connections indicate he is not what he seems to be on the surface.

    ''''Merl will cook up another story to take me to the hospital,'''' Leena started.

    ''''Acting is not new for you, isn''t it?'''' Devin chuckled, brushing her cheeks with his thumb.

    ''''Tired of the same old drama.'''' She sighed. Leena knows Merl will use the same old method, food poisoning, to take her to the hospital. The only thing she needed to do is y her cards. Her Francy once told, never y the role of the enemy in front of the person who is your enemy. Time to put the theory into practice.

    A whileter, Leena went down to have dinner, leaving Devin in thoughts. If Devin hadn''t known about Enzo Brown''s death, he would have bothered Enger''s Mexico visit, but now he feels mysteries of Enger are piling up with no clues. With that, he immediately texted Kurt. [KW: Enger is going to Mexico, and he is closely rted to Morvena''s father. Do a thorough investigation on Enzo Brown and Enger''s connection to Mexico. I am sure you will get a breakthrough in the case as well.''''

    Momentster, Devin received a reply. [Vince: On it]

    Devin knows ''case'' is the only way to tempt thezy Kurt to get his whole nine yards.

    While having dinner, Leena didnot see Nick at the table. Aunt Jpeno informed he had early dinner. She knows he is showing his anger on her.

    After dinner, she threw the micro transmitter she was carrying in her hand in the bedroom and made her way out and found him sitting by the pool all alone like a lost child. She cleared her throat to inform him of her presence. Nick nced at her for a brief second and turned back.

    ''''How long are you going to ignore me?'''' Leena asked, sitting next to him.

    ''''You started it,'''' Nick mumbled. Taking a pebble from the nt pot, he threw it into the pool, the impact created ripples. ''''Do you know how much I got hurt when you said ''Get Out''?'''' Nick turned his eyes away from Leena, so she wouldn''t see the tears coursing down his cheeks. ''Get out of this home!'' He heard them once from that woman; his heart shattered on that day. Those two words were the nightmares in his life. He thought he had forgotten, but the past trauma triggered back today.

    ''''I am sorry, Nick,'''' Leena whispered, looking at his teary eyes. She could feel his body trembling, trying to hold back his emotions. Leena didnot know her words deeply inflicted him. Did something happen to him in the past to be as emotional as a cry baby?

    ''''I am sorry, Nick. I will never hurt your feelings.'''' Leena said, her voice gentle and coaxing. ''''Please forgive this poor soul.''''

    ''''You better be.'''' Nick turned to face Leena. He sulked a bit, but in the end, he gave up.

    ''''Finally, my Nickolodeon brother is back.'''' Leena squealed like a happy girl.

    ''''Well, I am back.'''' He chuckled, smiling at her. ''''But I hate that Cartoon!''''

    ''''Says one who was binge-watching batman cartoon?'''' Their conversation was flowing sweetly until Merl''s topic was brought up.

    ''''I want to marry her, Leena.'''' He said in a serious tone. ''''I can see the future with Merl.''''

    Marry that fake girl! No, way, she will allow. Leena thought.''''A_re you sure about Merl?''''

    ''''Of course.'''' Nick didnot bat an eye in answering her question. ''''Are you perhaps thinking I am not sincere?''''

    ''''No, no. I didnot think in that way.'''' Leena shook her head. ''''I feel Merl is not sincere. She is ying with your feelings...''''

    Leena''s breath hitched when Nick pushed her hand away.

    ''''Nick, let me exin_''''

    ''''Why? Did Devin brainwash you?'''' His voice, harsh and cold when he spoke. ''''Earlier, it was him, and now, you started resenting her.. What harm had my Merl done to you? Like Devin, you have no gratitude even after she saved you.''''

 Chapter 381 - Little Boy : Fire Accident

    Despite the fact that his words hurt Leena, she didnot allow the anger to get the better of her. Her only thought was to get this dunderhead from the trap Merlid out to him. ''''I know you don''t believe my words, but you have to see this.'''' Unlocking her mobile, Leena tried to show him the school picture of Merl, but he swatted it away.

    ''''Why are you.. forget it. I can''t believe you are ming my Merl who saved you, putting her life at risk.'''' Nick was about to get up, but a hand pulled him back again,

    ''''I don''t care if you see me as a viin. But I am neither allowing you to date nor marry that woman.'''' Leena sternly dered.

    ''''You don''t have themand over my life.'''' He pushed her hand away and stormed inside the house.

    ''''Stupid. You will soon eat your own words.'''' Leena''s clenched fists were the only outward sign of her anger. Ten minutester, Leena found herself in the bedroom staring at Cutie and Devin ying a game.

    ''''Leena,'''' Devin stated. ''''The neurosurgeon I consulted is out of the station. Can we postpone it to the day after tomorrow?''''

    ''''Why can''t we go to some other hospital?''''

    ''''Well,'''' Devin threw a re at Leena for talking out of the script dialogues. ''''The doctor I consulted is one of the best.''''

    Leena stared at the bug piece before she spoke. ''''Fine. We can go day-after-tomorrow.''''

    ''''It''s sleeping time, Tootie.'''' Leena threw the gaming chart aside, earning a cute pout from the kid. ''''Come on, sleep now.'''' When Leena was about to cover Cutie with a Kiwi nket, she threw it away and demanded a Burrito nket. ''''No! Gime Bullito banket.''''

    ''''I thought you are the only one weird in your family,'''' Devin stared at the nket with no expression on his face. ''''Your whole family is off the wall.''''

    ''''Aren''t you crazily in love with that ''off the wall''?'''' Leena securely tucked Cutie andid down on the bed.

    ''''Let me show my love.'''' Devin leaned forward to kiss Leena, but she pushed him to the bed. She sharply pointed her eyes towards the bedside table, alerting him of the bug. Devin mumbled few curses before he closed his eyes.

    The following day Nick didnot talk with either Leena or Devin over breakfast. Although Devin wanted to knock some sense into him, he realized it would only push Nick over the edge. Sometimes, holding on to the rope does more damage than letting it go.

    At the office, as usual, Merl tried her luck again. She asked Leena if they can go out for breakfast at a newly opened restaurant far reach her office. Leena didnot object, and the happiness in Merl''s face flourished like a summer blooming flower. Together, they drove along with Reese, Cutie, and Carrot.

    ''''I asked them to make a special banana smoothie,'''' Merl said as the waiter ced the ss on the table.

    ''''So, sweet of you, Merl.'''' Leena could see the anticipation in her eyes as the ss touched the tip of her lips. ''''Damn it!'''' Leena cursed, cing the ss back on the table.

    ''''What happened!''''

    ''''My mom sent me a text to call her urgently, and Ipletely forgot. I put my mobile in the car. Will you please do me a favor, Merl?''''

    ''''N_ow?'''' Merl fidgeted. ''''We are almost done..''''

    ''''Nevermind,'''' Leena said. ''''I will get it.'''' Leena took a step forward when Merl volunteered herself for the job. Within five minutes, she came back empty-handed, and the first thing she was the empty ss. Merl sighed in releif.

    ''''Umm..I didnot find your mobile in the car, Leena.''''

    ''''Is it? I am sure it is in the car. Let''s go and check..'''' Leena held her head in pain. Momentster, she fainted on the table, pulling a little bit of acting. Reese thought Leena could start an actingpany. The same old story happened again, and this Time everything was under Leena''s control.

    ''''Time to resign from the job, and most importantly, get rid of that dog'''' Merl threw the bug into the trashcan in fit without knowing it''s Leena''s y.

    ....

    The same day, Devin and Kurt started to Mexico in the evening. When Devin informed Kurt he would get a breakthrough in the case through Enger, Kurt managed to collect all the possible information of Enger within a day. Along with them, three oldies joined to give thempany, more likely to annoy them. It was none other than Francis, Fredrick, and Arnold.

    ''''I still don''t understand the reason you want toe with us.'''' Devin addressed the two personszily sitting in the backseat.

    ''''It''s my baby''s matter, and I have a reason toe. As far as these two fools.'''' Francis briefly eyed Fredrick and Arnold. ''''I am not bothered.''''

    ''''It''s my son''s matter, and I have a reason toe,'''' Fredrick mimicked his friend, angering Francis. ''''As far as these two fools,'''' He nced at Arnold and Francis. ''''I am not bothered.''''

    Francis and Fredrick started picking on each other again. Arnold was too busy to reply because he was busy chatting.

    ''''These three!'''' Kurt sighed.

    Devin cursed at himself for revealing his Mexico trip to Francis.

    Six hourster, they reached Mexico and boarded the car, and an hourter, the car turned left and entered into a small vige, Tznalope. ''''Are you sure this is the correct address?'''' Devin asked, staring at the barrennds.

    ''''Yes,'''' Kurt said.

    The car moved on the concreted roads and drove past the old buildings, finally halted at the entrance of a shabby house. Devin frowned, staring at the tiny house from outside of the ss window. The rusty door of the house was barely hanging to the hinges.

    Kurt called the number, and momentster, a short man wearing a Huichol dress came out of the house.

    ''''You were the one who called me...''''

    ''''Pleasee inside.'''' The short man interrupted Kurt and led them inside the house.

    Devin found a man lying on the bedless cot, his foot sprouting off the bed base. He woke up like a dead man waking up from the pyre when a Huichol-dressed man whispered something into his ear.

    ''''It''s you!'''' Devin can''t believe if his eyes were ying tricks on him.

    ''''Thought I was dead?'''' The man chuckled and slowly walked towards the group. ''''To the world, yes. I am dead.''''

    ''''Enzo! You are alive?'''' Along with Devin, there were three more people who were equally shocked.

    ''''Well, yes, I am alive, my dear old friends,'''' Enzo said, his eyes crinkled when heughed. ''''Unless you people think I am a ghost.''''

    ''''You know him?'''' Devin and Kurt asked in unison, ncing at the three men.

    ''''My brother and Enzo worked in the military for five years. So, we know him quite well.''''

    Devin wanted to ask about his memories, but he doubted his dad and France would mock him. Besides, he wants to keep his memory loss a secret. ''''What connection do you have with Enger?''''

    ''''Sit down. We have lots to talk about.'''' Tired, all the four settled on the chair except Devin. He doesn''t know how this man is sleeping in such a kind of environment. Everywhere he eyed, garbage was piled up like a horse stable.

    ''''What''s your rtionship with Enger?'''' Devin straight away questioned.

    ''''Nothing.'''' He said. ''''Enger was adopted by my brother, Philip.''''

    ''''Adopted?'''' Devin asked, thundered. When he investigated, no sources told him he was adopted. All he knew was, Enger grew in an orphanage.

    ''''Well, well. Enger got a knack to twist nothing into everything and everything into nothingness.'''' Enzo smirked. ''''He is a master of treachery.''''

    ''''You haven''t told why he is visiting Mexico.'''' Kurt brought the topic on to the track.

    ''''Every man has a weak spot, young man,'''' Enzo addressed Kurt. ''''Unfortunately, Enger has got two weaknesses. One is...'''' Without uttering the name, Enzo looked at Devin decisively.

    ''''What is the other?'''' Devin pressed.

    ''''His mother.''''

    ''''His mother is alive?''''

    ''''Why do you think he is visiting Mexico secretly?'''' Enzo probed, ncing at the four tensed faces.

    ''''Why secretly?''''

    ''''Because he can''t search her openly.''''

    ''''Who is she, Enzo?'''' Francis asked impatiently. "Come to the point."

    "You know her quite well, Francis."

    "Me?" Francis did not understand how he is rted to Enger''s mother. "I am not able to recall who_"

    ''''Ruth Vaughan.'''' Enzozily nced at Francis, knowing that he would be as shocked as he was when he first found about Enger''s secret.

    ''''Are you reminiscing old memories? The little boy, the fire ident...''''

 Chapter 382 - Destroy

    Hearing the familiar name after two decades triggered the crude memories of his past. If his memory serves correct, Francis was sure Ruth Vaughan, her husband, and his son died in the firehouse. But why did Enzo tell Ruth is still alive?

    ''''Do you know Enger?'''' Devin demanded Francis with question after question. ''''Who is this woman Ruth Vaughan? What rtionship do you have with her?''''

    The room fell intoplete silence. Arnold and Fredrick were as shocked as Francis, for they knew the ruckus the woman created in the past. Completely clueless were Devin and Kurt, exchanging looks at each other.

    ''''It''s time you should spill it, Francis.'''' Enzo provoked.

    Francis''s eyes met Devin''s eager eyes. Taking a deep breath, he started. ''''Ruth Vaughan went to the same University of Heather and Evelyn.''''

    Nearly two decades ago....

    Being the youngest son in the family, Francis was spoiled by his father and brother. While his elder brother was serving in the military, his father took care of the business, leaving Francis to enjoy himself. Except for enjoying partying with his friends, and nagging Heather, Francis had nothing to care for. His elder brother alone shouldered thepany''s responsibility after the devasting death of his father.

    When Heather started attending University to study Medicine, visiting her once a week had be routine to Francis. He would hear whispers and stares from the campus girls when he and Heather were together. Although Heather didnot mind them, Francis didnot want to make her life harder, so he dragged Fredrick along with him. Fredrick cursed his friend for the first two weeks. Later he didnot had the reason because Evelyn happened to him.

    One fine Sunday, sitting alone on the campus park bench, Francis patiently waited for Heather, throwing nces at Heather''s dormitory asionally. All of a sudden, his vision was blocked. An unknown woman stood, smiling at him. He frowned at the woman suspiciously. She was eyeing him like he was a candy brought from the store. ''''What?'''' His tone, sharp and cold. Francis briefly looked at the woman before he returned his eyes to the direction Heather would walk in. But he couldn''t handle the woman''s brooding stares.

    ''''My name is Ruth.'''' She introduced herself and settled at the edge of the bench. ''''What''s yours?''''

    ''''What would you like it to be?'''' He said with mock severity. It was a clear sign that this woman is hitting on him. Before Heather would see and misunderstand, he decided to escape.

    ''''Whatever your name is, I don''t mind.'''' She said. ''''But one thing is sure. The moment I saw you, I fell in love with you.''''

    Her sudden confession jarred Francis. He has got several confessions, but something about this woman raised a red g. He got up to find a new ce to sit when he heard her voice again.

    ''''Whoever you are, I Ruth Vaughan will make you mine.''''

    Francis turned back sharply to reprimand her, but she was already gone, leaving the traces of footmarks for his evidence that it was not a dream. ''''Psycho.'''' He muttered. Momentarily, Francis forgot about her when he saw Heather waving at him from a distance. At that time, Francis didnot know the name Ruth Vaughan would create a hurricane in his life.

    And it started ten dayster.

    Francis got a letter from an unknown person. A confession letter addressing him, and it didnot stop with one. Everywhere he goes, he felt someone was watching, stalking. In his investigation, he found it was the woman from Heather''s University. At first, Francis ignored her and the letters, but Ruth started targeting Heather when Francis didnot reciprocate his feelings for her.

    The day before Heather''s exams, her books began vanishing. On the dormitory walls, Heather found evil symbols the moment she gets up in the morning.

    It significantly took a toll on Heather''s mental health, and Francis couldn''t stand that woman anymore. At first, he gave her a warning, but she didnot heed to it. With no choice, Francis took a decision. A decision that was bound to create ripples in his life. He called Ruth Vaughan''s father.

    ''''Mr. H_ayes, you called me for?'''' A man spoke up. His voice cracked in terror.

    Wordlessly, Francis ced an envelope on the table and stared at his assistant.

    ''''Your daughter, Ruth Vaughan''s termination letter from riverside University. He expects her to leave the institution as soon as possible.'''' The assistant zipped open the file case and handed another envelope to the man. ''''My Boss being in an excellent mood, had arranged a groom for your daughter. He expects you toplete the wedding ceremony by the end of this week.''''

    ''''D_id she create any trouble? I will reprimand her_''''

    ''''You are barking up the wrong tree, Mr. Vaughan.'''' The assistant spoke up, cutting him off. ''''Perhaps, your daughter can answer your questions. I hope you understand the situation and act as a wise man unless you care for your job and family.''''

    Mr. Vaughan swallowed hard at the mention of his job. He nodded, took the envelope, and left.

    Three days passed, Francis learned Ruth left the University, yet he didnot hear the wedding news. While Francis was chilling, having a happy time chatting with his mother, a woman entered his house before the security guards could stop her.

    ''''Sir..'''' The bodyguard uttered. ''''We couldn''t stop her...''''

    ''''Leave,'''' Francismanded. On his order, the guards left them alone and stood outside. Francis looked at her finger and smirked. ''''Congrattions on your wedding. I hope it went all well?''''

    ''''Was it you? My marriage alliance with that bastard. Was it your doing?'''' Ruth barked like a raged dog. Her father tricked her into marrying a womanizer she loathed the most. She knows her father was forced into this, but he wouldn''t reveal the person''s name. Finally, the truth came out today. It was all Francis doing.

    ''''What''s happening here, Francis? Who is this woman?'''' Margaret asked, clueless.

    ''''Your son is the crudest man I had ever seen, Madam Hayes.'''' She shot at Margaret.

    ''''Had you not bothered Heather, I wouldn''t have gone this extent,'''' Francis called the guards back. ''''Throw this garbage out of the house.''''

    Ruth screamed, wailed, as the bodyguards dragged her. ''''Mark my words, Francis. My love for you left me with the revenge. I will destroy you. I will destroy the people you care about the most.''''

    ''Francis chuckled. ''''Good luck with that..'''' The door was closed shut on her face.

 Chapter 383 - Three Dead Bodies

    Once the door was closed shut, Margaret demanded an exnation. Her son would not get into fights until a person touched his bottom line. Hearing the usations from a random woman surprised Margaret.

    ''''Well, mom.'''' Francis sighed. He had no choice but to exin the incident that happened between him and Ruth.

    ''''She dared to harm our Heather?'''' Margaret was shaking in anger. ''''Does Heather knows?''''

    ''''No,'''' Francis said. ''''She is already traumatized by recent events. I don''t want her to panic by talking about it.''''

    ''''Poor my Heather.'''' Cried Margaret in sorrow. ''''Keep an eye on that woman, son. Her threats are a bad omen of things toe.''''

    ''''Don''t worry, Mother,'''' Francis said. ''''She is not a considered threat at all. Her words traveled out of anger.''''

    ''''The real truthes out when people are angry.'''' Margaret sighed. ''''Anyway, you are not going to lose anything by keeping an eye on her.''''

    Francis nodded. Heather is enjoying her holidays with Evelyn after the long exams. He doesn''t want to disturb her peace telling about the deeds done by this psycho woman.

    Days turned into months. Timely, Francis would receive reports of Ruth from the spies he has put around her. Nothing great was happening from her end. Ruth stayed with her husband and resumed her studies as well. Her rtionship with her husband was not in talking terms, but she neither made a fuss about it. Francis doesn''t know when Ruth noticed the spies, but one day she suddenly appeared in front of his home and made a ruckus. Not that he cared. As usual, her brother stepped in to clear the mess he created.

    Two yearster, Francis heard Ruth gave birth to a boy. At the same time, her husband Juan Lennox''s small business went down. So, with the continuous threats from the loan sharks, he fled away to Mexico, his mother''s hometown. He dragged his family along with him.

    Ruth started working as a doctor in a hospital while Juan fed on Ruth''s ie. He did nothing except for eating, drinking, and toying with women.

    Ruth also didnot had the time to concentrate on Heather or Francis because most of her time went to dealing with her drunkard husband or taking care of the infant boy.

    After Heather gave birth to Leena, Francis posed tight security around her, scared that Ruth would harm baby Leena.

    Yearster, Francis heard Ruth''s house burned in the fire, and the family of three died in the fire ident. Francis visited Mexico on the same day to confirm his suspicion, and indeed the Police confirmed that Ruth, her husband, and the boy died in the ident.

    shback ends...

    Devin stared at Francis in silence. The backstory was a little hard to digest.

    ''''The truth is she died in the fire.'''' Francis stared at Enzo, his expression unreadable. ''''How sure are you that she is alive.''''

    ''''How sure are you that she died in the fire?'''' Enzo questioned back.

    ''''Police confirmed the three dead bodies. Isn''t it enough?'''' Francis asked.

    ''''Francis, I know it''s hard to ept. But you have to believe me when I say Ruth didnot die. Don''t you think your brother Calvin''s idental death, Heather''s ident a coincidence? I feel it''s all done by Ruth. She thinks her son died in the fire, and it''s all nned by you in_''''

    ''''I have no hand in it!'''' Francis''s voice raised hysterically. He will never stoop so low to kill a family. Ruth didnot bother him or Heather. He has no reason to target that psycho woman.

    ''''I know,'''' Enzo stressed. ''''But it all started because of you, and you have been keeping an eye on her ever since she married. So, Ruth thinks it''s all nned by you. I am here to help you before she makes another attack on Heather or her daughter.'''' Enzo exined.

    ''''How did her son end up in your family?'''' Francis asked, irritated. Mother and son are the psychos torturing his family.

    ''''It''s all my family''s fate,'''' Enzo muttered. ''''Enger saved my brother Philip once a local gang chased after him for money. As a token of gratitude, he adopted the boy as he doesn''t have a family. Picking up fights with thugs and beating kids has be a part of Enger''s daily routine. The boy brought nothing except trouble to us. So, my brother sent him to an orphanage.''''

    ''''But my brother''s daughter Winter was very fond of him. She threw tantrums crying after Enger, not eating the food for days. So, we have to bring him home reluctantly. All of a sudden, Enger turned to be good. He stopped picking fights and attended school without anyints. But something of that boy felt off to me. Without telling us, he would disappear, and the next day, he would be back again.''''

    ''''At the same time, I moved to Russia with my wife and my child. So, I didnot concentrate on Enger''s activities. Yearster, my brother turned ill, and I was used of my wife''s murder. With no one to rely on, Philip handed Winter''s responsibility to Enger before he died.''''

    ''''Although I was away from my home, I kept an eye on Winter and my daughter. Things started to change after Enger married Winter, and_''''

    ''''Enger married Winter?'''' Devin interrupted Enzo in the middle. If he married Winter, why is he behind Leena?

    ''''Yes.'''' Enzo stiffly nodded. He didnot go further into the details. He promised his daughter not to tell the truth about Enger and Winter''s marriage to anyone. Before Devin would shoot him questions, Enzo went back to the topic.

    ''''Lately, I learned he is going to Mexico in search of someone, and the person is his mother.''''

    ''''If it is not Enger and Ruth, who are the two people died along with Ruth''s husband on that night?'''' Francis asked.

    ''''I will tell you.'''' The short man standing next to Enzo spoke up.. All the eyes turned to him.

 Chapter 384 - His Genuine Smile

    Everybody''s gaze moved to the man in Huichol dress, waiting for his contribution to the Enger and Ruth''s past.

    ''''You are?'''' Francis asked, studying the man intently.

    ''''I am Lazaro.'''' The man politely introduced himself. ''''I was Ruth''s neighbor when she stayed in Mexico.''''

    ''''While I was investigating Enger,'''' Enzo spoke up. ''''I crossed path with Lazaro. He was the only one who witnessed the incident that happened on that night.''''

    ''''Tell them, Lazaro.'''' Enzo said.

    When all the eyes were on him, Lazaro spoke up. ''''Years back, Ruth''s family of three arrived in Mexico,'''' His thoughts flew back to the day a woman knocked on his house door despite the pouring rain drumming wildly on the roof.

    Lazaro assumed it was another ploy of the wicked street kids to annoy him. He grabbed the torchlight and a stick to bash them, but he found a shivering woman carrying a crying baby in her arms upon opening the door. Despite protecting the baby with a scarf, the heavy rain was drenching the boy to the skin.

    ''''Como puedo ayudarte?'''' Lazaro questioned, dropping his weapon to the ground.

    ''''I_I don''t know Spanish.'''' Replied Ruth, clutching the baby to her chest. ''''My baby..he is crying..We have just arrived into the new house. I can''t find a grocery shop in the pouring rain. Can you give me some milk?''''

    ''''Come in.'''' Lazaro opened the door for her to enter. He offered a seat, and upon waking up his wife, she warmed the milk and offered biscuits as well.

    ''''Thank you.'''' Ruth thanked the couple. Feelingfortable, she introduced herself to them. ''''I am Ruth Vaughan. It was pretty hard tomunicate with the driver in this town. But you speak English very well.''''

    ''''We lived in different countries before settling in Mexico,'''' Lazaro said. ''''Are you new to this ce?''''

    Ruth nodded, wiping the baby with the towel the woman offered.

    ''''What''s the boy''s name?'''' Lazaro''s wife asked, staring at him intently. At the sight of the baby, her eyes sparkled, and she wished to have a child of her own, but sadly she couldn''t

    ''''His father named him Arsen. He is one and half years old.'''' Ruth smiled, stroking her son''s cheek lovingly. ''''You can also call him Enger. That''s my favourite name for my son."

    While feeding milk to the baby, Ruth exchanged pleasantries with Lazaro and his wife. The couple was sweet enough to give her an umbre when she left.

    Lazaro didnot miss Ruth''s darkened face when he brought her husband''s topic. But he also noticed, she loved her son dearly. As the days passed, he realized the real reason behind Ruth''s irritation over her husband. Not a day went by hearing the fights between the couple. Once, Lazaro tried to stop their argument, but her husband Juan used him of having an affair with Ruth. That was thest day he stepped into the house.

    Seven years passed, and nothing changed between the couple. Arsen also grew up, but something about the boy tickled Lazaro. Picking up fights, beating kids, going out with strange people has be his hobby. Ruth also didnot reprimand the boy. Instead, she spoiled her son to the core.

    Once, Lazaro heard screams and loud wails of a woman from the next door. His wife nagged him to check upon them. So, he reluctantly got up to leave. Before Lazaro knocked on the door, he heard a voice, and he immediately realized the woman is not Ruth.

    ''''I cannot keep this a secret anymore, Juan. I know you are supporting us by sending money every month, but..'''' The woman cried, holding a boy''s hand, the same age as Arsen. ''''Our son is growing up, Juan. I can''t go and tell my family that I am your mistress. My son needs you as a father, and I need you as a husband. Marry me, please.''''

    ''''Gwen, you know that I can''t_.''''

    ''''You are cheating on my mother!'''' At a trice, a boy''s thundering voice echoed across the walls. ''''How dare you!''''

    ''''Stay out of this, trouble maker,'''' Juan muttered irritatingly. ''''Go back to your room, and study.''''

    ''''You are feeding these scums with my mother''s money?'''' Enger rushed inside the kitchen and arrived back with a knife. ''''You.'''' He pointed the knife at the boy and then at the woman. ''''And you. Get out of my house. Now!''''

    ''''Daddy!'''' The boy cried, hugging Juan tightly.

    ''''Juan!'''' The woman trembled, moving to his side, and instantly he melted. ''''I am there for you, Gwen.'''' Juan patted her shoulder.

    ''''Give it to me, rascal. You are just like your mother.'''' Juan grabbed the knife from his son''s hand forcefully. ''''Get back to your room, and study."

    Enger''s eyes dripped with spite. His face flushed with rage. At that moment, the little boy looked like a predator ready to hunt. He turned around, and instead of walking straight into his room, he went into the kitchen, and momentster, he locked the kitchen door and put the key inside his pocket.

    ''''Father.'''' Enger gently called him, causing Juan to turn towards his son. His sudden gentleness scared Juan off for a second.

    ''''Live happily with your mistress and son in this home forever.'''' He shed a smile before darting his eyes towards the door.

    Juan didnot know what his son meant by his words, but something appeared strange when he rushed out of the house and locked the door.

    ''''What are you up to, rascal? Open the door.'''' Juan screamed, yelled, yet didnot receive a response.

    ''''W_hat''s happening here, Juan?'''' The woman stuttered, clutching her son''s hand dearly.

    ''''Don''t worry! You will be fine. That boy is a real trouble maker.'''' Juan opened the window and watched his son standing in front of his house, wearing a creepy smile on his face. ''''Open the door Arsen! What are you...'''' His words stuck in his throat when he caught the whiff of a strong smell in the house.

    His eyes widened in terror. ''''No!'''' Juan rushed towards the kitchen door only to find it locked.

    ''''Give me the keys, Arsen! Open the door!'''' Juan screamed as the boy''s frame slowly faded out of his eyes. Thest thing Juan saw from the windows was his son''s smile, a genuine smile he had ever witnessed on his son''s face. His vision cked out as the fire engulfed him.

    ''''Die! You bastard.'''' Engerughed cheerfully. ''''I killed him, mom. I killed him for you. He will never torture you."

    When the crowd started to gather, Enger silently escaped before anyone notices his presence.

    Dread twisted in Lazaro''s stomach. He was trembling, shaking. Fear wed up his throat. As the crowd started to gather around the firehouse, Lazaro closed all the doors shut. Even if he doesn''t look back to the past, he would never forget this day in his life.

    Present..

    The revtion blew everyone''s mind.. A boy, not more than eight years, nned, killed his father, and escaped! Is that the reason Enger has been keeping his identity secret? Devin''s unsettling thought about Enger''s identity finally rified.

 Chapter 385 - Resignation

    The shocked faces didnot surprise Enzo. He was in the same state as them when he first discovered the truth. Clearing his throat, Enzo broke the silence to bring their attention back from the firehouse. ''''Not all Police are sincere. They need an evidence to close the case, and they did. But the fact is Ruth doesn''t know her son is alive, and Enger doesn''t know where his mother is hiding. But to the world, both are dead."

    ''''Did you figure out where Ruth is?'''' Francis''s voice wasced with anguish as if he was undergoing heartbreak. Fredrick''sforting pat on Francis''s shoulder brought nothing but more heaviness to Francis''s heart. The two eyes of his life have suffered hell on earth, and he has to be med for it.

    ''''It''s not your mistake, Francis.'''' Arnoldforted him.

    ''''I was unable to find her whereabouts, Francis,'''' Enzo said. ''''Ruth is very good at hiding.'''' He then nced at Devin. ''''A psychopath''s like him are not easy to deal. Wealth and influence are not enough to bring that man down.''''

    Devin didnot not need to be told, not after hearing Enger''s story. Move in silence, and speak only when it''s time to say checkmate.

    ''''It''s time to leave,'''' Francis said, getting up from his chair. ''''Thanks, Enzo.''''

    ''''What for?'''' Enzo chuckled.

    ''''For everything.'''' Francis sighed. ''''Taking time in gathering information.''''

    Enzo smiled. It was not the usual bright smile he wears on his face, a nd smile, as dry as a desert. Only if Francis knew the reason for his investigation. His daughter has be a pawn in Enger''s hands. The very thought made him bring Enger to his knees.

    Before leaving, Arnold and Fredrick exchanged pleasantries with Enzo since they have met after a long time.

    ''''Don''t you dare to report my whereabouts, Arnold.'''' Enzo threatened.

    ''''Chill, bro.'''' Arnold shrugged. ''''Your case is not in my country zone.'''' Arnold no doubt knows Enzo was faultily used of the crime because he loved his wife dearly. What went wrong? He wondered.

    After they left, Enzo went into the kitchen to make a strong coffee, and not after he put the lid on the stove, he heard footsteps. So, he made his way back to the hall and was surprised to see Devin again. Why did hee here? ''''Have you forgotten anything?''''

    ''''I haven''t,'''' Replied Devin. He studied Enzo for a good time beforeing to the point. ''''Do you know that your daughter was responsible for my memory loss?''''

    Devin neither noticed Enzo''s startled expression nor his denial look, which confirmed he is aware of it. Devin already knows who it is, but he wanted a solid confirmation that it is him. ''''Is it Enger?''''

    ''''My daughter is not bad, just that you met her in the wrong circumstances,'''' Instead of answering the question Devin asked, Enzo diverted the topic.

    ''''I am also not bad as long as she doesn''t brew trouble with my wife.'''' Countered Devin. ''''Tell her I will soon find out the reason.''''

    Devin turned around to leave, and not before he took few steps, he heard Enzo ''''It''s not Enger.''''

    ''''What?'''' Devin swiftly turned around and stared at the man, bewildered.

    ''''It''s not Enger who made a deal with my daughter.'''' Replied Enzo. ''''Don''t ask me who it is. I don''t know because my daughter wouldn''t tell me.''''

    Turning back, Devin stormed out in silence. Who is this new person, if not Enger? If he had gone by old methods, he would have forced the truth from Enzo. But he can''t. The man helped them.

    By the time Devin reached home, it was three in the morning. Getting fresh, he slipped into the sheets without making a noise.

    Momentster, he heard a murmur. ''''What took you so long?''''

    ''''You haven''t slept?''''

    ''''Hmmm..No.'''' Leena stared at him, opening her eyes. ''''Waiting for you. Why did you go to that ce?

    Devin didnot keep the secret about Enger anymore. He exined the incidents that happened in the past. By the time he finished, Leena was wide awake. She wondered if she and her Francy had wronged these two in their past life. Leena couldn''t disagree with the statement, like mother, like son.

    ....

    The following Day Nick straight away dropped Leena at the office and went back without uttering a word. Leena tried to speak with him, but his cold shoulder was starting to irk her.

    Late in the morning, Leena finished a client meeting and called Merl after checking the emails.

    ''''You called me, Leena?'''' Merl asked.

    ''''I received your resignation email,'''' Added Leena. ''''May I know the reason?''''

    ''''I am finding it hard without my parents. I want to go back to my home.'''' Merl said. ''''I am sorry if I had disappointed you.''''

    ''''It''s your wish to stay in mypany or find another. I will ept your resignation'''' Leena watched a smiling twinkle on Merl''s face. ''''But...'''' She paused, studying the girl attentively. ''''Once the employee joins Bliss, they have to serve one month after resignation.''''

    ''''But..but..I have joined two weeks back.'''' Merl quickly interrupted Leena. ''''I_I am ready to pay if it is money_''''

    ''''Mypany doesn''t work with money alone.'''' Leena suspended Merl''s thoughts. ''''Serve the one-month notice, and you are ready to go,''''

    "Okay." Merl smiled and walked out of the room, but the inner turmoil was raging like mount doom. She felt Leena behaved like a total stranger. ''''Is it because she is disappointed over my resignation?''''

    Merl thought of escaping without actually telling Leena, but she has two problems sitting on her neck. One is, Leena would definitely perform a background check on her if she escapes. The other trouble is Nick. She didnot think he is such a nuisance, lovesick fool.

    .....

    ''''She changed Nick into apletely different person,'''' Reese said. ''''What are you nning to do with her?''''

    ''''Nick is in danger, Reese. We have to save him from this woman.'''' Leena exhaled a deep sigh. ''''We have got one month time.. Before she escapes, we will find the actual Merl.''''

 Chapter 386 - Probability Of Paternity

    Margaret started a new series from the drama collections after finishing thest episode of a historical Korean drama. Heather had no mood to watch. She bade goodnight to Margaret and trudged into her room. Since yesterday, Francis''s behavior has bothered her. He neither smiled nor talked. Heather wondered if her presence in this house is starting to annoy him. ''''Should I shift to a new home? Or stay with my daughter?''''

    With thoughts inside her head, Heather dozed off. The following day, as usual, she woke up. After getting ready, she went down to have breakfast, and at the same time, to talk with Francis, but Grace informed he left for the office already. ''''Cold man!'''' She grumbled and left for the hospital.

    As she finished attending a patient, Evelyn called her to inform her of good news in the afternoon. The DNA reports of Leena and that Nerd arrived. She immediately rushed out of the hospital. Maybe it was good news for Evelyn, but Heather''s legs trembled in fear as she sat next to Evelyn. To keep the suspense intact, her friend didnot open the seal to let her see the secret by herself.

    ''''I am scared, Eve.'''' Heather cried.

    ''''You were not scared when you asked me to conduct a DNA test.'''' Evelyn countered. ''''Open it, Heather!''''

    Both held their breaths anxiously. Heather tore open the envelope, ignored the indexes in the paper sheet, and straight away nced at the bottom right corner. [Probability of Paternity: 0. The alleged father is excluded as the biological father of the tested child....]

    ''''Not his.'''' Relief poured through Heather''s face. ''''Leena is not that Nerd''s daughter, Eve! Aren''t you surprised?'''' Heather screamed, squealing like a child.

    ''''I guessed already,'''' Evelyn smiled. ''''So, what''s our next n?''''

    ''''I am going to Korea.'''' Heather dered.

    ''''Why?'''' Evelyn asked in a surprise-filled voice.

    ''''To meet him.'''' Heather turned to face Evelyn. ''''If the Nerd has a hand, he would definitely alert the person once he knows that we are searching for Leena''s biological father. There is a chance they might strike back, and that''s the only way to bring the enemy from the hiding.''''

    ''''Isn''t it too risky, Heather?''''

    ''''It is! But I don''t want to die wondering who he is.''''

    Evelyn now realized the desperation in Heather''s voice. ''''So, when are we leaving for Korea?''''

    ''''Probably tomorrow...I don''t have any major..wait!'''' Heather sharply nced at Evelyn. ''''You said we?..are you alsoing with me?''''

    ''''Of course, I aming.'''' Evelyn embraced Heather''s arms. ''''I can''t allow you to go alone. Besides, it''s been a long time we made a trip together. Was South Korea on our travel bucket list to travel together?'''' Evelyn asked. If Heather was not involved in the ident, they would have together traveled to many ces.

    ''''Thank you, Eve.'''' Both googled the beautiful ces they must visit in Korea, including Nerd''s visit. Evelyn was one step ahead. She booked the ne tickets for the two.

    ...

    Before going to bed, Heather contemted if she should inform Francis of her Korea visit. She is literally living in his house. It''s the least she could do. She knocked on Francis''s bedroom door and waited. When she didnot receive the response, she straight away went to the ce he would bury himself when he is anxious or troubled��his study room.

    ''''Is something bothering you?'''' Heather''s sudden voice caused Francis to snap out.

    ''''N_othing.'''' He stammered, tightening his hold around the book he was holding. ''''What''s up? You are still awake?''''

    ''''Ummm..I am going to Korea tomorrow along with Evelyn,'''' Heather said. ''''So, I thought of informing you.''''

    ''''Why now?'''' His voice sounded like a scream as he threw the book on the table. After knowing that the psycho woman is still alive, Francis was scared even to send Heather to the hospital. But he was not so mean to stop her fly by stealing her wings.

    ''''A trip to enjoy.'''' Heather smiled at his face, covering the lie in her eyes. As usual, she didnot receive a response from the man. Heather shook her head. ''''Continue reading. I have to pack things for tomorrow. I am leaving.''''

    ''''You can''t..Heather...'''' Francis shouted at the closed door, but she was already gone.

    ''''Reckless woman.'''' He muttered, making a call to his secretary to deploy men to Korea in secret.

    ...

    Francis personally went to drop Heather at the airport. It was a surprise that thezy Fredrick hase to settle Evelyn as well. He is damn sure Evelyn had dragged him by force.

    ''''Give me a minute, Heather,'''' Evelyn said and turned to her husband. ''''Remember what I told. If I get to know that you are drinking...''''

    ''''No.'''' Fredrick shook his head like a scared rabbit. ''''Please be safe, Eve darling.''''

    Evelyn turned a blind eye to her husband''s actions. ''''Let''s go, Heather.''''

    Fredrick continued waving his hands, pulling out Oscar-winning acting even after Heather and Evelyn disappear out of his sight.

    ''''Stop with your acting,'''' Francis chuckled. ''''They are gone already.''''

    ''''You don''t know about my wife, France. She might turn up any time to check on me '''' Fredrick grinned. ''''It''s time to party. Tonight at my home.'''' Fredrick made a call to his friends and received a reply in seconds.

    ''''I am noting, drunkard.'''' Francis stepped into the car.

    ''''Let me see then,'''' Fredrick muttered, a sly smile on his face.

    .....

    A woman lying on the bed searched the bedside table as the loud ringing mobile hammered into her ears. Her sleepy eyes assumed she was dreaming as she saw the contact number. She cut the call and looked at the man snoring on the other side of the bed. Pushing the nket aside, she went to the terrace and dialed back the number. ''''I told you several times to call this number, William. What if my husband has noticed?''''

    ''''I know it''s dangerous. But I have to deliver this matter, Ruth.'''' Replied William. ''''''Heather and Evelyn areing to Korea."

    Ruth panicked. "Did Heather find out about you or a spection?"

    "I assume she is doubting."

    Minor incidents happen in the chapters I posted today. But they are necessary to progress for the story, which I couldn''t cut down. So, I wrote two chapters, not to let you think it''s only one small chapter. Happy reading....

 Chapter 387 - Ruckus

    On their first day, Evelyn and Heather enjoyed roaming the beautiful ces in Seoul. The next day, they went to Contazer cosmetic surgery clinic, which the nerd, Won-Shik, owns. It was early in the morning, yet the hospital waiting room was almost filled.

    By the time they stepped out of the hospital after the brief conversation with Won-Shik, Evelyn was famished. Although Heather wanted to talk about Won-Shik, Evelyn cut her off, saying ''we can talkter'' and pulled Heather to the nearby restaurant.

    Evelyn didnot let Heather talk about him during lunch. Post lunch, they made their way to the hotel. ''''Now I all ears, my dear friend.''''

    ''''I don''t believe he is speaking the truth, Eve,'''' Heather said, shoving the new clothes she purchased for Leena. ''''Did he really board the cruise ship just to enjoy?''''

    ''''We never had any interactions with the nerd while we studied. We have no reason to think that he had plotted against you.''''Evelyn sighed, dropping herself on the bed. ''''We are barking up the wrong tree,''''

    Heather had no reason to disagree with Evelyn''s statement. She wondered if she will ever find Leena''s biological father in this lifetime.Her heart is full of sadness to dwell upon the happiness she is living now.

    Sensing Heather''s plight, Evelynforted. ''''It''s fine if we cannot find him, Heather. Nobody can rece Francis in Leena''s eyes. I bet she doesn''t even care if she knows the truth.''''

    ''''You are right..but..''''

    ''''Let''s keep the matter aside for now.''''

    Heather smiled, acknowledging Evelyn''s point. Soon, they forgot about Leena''s father when the matter of Won-Shik returned into the conversation again.

    ''''I never thought he is a very famous cosmetic Surgeon in Korea.'''' Heather voiced out her thoughts, amazed by the patient''s strength at the hospital. It surprised her that seventy percentage are of youth. Are they that desperate to get under the knife?

    ''''So, you want to take back your words about the nerd?'''' Evelyn teased. In moments, she received a stern warning stare from Heather.

    Giggling to herself, Evelyn got up and packed the stuff, ready to go back home. They boarded the flight at night, and by the time they reached New York, it was evening.

    ''''Is Ricking to pick you up?'''' Heather asked as they walked side by side towards the restroom.

    ''''No.'''' Replied Evelyn, opening the restroom door. ''''Thatzy must be on energy saving_''''

    Evelyn paused her thoughts when she noticed the reflection of a woman in the mirror. Puzzled by Evelyn''s silence, Heather followed her eyes in Evelyn''s direction. A woman was looking straight at Evelyn through the mirror, her face filled with disgust. Being bedridden for a long while, Heather could not recognize the woman at one shot, but her features slowly dawned. Lauren! Evelyn''s brother''s wife! She knows it would yield no good if Evelyn and Lauren are in one ce.

    Heather shook Evelyn''s hand, who was staring at the woman with the same ferocity. ''''Let''s go, Eve. We can find another_''''

    ''''What a bad Omen!'''' Cursing loudly, Lauren turned around, a mock dancing on her lips. ''''Just when it seems my life is getting goo, something alwayses along to ruin my luck.''''

    ''''You are right.'''' Evelyn chucked. ''''My luck is so bad, people would stop dying if I purchase a cemetery.''''

    ''''You!'''' Lauren gritted her teeth, pointing her index finger at Evelyn. ''''How dare you to talk back to your sister-inw? You have no_''''

    ''''I have no respect, isn''t it what you want to tell?'''' Evelyn contributed. ''''I am tired of hearing the same old dialogues.'''' Evelynzily stated. She then turned to Heather. ''''Let''s go, Heather.''''

    Evelyn didnot give a chance for Lauren to speak. She felt disgusted to even stand at a feet distance from her.

    Cursing Evelyn, Lauren angrily stomped out of the restroom. She went to the waiting area and found her son, sitting on the chair, busily scrolling over the phone. ''''How dare that woman!''''

    ''''Who?'''' Ethan questioned, without heaving his head.

    ''''She would be nothing if not she married Fredrick.'''' She grumbled again.

    Ethan paused and stared at his mother. ''''Are you talking about aunt Evelyn?'''' Ethan would be least bothered to listen to her mother''s rants, but the name Fredrick caught his attention.

    ''''Yes! Bad omen..''''

    ''''Wait here. I will be back.'''' Ethan hastily got up and left, leaving her speechless.

    As Ethan walked towards the exit door, he called Evelyn and atst found her. He noticed another woman standing next to her at a distance. Judging by her features, he doesn''t need to ask. It''s Leena''s mother.

    ''''How are you, Ethan.'''' Evelyn nced up and smiled when he came towards her.

    ''''I am good, aunty.'''' He smiled back in return. ''''I apologize if my mother misbehaved again.''''

    ''''I never considered her a human to bother.'''' Evelyn genuinelymented, assuming that Ethan cared less about her remark.

    ''''Well.'''' Ethan''s smile turned to embarrassment. Quickly, he shifted to another topic. ''''How is Harley?''''

    ''''Good. She has recovered.'''' Evelyn turned to the clueless Heather. ''''He is my brother Stephan''s son, Ethan.'''' She then turned to Ethan. ''''She is Heather, Leena''s mother.''''

    ''''Hello, aunty.'''' Ethan nervously gazed at Heather. He could see Leena is her mother''s replica. Ethan wondered how she is doing. He has turned into a viin in her eyes in just one day. Her helpless cries still haunt him, pulling him back to the past.

    ''''Hello.'''' Heather heard the name several times through Francis but never seen his face. So, he is the one her daughter dated?

    ''''Where are youing from?'''' He asked Evelyn.

    ''''A trip.''''

    Just in time, Ethan heard the flight announcement. So, he has to leave.

    ''''He is not like his mother at all,'''' Heather said.

    ''''I am d for that.''''

    ''''Does he or Stephan know about Harley?'''' Heather asked.

    ''''No.'''' Evelyn sighed. ''''I don''t n to tell them either. I want to keep it a secret.''''

    Heather nodded, understanding Eveln''s point.

    ''''It seems like Lauren is still not over your husband after all these years.'''' Heather teased.

    ''''Some people have no shame,'''' Evelyn grumbled, reminiscing the days of her youth. Her mother-inw''s first choice for Fredrick was Lauren.. She developed strong feelings for Fredrick, and when they got secretly married, she created a ruckus.

 Chapter 388 - Westside

    Merl swore on her boss for rendering a tedious mission. When she first epted, she considered it''s a cakewalk, but sheter realized it''s more challenging than she thought. With the micro transmitter pushed out of Leena''s ear, her boss hadn''t paid any attention to her. She knows that''s the way things work with him. Her boss could have taken her out of this situation with his influence, but that man is not concerned at all.

    As days passed, Merl was finding it hard to manage using the fake identity. On top of that, she got another burden. Nick! He arrived at her doorstep today morning with packed bags.

    ''''Did something happen between you and Leena?'''' Merl asked, sharing her fake concern for Nick. Lately, she had observed Leena and Nick are not on good terms. She tried to pry on the matter several times, but Nick would brush off, telling her that it''s a small fight. Nick rendering his full attention to her irked Leena? Quite a usible scenario.

    ''''Nothing happened. We are good. I havee here to stay with you.'''' Replied Nick in agitation. Merl would be heartbroken if she knows that the fight started because of her. She is too innocent for the world.

    ''''But you cannot stay here, Nick.'''' She said sternly.

    ''''Why? Am I a burden to you?'''' Nick looked from foot to foot. ''''I will leave if it bothers you.''''

    ''''Not at all. I didnot mean in that way. You can stay here as long as you want.'''' Merl forced a smile. ''''Take rest. I will prepare something for you to eat.''''

    ''''Thank you, Merl.'''' Nick hugged her tightly before letting her leave.

    A strange emotion crawled in her as Nick hugged her, but she brushed it off.

    With no work to do, Nick grabbed the book resting on the bedside table. His mobile buzzed with an iing message, but he ignored it, knowing that it''s Leena. ''''Is she turning into a viin in my love story?''''

    While he was reading, Nick heard a vibration. He paused reading and nced at the source. At the edge of the bed, he found a mobile. ''''It must be Merl''s.''''

    ''''Merl. You got a call.'''' He shouted, walking into the hall at first and then the kitchen, but the house looked empty.

    ''''Where did she go?'''' He muttered in disbelief. Just in time, the mobile in his hand vibrated again. Nick lifted the call, assuming it was an emergency. ''''Hello.._''''

    ''''You bloody witch!'''' Nick heard a man''s curse the moment he lifted the call.

    ''''How long are you going to keep my daughter with you. I don''t care about your threats anymore. I am going to file aint if you don''t give her by today."

    A daughter? What is he talking about? Nick was stunned for few seconds. ''''I am sorry, sir. You called the wrong number.''''

    ''''Who are you? Are you her assis....''''

    Suddenly, he felt a slight sting at the tip of his ear. Before he knew what''s happening, the mobile slipped out of his hands. Nick turned back to see the mobile in Merl''s hands now. ''''It''s not good to invade your girlfriend''s privacy, dear boyfriend.''''

    ''''I didnot find you in the house,'''' Nick said, embarrassed for trespassing. ''''I thought the call might be an emergency.''''

    ''''I will ignore it for today.'''' She smiled in return.

    ''''Who is that man? He is talking something about his daughter''s kidnap. '''' A hint of suspicion shed across his face.

    ''''I don''t know who it is, Nick.'''' Merl threw her arms around Nick''s neck, sobbing herself free of tears. ''''He got a mental problem, I suppose. He keeps calling, using me of her daughter''s kidnapping. Why would I kidnap his daughter? He has got a serious problem with his brain.''''

    ''''Why didn''t you tell me this before?'''' Nick patted her back worriedly. Mental problem? Something was bothering him. Nick sensed concern when the man swore at him in the call.

    ''''I don''t want to burden you with my problems,'''' Merl muttered. Nick was close to finding the truth today if not for her fast reflexes. She is scared if she can keep up with her fake identity for a month.

    ''''You are not a burden, Merl.'''' Nick caressed her cheek softly. ''''You are the love of my life. Your problems are my problems. I cannot promise to fix all your problems, but I promise you won''t have to face them alone.''''

    His words moved Merl a little. What''s happening to me? Brushing the thought off her mind, she said. ''''Let''s go. I prepared food.''''

    Nick hummed in reply.

    .....

    A week passed, Merl was in a state of deep confusion with her feelings. Within a couple of days, her emotions took a significant shift. Nick''s attention, his time, his love, his deep concern was starting to shake her. Is it a sign that she is falling for Nick? No one had ever treated her with regard except him.

    On the other hand, Nick was in his own thoughts. A week passed since Nick had talked with Leena and Devin. Although he has Merl on his side, he is missing home. Leena''s bantering, Devin''spany, Aunt Jpeno''s food, Carrot''s yful nature, he is not feeling home here. Something about Merl also ticked him off. Recently her suspicious calls raised a red g.

    With the thoughts around, Nick was unable to sleep. The message notification he had briefly seen in Merl''s mobile two days back was crossing his brain now and then. [Had my daughter well taken car...]

    ''''Is it him again?'''' Nick unlocked the mobile and scrolled down his messages. He tapped on Leena''s contact name and stared at thetest message she had sent. [Leena: Dunderhead, if you still don''t want to believe me, visit WestOyster school. That''s the school where Merl studied. I hope organizations never lie of a person''s identity]

    ''''Dunderhead,'''' Nick muttered, a smile on his face. How long has it been since he heard swearings from the great Leena?

    ''''Nick. What are you doing?'''' Nick quickly locked the mobile as he saw Merl dashing into his room like a race car.

    ''''Slow down. Slow down. What''s the rush?''''

    ''''I missed you.'''' Merl jumped onto the bed, gathered him in a deep hug. Her feelings for Nick every day are strengthening like the roots of a tree. Will he ept me if he knows the truth about my identity? The thought of Nick turning down scared her.

    ''''Merl.'''' He softly called her, bringing her out of thoughts.

    ''''Tell me, my dear boyfriend.''''

    ''''Nothing.'''' He said. ''''I was wondering which school you attended.''''

    In a trice, Nick sensed Merl''s rigid stance in his embrace.

    ''''Which school?'''' He questioned again, his voice toned down to gentleness.

    The sudden offbeat question rmed Merl. Which school was it? Something starts with West..West..Westside. That''s it. ''''Westside it is.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' His grip tightened over the mobile instantly.

 Chapter 389 - New Life

    As Merl''s love began to hearten, so were her fears. Before Nick finds about her identity through another source, she wished to tell him the truth, but the moment her lips parted to utter a word, they would automatically close in fright.

    Days passed. Nick was as caring as he was to her. On one day, while having breakfast, Merl spoke up.

    ''''Nick, I wanted to tell you something important.''''

    ''''What is it, sweety?'''' His gaze from the food shifted to her face.

    Merl shyly smiled at his honey-coated words. She was contemting telling him the truth about her identity, but in the end, she said. ''''I have resigned from my job. In another week, I willplete my notice period as well.''''

    ''''What!'''' Merl''s sudden statement perplexed Nick. ''''Why did you resign?''''

    ''''I am not feelingfortable over there.'''' Replied Merl, digging deep into her te like crazy.

    ''''Why? Is Leena not treating you well?'''' Nick questioned in a whisper. It was the only thought that urred in his mind. It was a known fact to him that Leena hates Merl.

    Merl hesitantly nodded her head. ''''Leena believes I was the reason for a fight between you and her. I don''t understand why she thinks in that way.''''

    When Nick didnot counter back, Merl knew it''s time to grab the opportunity to shred Leena and Nick''s rtionshippletely. She feared one day, Leena would know her identity and expose it to Nick. She can''t let that happen.

    She walked up to Nick''s chair. Pushing his te aside, she slid into his embrace. ''''You deserve best in the world, Nick. You graduated from a top university, and you are not supposed to be sitting inside the four walls, guarding someone. Leena and Devin only treat you as a mere guard. You are nothing to them. Don''t you agree?''''

    A slow, wry smile surfaced on her face as Nick nodded his head. ''''I feel the same.''''

    ''''Leena will keep trying to separate us if we stay close to her,'''' Merl said. ''''Let''s go far away. We will start a new life. We will get married and have kids.''''

    Merl nced at Nick in hopes that he would agree. To her surprise, Nick lifted his eyes and cupped her face. ''''Let''s start a new life then, sweety.''''

    ''''Thank you, Nick.'''' Merl hugged him tightly. ''''Is NewZend fine with you? I love that country.''''

    ''''As long as it is you, I am ready to go anywhere.''''

    Merl giggled in response. She knows she is taking a risk, but if her love for Nickes with a price, she is willing to take the gamble.

    Three dayster, Merl came up to Nick and informed him about her new job in New Zend. She even booked tickets without telling Nick, which he didnot mind because they had already discussed.

    Atst, Merlpleted her one-month notice period in Bliss. She called her boss and informed him that she is moving to New Zend forever. So, she cannot take up secret missions in the future. Since she seeded in thest mission, Enger didnot find a threat, so he agreed without a second thought.

    For the first time, Merl was extremely happy in her life. Everything was going ording to her n. The day before she has to leave for New Zend, she decided to erase thest threat of her life.

    Merl drove to the city''s far end and stopped the car at a small, worn-out house covered with cobwebs. Upon knocking on the door, a man entered her sight. ''''Woah! Finally, my dear friend remembers me?''''

    ''''Scram with your jokes, Lam,'''' Merl chuckled. ''''How is she?''''

    ''''She is a cry baby,'''' The man named Lamined. ''''When am I going to get rid of this babysitting job?'''' Swallowing hard, he nced at the house walls in disgust. ''''I can''t stand these spiders, you know. If not you had paid the hefty amount, I wouldn''t have agreed.''''

    ''''Well, I am here to free you today.'''' Merl chuckled as she handed an amber-colored bottle to Lam.

    Lam stared at the bottle for a few seconds. ''''What is this?''''

    ''''Iocaine powder.''''

    ''''A what!'''' He screamed in horror. ''''You want to kill her?''''

    ''''Stop shouting, Lam'''' Merl hushed her friend by knocking his shoulder hard. ''''Mix it in the food, and bring it to the girl''s room. I am going to feed her personally.''''

    ''''What''s wrong with you, A? You are supposed to release her once your mission ends.''''

    ''''I know, but things changed.'''' Merl sighed. ''''Give her_.''''

    ''''No.'''' He denied taking the bottle. ''''Tell me everything.''''

    ''''Ah! You are as stubborn as a mule.'''' Merl sighed before she exined everything to her friend.

    Lam''s face bewildered the more he heard. ''''So, you fell in love with that man so hard that you wanted to abandon your identity and take up actual Merl''s identity?''''

    Merl nodded, a smile on her face. Never she thought she would fall in love, but Nick has swayed her thoroughly.

    ''''What if your boyfriend knows the truth? Sooner orter, he will find_''''

    ''''He will not,'''' Merl said, her voice determined. ''''That''s the reason we are going to a faraway ce.''''

    ''''What about the girl''s parents then?'''' He questioned again. ''''If we don''t return her daughter to the old man, I am pretty sure he will file aint. By then, we will be screwed.''''

    ''''I know you are worried about me.'''' Merl chuckled. ''''But don''t worry. I have discarded the number already and erased the traces.''''

    Lan shook his head. ''''You have sure gone crazy for him, A.''''

    ''''I am.'''' She grinned sheepishly.

    ''''Alright. Bring the food.'''' Having said that, she covered her face with a mask, unlocked the adjacent room, and stepped in. The moment she switched on the lights, a girl who was curled up like a ball squinted her eyes to adjust to the brightness.

    ''''Hi. We meet again.'''' Merl bent to a squat.

    ''''H''_i.'''' The girl stuttered in fright. ''''W_hen am I seeing my parents?''''

    ''''Today.'''' Merl watched the girl''s face lit up in sheer amusement. ''''Aren''t you happy?''''

    The girl rapidly nodded her head. Tears rolled out of her eyes in happiness.

    ''''Her lunch.'''' Lam came over with a te.

    ''''Your father is on the way to pick you up,'''' Merl ced the food te in front of her. ''''Eat the food.''''

    ''''Is he reallying?''''

    Merl nodded.

    Without further inquest, the girl began to gobble up the food. She is going to see her father finally.

    Merl felt terrible watching the girl''s state, but she had no choice. It is the destiny of the weak to be devoured by the strong. Only the fittest will survive in the world.

    As Merl watched the girl eat in pure delight, she heard disturbing whispers from a distance. At first, she ignored it, but the sound gradually turnedpelling. Has someone followed her? Merl sharply turned to Lam. ''''Lam, close the main door_''''

    ''''You can permanently close the door after I handover you to the cops, Ms. Alfie Hne.'''' A voice cut inside, as cruel as a new wife.

    ''''Leena! No.'''' Merl muttered, her voice trembled as she turned around. She was hoping her ears were ying a trick, but no. How did Leena know her real name?

    Leena''s gaze shifted to the girl on the ground who was looking at her innocently. ''''How much did you eat?''''

    ''''A_little.''''

    Just in time, a man came inside with a bottle. ''''Leena Madam, it''s poison.''''

    ''''She has consumed half the food. Take her to the hospital. Fast.'''' Commanded Leena.

    The man nodded and signaled the other guard to take care of Leena, madam. He then carried the girl away.

    ''''How worse can you be?'''' Leena spat at Merl. ''''Nick is a fool to realize your true self.''''

    ''''So, you knew.'''' Merl unlocked her mobile to text her boss, but her lucky at the far shore because Leena was swift to snatch the mobile from her hands.

    Leena chuckled. ''''You don''t need to worry. I will take care of your boss.''''

    ''''Lam,'''' Merl shouted. ''''Run. Inform the boss.''''

    The bodyguard ran after Lam at Leena''smand leaving Leena, and Merl alone. He wanted to stay to protect Leena, but she was too stubborn to send him after the man.

    ''''I am warning you onest time,'''' Leenamanded. ''''Breakup with Nick, and leave him. I will pretend you have never existed.''''

    ''''Of course, I am leaving. But not alone.'''' Merl''sugh was insidious. ''''Didn''t Nick tell you? Ah...I forgot that you are not on talking terms.''''

    ''''Let me enlighten you,'''' Merl added on. ''''Tonight, we are moving to New Zend permanently. I will make sure to erase you people from his life.''''

    Leena''s eyes went wide in shock. Is he going to New Zend without telling me?

    ''''What did you do to him?'''' In seconds Leena grabbed Merl''s throat, squeezing her breath with no escape.

    ''''Le_ave me.'''' Merl struggled to free herself. When she did, with her exceptional training skills, she threw Leena''s body on the ground; her body created a loud thud. Leena winced in pain.

    ''''He cares for none except me. You are not even a qualified stranger in his life,'''' Merl added on with a delighted smile. ''''Why do you care about_"

    ''''You have got a nerve to harm my sister!'''' A voice echoed in the empty room like a rising storm, cutting Merl''s thoughts. Before Merl processes her thoughts, her body was thrown onto the ground with a resounding plop.

    Merl was surprised.. But Leena was utterly surprised to hear the familiar voice at her support.

 Chapter 390 - Selfish Love

    Nick didnot spare a nce at the woman who was useless to him. His sole concentration was on Leena alone. ''''Are you hurt, Leena?'''' Nick dropped to a squat to help her.

    ''''Do you care? You should be tending to your girlfriend, not a stranger like me.'''' Leena swatted his hand away, refused to receive help from him. Turning to her left, she slowly rose to her feet and stood, dusting the dirt from her dress. Questions were running in her mind. Why did hee here? How did he know this ce?

    ''''Are you angry?'''' Nick looked at her despondently. ''''I know you are_''''

    ''''Nick.'''' Nick heard a intive whimper that sent a rush of anger to his face.

    ''''What?'''' He distinctly nced in Merl''s direction, his icy stares bore into her, causing her not to back away.

    ''''What''s wrong with your tone all of a sudden?'''' Merl was almost on the verge of tears. The Nick she has seen is a soft and gentle person, not an aloof and distant man she sees today. She hated the side of his. ''''Do you know Leena tried to kill me.''''

    Leena watched her, a wry smile on her face and an amused twinkle in her eyes. So, I am her new target now? Leena wondered, what''s this hero going to do now? Will he soften up and rush into her lover''s arms like old times?

    ''''If you think I came here to protect you.'''' Nick gave her a smug smile. ''''It''s time you stop living in delusion.''''

    ''''What are you_''''

    ''''Forgot to tell you, I visited Westside school recently'''' Nick cut off to Merl''s shock. ''''But unfortunately, I didnot find any girl with the name Merl Jones studied over there.''''

    Merl felt like the world stopped in front of her. Did he investigate me?

    ''''I assumed my girlfriend was too upied to forget the school name. So, I did an extensive search.'''' Nick looked at Leena. Her eyes rolled in a way, telling him that it''s her extensive search, not his. He grinned in response and came back to the topic again. ''''..and atst, I found the school name you attended, WestOyster. Was I surprised to see the picture of Merl Jones? Man yes! You are one surprise bank.''''

    ''''Stop it, Nick!'''' Merl pleaded.

    Pretending that he didnot hear, Nick continued. ''''I went in search of your parents, and guess what I saw? The old man whom you im to be a mental patient was your father.'''' Nick eximed. ''''I was blown up by your surrounding mysteries. I couldn''t believe the innocent mind of my girlfriend is packed up with criminality.''''

    ''''Why are you making things hard.'''' Merl slowly walked up to him. Without a second thought, she hugged him tightly. ''''I am sorry, Nick. I am sorry for hiding my identity. You have reasons to hate me. But trust me, all the things I did were because of my love for you. I was scared to lose you. I was scared you would hate me. I may be fake, but my love for you is not a y. I loved you with all my heart.''''

    ''''To the point of killing an innocent girl?'''' Without any mercy, he pushed her away. He did not attempt to hide the disgust in his eyes. ''''I donnot need such kind of selfish love.''''

    ''''I wish I had given you poison on that day.'''' Her words tinged with menace for Leena. ''''It''s all because of you.''''

    ''''Oh! No! Will you stop, woman?'''' Leena sighed. ''''You are not even a qualified second lead in his story.''''

    Leena turned to Nick. ''''Let''s go.''''

    ''''Are you leaving me, Nick,'''' Merl asked. ''''You still love me.''''

    ''''I fell in love with the person you pretend to be.'''' He walked out without waiting to hear her reply.

    As they walked, Leena could sense Nick pretending to be okay, but he is not. ''''Are you okay?''''

    ''''It''s not the love that hurts, Leena. What hurts most is being hurt by someone you love. I am used to getting hurt again and again.''''

    Leena wanted to ask if someone else has hurt him, but he is already in a depression. It''s not wise to re-open the wound. ''''When did you discover her identity?''''

    Nick exined the details of his conversation with a man when he identally lifted Merl''s phone. Although he knew everything, he pretended so that it would be easy to know where she hid the actual Merl''s location.

    ''''I am proud of you.'''' Leena patted Nick''s shoulder. ''''So, what do we do with her?''''

    ''''�� have a n.'''' He said. ''''By the way, you have good news.''''

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I told Devin that you are here. He ising_''''

    ''''What! It''s not good news, idiot! OMG! I am screwed now.'''' When Merl finally made a suspicious move, she followed her without telling Devin. She knows the guards would inform himter, but this is too sudden.

    Speak of the devil, he doth appear. Momentster, a car pulled in front of her. Nick went back to his car. Wordlessly, Leena stepped inside to face the wrath of her husband.

    His gaze remained on theptop, but his voice gathered heaviness as he spoke. ''''Wee back.. should I say Hero Leena?''''

    ''''Umm..It''s Leena Hayes. Leena is not my surname.'''' She sheepishly added to fuel his anger.

    ''''Your joke is not funny.''''

    ''''Oh.'''' She pouted. ''''Then I will try a different joke to impress_''''

    Leena caught her breath in a startled gasp of pain when Devin raised her legs, whirled them, causing her back to fall on the seat. In no time, he came on top of her. ''''You have been a bad girltely.''''

    ''''Then punish me tonight.'''' She added on, a naughty smirk on her face.

    ''''How about we start now?'''' His fingers brushed her thighs, her sensitive area, Leena looked at the driver seat and back to Devin, but he didnot seem to bother. Or he was pretending to until she begs him.

    ''''We did it here'''' He leaned forward and brushed his lips with hers. ''''Don''t you remember?''''

    How can she forget the incident of her honeymoon? Feeling his hardness dangerously close to her, Leena craved more of him. If she had removed the driver''s existence in her mind, their bodies would be tangling in bliss by now. But she has to stop this beast.

    ''''Tonight, I will ride you.'''' She whispered, knowing that he would agree. After all, it''s sir''s favorite position and, unfortunately, her least favorite. Holding onto his stamina, she gets tired of being on top and also doing all the work.

    ''''One week. I am trying to be generous considering your stamina.'''' Countered Devin.

    ''''Three days.'''' Replied Leena, gritting her teeth.

    ''''Two weeks. The number increases every time you negotiate.''''

    ''''You should have told this condition before,'''' Shouted Leena. ''''One week then.''''

    ''''Deal.'''' Immediately, Devin pulled her up to the seat. One week is manageable. Not every day, he gets the chance.

    ''''To home,'''' Devin ordered the driver.

    While going home, Devin gave a big ss to Leena for not informing him beforehand. She listened to the same old story until he was short of words.

    ''''I am not caging you, Sweetheart.'''' He stroked her hair warmly. ''''I can''t bear it if something happens to you.''''

    Leena hugged him. ''''I will be careful. Don''t worry.''''

    ''''I believe in you.''''

    Momentster, her gaze fell on a file at the far end of the seat. She grabbed the file and studied the contents. ''''A pharmapanies list?''''

    ''''It''s Enger''s.''''

    Leena nodded. Speaking of him, she decided to do a study on hispany as well. She couldn''t believe he is the mastermind behind Leius Pharmabs. ''''Were you able to find Enger''s mother''s whereabouts?''''

    ''''Thest few pages on the file are about Ruth''s family, friends, and rtives. We haven''t yet interrogated anyone.''''

    ''''She is a pro in ying Vihu instrument. Interesting.'''' She flipped onto the next page, and a name caught her attention. ''''Rosalie Miles is Ruth''s friend and rtive?''''

    ''''Do you know her?''''

    ''''I am not sure if the person I am guessing is the same,'''' Leena exined. ''''But my scum father''s wife shares the same name.''''

    ''''Is it?''''

    ''''If she is the one, then we can know about Ruth more,'''' Leena said. ''''Although my scum father is a waste fellow, Rosalie is quite an approachable woman..'''' She decided to visit her jewelrypany when she is free.

 Chapter 391 - Cannibalism

    When the car pulled into the entrance of the house, Leena stepped out of the car. A few steps away from the door, she heard a roaring woman''s voice. ''''Aunt Jpeno has started.''''

    ''''He deserves.'''' Replied Devin.

    In the living hall, Nick listened to Aunt Jpeno''s shouts without countering back. He was not angry; instead, happy that people cared for a nobody like him.

    ''''You dare to leave the house for that fake butt without informing me?''''

    ''''I am sorry_''''

    ''''If I hear you running away from home next time, I will kick your butt.''''

    Nick nodded his head vigorously. Atst, she turned the subject to butts again?

    ''''Let''s forgive him, Aunt Jpeno.'''' Leena stepped in and signaled Nick to go into his room. Nick dly seized the opportunity.

    ''''Stupid, idiot.'''' Aunt Jpeno stared at his retreating back of Nick. ''''Look at his bum. It looks so thin. I should prepare a nice meal before I squeeze them.'''' Having said that, she went to the kitchen.

    Meanwhile, Leena was in thoughts. ''''My love for bananas or Aunt Jpeno''s love for butts? Which is stronger?"

    With nothing to do, Leena followed Aunt Jpeno to help her with cooking. Cutie and Carrot, who were ying, also followed behind her.

    Just in time, Leena received a call from her brother. ''''Are you nning to return with the second-born directly?''''

    ''''With your blessings, I am nning, dear sister.'''' Replied Wilbur with a grin. ''''What''s my daughter doing? Let me talk to that brat.''''

    ''''Hey, Cutie.'''' Leena called Cutie and gave her the mobile ''''Your dad.''''

    ''What does he wants now?'' Cutie internally muttered.

    ''''What is it, dad?'''' She said.

    ''''My sweet daughter. Is this how you talk to your dad?'''' Wilbur said. ''''I will being day-after-tomorrow. Are you excited to see your dad?''''

    ''''Can you popone to nest week?'''' Cutie asked in hope. She is enjoying her summer break here. Going to Leena''s office, ying with the employees, and on top of that, she has full-on entertainment with her flute teacher Ged. If her dades back, she will have nothing except the boring lectures.

    ''''No.'''' Wilbur sternly dered. ''''I willnd ''there tomorrow itself to annoy you.''''

    Hearing her father''s response, Cutie cut the call in the middle of their conversation and went back to ying with Carrot. Annoying father, she muttered.

    ''''Taste the soup, Leena.'''' Aunt Jpeno said, cing a bowl in front of her.

    As the first drop of soup touched her tongue, Leena felt her tastebuds awakened. Aunt Jpeno''s husband must be one lucky man. ''''Are you married, Aunt Jpeno?'''' Unlikest time, Leena didnot back down in bringing the topic about her husband.

    Aunt Jpeno''s face twisted like she had eaten the fresh tamarinds at the start of summer.

    ''''I am sorry,'''' Leena added on, observing her indecisive face. ''''If I had_''''

    ''''It''s fine, Leena dear.'''' Aunt Jpeno sighed. ''''It''s been a long time I forgot about my marriage.''''

    ''''Where do I start? We were neighbors.'''' Aunt Jpeno started. ''''My family had a Jpeno farm, and his family had a pumpkin farm.''''

    ''''Interesting,'''' Leena eximed. ''''Continue.''''

    ''''We grew up together as childhood friends. Seeing our closeness, our parents thought we are in love and arranged a marriage alliance. At first, we wanted to protest, but then we decided to give it a chance since we didnot had love interests. But unfortunately, two yearster, I had to divorce him.''''

    ''''Why?'''' The most awaiting mystery, Leena wanted to unravel.

    ''''That bummer cheated on me.'''' Aunt Jpeno dug the knife on the apple fruit sharply. She wished it was a pumpkin fruit.

    ''''How can he cheat on you and go to another woman? '''' Leena felt bad for Aunt Jpeno. She is such a sweet person.

    ''''It''s not a woman, Leena.'''' Aunt Jpeno exhaled a deep sigh. ''''That bummer had a secret affair with a man.''''

    Leena: '''' ''''

    Leena stared at her face without blinking. ''''Didn''t you know about him before marriage?''''

    ''''Even he didnot know about his preferences.'''' Aunt Jpeno shook her head. ''''That tube light realized after our marriage.''''

    Leena scratched her head in embarrassment. This is the back story behind her divorce? Leena seriously wished to see him once. But this is unlikely possible. Aunt Jpeno already divorced him, and what are the odds that she will meet him again?

    ....

    Night arrived; Kurt cooked a zed Salmon and garnished it with oregano for dinner. He took a shower and returned to the dining room, ready to devour, but an interruption irked him. ''''I am going to kill this security guard today.''''

    Kurt growled, kicking the dining table in frustration. He has been staying far away from the city for fifteen days on a mission, deprived of food. Atst, he hase back today and was finally happy to have a sumptuous dinner, but again an interruption.

    He reluctantly got up, ready to knock the security guard for disturbing him again. The moment Kurt opened the door, his jaw dropped to the floor. It''s been fifteen days since he saw her. Kurt didnot want to admit it, buttely, she is the cause of his nightmares.

    Kyle winked at him, her lean body swaying uncontrobly.

    ''''Did you drink?'''' Kurt asked. She knows his house address. Does that mean she cane here anytime?

    ''''Yesssss....'''' Her scream was loud enough to wake the dead. ''''Opennnnn the doooorrr..''''

    ''''Okay, okay. Calm down.'''' Kurt opened the door. Scared that she would trip, he guided her to the couch. She seems to be more obedient when she is drunk. "Did you eat?"

    She did not talk.

    ''''You wanna eat something?'''' Kurt tried one more time.

    ''''I want to eat you.''''

    "She is totally drunk." Kurt muttered

    ''''I understand you are not in senses.'''' Kurt sternly said.''''But you shouldn''t think about cannibalism even when you are drunk. It''s against thews. Do you understand?'''' He chided, treating her like a kid.

    "Okkkaayyy." Kyle vigorously nodded her head.

    ''''Wait here. Let me get something for you to eat.'''' Before Kurt got up to leave, Kyle pulled him to the couch again. ''''Can I eat you."

    Kurt sighed. There she goes again!

 Chapter 392 - Froze

    Kurt felt like he had be a feast for Kyle''s hungry stomach. Whenever he says he is not something she can eat, she would stubbornly tell him that she wants to eat him until he screams aloud. ''''To dispute with a drunkard is to debate with an empty house. Her drunken mind is extremely animalistic.''''

    Had he knew what Kyle meant by eating him, he would have raged a war against her then and there. The innocent boy went into the kitchen and returned with the dinner te.

    ''''Eat.'''' He said, cing the te on herp.

    Kyle stared at the dish and then lifted her eyes to face Kurt.

    ''''I don''t want to eat.'''' Her stubbornness is getting bottled up in her drunken state, especially after seeing him after fifteen days. Tonight, she wants to get spoiled by him. Kyle roughly shoved the te onto hisp, not bothered it would fall off, though Kurt caught it with his fast reflexes.

    ''''You threw my hard-cooked Salmon!'''' He shouted, securing the falling Salmon safely on the te. ''''You are stronger than I expected, Loose case. No wonder your weight is beyond...A....'''' Kurt screamed in horror when he felt a pointed rod dug into his left foot.

    ''''What did you call me?'''' Kyle demanded, raising her leg, aiming the sharp heel at his right foot. ''''Tell me!''''

    When Kyle had no mood to drop the topic, Kurt retreated his right foot and said. ''''L_oose Case.'''' He whispered.''''But if you don''t like I will never_''''

    ''''I am a doctor.'''' Once again, Kyle rammed her pointed heel into his right foot, causing him to scream in pain. ''''I am a doctor, you filthy FBI agent! If I ever hear you calling me Loose Case and overweighed girl, I will make sure you will not have that nasty tongue of yours. Understand?''''

    Kurt nodded, tightly gripped his knuckles as if transferring all his pain into it. He wanted to rebel against her for calling him filthy, but he knew it''s not wise to argue with a drunkard. He will not wonder if she will aim for his left foot. He decided to take care of her when she bes sober in the morning.

    ''''Do you still want to call me Loose Case?'''' She questioned again.

    ''''Never!'''' Kurt immediately went cross-kneed on the couch to save his other foot.

    ''''You better be.'''' Kyle got up and straight away walked in the direction of the room shest stayed in.

    ''''Ah! My foot.'''' He groaned as he stared at her pointed heels. His mind filled with amazement about how she could manage walking without tripping on the floor.

    With the way Kyle was swaying back and forth, Kurt was scared she would trip before reaching the bed. So, he closely followed her behind. Eventually, Kurt watched her going towards the bed and falling on it freely, feeling home.

    ''''Kurt!'''' Kyle screamed. ''''Reduce the AC.''''

    ''''I will throw you out of my house tomorrow.'''' Muttering in anger, he reduced the air conditioning to her liking. As Kurt grabbed the nket to put on her, a hand firmly pulled him towards the bed. His knees gave in when his bnce tripped, and he fell on top of Kyle. Although Kurt managed to use his left hand to support his body not to fall on her entirely at thest second, their faces came an inch apart. He stared at her eyes sparkling like stars as she smiled. It''s not the first time he had seen her, but his heart skips a beat every time he looks at her.

    ''''Why do you hate women?'''' Her warm breath fanned his face, causing him to break from his castle of thoughts.

    ''''What did you say?'''' He whispered back, not catching her words. His body wished to get off her, but his heart longed to stay close to her.

    ''''Why do you hate women, Mr. Mysogynist?'''' She repeated.

    ''''I have no hatred towards them. Had I disliked woman, I would have avoided you either, but that''s not the case.'''' He answered genuinely. He doesn''t like interacting with them. So, he stayed away from them. Some stupid student in the school has nted a seed of doubt. The seed germinated into a tree, and he has be a taboo among girls since then.

    ''''Is it?'''' Kyle pushed him on the bed and came on top of Kurt. Using her two hands, she caged him without any escape.

    Beads of sweat gathered all over his forehead at the sudden closeness. Something strange began to happen in the lower region of his body. He only hoped Kyle would not notice it and think of him as a deviant. He might not have experience, but he is not a fool.

    ''''Can I ask you a question?'''' Kyle brushed the sweat droplets from his forehead and then traced her thumb along his chiseled jaw.

    ''''What is it?'''' He managed a hoarse whisper, letting her do as he pleased. Right now, he is intoxicated by her to think of anything other than Kyle.

    ''''What''s the first thing you wash when you shower?''''

    ''''What!'''' He screamed. At once, Kurt felt like he has been dipped into cold waters and brought back to the surface again. Is it her real self that''s surfacing when she is drunk? She is so innocent when she is sober. A drunken mind speaks a sober heart would perfectly sit with this loose case.

    The moment Kurt saw her eyes slowly shifting lower, he crossed his legs, scared that she would notice the bulge.

    ''''Is it that you wash first? I knew it. You Naughty boy.'''' She giggled, pinching his cheeks hard.

    Kurt: '''' ''''

    ''''You are so cute. You know that?'''' She leaned forward and intently nced at his lips. Her thumb grazed his bottom lip, up, and down. A shiver went down his spine. But he was anticipating her next moves. In the next second, without any hesitation, Kyle has nicked his lips,ing close to his face.

    Kurt''s body froze.

 Chapter 393 - Truly In Love

    The world stopped for the briefest time when her lips coarsely moved against his. He knew he would never forget this moment in his life. He wanted more of her, but his heeds didnot fit well with his n because the moment he thought so, he felt a thud on his chest.

    ''''Kyle?'''' He whispered, raising his head to take a peek at her eyes. Her eyes lids were shut.

    ''''Was I taken advantage of by this Loose..no..'''' Kurt muttered in a voice close to the earth. He shouldn''t call her either Loose case or Overweight. The foot pain is still fresh in his memory.

    ''''Why do you hate women?'''' Kyle mumbled against his chest.

    ''''I don''t hate women, dense girl!'''' Kurt harshly shoved her body onto the bed. Kyle''s body rolled a thrice before it came to a standstill at the edge of the bed.

    Kurt threw the nket on her body and turned around to leave. Not before he took a few steps, he returned to the bed spot again. He grabbed the nket and tucked her body warmly under the covers. While covering her neck, his gaze shifted to her lips for a split second. The kiss shed before his eyes.

    Kurt immediately closed his eyes shut and turned around. While going to his room, he heard a mobile ring. Assuming that the strange ringtone must be Kyle''s, he went to the couch and grabbed the mobile. Seeing the contact name, Kurt choked on his rage. ''''She hasn''t yet broken up with this criminal?''''

    With no one answered, the call disconnected, and just in time, a message notification popped up on the mobile from the same name. Unable to unlock, Kurt went to Kyle''s room. Like a thief, he stole her fingerprint and settled next to her on the bed. He opened thetest text messages from Landon. [Landon: Why aren''t you replying to my texts today, babe?]

    ''''Take a hint when she is not replying, bastard.''''

    A few secondster, another text came in.

    [Landon: What are you wearing right now, tell me?]

    Kurt''s grip tightened over her mobile, controlling the urge to throw the mobile on the floor. A thought crossed over his mind. Smiling to himself, Kurt typed a message. [Kyle: What else? I am wearing Clothes.]

    Kurt received an instant reply. [Landon: Hmmm..are you teasing me, babe? I know you are wearing clothes. But what kind of cloth is that?]

    [Kyle: Cotton.]

    [Kyle: 100%. Comfortes first]

    Without waiting for the reply, Kurt deleted the logs and blocked Landon''s number. ''''He is a disgust to mankind.''''

    Throwing the mobile on the bedside table, he stared at Kyle. ''''Trouble creator.'''' He flicked her forehead, earning a faint cry from her. ''''Not like you suffered a pointed heel attack, unlike me.'''' Heughed, soothing her forehead where he attacked. He then went back to his room.

    Kurt flipped, switched positions, but the shes of their kiss were keeping him at paling until weariness caught him at dawn.

    Peeking through the sheer curtains, the morning sun rays greeted her, creating a golden hue across her face. Opening her eyes, Kyle groaned in pain. ''''Argh! How much did I drink?'''' Fluttering her eyelids, she studied the room and immediately realized she has hit the wrong button. ''''OMG!'''' Kyle screamed, climbing out of bed ''''He would be preparing a weapon to kill me.''''

    Before leaving, Kyle checked herself in the mirror. A wrinkled dress and a bird''s nest. She wished to dig a hole and never return. Kyle tried remembering yesterday''s incident while smoothening andbing her bird''s nest hair with her hands. Except for bits, and snippets, she doesn''t recollect much.

    Walking straight into the kitchen, she took the water bottle from the refrigerator. The moment she closed the door shut, Kyle was startled when a tall figure towered over her. ''''K_urt.'''' Kyle stammered, trying to find an excuse foring to his home unannounced. ''''I am sorry foring_''''

    ''''Don''t drink when I am not around.'''' He cut her off in the middle. ''''Breakfast is at the kitchen countertop. Eat it before it gets cold.''''

    Kyle nodded, staring at the ground. At that moment, Kyle noticed a fresh bruise on Kurt''s foot. ''''The bruise seems deep.''''

    Kurt nced at the bruise, which has turned brownish. ''''A nasty cat had scraped with its paw. I will have to tame it.'''' Kurt said.

    ''''You have a cat?'''' Kyle asked. ''''I don''t see it anywhere?''''

    ''''Not visible to mortal eyes like you.'''' Kurt flicked her forehead. ''''Get ready. I will drop you at home.'''' With that, Kurt left.

    ''''O.'''' Kyle rubbed her forehead. ''''He is not growling like a mad dog,'''' Kyle grinned. ''''So, I didnot create any ruckus?''''

    ...

    The atmosphere in the car was eerily silent. Although Kyle tried to strike a conversation, Kurt''s one-word answer irked her.

    ''''Did I do anything wrong yesterday?'''' She finally asked, not liking his behavior.

    ''''Nothing.'''' He said. A few secondster, he added. ''''You don''t remember anything?''''

    ''''Not much. I asked for dinner...that''s all I remember.''''

    How can she forget the kiss they shared? She might have dated many to remember her first kiss. An immense sadness overwhelmed him. After dropping her home, Kurt drove to the office.

    Nothing except Kyle''s facees into the picture when he tries to focus on work. When his frustration reached pinnacles, he opened google to check the fluctuations in his emotions. He stumbled upon a site that asked him to answer the questions to know his behavior.

    [Do you often find yourself thinking about one specific person?]

    Kurt contemted for a second. ''''No doubt she is at the back of my mind,'''' He clicked on ''all the time,'' and the next question pooped up.

    [Are you able to focus on work?]

    [What do you feel when you see the person?]

    [Do you feel jealousy]

    Patiently, he answered all the questions and submitted the finish button. Nervously, he waited for the page to disy the results. 3..2..1 0Boom.. His heart dropped, seeing the content disyed on the screen.

    [Your head is in the clouds. That''s it, you are in seventh heaven. You are truly in love.]

    ''''Me? Love?'''' Kurt pointed his finger at himself in disbelief. ''''Am I really in love with that Loose case?''''

 Chapter 394 - Hummus

    Kyle was happily chatting with a patient, not knowing one kiss has turned a misogynist''s life upside down.

    Not paying attention to the work, considering it a board exam, Kurt began writing tests after tests to prove the online sites are phoneys. In turn, he was knocked to six when they proved otherwise. Every forum he hits and every quiz he takes proved him..no, it''s more likely, they convinced him that he is in love.

    ''''What do I do now?'''' Kurt muttered, thinking hard. The sudden onset of these foreign feelings made him tottering and excited at the same time. He never wanted to go down in the path of love, or more likely, he never thought about girls in the first ce. Before he met her, not in a nelly, Kurt knew a smile could appear on his face for no reason, just like it''s happening now. His hand itched to grab the mobile, call her, and listen to her voice when all of a sudden, a knock on the door interrupted his task.

    A team of five arrived for a meeting. It was a discussion for one of the hot cases, Leius Pharmabs, yet Kurt''s concentration drifted to someone else constantly.

    ''''..It''s obvious that thepany is receiving immense support from the higher authorities.'''' One of the team members debated, turning to Kurt. ''''What do you say, sir?''''

    ''''Ummm..does she like me as well?'''' Kurt muttered. ''''I still can''t believe I am in love with the Loose Case.''''

    ''''Sir?'''' A man sitting opposite Kurt frowned, unable to catch his words. All the eyes turned to Kurt, who was smiling like a turkey. Yet, Kurt was not baffled by their stares.

    ''''What''s wrong with him today?'''' One of them whispered to the other.

    The Giant sitting next to Kurt cleared his throat to bring Kurt''s attention back to the meeting. ''''Sir, wake up. We are in a meeting.''''

    Kurt snapped out of his thoughts with a start and immediately turned his attention to the team, who were looking at him curiously. ''''I am_I'''' He can''t believe he zoned out in an important meeting. ''''Where are we?''''

    ''''We were talking about_''''

    ''''Let''s continue the meeting tomorrow.'''' He said, dismissing the team. He was sure that Loose Case would again knock his brain and turn him into a fool if he extends the meeting.

    Although confused about Kurt''s behavior, the team left the room without question, except the Giant.

    ''''Sir.'''' The Giant said. ''''I need your help.''''

    ''''What kind of help?'''' Kurt asked.

    ''''My parents either wants me to get married or find a girlfriend quickly,'''' The Giant started. ''''But I want to date a girl, then get married. Considering our job status, bloody youth girls are turning me down.'''' He knocked his fist on the table as he recalled his ex-girlfriend, who rejected him tantly after dating for a month and epted a puny''s proposal just because he is in an IT profession.

    ''''What''s wrong with being in FBI?'''' Kurt asked rather curiously. ''''It''s a highly paid profession.''''

    ''''I know.'''' The Giant sighed. ''''But don''t you know? Girls want security, and we are always involved in dangerous missions, which make us thest option to think of.''''

    Kurt''s mind went nk hearing the statement. He felt like he was drowned in a sea of love, only to be brought back to the surface in a sh. ''Does Kyle think the same as other girls? If I tell her I will be careful during missions, will she ept me?..no..no..Am I going crazy? Why do I think about marriage with her.''

    ''''I challenged my parents that I will find a girlfriend in a month before my Ex-girlfriend marries.'''' The Giant spoke up determinedly. ''''So, I need your help.''''

    ''''What am I suppose to do?'''' Kurt asked a matter-of-factly.

    ''''It''s simple.'''' The Giant sprinted towards Kurt''s chair. He enthusiastically added. ''''Didn''t you tell you went to the same school as of the beautiful Doctor''s?''''

    ''''So?'''' Kurt raised his brows suspiciously.

    ''''I fell in love with the Doctor.'''' The Giant grinned sheepishly without noticing Kurt''s darkening gaze.

    The Giant continued. ''''I feel a close bond developed between the doctor and me when we stayed in the hospital. I would be pleased if you can help me in courting the doctor. By your grace, if the wedding bells ring in a month, I will name our first baby as Kurt_''''

    The chair straightaway hit the ss wall before the Giantpleted his words.

    The Giant shuddered as he watched Kurt''s face brimming with hostility. Did I speak something wrong? He wondered.

    ''''How does it sound to hear Clemence Christ''s name on the Cemetery headstone by tomorrow?'''' Kurt''s eyes were menacing as he stared at the Giant. Has he turned a blind eye to her love interests? Not anymore.

    ''''You sure know to crack a joke.'''' The Giant grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. ''''Why would it appear on the headstone unless I am dead?''''

    Pulling the revolver, which was tucked at the back of his pant, Kurt tenderly grazed it with a sinister smile. ''''Because it takes at least a day to put on your name on the headstone if I kill you today.''''

    ''''Are you kidding me?'''' The Giant shouted, but he fled away to save his dear life when Kurt aimed the gun straight to his head.

    ''''Dare to look at her next time.'''' He muttered at the retreating figure of the Giant. For the whole day, Kurt didnot work a bit. Wearing a silly smile on his face, he recalled their first restroom meeting, the second meeting at Devin''s house, and then the shopping arena incident to yesterday''s drunken kiss. His face felt hot again, like the weather in the spring.

    Knowing her shifts at the back of his mind, Kurt drove to her home directly without informing her beforehand. Standing in front of the door, Kurt lifted his hand to knock on the door, but in the next second, his fists clenched, halting in mid-air. ''''What do I tell if she asks_''''

    Just in time, his words ceased when the door opened, slowly revealing her beautiful face.

    ''''Kurt!'''' Kyle screamed in wonderment. She opened the door to go for a walk, but she got a surprise in the name of Kurt. Not even in her dreams, Kyle expected Kurt would stand at her doorstep. ''''What brings you here?''''

    ''''I_I wanted to ask if you still have the headache.'''' He bbered whatever clicked in his mind. All in honest, he missed her. He missed her smile. He missed everything about her.

    ''''Thanks for asking. I am fine.'''' Kyle smiled sheepishly for a brief moment. Has hee all the way to check on me? His opinions on the woman are changing for good. The thought itself put a smile on her face. "I made dinner. Do you want to grab a bite?'''' She opened the door open for him to enter.

    Given a chance, Kurt readily stepped inside and followed her. Delighted to taste the food Kyle made, Kurt''s mouth watered at the sight of Zhini boats. However, the moment he took a bite, he felt his tastebuds had put on a shower cap. Kurt rushed towards the washbowl immediately.

    ''''What''s wrong?'''' Kyle''s eyes clouded with concern. ''''Didn''t you like the food?''''

    ''''You made it?'''' Kyle hesitantly nodded to his question.

    ''''Is it bad?''''

    ''''Had I not known you are a doctor, I would have assumed you are an owner of a saltpany,'''' Kurt scowled at her. Think about it, he had seen Kyle eating her cooked food for every meal. Her food is the worst he had tasted. ''''Where is the kitchen?''''

    ''''Growling dog,'''' Kyle muttered, leading him into the kitchen.

    ''''What did you call me?''''

    ''''I said you are a very kind person,'''' Kyle stressed, shing a smile. ''''Happy?''''

    ''''You better be.'''' He added on. ''''Get the vegetables.'''' On his order, Kyle picked every ingredient he asked and ced them in front of him.

    As Kurt began making dinner, Kyle attentively followed his every move.

    ''''Kurt.''''

    ''''Hmm...What?'''' He turned to her yet continued to mix the vegetables.

    ''''You have got hummus on your face,'''' Kyle said, staring at his lips because a memory jogged.

    ''''Where?'''' He wiped everywhere except the spot. Atst, Kyle chipped in.

    ''''It''s here.'''' Kyle wiped the hummus sitting at the edge of his lips with the back of her hand. Kurt froze again, dropping the spat feeling her skin.

    A memory shed in Kyle''s brain as her hands brushed past his lips. Her eyes widened.. Before she could retreat, he caught her and pulled her into his embrace.

 Chapter 395 - Break Up

    The closeness they are sharing, not knowing to back off or hold on because they have blended into one other so deeply and seamlessly.Kurt didnot run away like he usually does at the sight of a woman. It felt rather weird to him that he is craving for her, but that''s okay if it is her.

    His embrace was electrifying to the point Kyle found herself lost in his eyes. Those ck orbs stared deep into her soul to steal her words away.

    ''''If you have no idea what exactly happened in thest night, let me remind you.'''' Breaking the silence, Kurt added on. ''''You injured my feet.. and then..'''' Kurt''s face zed suddenly. ''''And then..you..you kissed me..o.n m.y l.i.p.s,'''' Kurt stressed thest sentence precisely, cing all the me on Kyle without any guilt.

    For a second, the whole world went quiet for Kyle. As Kurt exined the incident, the fleeting memories ofst night jogged in sequence to embarrass her. Oh no! She has a vague memory of injuring Kurt''s feet, and most embarrassingly, she kissed him in her drunken state! She imagined her first kiss most romantically in the bow of a ship. Not the kiss she cannot remember unless reminded by the person she took advantage of. Kyle wished to dig a hole and bury herself for a lifetime. Is that the reason he was stressing if she had rememberedst night''s incident?

    ''''You find every other way to take advantage of me,'''' He added spice to the wound. ''''You can feel guilty for your lewd activities now that you remember.'''' Her guilt expression confirmed she remembered.

    ''''I didnot mean to. I was drunk. People make mistakes under the influence of alcohol,'''' Replied Kyle in a whisper tone, turning her face away from him. He finds every opportunity to mock her. Kyle squirmed from his arms out of nervousness, but it only tightened his grip around her waist, pulling her close. Her face blushed, feeling his strong hands gently holding her waist. Her brain screamed to back off, but her body betrayed. She felt good being protected under his warm hands. She never expected this misogynist has a romantic end as well. So, can she expect a little romance in her life in the future?

    ''''A Mistaken kiss?'''' He gazed into her eyes dubiously. ''''Was it an excuse you havee up with to take advantage of me?''''

    ''''I said I didnot.'''' Kyle hardly pushed the elephant to free herself from his embrace. Does he want her to take responsibility forst night''s incident?

    ''''Besides, it''s just a kiss. You are acting as if I have forcefully vited you.'''' She prayed to God that he would take the hint and stop embarrassing her.

    ''Just a kiss?'' Kurt pressed his lips together in anger. After turning his life upside down in one night, she talks as if she is not affected. She must have had a lot of experience in those kinds of stuff to think it''s a mere kiss. The thought of Kyle being intimate with someone other than him caused his hackles to rise. Wordlessly, Kurt turned around and made his way out of the kitchen.

    ''''Kurt,'''' Kyle screamed, following him behind. ''''Our dinner.''''

    ''''Do it by yourself.'''' He shouted. ''''I am busy.''''

    ''''Please.'''' Kyle fastened her steps to catch his pace. Few steps away, she stretched her arm and grabbed his wrist. ''''Please. I am hungry.''''

    Halting his footsteps, Kurt turned around, and he wished he didnot. Her pleading eyes made him want to adore her. How could he say no to her request?

    To Kyle''s wonder, Kurt returned to the kitchen. Sitting on the kitchen countertop, Kyle captured every expression of his in her memory as he prepared the dinner. For instance, his brows jutted together in a frown when he didnot find a specific spice; his shoulders flexed when he extended his arms to grab an ingredient.

    With her brooding stares directing at him, Kurt had difficulty in concentrating, but he didnotment. Instead, he enjoyed her attention.

    Within an hour, Kurt prepared three dishes.

    ''''Where did you learn cooking?'''' Kyle asked. ''''Is it from your father?''''

    ''''He can''t boil water without bruising his hands,'''' Kurt added, taking the dishes into his hands.

    ''''It must be youtube?''''

    ''''I am born with cooking skills.'''' He said. ''''I must have inherited from my mother.''''

    His voice put deeper edges around his words at the mention of his mother. Kyle wanted to talk about it, but Kurt cut her off, asking her to hurry up to the dining table. She sensed a little difort in his face, so she didnot probe him further. At least not today.

    As Kyle arranged the dishes on the table, she heard her mobile ringing out of the bedroom. ''''I will be back.'''' She said

    It was no surprise that it''s Landon when Kyle checked the contact name. Good that he is out of the city; otherwise, he will destroy the little peace of happiness she has appearing in front of her. She doesn''t know when his number went to the block list on her phone, but Landon created chaos in the morning.

    Kyle could also sense Landon is getting suspicious of her. But she is least bothered. Pressing the red button, Kyle returned to the dining room. Not every day she gets the time to spend time with Kurt.

    ''''I am back,'''' Kyle said, sitting on the chair.

    ''''Is it him?'''' Kurt questioned, to which Kyle hesitantly nodded.

    Kurt remembered blocking Landon''s number. Did she unblock that bastard''s number again? He was pierced to the heart with guilt for using Kyle for his mission. If the criminal like Landon knows Kyle is pretending to be his girlfriend to get the evidence about thepany, he will not think for a second to destroy Kyle.''''Why haven''t you broke up with him?'''' Kurt asked. He has another mission apart from catching criminals.. To capture this Loose Case''s heart.

 Chapter 396 - Peacock

    ''''Did you forget that I am helping you with the case,'''' Kyle teased.

    ''''I don''t want the help that can put you in danger,'''' Kurt said in a firm tone. ''''Break up with him.'''' Kurt dered sternly. Now that he has confronted his feelings, he is not ready to share her with anyone. ''''Or you have developed feelings for the criminal?''''

    ''''Of course, no,'''' Kyle said impassively. ''''I have no feelings for him.'''' ''Don''t worry, my dear Cutie pie. It''s only you.'' Kyle kept the thought to herself for now. She ended her one side feelings for Devin before dating Landon, but that lewd man never upied her mind or heart. With Kurt''s entry, she often forgets she is in a rtionship.

    ''''Then break up now.'''' Kurt went to the bedroom and returned in an instant. He ced the mobile on the table and said. ''''Call him now.''''

    What''s happening to this man? His desperation made Kyle wonder about his motive. ''''Landon is not in the city, and he will return in another two days. I will talk with him_''''

    ''''Then send him a text that you want to meet him as soon as he returns,'''' Kurt said, leaving no room for discussion. First, he has to keep her away from Landon. Second, he has to propose to her. Again, Kurt''s felt his face feverish. He googled ways to propose to a girl, but none of them suited to his taste. So, he decided to get help from Leena.

    Kyle sighed. She doesn''t know the reason for Kurt''s stubborn behavior. But in the end, she sent a text to Landon to stop their argument.

    .....

    At the other end, a prolonged silence ensued against the engulfing darkness. Landon stared at the message pausing his blink. [Kyle: I am sorry that I was unable to lift your call. I am at a friend''s ce. Call me as soon as you return home. I want to talk to you urgently. Good night.]

    His dark eyes dropped to the whiskey bottle as he leisurely sat on the soda. He stared at the pictures of his girlfriend smiling at another man. Landon poured himself more whiskey and took a sip, its warmth chasing away the internal chill. When Kyle urged him to discard the bodyguards, he found a point because it hindered her privacy. But her recent behavior and ignorance caused him to investigate further. Never in his dreams, he expected she is moving closely with his nemesis, Kurt. ''''He lured her into the trap to obtain the evidence?'''' He chucked at the masterstroke Kurtid for him.

    Just then, he received a call from one of the men he assigned to monitor Kyle. ''''Speak.''''

    ''''Kyle madam is in her house. A few hours ago, I saw a man entering her house.''''

    ''''Keep monitoring her,'''' Landon said. ''''..and inform me every one hour.''''

    ''''Yes, sir.''''

    Landon''s grip over the ss tightened. In a split second, it was tossed across the floor; the impact caused the ss to break into pieces. ''''You dare to cheat on me?''''

    ....

    The following day, Kyle got upte in the morning. It turned midnight when she ended her talks with Kurt. Unlike the stoic front he usually keeps, Kurt was fun this time around. He even teased her in some instances, which came as a surprise to Kyle.

    With full-on high spirits, she went to the hospital and returned with the same enthusiasm in the evening. She copsed on the bed with no mood to prepare the dinner. She wished Kurt was here, but she can''t ept more from a busy body like him. Kyle closed her eyes to take a nap but not about a minuteter; she heard the doorbell ring. ''''Who is it now?'''' She cried, getting down from the bed.

    As Kyle opened the door, she gulped. It was Landon who was standing in front of the doorstep. ''''Hi! You are supposed toe tomorrow, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Are you not happy to see me?''''

    ''''I_I am.'''' She shed a smile.

    ''''I was supposed toe tomorrow,'''' Landon said, locking the door shut. ''''But I was depressed when I heard a rumor that my girlfriend is cheating on me. So, I had to postpone my work and rush here to witness.''''

    The color quickly drained Kyle''s face. Composing herself quickly, Kyle smiled. ''''What are you talking about? Is it a joke to_''''

    ''''Where were youst night?'''' He cut her off.

    ''''My friend''s ce.''''

    ''''Friend''s ce or in your lover boy''s arms?'''' Kyle took two small steps backward in fear when Landon took a step forward. If she stays indoors, there is a high chance she would be prey to this monster. She has no fighting skills to overpower him.

    ''''You have misunderstood me. Please, listen to_'''' Not before Kyle finished her words, she gasped when she felt a hand grasp her throat, constricting her breath.

    ''''How much did you tell him?'''' Landon further tightened his hold over her neck.

    Kyle coughed, kicking his legs, struggling to break free from his hands, but he was very strong for her.

    ''''Do you think I am an easy target?'''' If asked to choose his career over his girlfriend, he will choose the former without batting an eye. He is not short of women.

    Holding her throat with one hand, Landon freed his belt with his other. Kyle tried to take advantage of the situation, but she has lost the energy.

    ''''Consider it thest day of your life for betraying me.'''' He tied her wrists tightly and carried her to the bedroom. When Kyle lost all her hopes, the doorbell rang.

    ...

    Standing in front of the doorstep, Kurt rang the doorbell and called Kyle twice, yet she didnot pick up his call. ''''The lights are still turned off. Where did she go?'''' Kurt was about to dial her number when he received a message. [Loose Case: I havee shopping. I will call you an hourter.]

    ''''Shopping at this hour? It''s ten O clock.'''' Kurt shook his head.

    [What''s the name of the shopping center] Kurt texted her.

    [Loose Case: Peacock Halo. You don''t need toe, though.] He received a fast reply. The message pattern felt a little strange to Kurt.

    Kurt checked the maps and found it''s a two hours drive to Peacock Halo from here. [Don''te out of the shopping arena.. I aming to pick you up] Kurt sent a message and turned around.

 Chapter 397 - Losing Her

    Kurt took a few steps and paused when he heard a resonate sound of an object, a kind of metal object he presumed that rolled on the floor before the sound slowly came to a halt in sessions. He swiftly turned around and nced up in the direction he heard the sound. For a second, Kurt assumed the object has fallen on the ground due to wind. He turned around, ready to leave to Peacock Halo, but his legs refused to take a further step, not after a doubt imposed on his mind.

    He opened the GPS tracker as onest thread, and to his dread, he found Kyle''s location at a hairsbreadth. ''''She is here! Is it Someone sending text messages from her mobile to distract me? So, was that sound the signal sent by Kyle?''''

    He already has an inkling of who the person could be. He rushed to the car and returned with a toolset box. Inserting the rake into the door lock, he twisted the tension wrench, but the lock didnot spring open. ''''Damn it! It''s bolted inside!'''' He cursed as he scanned the house to search for a quick entry inside, and he found it. Putting the necessary tools into the pocket without wasting a second, he climbed the sturdy drain pipe. A thud escaped into the air as hended on the second-floor balcony.

    He could hear the distant voices of a man and whimpers of a familiar voice. ''''You better not hurt her, bastard!'''' Prying open the window pane from the bottom using the screwdriver, Kurt slid the ss off without making a noise and jumped into the pitch-ck room.

    ...

    Hands tied, mouth smothered with her scarf to suffocate her, Kyle whimpered as Landon pped and raged on her face; the fingerprints impressed her cheek. ''''Your hinting didnot work on your lover boy. He is heading to Peacock Halo in search of you. Ought you spill mypany secrets? Save yourself today if you can.'''' He roughly grasped Kyle''s hair to drag her out of the room. Pain washed over Kyle in waves of numbness.

    ''Nobody will save me.'' Kyle repeated in her mind. A while ago, when the doorbell rang, she knew it must be Kurt, and in desperation, she hinted at her presence by pushing the vase onto the ground. But it looks like fate has decided to end her life today. That was until the door was kicked open with a loud bang, and a shadow of a man entered into her blurred vision. Even if his face was hidden in the shadows, she still recognized him.

    Fear swelled upon Landon''s face as he swiveled around and realized the intruder''s face. ''''How did you..''''

    ''''How interesting that you underestimated my ability?''''

    ''''How interesting that you used a woman to get the secrets of mypany?'''' Landon countered, attempting to take a pocket knife from his back pocket. Before Landonposed his thoughts, a powerful kicknded on his abdomen, throwing him off to the ground.

    ''''You have guts toy a hand on her!''''

    ''''Ah!'''' Landon clutched his stomach, moaning in pain, and before he ventured to get up, his knees buckled up.

    Kurt walked towards Kyle and dropped to the ground, staring at the girl''s eyes filled with tears. ''''Don''t panic. I am here.'''' Kyle tried to speak but was utterly helpless with her mouth smothered. His heart tugged in pain, beholding her wretched state.

    Seeing that Kurt has dropped the guards, Landon slowly got up and lunged at Kurt''s broad back, which was turned to him. But at thest second, Kurt spun around, parried his attack. ''''You never learn your lessons hard!'''' He runched a kick on his stomach. Landon fell on the carpeted floor,menting in agony. Holding his cor, Kurt dragged him out of the room, not bothered by the man''s screams.

    He called the giant and ordered. ''''I will text you an address. Come, and fetch the package.''''

    ''''A gift?'''' The giant yawned. ''''But I am ready to hit the bed. Why can''t you give me in the office?''''

    ''''Get the fuck out of your bed, ande here.'''' Kurt hung up and hurried back to Kyle''s room.

    ''''I am sorry, I amte.'''' Gently Kurt loosened the scarf around her mouth and untied her wrists.

    Kyle breathed in and out to collect herself. ''''I..I was scared he would_''''

    ''''Shh..Don''t talk. Breath in and out.'''' Kurt hugged her close andforted her. ''''I am here. I will not let anything happen to you.''''

    He tenderly lifted Kyle''s body and carried her to the bed. Laying her on the bed, he said. ''''I will call the doctor_''''

    ''''No.'''' She denied, shaking her head. ''''Please stay with me.'''' All she needed was Kurt by her side.

    ''''I will.'''' He smiled. ''''But let me bring a gel to treat your wounds? Okay?''''

    Kyle nodded.

    Upon returning with the medical kit, Kurt applied the gel to Kyle''s wounds. ''''Why do you stay in a single house, all alone?'''' He softly asked, rubbing the gel on her bruised cheeks. Had she stayed in a t, this never would have happened. Even if she allowed Landon to her house, she could alert the security with a single press of a button.

    The coolness of the gel brought relief to her numbed senses. ''''I prefer to stay alone. People talk behind me that I am a wrong seed who had trampled a happy family.'''' She bit her lip, forcing the truth. Her father never cared for her, and her stepmother med her for shattering her family. ''''Do you also think the same of me_''''

    ''''Never.'''' Kurt put aside the gel and pulled her into his embrace. ''''You are the sweetest girl I have ever seen.''''

    ''''It''s because you rarely interact with girls.'''' Sheughed softly, feeling giddy at the sudden closeness. Knowing about Kurt''s disease, Kyle hesitated to hug him, but she let her uncertainty aside this time. ''''All I have seen you interacting with is either Leena or the girl with a lollipop. I wonder how on earth you know Lollipop girl in the first ce.''''

    ''''She is a nightmare of my life.'''' Kurt sighed. ''''She approached me during Austin''s wedding. Someone holding a grudge against me must have given my number to her. I am gonna kill that culprit one day.''''

    Rather than feeling jealous, Kyleughed hard, imagining Kurt handling Lollipop advances. A while ago, Kyle thought her life would end today, but here he is smiling with the person she loves. ''''Thank you for saving me, Kurt.''''

    ''''Not to mention you gave a hint at the right time,'''' Had he gone without checking on Kyle, he can''t imagine the rest. The thought of losing Kyle scared the wits out of him.

    ''''So, are we friends now?'''' Kyle broke his thoughts.

    ''''Aren''t we?'''' He asked, disengaging from the hug.

    ''''You declined.'''' She muttered. ''''Although I saved you from the bathroom incident, you never wished to see me.''''

    ''''I am sorry.'''' He confessed. He can''t help but admit he acted like a jerk. ''''Can we be friends now? I will cook your favorite dish in return.''''

    Kyle nodded, shing a smile.. Bing friends with him is the first step. ''Soon, I will make you fall in love with me,''

 Chapter 398 - Sixth Sense

    Strolling into the interrogation room, Kurt nced at the man sitting on the chair with his hands cuffed. ''''Looks like you aged a decade in a single day?'''' cing the file on the table, Kurt sat on the chair opposite Landon.

    ''''There is no proof that I harassed my girlfriend.'''' Landon hissed. ''''You have used one of the powerful men in the city. You will bear the consequences.''''

    ''''Girlfriend?'''' Kurtughed at his rant. Delusional bastard. He would have sliced off his tongue if he was not on duty.

    ''''You might be a powerful man, but remember, I can erase your existence without proof in a second,'''' Kurt added onzily, flipping the pages of the file. ''''Coming to the point, how did you secure the position in Leius Pharmabs?''''

    ''''You are off the limits. It''s none of your concern.'''' Landon enranged. Thest thing he wanted was to make his boss mad by tangling with the FBI.

    ''''What kind of steroids are you using in the drugs?'''' Kurt questioned again, which irked Landon to the core. Kurt knows Landon will not spill the beans that easily. The drugs developed in thepany can cure disease in a week, but the side effects are adverse, which will hinder their health in the long run. The strange thing is the drugs don''t detect metabolites in the samples when tested. By the time people get sick, the hospital can me their old age, but in actuality, it''s the drugs.

    ''''Mind you, Mr. Weller. You are using one of the best Pharmapanies.'''' Landon said. ''''Get ready to deal with my attorney.''''

    Kurt nced at the giant before getting up. ''''Give him a taste of our treatment before his Attorney arrives. If he had already arrived, make him wait.'''' It''s a small token for hurting his Loose Case.

    ''''You can''t do this, Kurt!'''' Landon shouted. ''''I am a business man_''''

    ''''It''s Agent Kurt for you!'''' Kurt banged his fist against the table. ''''Mind you. This is my territory.''''

    Landon''s mouth sealed in fear.

    Signaling the giant, Kurt strolled out of the room. He texted Kyle, and in seconds, he received a reply. [Loose Case: Watching a movie. What about you?]

    [Kurt: I am working on a case]

    ''''Will she ept me? The giant says girls don''t like FBI,'''' Kurt muttered as he dialed Leena''s number to get advice. But as usual, she declined the call. ''''Arrogant woman.'''' His bucket list of murderers includes Leena in the second ce with first ce being Elysian.

    .....

    Three brightly lit chandeliers dangled across the ceiling at an even distance, along with the wall recessed lights which mounted harmoniously. The jewelry hanged to the corkboards glistened under the sparkling chandeliers. In a knee-length sea-green trench coat, Leena''s eyes twinkled in reverence as she looked around the store, which was crowded with people. ''''No wonder Max doesn''t care about the shares in Hayespany.''''

    ''''Leena? Is that you?'''' Leena swiftly turned around to the voice. She stared at the woman standing in front of her.

    ''''Hello, Mrs. Hayes.'''' Leena awkwardly smiled. Shepletely forgot the conversation didnot end well when theyst met.

    ''''Oh, skip the formalities, Leena.'''' Rosalie''s face shone under the brightly lit lights making her look younger. ''''What brings you here?''''

    ''''Of course, to buy the jewelry.'''' She said.

    ''''A rich girl like you hase all the way to look for my tiny store?'''' Rosalie eximed in wonder. ''''Unbelievable.''''

    Leena chuckled. ''''No, no. Your ce is really good.'''' Watching the elegant jewelry, Leena''s urge to buy the whole store intensified. Thank the gods, he had not gifted the ability to read people''s minds. Rosalie will throw her out of the store if she hears her inner thoughts.

    ''''Thank you. I am ttered.'''' Rosalie said. ''''What brings you here?''''

    ''''Can we talk somewhere in private?''''

    Rosalie frowned at the word private, but in the end, she said. ''''Sure.'''' She gestured for the assistant to take care of the customers and led Leena to a small cozy private room. ''''What do you like to have?''''

    ''''No thanks.'''' Leena declined politely. ''''I don''t eat food from outside.''''

    ''''Ah, that exins the reason for your slim personality.'''' Added Rosalie. ''''I heard your mother is awake. How is she doing?''''

    ''''She is doing good.''''

    ''''Good to know. After all, your mom lost her youth.'''' Rosalie''s tone held a bitterness. ''''Are you still angry with your father?''''

    ''''Ummm..no..I don''t hold past grudges.'''' Her feelings remained the same for Max Hayes. It''s void. ''''Coming to the point..'''' Leena''s phone ringed at the peak point. Seeing the contact name, she declined it immediately. ''''I need a little information about a person.''''

    ''''Who is that person?'''' Rosalie''s face filled with curiosity.

    ''''Ruth Vaughan.''''

    Rosalie''s eyes grew wide in surprise. ''''Ruth? As in Ruth Vaughan? How do you know her?''''

    ''''It''splicated, which I cannot exin to you.'''' Replied Leena, not going into the details. ''''I learned you are close to Ruth. Can you please tell me about her?''''

    ''''Ruth is my friend and a distant rtive. But there is nothing to know about her. She died in a firehouse ident along with her husband and son around two decades ago.''''

    ''''How close are you to her?'''' Leena asked. So, a rtive like Rosalie is also not aware that Ruth is alive? Leena appreciated Ruth''s brain in hiding her identity perfectly.

    ''''I was close to Ruth when I was young. We used to meet at family gatherings.'''' Rosalie sighed. ''''But I lost in touch after she went to college.''''

    ''''How was she in person?'''' She questioned.

    ''''If I have to be honest, she is the most arrogant woman I have ever seen. She was famous in her town for bullying people.''''

    Like mother, like son, Leena muttered under her breath. ''''Do you have her parent''s house address theyst stayed? I was unable to find it.''''

    ''''They switched many ces due to her father''s remote job. Give me your number. I will text you. It must be in my diary.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Leena contemted whether to tell Rosalie about Ruth''s fake death, but she held back. She doesn''t want to scare the poor woman on the first day. She will consider it next time. Her sixth sense told Rosalie would help her in finding Ruth''s location.

    ''''If I may not sound personal.'''' Rosalie started. ''''Can I ask how Ruth is connected to you?''''

    ''''Well, it''s a little personal. I will tell you when we meet next time,'''' Leena said.

    ''''Okay.''''

    ''''Thanks for your time. I will take my leave.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' She smiled. ''''Take care, child.''''

    The moment Leena walked out, she dialed a number. ''''What is it?''''

    ''''Finally, you lifted my call? I need your help desperately.''''

    ''''For?'''' Leena asked, stepping into the car.

    ''''T_o propose a g_irl.''''

    ''''What!'''' Came an outrightly shocked voice.. Leena has to double-check the number for confirmation. Kurt Weller proposing to a girl?

 Chapter 399 - Kordz

    Leena''s expression would have remained hackneyed if it was any other person, but it''s Kurt. The man who runs away at the sight of girls asks her for tips to propose a girl? ''''Is it for a mission?'''' Leena doubtfully asked. She rememberedst time Kurt had asked about the girl''s favorite things on the name of a mission.

    ''''I_'''' Kurt hesitated for a brief second. It took only a moment for Kurt to say no. ''''It''s not a mission. I love her.''''

    Leena suppressed her giggle, not that Kurt shouldn''t fall in love. But she is finding him cute. ''''So, what''s her name?''''

    ''''I will bring her to your home directly,'''' Kurt replied timidly. It would be a surprise to Leena once she sees Kyle with him. ''''I don''t have friends who are girls except you. So, will you help me?''''

    Considering Francy''s proposal, which utterly failed, Leena thought hard. ''''Can you give me some time to think?''''

    ''''Okay,'''' Kurt said dejectedly. ''''How many days?''''

    ''''I don''t know how long because I need to prepare a long speech,'''' Added Leena. ''''Are you sure you don''t want to tell her name?''''

    ''''If you can find me the location of that nutty Elysian, I will tell her name.'''' Kurt teased.

    ''''Get lost, Kurt Weller.'''' Leena hung up, kicking the car front''s seat fiercely. She agrees she had openly challenged him twice, which would have hurt his ego, but why can''t he see the cases she had helped? The child exploitation case was a breakthrough to his career, and he took all the credits.

    ....

    At the other end, chaos poured into a house. Enger''s rage spiked to Everest when he woke up to hear news about hispany being tarnished by a man he trusted. The house looked a mess, and undoubtedly it was Enger''s wrath. ''''Did you talk with him?'''' Enger turned to the attorney.

    ''''Yes.'''' Replied the Attorney. ''''I can say he hadn''t spilled much about thepany or you after talking with him.''''

    ''''Get him on bail, and bring him here.'''' Enger dismissed the attorney.

    Once the attorney left, Nash sat next to his friend. ''''What do we do with Landon?'''' Nash worriedly asked. Had Enger considered the matter seriously and investigated a little about the woman Landon was dating, they could have cut the tree before the roots have upied a stronghold on the ground.

    Enger turned silent, for he has no answer to Nash''s question.

    ''''Why don''t you take up the CEO position, Enger?'''' Nash suggested. ''''Thepany is your sweat and blood, and only you can deserve to sit in that chair.''''

    Enger gazed at a distance as Nash''s suggestion swirled through his mind. Enger knows it''s not possible. The one mistake he made in the past is the fruit of his sufferings. When he sits on the throne, hispetitors will dig his past, and it will not take much time to know about his criminal records. He lost his identity, and most importantly, he is stuck in finding his mother. The wealth, the influence he has, nothing has helped him in locating her.

    ''''I can''t, Nash. I can''t.'''' Enger got up, turning his attention to Nash. ''''Tomorrow is the most important day in my life. Cancel all my_''''

    ''''You don''t need to remind me, Enger,'''' Nash said. ''''I know it''s a very important day in your life. I will take care of everything. You can go to Mexico and return happily.''''

    ''''Thanks, Nash.'''' Before leaving, Enger smiled.

    The following day, upon reaching Mexico, Enger went to the hospital his mother worked at during their stay in Mexico. He distributed sweets to the patients, staff. Throwing the empty bags into the bin, Enger strolled towards a Tule tree and sat under it.

    Things have changed in two decades. The hospital he is seeing was a tiny building when he was young, and it has emerged into a multi-specialty hospital now.

    The irony is her mother''s birthday and his birthday are on the same date. Every year, his mother would bring him to the hospital on his birthday. They would spend the entire day chatting under this Tule tree. ''''I wish I can find you soon, mom.''''

    Closing his eyes, Enger stayed under the Tule tree, remembering his mother''s sweet smile, her sweet talks.

    The evening breeze hit his skin, and that''s when Enger remembered he has to catch a train.

    The cab stopped at a signal. As the car waited, Enger noticed a man ying the Vihu on the street. A smile appeared on his face, remembering his mother ying his favorite song on his birthday. He checked the time, and with two hours left for his train, he ordered the driver to turn to Kordz music store where his mother frequented to fix her Vihu.

    .....

    A few hours before..

    A car pulled in front of a cemetery.

    ''''Please wait until I return.'''' A woman pulled her mask high up the nose and stepped out of the car, a bouquet in her hand. She lifted the rustytch, pushed open the gate, and entered the cemetery. The morning breeze caused her shivers to button up her overcoat.

    She walked past the headstones and stopped in front of a gravestone near the wire fence. A person''s name dear to her heart was inscribed on it.

    Arsen Lennox.

    She cleaned the leaves that staggered around the headstone and ced the white roses. ''''Happy Birthday, my son.''''

    ''''How are you? I regret not being at home on that night, Enger.'''' Tears escaped her eyes, streaming down her cheeks. ''''Why did you leave me alone? Why didn''t you escape the fire? I am living like a corpse after you left me.'''' Wiping her tears, she said. ''''I will not stop taking revenge on the man responsible for your death. He will be left with no one in the end.''''

    Ruth spent her day sitting next to the headstone. It was evening, she got up when it was time to leave.

    ''''Take me to Kordz music store,'''' Ruth said, getting into the taxi.

 Chapter 400 - Miss You Mom

    Standing in front of the Kortz music store, Enger noticed how the tiny ce he used to visit with his mother has evolved into a music retailer and a recording studio. ''''Things sure change.''''

    Enger walked into the store and stared at the dais where a boy was singing ''Heart Attack'' by Enrique Iglesias. Probably, the situation suited him, Enger got connected to the song instantly. ''''You are a real heart breaker, Leena. How long will you make me wait for you, my dear Cutie pie?'''' He muttered, checking the old song collections ced in the rack. If Winter had not threatened with his secret, he would have approached Leena four years back, and there would be no sign of Devin in her life. Thinking of the man would only heighten his blood pressure.

    ''''Can I help you, sir?'''' An assistant boy approached Enger, putting a stop to his thoughts.

    ''''Umm..Yeah.'''' Replied Enger. ''''Where can I find Vihus?''''

    ''''Pleasee with me.'''' The boy said. ''''I will lead the way.''''

    Enger followed him.

    The Vihu''s arranged to the wall hangers brought back the memories of his mother teaching him to y the instrument when he was young. Enger grabbed a tuned one to check out if he still remembered his mother''s lessons.

    Watching Enger y the piece, the assistant boy said. ''''Are you interested in ying at the Dias, sir?''''

    ''''Not at all.'''' Enger handed the instrument to the boy. ''''I y just for fun.''''

    ''''But you seem to be gifted.'''' The boy said. ''''There is an event happening in our store where we are raising funds for orphans. I will give you a discount on the items you purchase. Could you please y for the event? You can even dedicate the song to your favorite person.'''' The boy urged.

    The word Orphan triggered Enger''s week point. Dedicating the song to a favorite person? Seems a good idea. Nothing is a better event than his mom''s birthday. ''''Alright.'''' He agreed.

    Stepping into the dias, Enger kept the mobile aside andfortably settled on the rolled chair. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and began to y the song, remembering his mother.

    Wherever I turn up

    Everything seems iplete without you

    Wondering why you left me

    I spend my time thinking about you

    I wish you were here

    I miss you, mom...Yeah...I miss you, mom..Yeah...

    A lovely tunebined with a beautiful voice caught the attention of the crowd, and people started to gather. Completely oblivious, Enger was involved in the song.

    Ruth, who just entered the store, nced at the dias when the song caught her attention. However, the crowdpletely surrounded the stage to get a glimpse of the person ying it.

    She went towards the Vihu''s rack, and with the help of an assistant, she grabbed one and was off to the counter.

    ''''That would be Four eighty dors, madam.''''

    ''''Who is that ying? Is he a star?'''' Ruth asked, taking the stack of money from her purse. The song and person''s voice keep attracting her.

    ''''A random customer, madam.'''' Replied cashier. ''''Beautiful, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Very beautiful.'''' Taking a dor note from her purse, Ruth wrote a message and gave it to the cashier. ''''Can you pass it to him.''''

    ''''Sure, madam.'''' The cashier stared at the message. [Your voice echoes in my heart. Keep it up]

    As she turned to go out, Ruth noticed the pouring rain. Instead of waiting inside the store, Ruth went out to see the rain. Rainy days always remind her of someone close to her heart.

    Her memories flew back to the time her son was around seven years old.

    ''''It''s raining, son,'''' Ruth shouted. ''''You are going to catch a cold.''''

    ''''Stop worrying about me, mom.'''' The little boy dragged her mother out of the house. ''''I love rain. Isn''t it cool to y in the rain?''''

    ''''Hmmm..what my son wants, he gets.''''

    ''''That''s my mom.''''

    The giggles of a little boy echoed in her mind. Ruth slowly opened her eyes.

    ''''Oh man! It''s raining.''''

    Ruth turned her eyes to the left. Few steps away, a man was standing, his eyes dark and half of his face covered with a mask. She felt a strange familiarity and was instantly drawn towards the young man''s eyes. Before Ruth controlled her brain, words followed out of her mouth. ''''I have a spare umbre. Would you like to use it?'''' She cursed herself for starting a conversation with a stranger.

    Enger''s eyes shifted to the woman to his right, whose face was covered except her eyes. For some reason, Enger felt the woman''s eyes familiar. In an attempt to catch the train, Enger brushed the thought and declined her offer in a polite way. ''''Thank, but not necessary. I will call a cab.''''

    Ruth nodded, a smile on her face.

    Upon the cab''s arrival, Enger stepped into it, and not before he reached a meter distance, he remembered he had forgotten the mobile at the store. He asked the driver to take a detour to Kortz again.

    ''''Did you see my mobile?'''' Enger asked the counter people as he walked towards them.

    ''''Oh, yeah.'''' He said. ''''I just found it in the dias. I was trying to contact someone from your phone list, but it''s locked.''''

    ''''Thanks for keeping safe.'''' Enger thanked him and turned to leave when the cashier called him again. ''''Excuse me, sir, A customer left you a note.''''

    ''''Me?'''' Enger frowned, taking the note from the cashier''s hand. His eyes went wide when he opened the note. It was not the message that put him under a shock, but the handwriting that made his brain go numb. He has no doubt that it''s his mother''s handwriting. ''''When did this persone and leave?''''

    ''''Not sure, sir, but she left..probably, fifteen minutes back.''''

    ''''How does she look?'''' Enger demanded.

    ''''Well.'''' The cashier was puzzled at the strange behavior of the man.

    ''''Tell me!''''

    ''''She was wearing a mask. So, I haven''t quite seen her. The woman came here to purchase a Vihu.''''

    Enger raced outside and looked all over, but there was no sign of a woman carrying a bag in her hands.

    ''''Sir, did you see a woman carrying a bag?'''' He asked the crowd who stood outside the stoor, waiting for the rain toe down so that they can leave.

    None seems to be seen, so everybody shook their heads in response.

    Like a rampant, Enger went on, asking everyone about a woman with a Vihu bag. His body was soaking wet, but Enger neither cared nor bothered. All he wanted was to find his mother after two-decades-long. But luck seems to be not at his side.

    ''''You left me alone again, mom..'''' Enger copsed on the road in a mess.

 Chapter 401 - Hazing

    Nick has been zoning out a lot since his return, which didnot go unnoticed by Leena and Devin. As usual, he would mask the truth if they tried to pry the details. Never Leena thought Nick''s feelings for Merl are hindering his ability to live in the present.

    ''''How do I bring him_'''' Aunt Jpeno''s loud scream made her startle. Leena went to the living room out of curiosity, and there he was. Her brother-inw was shaking in fear, standing at the front door. ''''Did he offer his butts to Aunt Jpeno already?'''' Leena said with a shake of her head.

    ''''Leena, look who hase. My favorite Adney is here.'''' Aunt Jpeno yelped as she nced at Adney with a mischievous grin on her face. ''''Just in case no one has told you this, I have never seen a nicer butt than yours.''''

    ''''Liar,'''' Adney screamed. ''''You told the same thing about Kurt bro''s butt.''''

    ''''So, are you jealous of him?'''' Aunt Jpeno squealed, pping her hands.

    Adney''s mouth formed into a twist. Jealous of a man''s butt? That''s the weirdest thought he would think of, even in his dreams. ''''No wonder your husband ditched you for another woman,'''' Having said that, Adney raced inside the house before Aunt Jpeno catches him.

    ''''You brat! I was the one who ditched that bummer.'''' Aunt Jpeno mmed her fist on the door, recalling the day she caught her husband with another man in the bed. She gave him another chance when he pleaded, but she should have better known that he would cheat on her for the second time as well. She breathed a sigh of relief and went into the kitchen to let the brother-inw and sister-inw have a chat.

    ''''Long time, no see, dingleberry,''''

    Adney snapped at Leena, hearing the familiar nickname.

    ''''Call me anything except dingleberry,'''' Adney wryly said. ''''Don''t ask me why. It''s my secret.'''' The name is reserved for only one person.

    Leena''s eyes held a glint of humor. Leaning forward, she whispered into his ears, causing him to take a backward step in fear. ''''And I know your secret.''''

    ''''What do you_''''

    ''''Your room is upstairs.'''' Straightening herself, Leena cut him off. She has ample time to tease him.''''Go, and get fresh.''''

    ''''You know, sister-inw, I can stay in Nick''s room.'''' Adney covered his lies with a sheepish grin. ''''We can save electricity andbor.''''

    ''''ssic excuse people give who are scared of ghosts.'''' Her fear of ghosts mirrored in Adney''s eyes. ''''I don''t me you. I have been there.''''

    ''''Then let''s embrace.'''' Adney leaned forward for a hug, but with a flick on his forehead, Leena pushed him. ''''Let''s get into the topic. Don''t bring her topic in front of Nick.'''' Leena had seen Nick and Adney''s closeness. So, she requested Adney to stay for a while until Nick bes his usual self.

    ''''Leave him to me. I will take care'''' He winked.

    ....

    A mother''s revenge and a son''s crazed love obsession have thrown Devin under the radar. ''''We searched every nook and canny with the information we got. But where is this woman hiding?''''

    ''''Honestly, I don''t have an answer for your question, Vincy,'''' Kurt added. ''''She is turning into a most mysterious woman each passing second, just like her son..Did you try to poach the anti''s of Leiusbs?''''

    ''''Some. But we have a long way to go. The drugs developed in Enger''spany are tested negative despite their side effects. Eight years back, scientist Ekaterina was investigating Enger''spany in secret, but she turned into the void all of a sudden. This is another added mystery to Enger''s list.'''' Writing Ekaterina''s name on the sticky note, Devin pinned it onto the board. The board is filling with mysteries but with no clues and answers.

    ''''Ekaterina?'''' Kurt thought hard. ''''How did it slip out of my investigation? But I heard her name. Is she a_

    ''''A renowned biological scientist of the twenty-first century. Enzo''s wife, and Morvena''s mother.''''

    ''''So her disappearance is rted to Enger,'''' Kurt eximed in disbelief. ''''If Enger is behind her disappearance, we are dealing with the biggest criminal.''''

    ''''A stranger is no big deal to him when he killed his father without a beat,'''' Devin offered his thoughts.

    ''''Can''t disagree with your statement,'''' Kurt said. ''''If Ekaterina''s body was not found, what if....what if. I got this weird feeling that she might still be alive. Let''s contact her daughter, and try to find the truth."

    ''''I don''t want to do anything with her daughter.'''' The memories of him sitting on a rock and mourning of his memories are still haunting him.

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''I..I..I am notfortable around her.'''' Devin''s face was void of expressions.

    ''''That''s weird of you. Did you had a secret affair with her before Leen_'''' Kurt swallowed his words, not intended to anger his friend anymore. ''''

    ''''It''s only Leena in my life.''''

    ''''Kidding. Don''t worry. I will go to Russia on a secret mission.''''

    ''''Good luck then.'''' Devin suppressed hisugh, foreseeing Kurt''s rants in the future. He doesn''t want to share anything about the creepy home Morvena is living in. Let him go, and witness the dark fantasies surrounding the woman.

    ....

    The year 1989

    A girl with a backpack walked past the college buildings, her face filled with happiness. It''s her first day in college, and nothing made her happier than getting into one of the best universities. Bing a doctor was her childhood dream, and finally, her dreams are turning into reality. Out in her world, she didnot notice a group of senior students were hazing the new members as a part of the weing ceremony. In a trice, she gasped when someone threw freezing water out of nowhere, whichpletely drenched her body.

    The girl sharply turned to the group of two girls and three boys,ughing at her. ''''What''s that look? It''s just a soft drink, not an acid. Wanna fight, girl?''''

    Being new to the campus, fighting with the seniors on the first day is not a good sign. She kept her anger in check.

    ''''Don''t mind them.'''' A man in sses passed came to her aid and offered her a handkerchief. ''''Hazing happens in every university. I am Won-shik. What''s your name.''''

    The girl didnot respond. Covering her body with a bag, she rushed into a building, searching the restroom.

    Finally, upon finding the restroom, she pushed open the door, and to her horror, the room was filled with girls dressing for the ceremony. She cursed herself for not packing an extra shirt. But then a girl in a red dress came to her aid and offered a shirt.

    ''''I was carrying an extra shirt to wear it after the function. But I guess you need this.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' She offered a smile. With all the bathrooms filled, she sighed and changed into the shirt in front of the red dress girl.

    ''''An angel neck tattoo.'''' The girl in red eximed, marveling at the tattoo on the back of her neck. ''''It''s beautiful.''''

    ''''Thank you. What''s your nam_''''

    ''''''Hey Heather. Here you are! I was searching everywhere.'''' Another girl arrived in the restroom. ''''Come on. The party is about to start.''''

    Ruth woke up swiftly and looked around with a startled expression. Two decades passed, but the dream felt like it happened today. ''''Why did I dream of that woman all of a sudden?''''

    Without waking the sleeping man next to her, she grabbed the mobile and went to the terrace. ''''William.'''' She spoke up as soon as the call got connected. ''''Return to New York as soon as possible. I need you here. A big event is soon going to happen in their lives. It''s time to put an end to both mother and daughter''s livespletely.. Francis has lived enough by taking my son''s life.''''

 Chapter 402 - I Hate You

    The incident with Landon that happened three days ago brought Kyle and Kurt a lot closer. Concerned about her safety, Kurt offered to stay at his house, but Kyle refused, not that she was scared or didn''t want to live with him under the same roof, but the drunken kiss had left a greater impact on her.

    To her surprise, Kurt offered himself to stay in her house. Kyle wondered whether the Kurt she is seeing is the actual Kurt or his doppelganger. ''''Are you sure you want to stay here?''''

    ''''Of course.'''' He said with certainty. He has made up his mind already.

    ''''I will be fine, Kurt.'''' Kyle said, picking a bowl from the wooden cab to make coffee. ''''You don''t need to take up the job of babysitting me.''''

    ''''I have pushed you into this mess. So, I have to make sure you are safe.'''' Kurt snatched the bowl from her hands and put it back inside the cab. ''''No coffee. It''s dinner time.'''' He rebuked her. Keeping her safe would be the fairest reason he hase up to stay close to her without sounding obvious.

    ''''Can''t you keep your punctuality aside for a day? No wonder a girl never approached you.'''' She teased to annoy him. Her words made Kurt halt his actions. He put aside the mushroom bowl he was washing and approached Kyle when his brain reminded him of the giant''s words about the girl''s preferences. ''''Can I ask you a question?'''' Upon hearing Kyle''s yes, he posed. ''''What kind of person do you like?''''

    ''''What?'''' His words confused like a twist of a creeper. Is he asking about her preferences? She had never seen or heard him talking about such kind of stuff with anyone.

    ''''I..I mean..It''s like this...one of my colleague''s girlfriend broke up with him because her father doesn''t want his daughter to marry a man whose life is involved with dangers. Poor fellow cried days nights after the breakup. I am sharing with you because you are my friend.'''' Kurt made up a story with a mixture of the giant''s conversation and his own ideas. Internally he patted himself foring up with such a high-grade story. He eagerly looked up at Kyle, waiting to know her share of thoughts. ''''What do you think about him?''''

    ''''Sad for him! But if the girl had truly loved him, she would have found all the ways to convince her dad and marry her boyfriend. Besides, being an FBI is cool. I love that profession.'''' Herst sentence was barely a whisper, but Kurt caught it perfectly.

    So, she doesn''t think like other girls. She likes his job, which means, does she like him as well? Something strange started to rage inside Kurt. His gaze searched her face keenly. Her round eyes, her perfect brows, finally his gazended on her lips. Without his conscience, his legs closed the scant space between them. He raised his hand to her face and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. Her heart beat faster and faster at the cold touch of his finger. But her mind was romping with her dangerously.

    The day he experienced the drunken kiss, Kurt longed to touch these tender, soft petals. Addicted to her scent, she pulled him towards her like a moth. Caging her, he leaned forward to her trembling lips.

    Right at the moment, a loud buzz interrupted their moment. Moving out of her trance, Kyle backed off. ''''I_I it''s my mobile ring. I have to take this call.'''' She grabbed the call and fled out of the room without waiting for Kurt''s response.

    ''''What did I do?'''' Kurt muttered, running a hand through his hair. Her presence would make him forget the world. ''''How will she react when she sees me at the dinner?'''' Brushing the thoughts aside, Kurt made dinner and set them on the table. An hour passed, Kyle didnote out of the bedroom. Kurt was about to knock on the bedroom door, the door opened before that.

    A moment of awkward silence, but Kurt broke it off.''''Dinner is ready.'''' And he left.

    Kyle followed behind him silently. At the dinner table, she dropped the awkward atmosphere when she opened the lid. ''''It''s Tempeh Bourguignon?''''

    ''''Do you like it?''''

    ''''I love it. It''s Devin''s favorite dish too.'''' She grinned, taking a bite of it. As expected from chef Kurt, Kyle thought.

    ''''How do you know it''s Vincy''s favorite?'''' It''s the second time he heard about Devin''s name from her mouth. Once, she talked about Devin''s favorite color and being his best friend, he is not even aware of it. Although it bothered Kurt, he ignored it at that time.

    Loose tongue. Kyle cursed herself. Why did I have to bring Devin into the picture? ''''It''s just I once saw him eating in happiness.'''' She covered up with a lie.

    ''''When did you meet_''''

    ''''I am hungry, Kurt. We can talkter'''' Kyle suspended him. Is he trying to do an FBI investigation?

    Kurt''s body was present throughout the dinner, but his mind was investigating Devin''s favorite color and the dish. Post dinner, Kurt went out and called his buddy Wilbur. ''''Hey, Kurt boy, what''s_''''

    ''''Do you know Vincy''s favorite dish and color?''''

    ''''You called me to ask this?'''' He put aside the train toy he was ying with his daughter. ''''I didnot expect your love for our friend is eternal?''''

    ''''Will, I am serious,''''

    ''''Honestly, I don''t know. If I have to guess, I will go with banana smoothie since he loves my sister.'''' Wilbur gave his daughter a warning re, snatching the lipstick from her hands which she painted across her face. One slip of a second, she is up to her naughty deeds.

    So, Wilbur doesn''t know as well, Kurt concluded. ''''What if a girl knows about a person''s all likes and dislikes?'''' A rooky he was, he has no choice except to rely on his friends or the inte to know about a girl''s feelings.

    ''''I will say, I don''t have time to answer your off-beat questions.'''' Wilbur sighed, taking his daughter to the bathroom to clean her up.

    ''''Just answer this question. I will leave you.''''

    ''''Either she likes him or has a crush on him. Now, don''t ask me any more questions.'''' Wilbur hung up and jumped into the action.

    Kurt''s eyes stared at the contact name, his zing eyes murderously.. Atst, he typed a message and hit the sent button. [Vincy: I hate you]

 Chapter 403 - Best Thing Happened

    Kurt stared at the mobile for a couple of minutes, anticipating starting a war with his friend, yet he didnot receive a reply from Devin. ''''He must have enjoyed girl''s attention in the school.'''' Spotting a coke can on the road, Kurt kicked it, letting all his anger on the little can. The tin can soared high before dropping to the ground.

    As he walked inside the house, he noticed Kyle was watching TV. ''''Are you free tomorrow?'''' He asked, sitting next to her. He wanted to ask when and how her feelings for Devin started, but what are the odds she would tell him when she denied it during their dinner?

    ''''No. I have work.'''' Replied Kyle, switching the channels to distract her mind. How can he talk so casually like nothing happened between them? They had almost kissed for the second time, and it would have happened had the phone call didnot interrupt them. She is not expecting him to bring the topic, but...honestly, yes, she wanted him to talk about the kiss to know why he made a move on her. Does he like me?

    Kurt grabbed the remote from her hands, displeased that she is not giving him the full attention he wanted. ''''Do you have a major surgery tomorrow?'''' He asked, gaining her full ess.

    Domination fellow. Kyle internally muttered to herself. ''''No major surgeries. But I have_''''

    ''''Then take a leave. If your dean is not epting, I will talk to them.'''' His voice was requesting, yet it left with no room for debate.

    What is he up to? He is acting weirdtely. Kyle narrowed her eyes at him, attempting to read his mind. Unfortunately, she has got no mind-reading ability. ''''Your presence is not necessary. I will talk to my superior. Will you tell me the reason now?''''

    ''''It''s a secret.'''' He said, a matter-of-factly.

    Secret? Don''t tell me he is going to take me shopping to repurchase bananas and socks.

    ''''Get ready by nine in the morning.'''' Kurt got up, but Kyle held his hand. ''''We need to talk, Kurt. About the ki_''''

    ''''I am sleepy.'''' He released her grip over his hand forcefully. ''''Good night.'''' He went into the guest room, not once turning his face to her.

    ''''He is avoiding.'''' Kyle sighed, her eyes back on to the TV.

    The near-second kiss gave him insomnia again. Unable to sleep, Kurt invited his friends to y the game. Except for Andrew, nobody joined. Fifteen minutester, he received a reply from Devin, andter, he also joined the game.

    Pausing, Kurt checked the message. [From: Vincy: Okay]

    ''''Okay? He doesn''t even ask why do I hate him?'''' Yelled Kurt. He knows where his key lies. He decided to take care of him in the next gathering.

    Unlike Kurt, Kyle doesn''t know to y video games to pass her time. She tossed and turned, but everywhere she sees Kurt. She let her fatigue took over her body, and at dawn, she closed her eyes to sleep.

    .....

    The following day as Kurt requested, she let him take her to the ce. They crossed the city center, drove past the tall trees, yet Kurt didnot stop the car anywhere. The suspense about this mysterious ce was killing her, but he didnot care to exin. Atst, the car stopped in front of a gate.

    ''''A cemetery?'''' Kyle stared at him in puzzlement. ''''Why are we here?''''

    ''''Hold your curiosity, Doctor Kyle. Let''s go.'''' He grabbed the daisy flowers bouquet from the backseat before getting down. Kurt pushed open the gate and led her inside. The fallen leaves on the grass crumpled under Kyle''s feet as she walked side by side with Kurt. Everywhere her eyes moved, she found the headstones lined up in each session, separated by the grass.

    Kyle followed behind him and halted when Kurt stopped and stared at the headstone. Kyle followed his eyes and read the inscriptions. [in: Jun 12, 1969 -Nov 08 th 2002. Loving husband and son]

    in! She can never forget the name and the face. It''s Kurt''s mother. Has he brought me here to show his mother finally?

    Kurt cleaned the fallen leaves on the headstone and ced a bouquet on it. Kyle watched him clean his mother''s headstone with utter devotion. As Uncle Arnold said, Kurt sure loves his mom a lot.

    ''''Is it your mother?'''' She asked, gazing at the picture of a woman''s beautiful smile.

    ''''My dad might have told you about her already. He thinks he is cursed to hold many secrets,'''' Kurt chuckled. ''''I have never brought anyone to this ce, Kyle. You were the first one.''''

    Kyle smiled, squeezing Kurt''s arm as thanks.

    ''''My mother is like a woman no other. She brought me into this world. She held my hand when I baby-walked, taught me to respect, most importantly, she loved me unconditionally.'''' His voice amplified in pain the more he talked. Kurt slowly turned to Kyle. ''''There are not enough words to describe how important my mother is to me. I don''t believe in gods, but If you are a person who believes in promises, then I am ready to vow you in front of my mother. I am not good at talking about love. But if you give me a chance, I will take care of you until myst breath.''''

    Am I dreaming? Kurt confessed to me? When did he fall in love? There was no hint at all. Kyle was utterly dumbfounded. She stared at him without blinking her eyes. When he started talking about his mother, Kyle thought he is opening up a little. Not even in her dreams, she expected he would be open to his feelings as well.

    Her expressions spoke everything. She doesn''t have feelings because she is still holding on to her first love. Kurt concluded.

    He felt his throat constricted, blocking the airflow. ''''I know you don''t like me..but I just let out my feelings for you. I am sorry if I caused you trouble. Pretend that you didnot hear any of this.'''' Looking at his mother''s picture for onest time, Kurt turned to leave. He took a couple of steps forward, and then a strange thing happened. He was embraced in a tight back hug.

    ''''How did you conclude that I rejected you?'''' She could feel his back muscles tense, but Kyle didnot paid attention. She has to let him get used to the intimacy.

    ''''Your eyes went wide in shock. I guessed you don''t like me.'''' Kurt whispered. Why did her hug have to be this tight? His body was starting to warm up with her little gestures.

    ''''Dummy.'''' Kyle smacked his shoulder, a smile on her face. ''''Your EQ is below the belt. I was surprised because of your sudden confession.''''

    A smile returned on Kurt''s face. ''''Then what''s your answer.''''

    Kyle was trying several ways to make him fall in love with her, and here he is, a step ahead. ''''You know what the best feeling is?''''

    ''''It''s a rtive concept.'''' Kurt loosened her hands and turned to face her.

    ''''Being loved back by the person you love, and that''s the best thing that happened in my life. You might not be my first love, but you are thest love I hope to have and to hold until I die..'''' Kyle confessed.

 Chapter 404 - Electric Sparks

    They have known each other since school, but it took them: two decades, and a bathroom conflict, to ovee their inner barriers and fall in love. Often people fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time. Their love story is a ssic example of calling it an unexpected encounter.

    Words cannot describe the happiness of his blithe heart. Her confession tugged his heartstrings, making music with them. Looking back to his past, he has led a happy life, but the present looks more colorful and brighter with her presence. ''''I was scared you are still holding on to your first love, Devinnn..'''' Kurt stressed his friend''s name pointedly.

    ''''How did you know it was Devin.'''' Kyle pursed her lips, staring at his stormy eyes. A daring woman she was, Kyle threw her arms around his waist, embracing him tightly. Kurt returned her hug, sping his hands around her waist protectively. The feeling of smelling his perfume is intoxicating her, and she wished to be in his arms forever. It was apparent to her eyes that Kurt is jealous. She remembered talking about Devin''s favorite dish yesterday, and he connected the dots? If Kurt knows the stupid little things she did in school to gain Devin''s attention, she will not able able to handle this cute angry bird.

    ''''Does it matter?'''' He grumbled, looking away.

    Tilting his head, Kyle cupped his face between her hands. ''''I can''t deny he is my first love, but I am lucky enough to get a second chance with you. You showed me new dawn in my life without you knowing.'''' Tiptoeing on her heels, leaning forward, she gently pressed her lips on his. Before she retreated, Kurt dipped down into her mouth. He parted his lips, diving his tongue to tangle with hers. His teeth collided with her clumsily, yet they didnot care. Both were too focused on the passion they were experiencing. His passionate breath whispered on her face, down to her neck as he whispered her name continuously. Electric sparks sip through his bloodstream, making sure every nerve in his body is focusing on her mouth. His hands dug into her waist possessively, pulling her closer and closer until there formed no gap between them. Breathless, Kyle pulled back, yet their foreheads lingered. ''''Time to go.'''' She whispered.

    Kurt nodded, a slow smile curved on his lips, taking her flushed face. He wanted to experience the kiss again, but the ce held his desires.

    Kurt looked at his mother''s picture for onest time before he left with Kyle.

    Igniting the engine, he said. ''''When did you fall in love with me?'''' Kurt''s eagerness reached zeniths.

    ''''Can we save your question forter? We traveled for two hours, and except for breakfast, I hadn''t had anything since then. My stomach is making noises already.''''

    ''''Your body has enough cholesterol to use even if you skip food for three days.'''' Kurt teased. In a swift move, Kyle hit his arm, a scowl on her face. ''''You never change, right? Do you expect me to look like a ribbon model? Maybe I should drink again to teach you a lesson.''''

    ''''That''s not necessarily.'''' His voice was neutral, but Kyle could feel his tone had an edge of fright. ''''Your weight is just perfect. I like the way you are.''''

    ''''Was it painful.'''' She giggled, eyes on his foot.

    ''''Thanks to you, I didnot wear shoes for two continuous days.'''' He said.

    ''''You needed that. So, Where are we going now?'''' Kyle already guessed the ce he would take.

    ''''To fill your stomach.'''' He pinched her nose, handling the steering with another hand. He stopped the car at a restaurant. Kyle felt like Kurt has taken his boyfriend''s job seriously on the first day. She hadn''t yet recovered from Kurt''s confession, and he did give another surprise. He keeps cing the veggies into her te and asks her if the food is likable to her taste. Her dating list has only one person, but she never received the treatment from Landon akin to Kurt''s. She smiled at his sweet gestures. Post lunch, the car drove past the city outskirts and finally stopped in front of a house. ''''I don''t need to tell you about this ce?''''

    ''''I guessed it already.'''' She said, removing the seatbelt. ''''Uncle Arnold is a lovely person. We often chat as well.''''

    ''''What about me? Am I not loving?'''' Was his question.

    ''''Are you jealous of your dad, Kurt?'''' Kyleughed, pinching his adorable cheeks. ''''And jealous Kurt is the cutest...Happy?...Let''s go.''''

    Her face looked like it was sprayed with a rosy hue when Kurt held her hand after getting down from the car. Am I going to die out of excessive sugar? Kyle''s mind whirled in thoughts as she walked side by side with him.

    ''''Let me surprise him.'''' She hid behind the wall.

    ''''You don''t need to do that. Either way, he will be surprised to see you with me.''''

    ''''But it''s fun.'''' She pouted.

    ''''Do whatever you want.'''' He chuckled, pressing the doorbell. The moment the door opened, his father''s sullen face greeted Kurt.

    ''''Why are you here?''''

    ''''What''s with that look? Aren''t you happy to see your son?''''

    ''''I am bored seeing your face,'''' Arnold said impassively. ''''There is no new face in my house, unlike your friends. All your friends are either married or have girlfriends and you... run away at the sight of a girl.'''' Arnold gazed at the sky. ''''Elian, you have put this brat in my hands, but I failed you.''''

    Noticing Kyle''s movement, Kurt gestured with his finger to stay put.

    ''''Will you stop with your drama, dad?'''' Kurt sucked a deep breath. ''''You should have joined the entertainment industry.''''

    ''''It looks like a drama to you?'''' Arnold yelled at his son. He wished he had a handy tool to knock his brain. ''''I have sent you countless pictures. Did you see any?..at least for your dad''s sake? No_''''

    ''''I didnot see them because.'''' Pausing his words, Kurt took a couple of steps back, pulled Kyle. ''''I found a daughter-inw for you.''''

    ''''Hello, Uncle.'''' Kyle waved her hand.

    Kurt will not wonder if his father would faint due to shock. Well, he was in the same state when he realized his feelings for this Loose Case.

    ''''A_are you..'''' Arnold''s eyes followed his son and Kyle concurrently. ''''For real?''''

    ''''Had I ever joked in this matter? If you still need_''''

    Arnold pushed aside his son and brought Kyle inside. ''''The day I saw you, I knew you would capture my son''s heart.'''' His happiness has no bounds today. He hoped it''s not a dream only to get woken up to see his son''s angry bird face at the mention of marriage.

    Kyle sheepishly smiled at Arnold. Did he really meant it?

    ''''You told the same thing to Aunt Marie''s daughter,'''' Kurt mentioned, walking behind them.

    ''''Did I? Sorry, I have a poor memory.'''' Replied Arnold. He called all the servants and introduced Kyle as his daughter-inw.

    Kyle nced at Kurt, her eyes pleading to step in. Kurt raised his hands in surrender. He mouthed a sorry to her. His dad is not going to stop with the servants.

    ''''Our Kurt is lucky.'''' One of the maids said. "We need a bonus, sir.''''

    ''''Your daughter-inw is beautiful, sir.'''' Another one butted. ''''I agree with luke. We need a bonus.''''

    ''''Alright. Everybody will get a bonus,'''' Arnold looked like he had conquered the great wall of China. ''''Firstly my my daughter-inw should get impressed by your cooking skills."

    The servants eagerly nodded, and went into action, to impress the soon to be mistress of this house.

    ''''Umm..uncle..'''' Kyle was moritfied. ''''Just my name would suffice."

    ''''Sooner orter, I need to get used to it. I am a person who believes practice makes a man perfect.'''' Arnold said. ''''Coming to the main topic, when am I expecting grandson and granddaughter?''''

    Kyle: '''' ''''

    Isn''t he too fast? They hadn''t yet kissed properly, and he is thinking about grandchildren?

 Chapter 405 - Genes

    Kyle wondered how it would feel to experience father''s love because she never received it once from his biological father. She believed it would forever remain as a fantasy, but Kurt made it true. The father''s love that she thought never existed in her dictionary has finally found a hidden word called Arnold Weller.

    They were at the dining hall for lunch again on Arnold''s order. Not that she minded when ites to food. Her appetite shaped into life at the sight of mouth-watering dishes. While she ate, Arnold talked about Kurt''s childhood memories which Kyle listened to with utmost interest and often teased Kurt. Not so fancy for Kurt because he was a brat when he was a child. Finally, Arnold''s conversation was back to square again. Marriage!

    ''''So, when are we going to hold the wedding ceremony? I need to start making the list of people to invite.'''' Arnold asked Kyle and briefly shot a look at the maid to serve more rice onto Kyle''s te. The servant scowed at his master before filling the already loaded te.

    There he goes again! Kyle grasped Kurt''s hand under the table andced her fingers through his. She silently pleaded with him to handle the situation. It''s not even an hour they confessed their feelings for each other. Now, it''s escted to marriage and children already. She wants to go on dates, trips and experience the feeling of being in love.

    ''''Dad.'''' Kurt snapped at his father. He could sense Kyle is about to cry out of embarrassment. ''''If you keep talking about weddings, I will not bring her here anymore.'''' Marriage with Kyle made him excited, but it should be mutual respect. Unless she is ready, he will not force her.

    ''''Fine.'''' Arnold scoffed but turned quiet. Following lunch, Arnold showed the entire house and his medal collections to Kyle, not giving Kurt a chance to speak with Kyle.

    ''''Aren''t you informing your friends?'''' Kurt hinted, following behind them. He knows his dad''s trigger button.

    ''''You are right.'''' Arnold''s face lit up. ''''Thanks for reminding, son.''''

    The second Arnold left, Kurt pulled her into his room. ''''My dad is little nagging at times. Don''t mind it.''''

    ''''Not at all. I like it.'''' Kyle toured his room, and like his grumpy mood, the room was also dull. With no one around, she hugged him from behind to feel the warmth. ''''I am happy.''''

    ''''You ate food worth three days, so obviously, you should be happy.'''' He tantalized her.

    She smacked his back, a smile on her face. Teasing her must be a part of his routine, Kyle thought. But she found it sweet of him.

    ''''I was just kidding.'''' He said, caressing her hands, folded around his waist. He loved when she showered her love through a tight back hug. She reminded him of happiness, and he reminded her, a home. Together, they were both happy to be at home.

    ...

    Heather strode out of the operation theatre,pleting an eight-hour surgery. She trudged her tired body into her cabin. Her ss bottle was empty to quench her thirst. So, she went to fill the water from the corridor''s water purifier. She drank the water, refilled the bottle, and right when she turned to leave, she heard a voice calling her name. ''''Heather, is that you?''''

    The water bottle dropped to the ground. His sudden presence came like a bolt out of the blue. Was she surprised to see him after two decades? Definitely yes, because she hadpletely forgotten about his existence. Quicklyposing herself, she picked the bottle from the floor.

    Meanwhile, Max wore an excited smile upon seeing his ex-wife. How long has it been since hest saw her? Yet Heather''s beauty hadn''t diminished. If only she were not a rebel, he would have considered not divorcing her. Little did he forget, it was Heather who threw the papers at his face. ''''You haven''t changed a bit, Heather. Infact you are looking more beautiful.''''

    ''''And you have changed a lot..Grown old.'''' Heather studied his face for a good time beforementing. ''''Your eyes are weighing down with wrinkled folds, and also, you have got a lot of gray hair.'''' Her tone sounded t, but the sarcasm was at the top, returning a tight p on Max''s face.

    Max internally gnashed his teeth. He knows he has aged a little, but did she has to be straightforward in humiliating him? She hadn''t changed a bit��same arrogance, same haughtiness, just like his daughter, Leena. Not to sound egotistic, he smiled, presenting his friendly attitude. ''''So, how are you?''''

    ''''Good.'''' Her reply was only a word, not intended to waste any more energy. She didnot even spare a nce at him.

    Not taking the hint of her disinterested stance, Max continued. ''''I am sorry I was unable toe after you were discharged from the hospital...I got busy with work.''''

    Heather rolled her eyes internally. Did he think she is a child to believe his lies.

    ''''So, how is your health_''''

    ''''Max, what''s taking you so long to fill the water?''''

    Both Heather and Max nced at the owner of the voice. The click-ck sound in the empty corridor echoed into Heather''s ears. A woman gracefully walked, her eyes clouded with curiosity as she stared at the not-so-familiar woman talking to her husband.

    Max nced up at his wife with an awkward smile. Although he talked about his first and second wife, he was a little embarrassed to meet one of them face to face in front of Rosalie. ''''Rose, you havee. This is Heather. My first wife.'''' He said, giving her a meaningful smile which Rosalie understood instantly.

    ''''Oh! Hello. Pleased to meet you.'''' Rosalie greeted her. ''''I am Rosalie.''''

    ''''Hi. I am Heather.'''' Heather nodded in response. The term first wife of Max made her cringe with disgust. But Heather felt something different with Max''s wife. Her voice sounded a little familiar to her, but unable to recall where and when she heard.

    Heather thought he married his mistress after her ident, but he went for third? She felt strange that this womanizer stopped with a third wife. Anyway, it''s not her concern to dwell on his matters. ''''It was nice meeting you,'''' Heather said. ''''I have work. I will take my_''''

    ''''No, no. Please carry on. It''s been a long since you met each other.'''' Rosalie turned to her husband and whispered, ''''Emerie is alone. I will go inside.''''

    Rosalie left.

    ''''You have a daughter?'''' Heather''s curiosity piqued.

    ''''Yes. Her name is Emerie. She is eighteen years old,'''' Max''s face lit up when he talked about his daughter. His sweet daughter suddenly fell ill, and when they brought her to the hospital, the doctors informed him she is suffering from appendicitis.

    Heather felt Max had changed a lot. He never cared about Leena when she was little, yet he seems very caring towards his daughter. Least concerned about his affairs, Heather turned to leave, but Max held her hand to stop her at thest second. She jerked his hand off, turning a cold eye at him. ''''Look, Max, I am not your wife. I will be d if you behave with your age.''''

    ''''Can we talk like friends at least?'''' Running out of patience, Max regarded her critically. ''''If not for you, at least for our daughter Leena''s_''''

    ''''My daughter.'''' Heather corrected, her voice raised hysterically. ''''She is my daughter. Not yours, and can never be."

    ''''What!'''' Max sank to the ground, too shocked to register Heather''s words.

    ''''Character, intellect, I am sure, lies in the genes.'''' Heather''s tone was sardonic that made the gruesome bloodletting almostical in Max''s eyes. ''''You have got none that my daughter posses.'''' She cooly dropped a bomb and left, leaving Max speachless.

    Author notes: I am sorry for the two days miss. I will try to upload more chapters on tomorrow, and on Sunday.

    I would like to make another announcement. Some readers are already aware, but I want to give a heads up. The book willplete by this month end...provided that I do regr updates. Thanks for sticking to the book, generating your valuable power stones until now. Let''s stick until the end, and together give a nice ending to Leena and Devin.

    My notes doesn''t cost you extra SS.

 Chapter 406 - Open Your Eyes

    The house was vacant except for the guards outside the house when Francis arrived home. Upon enquiring the guards, he learned Caleb, Grace, and his mother went grocery shopping. He trudged his tired body upstairs and ckly pushed open the bedroom door. Since morning, his schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings, and he had no time to grab lunch. Francis put his head back on the chair and closed his eyes, but the pounding headache intensified. The monster in his head started wing his mind. He pulled the tware drawer but found an empty medicine box.

    ''''Argh! This headache is killing me.'''' His mother must have had the pills, but she would definitely tell she misremembered the ce if he calls her. So, he texted Heather to see if she got any in her room, and he received a reply in a fleet second.[Heather: In the first drawer box of the bedside table]

    Unable to bear the one-side headache, Francis quickly strode into her room. He pulled the first drawer, and except for a book rted to medicine, he found nothing. Francis opened the second one, and again there was nothing except a cover with a DNA pattern. He closed the drawer, tried his luck in the third, and was relieved to see a medicine kit.

    Opening the water bottle sitting on top of the table, he took a few sips of a drink to moisten his throat before swallowing the headache pill. He grabbed a couple of pills as a protective measure in case the headache doesn''te down. Francis prepared to leave but then halted when he recalled on top of the DNA pattern cover, he briefly saw a name ''DNA test report'' printed on it when he opened the second drawer earlier.

    ''''I am certain it''s DNA report. But whose DNA report it is?'''' Without any hesitation, Francis reopened the drawer and pulled the A4-sized paper from the cover. The names disying on the first rowpletely blew his mind ''''Child Leena and Alleged father, Won-Shik.'''' His eyes moved to the end of the page, and he read the sentence aloud. ''''Probability of paternity 0. The alleged father is excluded as the biological father of the tested child...''''

    ''''Who is this Won-Shik?'''' The name rolled on his tongue, yet the images of a person''s face didnot sh. ''''Why did Heather take a DNA test of Leena and a stranger? Isn''t Max Leena''s father?'''' At the corner end of the drawer, Francis found a paper card. He picked it up and read, ''''Contazer cosmetic surgery, Korea.''''

    ''''Why did she go to Korea to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic when she could find the best in this city.'''' Francis googled the name of the hospital and was taken back upon seeing the hospital owner.

    ''''Won-Shik again. How did he be the prime suspect in being Leena''s father?'''' He could ask Heather for the truth, but he knows she will search for a lie to conceal it. There is only one person whom he could rely on to know the answers. Capturing the pictures on his phone, Francis called Evelyn, and on knowing, she is still at the hospital, he was off to meet her.

    ''''What''s so urgent that you want to meet me in the hospital?'''' Evelyn asked, approaching Francis. He sat on the bench, his usual calm demeanor little tensed.

    Without beating around the bush, Francis asked. ''''Why did you go to a cosmetic surgery clinic in Korea? Don''t we have enough famous hospitals in New York?''''

    Evelyn gulped and turned away. ''''Well, we heard it''s a famous hospital. Since we nned a trip to Korea, we visited the hosp. Why are you concerned about_''''

    Francis sported the image screen in front of Evelyn''s eyes before shepleted her sentence. ''''Then what exnation do you have for this? I am sure you must be knowing about this.''''

    Oh no, Heather! Why didn''t you discard the report? Evelyn stared at Francis with a perplexed expression, her face showing indecision to tell him the truth or leave it for Heather to deal with.

    ''''I am asking as your friend, Evelyn.'''' Francis''s gaze was calm. ''''Please tell me. I want to know what exactly Heather is hiding.''''

    With the pressure Francis was imposing on her, Evelyn had no choice but to open her mouth. ''''Max is not Leena''s father.'''' She revealed.

    ''''Based on the DNA report, I can guess it already.'''' His voice was grave to know further. ''''But how did it turn out?''''

    ''''It all started in the cruise ship of Devin''s birthday,'''' Evelyn started. She exined the incident that happened on the cruise ship.

    ''''Hold on.'''' Francis stopped, his eyes went wide with shock. ''''You are saying I spend a night with a woman? What kind of rubbish you are_''''

    ''''You were drunk, Francis,'''' Evelyn stressed her words, reminding him of the reality. ''''And the following day, you were burning down with fever. Care to exin how much you remember of that night?''''

    ''''I_I this is..this is hard to digest.'''' He remembered getting drunk. Although he doesn''t recall anything of that night, he couldn''t ept the fact that he had spent a night with a stranger. His headache was returning, his heart beating so fast that he would not wonder if he would pass out if he didn''t calm down.

    Evelyn didnot hold back in telling him about Heather''s hasty decision of marriage as well.

    ''''What''ve my pictures got to do with Heather''s marriage?'''' Another mystery of Heather''s was added to his list.

    ''''Because she loves you.'''' Evelyn''s revtion turned Francis''s world upside down.

    ''''W_what..That''s not true...'''' Francis shook his head. First, he has spent a night with an unknown woman whom he doesn''t know. That blew him hard, and now he learned Heather loved him. The pills must have started to take effect on him to experience hallucinations.

    ''''Then why do you think Heather turned down every proposal? Why do you think she stopped talking with you when you were involved in a dating scandal?''''

    Francis''s brain stopped dead in his tracks.

    ''''Open your eyes, Francis.. This is the reality check of your life.''''

 Chapter 407 - Dippy

    ''No one forced me to marry him. I love him. So, I am marrying him.''

    Those heart-wrenching words have once broken him beyond repair. He was hurt in the core of his being on that ill-fateful day. But he never knew Heather was equally hurt, torn between love and responsibility. In the end, she chose responsibility and insisted on living with the pain.

    ''''You don''t know how much you mean to her, Francis. Anyone who disrespects Francis has to face Heather''s wrath, including me.'''' Evelyn faintly smiled, remembering Heathershing at her when she once criticized Francis for involving in a dating scandal. ''''You are her biggest strength and her biggest weakness. If you still doubt my words, go, and check her mobile gallery. I bet it is flooded with your secret pictures.''''

    Francis had a hard time believing Evelyn''s words, but her eyes spoke the truth. Sometimes the eye-opener moment would be so joyous that you wish you had wings to float in the air. What can be the happiest moment for a person to whom he devoted his life has equally loved him back. But the more he listened to the sufferings Heather underwent to bring Leena into this world, his heart is shattering into pieces.

    ''''What''s with Won-Shik?'''' His throat constricted, and he swallowed hard to bury the pain inside. ''''How did a stranger turn out to be the prime suspect of being Leena''s father?''''

    Evelyn briefly narrated the incident that made Won-Shik the first suspect.

    ''''Studied in the same university? That exins why he is a doctor.'''' Francis made a note to find more about this mysterious man. Someone sent his pictures to Heather to wreck their rtionship. Ruth was technically alive at the time of Devin''s birthday party. Did she have a hand on the ploy? At this point, his throbbing headache returned along with rumblings inside his stomach, and it''s tough to concentrate listening to these whale mating sounds.

    ''''Excessive intake of beans left your stomach with gurgling noises?'''' Evelyn teased.

    ''''No.'''' Replied Francis, getting up to leave. ''''Absence of beauty hardened my soul.

    Evelyn nced at the retreating figure of Francis like he was the monkey''s grandfather. Beauty hardened his soul? Like she said in the past, Francis has no sense of humor.

    ''''Finally, he knows the truth. It''s Heather''s turn now.'''' Evelyn wished Francis would give himself a second chance and express his love to Heather. Humming to a song, Evelyn went back inside, a smile on her face.

    ...

    Francis drove slowly, enjoying the evening weather. His face lit up like spring blossoms, recalling Evelyn''s words. ''''''Heather loves me!'''' He repeated to feed his brain of this newly found mystery.

    Reaching home, Francis saw watched his mother glued to those damn Korean dramas. Korea has spoiled her. ''''Mom, did Heathere home?'''' He asked.

    ''''Nope,'''' Margaret replied. Her eyes couldn''t take off the scene she was witnessing. The hero finally discovers that the childhood friend he loves is also in love with him. ''''Dumb, man! It took you decades to find the secret?'''' Margaret yelled.

    Francis went to his room and waited for Heather. He has lots to talk and lots to say to her, but the woman in the question didnot show up even when the clock ticked ten. Panic driven, he called her, but Heather cut his call and sent a message. [Heather: Can''t talk....Major surgery in another half n hour...going into the operation room. I will call backter]

    ''''Major Surgery?'''' Francis sighed deeply, aware that it would take at least six to seven hours. The one-day wait is nothing. He can wait for eternity if it is Heather. Francis closed his eyes, reminiscing the happy moments of the past.

    .....

    Mottled sun shone through the see-through curtains. Heather stirred from her sleep, waking up to the rm. She wanted to sleep more, but her stomach rumbled, demanding food. Getting fresh, she went down to have her breakfast.

    ''''Hi, Heather!'''' Margaret greeted. ''''It''s your favorite dish today.''''

    ''''OMG! Pancakes and maple syrup, and Cinnamon rolls? Happiness lies in_''''

    ''''Morning breakfast.'''' Margaretpleted for her. Both chuckled.

    Taking a bite of the pancake, Heather peered around the house in search of Francis. He usually dines with her without a miss unless he is on an overseas business trip. Since it''s Sunday, Heather assumed he must be still on his bed.

    Around fifteen minutester, her daughter arrived, giving her a surprise. ''''Hey, Mom! Hey, Meemaw,'''' Leena greeted, hugging them both.

    ''''Hey, Leena, baby. How are you? You came alone?''''

    Leena hummed in reply, grabbing a banana from the bowl. ''''Devin went to meet his friends.''''

    ''''So, how are they progressing?'''' Margaret vigntly gazed at Leena. ''''Is he opening his mouth at least?''''

    ''''''What progression are you guys talking about?'''' Heather watched them warily.

    Ignoring her mother''s question, Leena told Margaret. ''''You don''t believe, Meemaw. Francy is the one initiating conversation. Aunt Catalena is very sweet. A perfect match to Francy,'''' Leena eximed in a near-sequel. Her eyes, for the briefest second, didnot miss the shift in her mom''s emotions.

    Heather''s blood pressure dropped suddenly. What is her daughter talking about? Francis sweetly talking to another woman? Her heart twisted in pain, just by the mere imagination of Francis and someone other than her. ''''Where is Francis?''''

    ''''Ah! He went to meet a woman.'''' Leena stated. ''''I arranged a date for Francy.'''' She dropped a bomb.

    ''''You, What!'''' Heather''s scream was soul-dying. Noticing her daughter''s suspicion, Heatherposed quickly. ''''I mean...why would Francis go on a date at this age? He will never.''''

    ''''But he agreed.'''' Leena''s face sparkled under the chandeliers. ''''He devoted his entire life taking care of me. It''s my responsibility to take care of him. So, I arranged a date. Aunt Catalena is a lovely woman. I hope the date goes well for both. '''' Leena stifled her smile, watching Heather''s face darkening.

    ''Catalina? That dippy woman who owns a furniturepany. It must be her. How on earth has her daughter found that woman beautiful? She looks like a replica of the Diplodocus Carneji skeleton found in a London museum.''

    ''''What''s the ce name, baby?'''' Heather demanded.

    ''''Hotel Harrison..'''' The moment the name traveled out of Leena''s mouth, Heather stood up, ready for the war.

 Chapter 408 - Childhood Friend

    ''''Where are you going, mom?'''' Before Heather prepared to leave, Leena pulled her mother back into the chair. She can understand her mom''s curiosity about Catalina and Francy, but did she forget her actions are in to see?

    ''''I_I..'''' Heather sought out a quick alibi. ''''I mean...Francis doesn''t know much about women. What if that so-called woman you mentioned is out for his fortune? I, as a close friend and family, should help him.''''

    ''''You are right! Why didn''t it hit my muddy brain.'''' Leena ulted a cry like a Greek expression of sorrow for the dead. She got up and whispered into Heather''s ears. ''''Let''s go to Hotel Harrison and secretly watch her moves.''''

    Heather nodded. That''s her main motto. Her daughter eventually entered the right tracks.

    ''''Bye, meemaw.'''' Leena yfully winked at her Meemaw, and they were off to hotel Harrison. Margaret nced at Leena''s departing figure and smiled mischievously. ''''It seems she is hell-bent on bringing these two fools together this time.''''

    Leena pulled her mask up to her nose before getting down the car. She gave one to her mother, and Heather has to use this cover-up not to get exposed.

    The second Heather set her foot into the hotel, her keen eyes scanned the fully crowded ce, and atst, caught sight of a man''s back, and undoubtedly, she knew it''s Francis. But she couldn''t believe the woman sitting opposite him was Catalina.

    ''''Aunt Cat is beautiful, isn''t it, mom,'''' Leena added fuel to the fire.

    Aunt Cat? When did her daughter be close to that skeleton to call her nicknames? Never trust a woman whose name is a cat.

    She resembled a skeleton during her twenties, but time and age have changed herpletely. Her slender personality, the business attire she wore, and each move of hers, radiance exuded from her every fiber of her skin. No wonder Francis agreed to a date with her, Heather thought and looked down at her own appearance. She was starting to taste the bitterness of reality. In a rush, she didnot think of getting dressed up.

    ''''Mom.'''' A knock on her shoulder, Heather jolted and paid her attention back to the couple.

    ''''You are zoning out. The seat behind Francy is empty,'''' Leena said. ''''Let''s go, and sit there. I suppose it gives us ess to their talks without much effort.''''

    ''''But it''s reserved,'''' Heather spoke after her daughter in a muted tone. ''''It''s not good, baby_''''

    Leena dragged her mother to the ce, shutting her thoughts. Heather was skeptical about sitting at a reserved table, but her daughter pulled her to the seat like it''s nothing. Hesitantly, Heather settled in the chair behind Francis with Leena next to her. The first thing she did was to remove the mask, which was suffocating her to death.

    As Heather leaned back on the chair, she caught a whiff of the perfume she gifted Francis, which she brought from Korea. A smile curled on her lips.

    Leena ordered a juice for herself while Heather waited and waited, but not a word she gathered from either Francis or Catalina''s mouth. Are they having a muted conversation? ording to her daughter, Francis himself had initiated talking. But it''spletely opposite to what''s happening here to what''s she heard at home.

    ''''Are you sure they talked_''''

    ''''We have been sitting here for around three hours. Yet you haven''t spoken a word, Francis.''''

    Heather stopped breathing her words. Finally, they broke the silence?

    ''''I am sorry that I wasted your time.. but this...I am not prepared for this.'''' Francis trailed off, his words ambivalent. He woke up to Leena''s call in the morning, ordering him toe to hotel Harrison instantly. With extreme trepidation, he reached there only to know that Leena ted him thoroughly. She introduced a woman and gave a brief introduction about her, and slipped off the ce. It was strange that Leena pulled him into this mess the day after learning about the truth. What is she nning? Is she in cahoots with Evelyn?

    ''''I know, it''s all sudden.'''' Catalina chuckled, curling her hands around the juice ss. ''''Do you remember my name? I went to the same university as you.'''' Noticing Francis''s dumb expression, Catalina knew he didnot pay attention to Leena when she introduced her. ''''My name is Catalina.''''

    ''''Hi Catalina.'''' Francis greeted, not to make her feel bad. ''''But I don''t remember seeing you in college.''''

    ''''If you had taken notice of me, you would have remembered.''''

    Francis felt like he was being mocked in the corner. Her sarcasm sure reached Everest.

    ''''I used to sit in a parallel row to your desk ording to the seating arrangement during our exams. Although I was not too fond of exams, the thought of sitting near you was the most exciting part of the two years of my college life. You might have forgotten, I proposed to you. Sadly, I got rejected'''' Although a gossip of Francis in a rtionship with his childhood friend circled the college, she dared the challenge and proposed to him.

    ''Did I wake up on the wrong side of the bed?'' He should be enjoying his breakfast with Heather, not like a dead mummy, sitting here, thinking he should feel guilty for rejecting a decades ago proposal. The culprit Leena! If she was next to him, he would...Francis stopped, balling his fists.

    ''''I know you are not married, Francis,'''' Catalina stated. ''''I don''t know if it''s our fate or stars, but they have led us to meet again knowing that we are destined to be together. I met Leena a month ago. She said I am the only woman qualified to be your wife. She wants us to get married_''''

    The word marriage triggered Heather''s rage like the volcanoes of mount doom. She had listened a lot and had enough of this woman. Before Heather''s thoughts formed into action, Francis''s austere voice came at Catalina.

    ''''I am sorry to interrupt, but that would never happen, not even in your dreams.'''' Francis cut her off sharply. ''''You might believe in destiny and fate, but I believe in my heart, and my heart has long decided who gets to stay in my life. If you have studied a lot about me, you should have also heard gossip that Francis Hayes has a childhood friend whom he loves unconditionally, and no one can ever rece her in his world.''''

    ''''Care to tell your childhood friend''s name, Francis?'''' Catalina acted like his words did not haze her.

    ''''You are not qualified to know her name.'''' His response was piercing.

    ''''But someone here seems to know your childhood friend already.'''' Catalina''s eyes crossed past him.

    Following her gaze, Francis slowly turned back. He stopped dead in the tracks. ''''Heather!''''

    The next moment, Francis felt slender arms squeezing his solid frame in a bear hug, bursting into tears.. Her hug spoke worth more than a thousand words.

 Chapter 409 - Four Seconds Word

    Fifteen minutes before, Heather was tamping down in frenzied rage at Catalina''s self provocations. But Leena tightly held her arm, not letting her leave. Gradually Heather''s heart cooled down a little, yet in a matter of seconds, it beat out her chest at the allusion of a childhood friend. Surely, but certainly, it was starting to dawn. It''s all her daughter''s n. Heather stared at Leena, silently begging to confirm her suspicion. In contrast, Leena let her arms loose around her mother''s hand and whispered. ''''I don''t need to tell you the name of the only childhood friend Francy has.''''

    Hell broke loose, hearing Leena''s thoughts. Heather embraced her arms around his frame firmly, afraid, afraid that it''s happening in her dream, and the moment she wakes up, she has to espouse reality. ''''Tell me..tell me..is the childhood friend you are referring to is Heather?'''' Her tears coursed through her cheeks, dampening his shirt.

    ''''Tell me..how many childhood friends Francis has?'''' Francis threw her a question in response, yielded to her warm, strong hug. He was startled to see Heather here and more surprised to know Heather heard his secret.

    Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, Heather craned her neck to look into his eyes. ''''I want to hear from his mouth.'''' Francis found her all but drilling holes into him with her eyes.

    ''''He assumed she was an arrogant kid when he first met.'''' Francis, with little force, rubbed the tears from the corner of Heather''s eyes as he spoke. ''''There was a little girl who beat the shit out of a boy when he refused to give his backpack to her. He thenined to his parents to never let the arrogant girl into his house. But never did it happen. Instead, she was adored by his family. They fought every day, pulled pranks on each other. Once..'''' He paused, his throat tightened. ''''He pushed her into a dark room to scare her once for all. Sometimeter, guilt passed him, and he opened the door. She ran into his arms and cried for leaving her side.''''

    ''''And he never left her side because he promised.'''' Her father, her ex-husband, turned their backs when she has fallen, but Francis alone stood by her.

    ''''Promised, not to leave her alone_''''

    His mouth was squeezed shut when all of a sudden, Heather pressed her lips to his. His world stopped, and all that existed in front of him was Heather. His Heather. No noise, no thoughts, and no crowd that was staring at them, with mouths agape.

    Gathering her into his arms, he deepened the kiss. He could taste her tears in his mouth. He enveloped his arms around her waist, sending her the warmth and making her feel safe. Heather pulled back a little and cupped his face in her arms. ''''I know we fought a lot like crazy, but we didnot know our arguments were the seed of our love. I can''t wait anymore, Francis. Say it.''''

    Francis pulled back in mixed emotions. He looked into her eyes, seeking a clue but unable to decipher what she meant by ''say it.''

    ''''Say the words I desperately want to hear.'''' She repeated.

    Slowly her words dawned on his mind. With a small smile, he said in his sincere tone. ''''I love you, Heather.'''' It took him a lifetime to confess the four seconds'' worth of words.

    Hearing the three magical words, Heather felt she is the most special person born on this earth, even if not. Bursting into tears, she hugged him. ''''I love you. I love you, Francis. The most beautiful thing I did was giving my heart to you. If there is a life after death, I will still choose to love you.''''

    Leena covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming in happiness. They are so cute together. How many children are lucky to witness their parents confessing love to each other. Technically, Francis might not be her father, but he is more than that in her eyes.

    ''''Happy?'''' Leena heard a soft voice in her ear.

    ''''Very happy.'''' She briefly gazed at the woman standing next to her and turned back to the couple not to miss a moment. ''''A big thanks for your help, Aunt Catalina.''''

    ''''Actually...'''' Catalina said. ''''I prefer, Cat.''''

    ''''Ah! I love Cats.'''' Leenaughed cheerfully.

    Gathering the noises, Heather and Francis broke from their reverie and looked around. People stared at them in wonder, yet his heart is screaming in happiness. This day would be forever imprinted in his life. He has prepared a lengthy speech, sitting for the entire night, but not a word from the paper came into his mind. Even if he stood in front of Heather, he would have stammered. Everything here happened on a whim. All thanks to Leena. She brought them at a perfect time. Francis apologetically turned to Catalina. ''''I went a little overboard. I am sorry.''''

    ''''Apology epted,'''' Catalina smiled that reached her eyes. ''''Leena is one in a gem. I never knew I had an actor in me." Catalina seriously started to think if she should consider this profession.

    Heather patted Leena''s head. ''''She is my priceless gem.'''' She still can''t believe her daughter knew about her feelings.

    ''''Our.'''' Francis corrected Heather. ''''Our priceless gem.''''

    Leena''s eyes watered when the moment turned into colors in front of her eyes.

    The family of three brought a smile to Catalina''s lips. All of a sudden, a thought urred, but she brushed it off. ''''I didnot lie when I told you I had a crush on you, Francis.'''' Catalina brought Francis''s attention back to her. ''''But I ended my feelings soon after you rejected me. Please remember, the reason for not marrying is nothing to do with you. I did talk a lot, but it''s just to pull out my acting.''''

    ''''Thanks for the rification,'''' Francis said. Another burden has been lifted of his shoulders.

    Heather internally inhaled a deep sigh in relief for the exnation. She is neither ready forpetition nor ready to share Francis.

    ''''My role ended here,'''' Catalina said and turned to Leena. ''''I have an appointment with a client. I need to go.''''

    ''''I will see you out.''''

    Before stepping into the car, Catalina paused. She stared at Leena for a long time and exhaled a deep sigh. ''''You know, Leena. I have been thinking this from the day I met you.''''

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I had no regrets in my life until today,'''' Catalina said.

    ''''Huh?'''' Leena gazed at her in confusion.

    ''''I would have had a daughter like you if I had married at the right time..'''' Catalina cast a merry chuckle, patting Leena on her head before she left.

 Chapter 410 - Tulip Ring

    Leena watched Catalina''s car drove past the buildings, the car turning more miniature until it went out of her sight. She smiled to herself, recalling Catalina''s words. ''''A daughter like me? She has pretty good taste.''''

    Not intended to disturb the new couple with her presence, Leena nned to go home alone, but Francis beat out of it. He dragged her along with him. Throughout the ride, Leena enjoyed her dearest mother and beloved Francy''s bickering. Somehow, their sallies reminded her of Devin and her. Speaking of that idiot, she checked her mobile if he had replied to the couple''s picture she had sent. Indeed, her babylicious did. [Deep-V-Diver: I told you, you better start a marriage agency for a side business]

    Pursing her lips, Leena texted him back. [Orthodox saint: With your permission, I am set, dear sweet husband]

    [Deep-V-Diver: What an obedient wife you have be]

    [Orhodox saint: Of course, I have to be obedient. You are the fund kitty of my new business]

    [Orthodox saint: Babilicious, are you there]

    [Orthodox Saint: Fund kitty, are you there]

    And there was no reply from Devin. ''''Miser.'''' Leena scoffed at him before she went back to converse with Francis and Heather. An hourter, the car pulled to the house entrance, and as they entered inside, floating balloons above their head infiltrated their vision. In the nick of time, they burst out, raining them in flowers.

    ''''Congrattions!''''

    ''''Finally, you did it, Francis.'''' Evelyn, Fredrick, Margaret gathered to congratte Francis on his victory.

    Silently, Francis stood there in embarrassment. They are treating him like he had won a world football cup for the country.

    ''''You know..'''' Fredrick started, staring at his friend. ''''I am the organizer of the n,''''

    ''''Father-inw!'''' Leena butted in. If she were not listening, her father-inw would not back out in telling everybody that he is the one who persuaded Catalina.

    ''''Oh, you are listening? Then it''s the n organized by Leena and me.'''' Fredrick turned the tes in an instant. ''''Alright Leena..go and talk with your mother and Eve.''''

    ''''Why?''''

    ''''Just go.'''' He urged until Leena left. With nobody paying attention to him, Fredrick pulled Francis to the side. He flushed out a box from his pocket and passed it to Francis. ''''Wedding rings...It''s my gift...I bet Heather will not say no. Since it''s Sunday today, the courthouse is closed. Take a leave tomorrow, and spend time with her. Don''t dy anymore.''''

    ''''You are the best, Rick.'''' Francis squeezed the box and slipped it into his pocket. Now that he confessed his feelings, Francis doesn''t want to dy anymore. He has only one life, and no matter what, he wants to live happily with Heather hereafter. ''''I will see the ringster.''''

    ''''Also.'''' Fredrick pulled another box, wrapped in blue decorative paper. ''''Keep this treasure in secret.'''' He whispered.

    ''''What''s this?'''' Francis was preparing to unwrap it, but Fredrick hastily sped his hands shut. ''''You can''t open here, Francis.'''' He scolded, and in a low whisper, he told the content inside the box.

    ''''Seriously, Rick! You have gifted a c...'''' Francis threw the gift box onto Fredrick''s chest, which he caught on his fast reflexes. For some reason, Francis''s face turned hot as his gaze shifted to Heather. He doesn''t know if his eyes skewered her back, Heather turned to him and smiled. His heart skipped a beat.

    ''''What''s wrong with that?'''' Fredrick grew serious, bringing back Francis''s attention. ''''Besides, I will not sit and watch you messing up with the generations.''''

    ''''Rick.'''' Francis gritted his teeth. ''''If you don''t stop your drama, I don''t know about Evelyn killing you, but I will dly offer myself to take the opportunity.''''

    Fredrick quaffed arduously. Why does his friend bring his timebomb wife into the picture every time? Not intended to continue the argument, Fredrick called off the topic and joined the celebrations.

    ....

    Two days passed since Francis confessed his feelings, but Heather felt surreal to this day. Nothing has changed. The same house, same people, but the ring on her finger was an exception. Heather caressed the simple tulip-shaped diamond on her finger with a smile on her face. She woke up yesterday to get ready for the hospital as usual, but Francis surprised her, taking her to the courthouse.

    ''Let''s get married, Heather.'' He gently said. His vow was simple, but she knew he is a man of promises. Probably he knows her answer already, and he even prepared rings. The funny thing was, her daughter and son-inw were the witnesses of their marriage.

    Back to the present..Completing her lunch, Heather arrived at the hospitalwn to call Francis. Just she was about to make a call, she heard someone calling out her name. Heather blinked her eyes for a second to let her brain scan the face of a woman. Then she remembered. It''s Max''s wife..What was her name..Rose..Rosalie?

    ''''I hope I am not disturbing your free time.'''' Rosalie approached Heather, along with her daughter. ''''I haven''t introduced my daughter on that day.'''' Rosalie tapped her daughter''s shoulder. ''''Introduce yourself, Emerie.''''

    ''Hello, Auntie. My name is Emerie.'''' Emerie curiously nced at Heather''s pretty features.

    ''''Hello.'''' Heather greeted both. ''''How is your health?'''' She addressed Emerie.

    ''''She has almost recovered,'''' Rosalie replied. ''''Doctors suggested staying in the hospital for four more days."

    ''''Don''t worry. Your daughter will be fine. Hydration is essential. Keep urging her to drink water.'''' Heather could see Rosalie''s genuine concern for her daughter.

    ''''Thanks for your suggestion.'''' Rosalie heartily smiled. ''''I assume we are staying in the same corridor. You can visit us if you have free time.''''

    ''''Well..'''' Heather hesitated. Rosalie looks cool, but she doesn''t want to run into Max again. While Heather was contemting, she got a call from Leena, asking her if she is free to talk. ''''My daughter hase. I need to_''''

    ''''It''s Leena?'''' Rosalie eximed in delight. ''''Call her here. We can talk together.''''

    Heather hesitantly nodded and texted her daughter, and to her astonishment, she readily agreed.

    Five minutester, Leena arrived. ''''Hey, mom.'''' She kissed her mother on the cheek and turned to Rosalie. ''''Hello, Aunt Rosalie.'''' She then addressed Emerie. ''''How is your health, Emerie?''''

    ''''I am recovering, sister,'''' Emerie replied. She confirmed her suspicion. The pretty aunt is Leena''s mother.

    Strange! Heather muttered in her head. How did Leena know Rosalie''s daughter''s health? Is she close to them? Brushing the thoughts aside, Heather asked. ''''What''s this sudden visit, Leena?''''

    ''''I came here to invite Kyle to WD anniversary, mom,'''' Leena said.

    ''''Wow!'''' Rosalie beamed. ''''WD''s anniversary is a talk of the city. Everybody wants to be part of it. Too bad, the invitees are limited. Wish I would be part of it.''''

    It was apparent that Rosalie is indirectly asking for the invitation. Devin handed her a hundred cards to invite her friends. Leena hesitated for a second before pulling out an invitation. ''''Here, Aunt Rosalie. Hope to see you there."

    ''''Are you seriously giving it to me, Leena?'''' Rosalie watched the invitation card in glee. She gingerly took the invitation from Leena''s hands. ''''Thank you.. I am d to be part of the event."

 Chapter 411 - Fran Hay

    Lying on the bed, Heather flipped through the album of Leena''s childhood pictures, her innocent smile warmed her heart in a way that the sun never could. Five years after she opened her eyes from the deepa, she could not hold her heartbreak, presuming the worst possible situation her daughter is living in. But she appeared in front of her, holding a man''s hand, like a princess living in royalty. Francis swore to take care of Leena on that day, and he never broke the promise. Speaking of the devil, he doth appear.

    ''''You are still awake?'''' Francis nced at the wall clock. ''''It''s twelve O clock, Heather. You need to take care of your health.''''

    ''''The same applies to you as well.'''' Heather pulled him to the bed before he goes into the study room. ''''Had your dinner? Did you find anything special today?'''' Anticipation increased her pulse to hear his response.

    ''''As usual.'''' He replied, sounding normal.

    ''''As usual?'''' Heather''s shoulders dropped.

    Francis pressed his lips to suppress hisugh, following Heather''s every expression, from anticipation to anger and finally heading towards frustration.''''Now that I recall back, I find a little familiarity in the dishes.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Her hopes raised again.

    Francis drew Heather into his arms. ''''How can I ignore the fact that it is my Heather''s magic hand?'''' He had had important meetings for the whole day, so he called Heather to deliver the news. Exactly half n hour before the meeting, Caleb came to the office with dinner. At the first bite, he knew it''s Heather''s cooking. ''''Thanks for taking time to cook.''''

    ''''Honor is mine, Sir.'''' Replied Heather, snuggling closer to feel his warmth. ''''Honestly, I was worried you would seize this chance and sneak out to eat fast-foods.''''

    ''''Before I had that thought, I was afraid you would ground me home.'''' He pulled a sulking face. For long Heather started living in the home, he put a stop to hard foods.

    ''''I am concerned about your health.'''' Heather snapped. Both Leena and Francis''s bodies cannot withstand hard foods, yet they can''t resist the temptation either. Without caring about tomorrow, both eat to their heart''s content to fall sick on the next day.

    ''''Alright, alright.'''' Francis stroked her creased forehead. ''''Don''t get angry. I was kidding. I love when you do that, Heather. It means you care a lot about me.''''

    In response, Heather smiled. ''''Francis.'''' Heather started, remembering something important she is yet to discuss with him. ''''About Leena''s biological father_''''

    ''''Heather.'''' Francis cut off before the conversation started. ''''We are not going to talk about this with Leena. It turned out bad in our lives, directly or indirectly. Let''s remove the cruise ship incident from our memories. Leena already has enough on her te.'''' On one side, it''s Ruth, waiting to destroy her, and on the other side, it''s that psycho waiting to take his baby away. Sometimes, he can''t sleep if he remembers them.

    ''''I understand,'''' Heather looked for the time on her mobile. It''s already one in the morning. She pushed Francis to the bed and pulled the nket upon them. ''''It''s time to sleep. Don''t go working again.''''

    Francis didnot refuse. Heather switched off the lights and threw one arm around his chest for extra safety.

    An hourter, hearing her even breathing, Francis opened his eyes, gingerly lifted her arm, and moved his body to the edge of the bed. cing a pillow on the bed, heid her hand on it. ''''I am sorry, Heather.'''' He whispered and went off to the study room.

    He had very little time to concentrate on Ruth''s matter due to his hectic work at thepany. But he can''t dy anymore. Francis flipped the pages, studying Ruth''s family and friends'' information. Leena is dealing with Max''s wife to find more about Ruth. So, he doesn''t need to worry about it.

    As Francis flipped the pages, he caught a familiar name. ''''Won-Shik from Korea.'''' He has been having a hunch ever since he read Heather''s DNA report. It turns out he is Ruth''s best friend. It''s more likely Won-Shik is either helping Ruth, or he has a personal agenda. ''''Is he in Korea or staying with Ruth?''''

    Since it''s afternoon in the country, Francis took the number from the online source and called the Contazer reception. ''''Good afternoon. Thanks for reaching out to Contazer. How may I help you?'''' The woman spoke in English, but there was no mistaking the slight Korean stroke in her tongue.

    ''''Hi. I need an appointment for..'''' Francis paused and quickly looked at their menu. ''''Scar revision surgery.'''' Of all the services they are offering, he found scar surgery a little decent. Rest all are yuck. Who goes for a tummy tuck, liposuction, ear sharping...he stopped thinking about the rest.

    ''''May I know your name, sir?''''

    ''''Fran Hay.'''' Francis replied. That''s a nice discovery of name, Francis muttered in his head.

    ''''Thanks for providing your details, sir. Would you please tell me the date you need an appointment for? I will pre-book for the day.''''

    ''''Coming Sunday.'''' Francis blurted a date that came to his mind.

    ''''I will book an appointment with Mr._''''

    ''''Please make it under Doctor Won-Shik.''''

    ''''Sorry, sir.'''' The woman apologized. ''''Doctor Won-Shik is overseas and currently not avable. We have other doctors who are equally expertized.''''

    ''''I will wait for him.'''' Francis tested the waters. ''''So, when is he returning?''''

    ''''I am not sure about his return. Tentatively, it might be next month.''''

    ''''Thank you. I will contact you once he returns.'''' Francis hung up the phone before the receptionst persuades him to try other services. Cosmeticpanies have a knack for business.

    Francis called a friend working in the airforce and inquired about Won-Shik''s recent flight journeys. Fifteen minutester, Francis received a text. [one-way flight journey. Two weeks back, Won-Shik traveled to New York in a business ss]

    ''''Two weeks back.'''' Francis massaged his temples, thinking all the possibilities. If The security around Heather and Leena has been kept tight until now. With the guards high up, it''s highly impossible to attack them individually. So, Ruth must be waiting for something big to happen. Anything special happened in their lives recently? Suddenly, the truth dawned on him. ''''No..No..No..It can''t be...WD''s anniversary event was announced three weeks back. Is she nning for it?"

 Chapter 412 - Under A Knife

    Just entering the office, Devin opened the mailbox to check today''s schedule. He was going through the meeting calendar, and the door burst open in the nick of time. He snapped, quick to reprimand the executive assistant, knowing that it''s her whoes to eat his head in the early morning but seeing Francis slid to a stop in front of the table, panting heavily, Devin went hazard in surprise. ''''What happened_'''' Devin halted, watching Francis scooted face. What''s got into him today? He deeply thought as he observed Francis''s moves.

    Grabbing the bottle, Francis gulped the water in one go. Heter threw it onto the garbage and slumped on the chair to calm his erratic heartbeat. ''''Why didn''t you pick my call from morning? I was scared something happened to you.''''

    Devin pulled his mobile, and indeed, he has loads of missed calls, and one was obviously from Francis. The DND mode switched on, automating the silent mode. ''''I am sorry, France. It was in silent mode. But what''s the matter?'''' He came straight to the topic.

    Francis iterated the trail of events that are happening recently around them. ''''If I am not wrong, Won-Shik and Ruth must be working together, and their target is_''''

    ''''Mypany anniversary.'''' Devinpleted for him.

    ''''Precisely.''''

    ''''Fret not. The invitees are limited. Nothing suspicious will pass through without surveince. We have a security check in every corner. We will set up a body scanner system at the entrance. No weapon or object will pass through without screening.''''

    Devin''s words assured him, but for some reason, Francis''s heart didnot settle.

    ''''Trust me. I will not let any mishaps happen in the event. Leena is my safety.'''' He assured him that everything would be fine.

    ''''Alright.'''' Francis closed his eyes and nodded his head, keeping his trust in Devin. A minuteter, he stood up, ready to leave, but Devin put a stop to his tracks by calling him. ''''First time you havee to my office. How can I let my father-inw leave just like that? Your daughter would start a war with me.''''

    Francis quirked his brows, seeing through Devin''s sarcasm. ''''Put on the best father-inw certificate on your table. That would suffice.'''' Francis turned to leave, and by the doorstep, he heard Devin''s cutting loud reply again.

    ''''I will do that.. Having you as father-inw doesn''t actually suck.''''

    Francis shut the door with a bang, loud enough for the executive assistant to shudder, who was standing outside.

    Happiness doesn''t lie in big things. Annoying the father and daughter duo would make his day merrier. Shaking his head, Devin went back to work. With morning meetings ended and no appointments for the next two hours, he has enough time for lunch. Suddenly, Devin had the urge to eat lunch with his Sweetheart. He called her and learned she went to the hospital to spend time with her mother. ''''How many times she visits the hospital?'''' He grabbed the suit jacket and texted her to stay in the hospital. ''''She doesn''t properly sit in one ce for an hour.'''' Buttoning the coat, Devin was off to pick Leena.

    ...

    Reese went on a trip to Hawaii with Andrew, and Nick is off to some work today. Leena ended a client session in the morning and was freed of meetings till four in the evening. With nothing to do, she went to spend her time with her mother. In between their talks, she received a text from her impatient husband to stay in the hospital.

    ''''Is Devining here?'''' Heather asked. ''''Rosalie wanted to see him once.''''

    ''''I see you have be quite close to Aunt Rosalie.''''

    Heather hummed in reply. ''''She is fun.'''' In four days, Rosalie has be close to her. Heather thought she was an arrogant woman considering her dressing style when she first met, but she proved her assumptions wrong.

    ''''I am happy that you have apany. Why don''t you join us for lunch, mom?''''

    ''''''No, baby. I have a patient''s appointment in another ten minutes. Please don''t feel bad.'''' Heather said. ''''We will go together next time.''''

    ''''Sure.'''' She smiled, understanding her mother''s concern. Work is equally important. ''''Carry on with your work, mom. It may take a while for Devin to turn up.''''

    ''''Love you, baby.'''' Heather kissed Leena''s forehead and went back inside.

    Knowing the usual ce Leena meets her mother, Devin straight away came to the hospitalwn. There his Sweetheart was. Resting under the tree, having freed of all the worries in her life.

    ''''Either I see you in this hospital or roaming in the shopping malls with your friends.'''' Devin pulled Leena from the ground to her feet. ''''I wonder you ever work.''''

    ''''Unlike you, I do smart work.'''' Lazily, Leena turned her back to Devin so that Devin can dust off the dirt on her dress.

    ''''Lazy bum.'''' He used a little strong force to dust her dress and turned her around. Fondly, he pinched her cheeks. ''''Are you hungry.''''

    ''''I have a ce for another meal.'''' The food brought happiness to her eyes. ''''Let''s go to_''''

    ''''Leena sister.'''' Hearing her name called out, Leena turned back and followed her eyes to a girl in a hospital gown waving her hand at her.

    ''''Hi, Emerie.'''' Smiled Leena at the girl. ''''How is your health?''''

    ''''Good,'''' Emerie slowly approached them, and her eyes scooted to Devin. ''''Hello, brother-inw.''''

    ''''Me?'''' Devin pointed to himself for confirmation.

    ''''She is Max''s daughter,'''' Leena whispered to the clueless Devin. With a slight nod, he offered a smile to Emerie.

    ''''Emerie.I told you not to leave the room until your dades.'''' Rosalie rushed towards her daughter. Watching Leena talking with her daughter, Rosalie apologized. ''''Don''t mind her, Leena. She is bored sitting alone. She must have seen you through the window and came here to talk with you.'''' Rosalie said and moved her eyes to Devin. ''''Hello. I am d to meet you, finally.''''

    Neither Devin opened his mouth nor greeted her. Instead, he didnot take her eyes off Rosalie.

    Leena jabbed his forearm to bring him to this world, noticing Rosalie''s difort under his piercing gaze. ''''I..I am sorry. It was nice meeting you.''''

    ''''Likewise." Rosalie half smiled, feeling a little uneasy being scanned by Devin ''''Please carry on with your work." Rosalie quickly excused herself, and went back into the hospital with her daughter in tow.

    Devin started at the retreating figure until Leena practically dragged him along with her.

    ''''Were you staring at her all the time?'''' Leena pulled Devin''s hair after getting into the car.

    ''''I love your jealousy, Sweetheart, but remember my standards are very high.'''' Igniting the engine, Devin winked. ''''She has a secret."

    ''''And what''s that.''''

    ''''Her face has undergone a knife.'''' He added nonchntly.

    ''''How did you...'''' Leena suddenly remembered the flight journey to Seattle she had with him where he listed a woman''s surgeries by merely looking at her picture.

 Chapter 413 - Vihuelist

    Leena was thoroughly impressed not only by Devin''s skills but was ttered by his humor sense on that day. The list of cosmetic surgeries he mentioned on that day still runs at the back of her mind.

    The thought of somebody pulling and cutting one''s face gave Leena goosebumps in her skin. Is that why Rosalie looks beautiful, and her skin looks supple? When did she get the surgery? Cosmetic surgery would be so painful. How ugly she looked to go under a knife? Feeling guilt for bitching on her, Leena pulled the thoughts out of her mind. It''s not in her morals toment on someone when they are nice to her.

    Devin drove to a small vintage restaurant which Leena took a liking to it recently. After having lunch, he personally dropped Leena at the office. Without getting down, Leena leaned forward, batting her eyshes close to his face. ''''Devin..'''' Her soft alluring voice like an evening thrush was an invitation to his desire. He knows it''s a trap of the temptress to lure him into her chasm.

    His left hand fast pressed a button down the seat. ''''What are your requirements this time?'''' Pushing the seat all the way back, Devin scooped her into hisp with one swift move.

    ying with his shirt button, Leena added. ''''Yourpany''s anniversary_''''

    ''''Ourpany.'''' He corrected, squeezing her waist. ''''Do I have to remind you every time that I am your husband?

    ''''''Fine. I am sorry.'''' She grumbled into a pout. ''''Ourpany''s anniversary is happening in another two weeks, but I haven''t yet purchased a dress. I am further confused about the choice of dresses this time. I know you don''t like shopping. But I want you toe shopping, and help me chose one.''''

    ''''Do you have to seduce me for such a simple matter? Had I ever said no to my Sweetheart? I will take you to one of the best stores, happy?'''' His hazel eyes shimmered his soul as he tweaked her nose affectionately. He nned to take her shopping this weekend, and surprise her but expected the anxiety from the shopaholic beforhand.

    ''''Thank you, babylicious.'''' She smiled, kissing his cheek. Leena stretched her arm to open the door, but Devin beat to it. ''''Not yet..not after you tempted me into it. Let''s have a quickie here.'''' He pulled her close, whispering into her nape. ''''I promise.'''' Sweeping her silky hair to one side, he kissed down her shoulder des.

    ''''No....'''' Leena managed a whisper, feeling his hands running down her arms. Her breath wasing in spurts of rough air. ''''Let''s not here..tonight.'''' His hardness is poking her back hard. Quickie, my foot! Tell her about his stories. Last night, he iterated the same dialogue but railed her until she was exhausted, and he was satisfied. It''s not even twenty-four hours, and he is horny again. She has to forget the four O clock meeting with a client if she let him mess with her. Drawing her senses, Leenaposed herself and pushed his head onto the headrest. Devin let out a deep grunt for the apparent disturbance. ''''Leena_''''

    ''''I have a meeting, you beast!'''' She cut him off as she concentrated on smoothening her dress. ''''I can''t spend any more energy on you. Go to the office, and take care of yourself in the bathroom.''''

    Holding his arm tightly with one hand, Leena unlocked the door with the other and slipped off the car before Devin processed what''s happening around him. Momentster, he heard a knock on the window. He pulled up to see Leena throwing a flying kiss at him before storming in the direction of her office.

    ''''Is that your trick? Come back home.'''' He grumbled, igniting the engine. ''''I will not let you sleep tonight.''''

    ....

    Days passed, and the exciting weekend finally arrived, at least for Leena. Finishing the breakfast, she sped her hands into Devin and let her taketo any clothing store he wanted. He drove her to the Ranguine, a celebrity-visited shopping arena. So, both are practically free to roam without being concerned about the public.

    Leena would be the one to nag in normal circumstances, but it was the exact opposite today. The moment she stepped into the back room of the clothing store, her eyes fell on a stunning red dress on disy. Love at first sight, probably.

    She prepared to finalize on the spot, but Devin made her go through a mix of trials with other dresses until Leena practically threatened him to pick the red dress.

    By the end of the shopping, Leena was beyond exhausted, and to make her life worse, a model friend spotted her. Letting out a frustrated cry, she went aside to talk with her, leaving Devin alone.

    Devin began browsing some interesting business links on his mobile to pass his time when he heard someone call him brother-inw out of nowhere. A girl, not so familiar, appeared in front of him, wearing a smile on her face.

    ''''You forgot me?'''' Seeing his perplexed expressions, the girl reminded him of the hospital incident where she first met him for the briefest amount of time. ''''Where is sister Leena?'''' Emerie asked, peering at the crowd. Did hee alone?

    ''''She went to meet a friend.'''' Wearily Devin replied. ''''How is your health? And why are you here?''''

    ''''I am perfectly healthy now!'''' Emerie said. She then pointed her index finger towards the top floor. ''''A celebrity music concert is happening here. I am the lead Vihuelist.'''' She proudly stated.

    ''''You y Vihu? That''s unique.'''' Not many opt for Vihu in an era of guitars. But, strangely, Devin heard the instrument''s name for the second time. Where did I hear for the first time?

    ''''Thank you. I was not fond of it initially. But with years of practice, I came to like it gradually. But I am not a professional yer, though." Emerie replied. ''''Why did youe here_''''

    ''''Emerie. The y is about to start. Come on.'''' One of her friends called her.

    ''''Sorry, brother-inw. I have to go. The concert is about to start.'''' Without waiting for Devin''s reply, Emerie raced towards the elevator.

    Devin''s thoughts went into a venture as he deeply stared at the girl''s guitar-shaped bag dangled on one of her shoulders.

 Chapter 414 - Birthday Girl

    Over and done talking with her model friend, Leena was back to where Devin was standing. Her brows jutted into a frown, seeing him stare at a grinning joker showpiece inside a store, half of its face covered in a mask, and the rest half painted in blood red.

    ''''Behind every mask, there is a face, and behind that a story.''''

    ''''Hmm?'''' Devin snapped awake, shifting his attention next to the woman standing next to him. ''''What did you say just now?'''' Is it a deja-vu? Leena spoke out loud of the conversation running in his head.

    ''''It''s a quote.'''' Leena pointed her eyes to the joker showpiece to boot. ''''..the quote board is hung to the joker''s neck.''''

    Devin took a quick look at the quote, the hidden meaning behind it took him to the depths of a bottomless pit again.

    Leena stared at the grinning joker and back to Devin''s expressionless gaze now and again. ''''Devin?'''' Leena tapped on his shoulder to draw him out of whatever thoughts he was in. ''''What took your interest in a showpiece?'''' Is that empty head more interesting than her? Leena pouted, jabbing his arm lightly.

    ''''Don''t you find a simrity? The joker piece looks exactly like you.'''' He teased, bringing his attention back from his negative thoughts.

    ''''Sorry, what did you say? I was too busy thinking about how gorgeous I am.''''

    ''''Damn right! you narcissist.'''' He squished her cheeks.

    ''''It''s not narcissism! I am truly better than anyone else.'''' She linked her arms into his possessively when she saw a girl ogling at Devin from a distance.

    ''''Arguing with a narcissist is like getting arrested, isn''t it?'''' Everything he says, Leena will use it to her advantage and twist ording to the situation. Before she counters back his reply, Devin locked her arm with his and dragged her out, overwriting the glum thoughts his brain had ventured earlier.

    Happily, Leena went home in thoughts of trying the new dress without being aware that a dark cloud was slowly settling above her to push her into an abyss.

    ...

    Days passed in a blink of an eye. In a brightly lit room, a man threw thest spray paint can onto the floor, his handscquered in a mixture of colors. The supposed white wall turned into a truly artistic work of expressionistic art of a Goddess. It was evident from his tired eyes that he didnot catch a wink of sleep since yesterday.

    Stepping back, he gazed at the graffiti portrait with reverence, like a devotee worshipping a goddess. ''Happy birthday, Leena.'''' Enger wished, a smile on his face. He felt like he had met a cute little kid just yesterday, and when he woke up today, she has grown into a beautiful princess. ''''Time sure runs fast.'''' After spending his alone time with the portraiture for a while, Enger made his way out of the room, closing the door shut.

    ''''Hey, Nash. When did youe?'''' Enger greeted his friend cheerfully as he sat on the sofa.

    ''''An hour back. I hate to disguise every time Ie to meet you.''''

    ''''me on Leena,'''' Enger smirked.

    ''''You got a reply from her, isn''t it?'''' Nash grinned, passing him the coffee cup. ''''The happiness on your face tells it.''''

    ''''She did. But it was in the morning'''' Enger sipped the coffee, its warmth bringing additional happiness on his face. He sent her a long, happy birthday message at sharp twelve and received just ''Thank You''in the morning. He didnot like the fact that Leena treated him like all other friends.

    Enger scoffed when his sources told him that Devin had spent his night in the office and only returned home at dawn. Enger wished to celebrate Leena''s birthday grandly, like no one ever did, but not unless she is by his side. ''''Soon.'''' He muttered under his breath.

    ''''Do you know what''s today''s speical in her life?'''' Nash asked, shifting to the serious topic.

    ''''WD''s anniversary,'''' Enger stated as a matter-of-factly. The mere name of his enemy''spany itself caused his grip to tighten over the coffee mug. It''s the depth of his hatred for Devin that runs down his bones. ''''Why are you asking about this now?''''

    ''''Nothing. I just feel Leena and Devin are destined to be together.'''' Nash leaned back on the chair, enjoying Enger''s darkened gaze. To add fuel to the fire, Nash said. ''''What a coincidence that Leena''s birthday and Devin''spany''s inauguration day shares the same day.'''' Nash is well aware that Enger has buried deep secrets. His love for Leena, the sudden intervention of Morvena in his marriage, and the unexpected wedding with Winter..Nash felt all these characters are connected by one string. What are these people hiding?

    ''''There is no coincidence.'''' Enger rose, pacing to the window, avoiding Nash''s scrutinizing stare. ''''Can you please stop mentioning his name? You are spoiling my mood.''''

    ''''Fine, fine.'''' He raised his arms in surrender. ''''Coming to the point, It''s a once in the rare chance we have got. We can easily bring Leena from the party.'''' Nash continued. ''''Your order....our troops will be ready.'''' With no response from Enger, Nash took his silence as a positive sign and attempted to call their batallion. Before Nash proceeded, Enger stopped. ''''Not now, Nash!''''

    ''''Why_''''

    ''''You know nothing about Leena!'''' Enger snorted at his friend in irritation. If he brings her home forcefully, Leena will hate him forever even if he is a man of gold. First thing first, he has to erase her memories of Devinpletely. ''''Don''t do anything stupid without my word.''''

    Ever since Nash knew Enger, he devoted himself to Leena, but she is like a mirage in a desertnd. The nearer he goes, she is all a vanishing wind. Keeping the thoughts aside, Nash nced at Enger, who was walking towards the secret door. ''''Where are you going?''''

    Enger''s grin deepened on his face as he cracked his knuckles. ''''Time for some exercise.''''

    ''''Landon! You are doomed again!'''' Nash sighed, feeling bad for him. Ever since they brought him out of bail, Enger threw him into the torture base. Landon''s mother has been making a ruckus, yet Enger didnot give a damn to her pleas. Nash wondered if everes a day Landon woulde out of the darkroom with his bones intact.

    ....

    ''''Happy Birthday, Leena,'''' Naomi shouted.

    ''''Hey, Birthday girl! Happy Birthday.'''' Megan cheered.

    Mandy, who was munching on choctes, scoffed. ''''Why did this witch not take a leave on her birthday?''''

    The employees in the office cheered Leena with wishes. Giving a forced smile, Leena acknowledged them and stormed into Reese''s office room directly. ''''Reese,e to my office.'''' And then Leena was off.

    ''''Why did shee to the office today?'''' Reese gave a surprise shout to see Leena in a simple dress, which is unlike her. In a matter of seconds, without knocking on the door, Reese entered Leena''s cabin. ''''Birthday Girl! You are supposed to be on leave today. Don''t you know tonight is your big day?''''

    ''''I am not going to the party.'''' Leena dered. She decided to stand on her words this time.

    ''''Why!'''' Reese shouted. ''''Did you fight with Devin?''''

    ''''Don''t talk about that brute!'''' Leena mmed her fists on the table, releasing her anger on the poor immovable object. ''''What kind of husband forget a wife''s birthday? Not to mention, it''s my first birthday after our marriage.'''' For the past two weeks, the additional burden of anniversary events andpany affairs had burdened Devin. Leena didnot had a happy five-minute conversation with him, yet she didnotin. And yesterday night, she went to the terrace at sharp twelve, hoping to see boomers, sky shots, and surprised fireworks in the sky.

    Atst, Leena has to return to her bedroom with a sad face. She doesn''t know when he returned home and slept, but he was up before she woke up. Leaving all her pride, Leena hinted at him in every obvious way, but that dumbo didnot even catch the sign. He kissed her forehead, told her to get ready by evening for the party, and was off to the office.

    ''''I am not asking for a grand birthday party, Reese.'''' Leena was almost on the verge of tears. ''''Don''t I deserve a wish?'''' All her friends, family members know that it''s her big day, including Enger.

    ''''Maybe he really forgot Leena. Devin would never hurt your feelings. You have also seen how busy he istely. People forget things when they have priority things.'''' Reese consoled, giving positive points to Devin, but internally, she was cursing him. Given her love for clothes, Leena would doll up like a princess on her birthday, and she is wearing an old dress today.

    ''''So, I am not his priority?'''' Laying her head on the table, she staring at her mobile, hoping his name would appear on the disy screen anytime. She was happy knowing that her birthday and WD''s birthday are on the same day.. Now she doesn''t like it anymore.

 Chapter 415 - Daisy Bonsai Plant

    The tantalizing rays of the setting sun reminded Leena that Devin hadpletely lost track of her birthday. Opening her mobile, she googled thetest updates of the WD and found an uploaded video on their site. A smile of happiness never left her face as she watched him standing tall on the podium, addressing the crowd. His attitude reflected in his eyes. His posture spoke of his demeanor. ''''He is manly, isn''t it, Reese?'''' All the way through the video, she was fangirling like a teenager.

    ''''You talk so high about him, yet unwilling to go to the party?'''' Reese pouted, poking her friend''s arm. ''''Leena...It''s Time for the evening party. Andrew will soone to pick me up.'''' Reese had been to WD only once but was awed by its architecture at first stance. She is waiting for the big night but doubted with her friend''s stubborn personality, she would make it to the entrance of the hall.

    ''''You can go,'''' Leena added. ''''I am not forcing you to stay here.''''

    Reese''s shoulders sank. She is in no way going to the party, leaving her best friend alone. Reese kicked the table in frustration. All the me goes to the brain-dead Devin. He ims to love Leena unconditionally but doesn''t even remember his beloved''s birthday? She would have kicked Andrew''s butt if he had forgotten her big day.

    Closing the video, Leena opened herptop to post an update in Holy Banana pants. She had the topic set in her mind already.

    Carrot tugged her dress, bringing the red frilled frock that Leena designed to match her red gown. Stroking Carrot''s head, she softly said. ''''He is a traitor, Carrot. We are not going to the party. Let''s torture him this time.''''

    Turning her back at Leena, Carroty on the floor, spreading her legs, throwing tantrums. It''s her way of showing displeasure. Leena sighed but did nothing. Knowing that her angeres down automatically, Leena went back to the business.

    In the eerie silence, footsteps sounded outside the room. Reese, Leena, and Carrot snapped at once as the office room door pushed open gradually. The gold glittered under the lights when a woman appeared in front of them.

    ''''Aunt Heather!'''' Reese shouted in bewilderment.

    ''''Mom!'''' Leena''s jaw dropped to the floor, seeing the beauty in a stunning long dress, its off shoulder top embroidered with white threads, highlighting her slender neck. A shade of golden skirt attached to it flowed freely. Leena''s heart was beatingpletely out of her chest. What was Francy''s reaction? He would have definitely fainted at first sight.

    ''''I know I am beautiful, but no praises, please. I had enough today.'''' Francis had been gawking at her like a love-sick teenager from the time they left the house. Rather than feeling happy, Heather has to get afraid of their precious lives. Luckily, he safely brought her here. Keeping the smile to herself, Heather approached the girls. ''''Why didn''t you get ready, baby?'''' Turning to Reese, she winked. ''''Off you go. I will take care.''''

    Giving Heather a flying kiss, Reese sprinted out.

    ''''Devin informed me to bring you to the party,'''' Heather said.

    Leena clenched her fists under the table. He never called once but ordering people around. Pursing her lips, Leena whispered. ''''You guys carry on. I am noting to the party.''''

    ''''Why? Did you fight with Devin?''''

    Leena sighed. ''''I can''t exin_''''

    ''''Whatever exnation you have, I will listen to itter. We are runningte to the party.'''' Heather pulled Leena from the chair, pushed her into the leisure room. ''''Here is your dress.'''' Heather ced the hefty case on the table.

    ''''Mom, please_''''

    ''''Francis is waiting for us outside. You have ten minutes to get ready. '''' Heather walked out, closing the door behind her shut, not leaving room for discussions.

    ''''Why is everybody on his side.'''' Leena cried inside the closed doors.

    With Heather''s entry, Carrot''s hopes soared high. With the help of Heather, she dolled up in a red frock, turning herself into a beautiful princess. She even ordered Heather to put on the matching headband on her head, which Heather forgot afterbing the hair. Heatherplied with Carrot''s wishes with a smile. ''''Woah!'''' Heather stepped back to look at Carrot''s final appearance. ''''Turn around, Carrot.''''

    Carrot wheeled around Heather, wagging its tail in happiness.

    ''''You look lovely!'''' A shy smile sneaked across Carrot''s face, hearing Heather''s praises.

    In less than ten minutes, Leena stepped out, bunching her skirt up in her hands. ''''How do I look?'''' Leena''s nervous eyes following from her mother to Carrot. Carrot''s eyes twinkled for the second time in a single day. Bewildered, Heather trotted towards her daughter in a daze. If only she could see the precious glowing gem, her daughter is everything Heather wants to think of.

    Heather gently led Leena to the chair, careful not to step on the stunning red dress. ''''The sun must have made my daughter radiant with its every ray. You look beautiful.'''' Kissing her forehead, she said. ''''I can''t imagine my life without you. You are the bundle of my happiness. Thanks foring into my life. Happy birthday, dear daughter.''''

    ''''I am the lucky one to be your daughter. Thanks again for your wishes, mom.'''' She hugged her mother tightly, feeling invigorated. She had been feeling low ever since yesterday night, but her mom''s heartfelt words pushed all the negative thoughts aside. What if that brute had not wished? She decided to punish him for a month-long, and the thought of forgetting her birthday should give him nightmares. ''''Let''s go to the party and rock, mom.'''' Leena had always attended parties, either solo or with Francy, and recently she started attending with Devin. This time, she considered it as an opportunity to enjoy being with her mother and father.

    ...

    The amphitheater of WD under the night sky shone like stars split over ck cobbles. Celebrities, affluents made their appearance on the red carpet. Security was kept extra tight at every corner on special orders. Friends, family members, no one was spared from entering into the body scanning zone.

    As the security was scanning the people, a loud beep echoed, alerting the security. The guards at every nook and canny raced to the red zone territory.

    "Security Alert!" One of the woman shouted.

    ''''What is inside your bag?'''' Anothermanded.

    ''''Please open it.''''

    A woman in ruby red dress looked at the gathered crowd, her eyes filled in innocence. ''''You must have mistaken. I don''t carry any weapon.''''

    ''''We will decide thatter. Please hand over your bag, madam.'''' One of the guards ordered, and upon theirmand, the woman did as she told. Around three guards thoroughly checked the bag and found nothing but a makeup box and a small Daisy bonsai nt. ''''A nt?''''

    ''''Yes.'''' The woman replied, a twinkle in her eyes. ''''It''s the Daisy bonsai nt.''''

    ''''We cannot allow_''''

    ''''The nt brings luck.'''' The woman entreated, ''''The CEO of WD is my close rtive. I want to gift this. I mean no harm to him.''''

    The guards looked at each other in a known thought which only they understood.

    Hearing that the woman brought a gift to the CEO, they didnot want to reject it. After all, it''s just a harmless bonsai flower nt. ''''Wait a minute, madam.'''' The guard called the head of the security, and upon his confirmation, she thoroughly checked the makeup box and bonsai nt for anything suspicious. Upon confirming it''s safe, she handed the bag back to the woman. ''''Please go inside.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' She said. A smirk appeared on her lips, and before any of them noticed, it disappeared on her face. Upon entering inside, the woman scanned the surroundings, slipped past the security to the far end of the buildings. Finding a tree under the faint lights, she went behind it. Once again, she scanned the surroundings for any cameras or security passing here and there.

    Finding no one walking around, the woman dropped to squat. Making a fist with her right hand, she forcefully coughed, hitting the back of her neck at the nodal points

    A couple of more hits, a minute metal box made of Zinc dislodged from her mouth, hidden all the time inside her rectum. She opened the box carefully, and upon seeing the tiny ring sitting on it, she smiled. ''''Dumb idiots. Keeping a mere body scanner as a security check?'''' Knowing that the body scanners will be used as a security check, she did not hid the ring inside the body. She directly swallowed it to be dislodgedter.. Putting it inside the bag safely, the woman went back, slipping into the crowd like a normal person.

 Chapter 416 - 00.00

    shes of clicks and shots gleamed under the brilliant lights. The evening party''s fame spread across the city in the nick of time. Fans lined up outside, leaning forward to eavesdrop, and daring ones tried to break free from the restricted area. The fervent guards woulde at them instantly if they tried to stir trouble.

    Media lined up behind every celebrity to capture them in their cameras. The bigger the celebrity''s fame, the more chance of increasing their channel TRP the next day. Amidst the chaos, all the reporters, including the fans, shifted their attention to the sleek Bugatti La Voiture that pulled into the entrance. Everybody eagerly waited to see the next celebrity in line.

    A long leg footed to the ground, followed by a woman d in gold, stepped out of the car. Instead of a roar, silence ensued in the crowd as they watched the not-so-familiar woman with utter curiosity.

    Secondster, an uproar raised in the crowd again when a woman d in red came to the fore. A cute dog jumped out of the car after her.

    ''''OMG! It''s Leena and her pet!''''

    ''''They are wearing matching colors! How cute!'''' One of the fans shouted. ''''Leena, when are you tying the knot with Devin?''''

    ''''We fans want to see your live wedding!''''

    ''''Who is the woman standing next to you, Mr. Hayes?'''' The reporters and fans shoot questions after questions to Leena and Francis.

    Often Leena appears with Francis at parties, but this is the first time they noticed a woman d in gold standing next to the man. Judging by her features, the media and fans had an inkling already. The media very well knew Francis is not married and knew Leena is not his biological daughter. Just who is this stunningdy then?

    Banquets, parties, and red carpets are not new for Leena. But this is the first debut party for her mother, and Leena could feel her mother sping her arm in nervousness. She guessed her Francy also felt the same. ''''Don''t get nervous, mom,'''' Leena muttered.

    An hour ago, Heather was excited to go to the party, for she had not attended one in two decades, but putting on a spotlight, her confidence was crumbling.

    ''''Take a deep breath. It''s going to be alright, Heather.'''' Francis whispered, squeezing her hands, in an attempt tofort her. Swallowing hard, Heather nodded.

    ''''Mr. Hayes, a word for us? Who is the woman standing next to you?''''

    ''''Leena, who is the woman holding your arm?'''' One of the reporters demanded to pry as much information they needed for tomorrow''s headlines.

    Leena cast a side nce at her mother and Francis. In a determining consent, both nodded their heads. Turning to the anticipating reporters, proudly, Leena said, ''''My mother and father.''''

    Her revtion not only blew the reporters and fans but Francis as well. He was used to hearing Leena calling him Francy, but ''father'' emotion raised possessiveness. At the same time, his jealousy swelled when the devil inside his head screamed at him�� that he is not Leena''s biological father. He suppressed the urge to kill the devil when several reporters appeared to pry more details about his rtionship with Heather, but the guards quickly set into action and led the three inside safely.

    Upon entering, the first thing that greeted Leena''s sight at the entrance was a masked waiter holding a tter of drinks in his hand. ''''Drinks madam and sir.'''' He offered the colorful beverages to the three.

    Leena stared at him curiously. ''''Umm..What''s with your outfit?'''' Leena inquired, looking around. To her surprise, she noticed the other waiters serving the gathering dressed the same. Ultra-modern shirts paired with vintage bell-bottomed pants and matching flowery masks to their faces. Except for their eyes, she couldn''t see anything.

    ''''It''s a dress code for the party, madam.'''' The waiter said. ''''One of my co-workers suggested a unique dress theme for the party. Thepany''s CEO was very pleased by the idea. So, here we are.''''

    Leena internally praised Devin for turning the party into an exemry one.

    ''''That''s a cool theme.'''' Heather''s mouth watered at the Tequ sunrise. Before she could touch the orange drink, Francis grabbed her hand. ''''You agreed, Heather. No drinking.''''

    ''''Argh! You are unbelievable, Francis.'''' Heather crinkled her nose in displeasure. ''''I am going to find my friends. Don''t follow me.'''' She angrily turned and trotted towards the amphitheater to find her friends.

    ''''Sometimes your mother is crazier than you, Leena,'''' Francis said to Leena.

    ''''And you love both of us crazily, Mr. Hayes.'''' Leena''s tongue itched to stuck her tongue at Francis, but she was afraid her tongue sticking video would be the highlight of tomorrow''s headlines instead of Devin''s hard work in bringing this party to life.

    ''''Come on, Carrot,'''' Leena said, and both slipped into the crowd to find her friends.

    ''''We are indeed a crazy family.'''' Francis chuckled, grabbing the Tequ sunrise from the tter, and went off to find his friends.

    While walking, Leena scanned around, hoping to spot the familiar figure but not a trace of the man. ''''Dunce idiot! You are not bothered that your wife is here_''''

    ''''Hey, Leena!''''

    Leena snapped to her left and found her friends waving a hand at her. Cutie donned in a princess dress was ying with the air balloons.

    ''''Hey, birthday girl! Atst, you havee!'''' Considering the loud rock music, Jane has to shout to make her voice reach Leena''s ears.

    ''''Hi, all,'''' Leena said, sitting on the chair, her voice dull andcked vivacity.

    ''''Where is your handsome husband?'''' Jane asked.

    ''''Don''t bring his topic, Jane.'''' Reese butted before Leena goes crazy again at the mention of Devin.

    Harley literally wanted to crush her brother''s bones for hurting Leena''s feelings. ''''Don''t feel bad, Leena_''''

    ''''How would you feel if Andrew and Jasper forget your birthdays?'''' Leena calmly questioned them in return. She then turned to Jane. ''''Did my brother ever forgot your birthday, Jane?''''

    All the three girls lowered their heads, not uttering a word. Jasper wished Harley at exactly twelve in midnight by sneaking into her bedroom. Wilbur surprised Jane by taking her on a long ride. As for Reese, she hadn''t yet experienced the surprise, but she believes in Andrew.

    Leena mocked herself for raising her expectations on her husband. The urge to increase the punishment for....Her brain ceased her thoughts in the middle when the lights turned off. The bright amphitheater swallowed into darkness.

    ''''Why did they cut off the electricity?'''' Jane pulled her daughter, knowing that she would be scared.

    The people sitting around the tables turned on their mobile shlights.

    ''''A breakdown, probably,'''' Leena muttered, d that the loud music came to a stop. The atmosphere suddenly turned quiet when a voice like a whispering meadow wafted into her ears. ''''Thank you all...for joining tonight.''''

    ''''Atst, I am hearing your husband''s voice,'''' Jane exasperated. ''''But where is he hiding?''''

    ''''Hello, Mr.Showstopper! Show us your face.'''' Somewhere from the left, Leena heard a voice scream at Devin. She guessed it must be Andrew or Wilbur.

    Leena acted like she was not bothered, but her eyes were scanning fervently for that once face in the bleak darkness. Momentster, Devin''s face emerged on the projector.

    ''''Leena, look,'''' Reese screamed, pointing her eyes at the bottom left corner of the video. ''''It''s a recorded video dated yesterday. The time is showing 11.57.''''

    Nothing gushed into Leena''s brain. Her eyes focused on Devin alone.

    ''''Firstly, I want to address the beautiful girl in red.''''

    All the people''s eyes turned to Leena sharply.

    ''''I bet she would have googled up all the curses to use on me by now for not wishing on her birthday.''''

    ''''OMG! Devin nned for a surprise in front of the world.'''' Jane screamed. ''''This is a fantastic surprise I would ever think of.''''

    ''''You think you are special to me just because it''s your birthday?'''' Her heart skipped a beat. Leena felt like he was speaking to her heart directly. ''''No, way. You are special to me every day, and with each year, I love you more.'''' The moment the time turned 00.00, Devin''s ''''Happy birthday, Sweetheart.'''' message reached her ears.

    In a flick of a second, the lights turned on, and the man of her dreams appeared into her vision, opening his arms wide. The brightness of his eyes enchanted, warming her heart. "You remember!" Leena covered her mouth in naive surprise. She was smiling through happy tears.. Not wasting any more seconds, she raced into his arms.

 Chapter 417 - One More To Go

    The confession scene blew up the celebrities, business elites sitting at the tables. Everybody knows Devin''s unrequited love for his beloved girlfriend but never thought that his love has neither depth nor boundaries. It is expanding like a never-ending story.

    ''''Devin is so romantic,'''' Jane shouted. "I never had such kind of surprise in my life from anyone.''''

    ''''I am listening.'''' Wilbur''s voice wafted into her ears like a dentist''s drill.

    ''''Oh, yes. That was my n,'''' Jane screamed from the other end of the table.

    Although Reese and Harley didnot raised their voices like Jane, Andrew and Jasper could see the displeasure in their eyes. Turning to his friend, both shot a death re at him.

    Meanwhile, on the spot, Leena removed the thought of torturing her husband. She got up, and not in quick steps, but nimbly rushed to Devin and embraced him.

    ''''How many times you cursed me?'''' Devin asked, hugging her. If he had the power to hear the inner thoughts, his ears would be bleeding by now. After the morning anniversary program ended, Devin spared himself a little time to edit the birthday video, and while doing so, he received a notification. It was Blogger Holy Banana Pants. Just by seeing the title, his eyes refused to look past the content.

    ''''A lot of times. I even updated my blog to_''''

    ''''Let''s talk about thatter, Sweetheart.'''' Devin cut her off. ''''Did you get surprised?''''

    ''''I did...thousand times.'''' Lifting her head, Leena looked at him longer, properly scanning his face.''''I hate you, idiot.'''' Never she thought he would surprise her by wishing when the world''s eyes were literally at his focus.

    ''''How much?'''' He smiled at her, lifting her onto his foot. His finger slid from her cheek to her hair. Kissing her nose, he twined a floating lock of her hair, making it spiral in mid-air.

    ''''Hmmm..e to think of it, I don''t exactly hate you.'''' Before Devin freed his hand, Leena caught him, urging him to pamper her. ''''But if you are in a fire, and I had a bucket full of water, I would rather drink them all.''''

    Devinughed hard. ''''If that''s the case..just wanted to tell you.'''' Devin broke off the eye contact and setting them on to her ear. ''''I love you even though you aren''t naked right now.'''' He took the soft lobe between his teeth and bit her ear gently, sending waves of pleasure through her body.

    She hit him on his chest, her cheeks flushed. ''''You meanie_''''

    ''''Mr. and Mrs LoveBirds. You can continue your romance at home.'''' Leena forced her words to stop in the middle when someone from the crowd raised their voice. She knew it''s her jealous brother.

    ''''I agree with Wilbur,'''' Jasper said.

    ''''We are here for some entertainment.'''' Nick butted in. ''''Not to see your romance.''''

    ''''And I am here for some food.'''' Andrew''s voice sounded like a grizzly bear. It''s not only Andrew, Jasper, Wilbur, and Nick. Even Francis was fuming at Devin.

    Leena frowned at the four monkeys for creating the drama out of little jealousy. They have no talent for surprises, which she understood. At least can''t they appreciate the creativity of my husband? She wanted to shut their mouths by giving back, but considering the party and with many eyes focusing on her, Leena brushed off evil thoughts.

    Devin signaled the event manager to carry forward the event. After her assurance, Devin trotted with Leena down the hallway to enjoy the lively night with his sweetheart.

    ....

    The woman in red dress sitting at one of the corner tables smirked, seeing the happy couple enjoying. ''''Sad that it''s going to be yourst birthday.'''' She smiled, clutching her handbag like it was her possession. It''s time to execute her n, she thought and got up. On the way, she gave a call to a person and proceeded towards thepany building.

    She went inside thepany''s gazebo garden and looked around to see if she is under CCTV supervision.With nothing following her, she sat on one of the chairs. Hearing the faint noises a couple made behind the bushes, she shook her head. ''''Why can''t they find a hotel?''''

    ''''Who can''t find a hotel?'''' The woman in red abruptly looked at the owner of the voice. Seeing it was her friend, she got up and gave her a side hug. ''''Hey, Heather! You havee?''''

    ''''Well..you called me.'''' Heather smiled, sitting on the chair. ''''Why did you ask me toe here?''''

    ''''I was seeking every chance to talk to you at the party..but..'''' She hesitated, scratching the back of her neck. ''''You know...I don''t know any of your friends.''''

    Heather nodded, understanding her plight. ''''Don''t worry. We still have time. Let''s go. I will introduce you to my friends.''''

    ''''That''s not needed, Heather.'''' She quickly added before her frenemy drags her to the party hall. ''''I don''t feelfortable around people. I just want to spend time with you alone. Can we do that?''''

    ''''Of course.'''' Heather spent time with her friend for half-n-hour, and all the time, she talked about her daughter alone.''''She was a mischievous kid_''''

    Just then, she received a text from Francis. The message was, dinner is about to start.

    ''''I need to go,'''' Heather said. ''''Why don''t you join_''''

    ''''Please carry on. I will be fine.'''' She interrupted Heather.

    ''''Alright. I will catch you after dinner.'''' Heather was about to leave, but her friend called her in the second.

    ''''I forgot the most important thing I called you for.'''' Having said that, the woman in the red dress pulled out a small nt from her bag. ''''I didnot get the chance to congratte you properly. Since you like nts, I brought a daisy bonsai nt as your marriage gift. I hope you will like it.''''

    Heather''s eyes shimmered in joy, seeing the little daisy nt. ''''Thank you so much, but you don''t need to.''''

    ''''This is the least I can do as a friend. Please ept it.''''

    Heather hesitantly epted the gift from her friend''s hands. ''''Thank you. I will treasure this nt.''''

    ''''I know you will.'''' A sly smile appeared for the briefest second. ''''Keep it in your room. I heard it brings luck.''''

    ''''Of course. I will_''''

    ''''Call your driver, and ask him to put it in the car. You will misce it by carrying into the party.''''She is not letting her n fail this time.

    ''''Alright,'''' Heather said and called the driver. Five minutester, the driver arrived, picked the nt, and went back. Heather bade a goodbye before returning to the party hall.

    Watching the retreating figure, the woman in red smiled. Thinking the slow poison is going to consume her in a week, her happiness knew no bounds. ''''That was smooth. Never thought manipting you would be so easy, Heather. I should have done this long back.Goodbye! And forever this time!'''' She said, opening the tiny zinc metal from her bag.. ''''One more to go.''''

 Chapter 418 - Death

    Gripping her bag tightly, she walked past the WD building, slipping through the guards, and went to the spot where she first dislodged the metal ring from her body. Upon reaching near, she found a silhouette of a man in a ck t-shirt and vintage bell-bottomed pants leaning his back to the bark of the tree. A flowery mask was loosely hanging from his left hand.

    ''''William.'''' She softly called.

    William lifted his head and smiled, his eyes crinkled at the edges unting his ripe age. ''''How did it go with Heather?''''

    ''''She epted the gift. I pushed her to put the daisy nt in her bedroom. The love she has for nts, I bet we are at the game.'''' She doesn''t care if Francis also dies along with Heather. She is least bothered about his life anymore. Rosalie then fished out the tiny metal from her handbag. ''''This is for Leena.'''' She passed the box to Willliam.

    William opened the box and found a small delicate ring inside. He wondered if it would break if he just touched it. ''''Ring? I thought you would get poison.'''' Before he attempted to touch it, Rosalie stopped. ''''Don''t touch it. It''s a very delicate ring.''''

    ''''But ring_''''

    ''''A poison ring,'''' Rosalie said. ''''It is specially made by the nomadic tribe from Mongolia. The outer coat is made of a metal that melts at the touch of liquid. I have done my part. It''s your responsibility to put it in Leena''s juice without setting suspicion on the other co-workers.''''

    ''''What are the chances that Leena will ask for juice?'''' William questioned.

    ''''I am pretty confident in my assumptions. I gathered all the information I could from Heather about Leena during my one-week stay at the hospital,'''' Rosalie added. ''''Her daughter has the habit of drinking juices and smoothies after every meal.'''' A month ago, she nned to harm Leena''s drink at the party, but sheter learned from Heather that Leena rarely drinks due to her low alcohol tolerance. She doesn''t want to kill innocent people along with Leena by poisoning all the dishes. Besides, she doesn''t have enough poison quantity.

    ''''The dinner course has started already. Soon, Devin will ask the staff to prepare a juice for Leena.'''' Rosaile said. ''''This is where you should dive in. Will you be able to do that?''''

    ''''Fret no." William said. "Devin agreed to the event management director, and allowed for this unique dress code. So, the mask will keep my identity hidden. But are you sure this poison will work?"

    ''''Trust me,'''' Rosalie assured. She wouldn''t have opted for the party if she was not confident. ''''It''s a slow-acting poison, and this special poison cannot be detected in urine or blood. So, there is no chance of finding the cause after Leena''s death unless....'''' Rosalie trailed off. A thought induced in her mind, but she brushed it off. Not many doctors know that microscopic analysis can be made on a hair to find the poison in the body. ''''Just go, and finish off work.''''

    ''''Alright. I will take my leave then.'''' William said, putting the mask back to his face. He took the job of a waiter to execute mother and daughter.

    ''''Meet me here once you are done,'''' Rosalie said.

    William nodded. Putting the metal box inside the pocket, he went off. Rosalie took a deep breath. She only hoped William would find a way to catch his hand over Leena''s juice. With thoughts around, she went to the washroom. Exposing her body to the cool temperature for a long time has caused her dder to inte.

    ....

    Meanwhile, at the other end, the party turned into a festival. Everybody was enjoying life like no today. At one end of the table, Devin was putting veggies into Leena''s te. Sitting opposite Devin, Kurt imitated Devin''s moves precisely. He keeps adding meatballs to Kyle''s te.

    ''''Will you stop the drama, Kurt?'''' Devin snapped. He had enough of Kurt''s imitations today.

    ''''Only if you stop replying ''Okay'' to my messages.'''' Kurt shot at Devin.

    ''''Or you should stop sending ''I hate you'' texts in the first ce.'''' His mobile flooded with ''I hate you'' messages every day. Devin thoroughly fixed on the thought that Kurt had gone nuts. But everything made sense to him when he walked into the party hall, hand in hand with Kyle.

    His friends were in a bolt-out-of-the-blue situation for a while.

    Devin cast a sharp look at Kyle. She pursed her lips, shaking her head in a way telling her it''s not her fault. Never in her dreams, she thought Kurt would act like a possessive brat.

    ''''Mr. Sweedish Butler is exceeding my jealousy line.'''' Leena has still not recovered from Kurt, and Kyle''s love story. Kurt told her he is in love. At least he gave her a heads up to her initial shock but hooking up with Kyle? She never expected it. When did it start? She has time to pry forter. But right now, she needed herst fill. ''''Devin_''''

    ''''Banana smoothie.'''' Hepleted, rubbing her nose. ''''I got it.'''' He called the waiter and ordered him to make a smoothie.

    ''''Thank you, babylicious.'''' Leena kissed his cheek. ''''You are the best.''''

    He leaned forward to her ear. "That''s not how you thank."

    On seeing Devin''s face shing in delight, Kurt gripped his fork tightly and turned to Kyle. ''''Kyle.''''

    ''''What?'''' Kyle snapped at him fiercely. She is going to kill him today if he imitates another of Devin''s moves again. She is getting tired of babysitting him today.

    Kyle''s harsh tone caused him to swallow his words. ''''Nothing,'''' Kurt said and moved his gaze back to the te, but he kept an eye on Devin.

    ...

    After finishing the dinner, Heather and Evelyn went to the restroom, talking about the delicious food all the way. Evelyn was on period, so she was spending a longer time than usual inside the bathroom stalls. Humming to a song, Heather sat on the countertop, scrolling through an Instagram page to pass her time. Out of the corner, she heard a mobile vibrating in desperation. Other than Evelyn and her, there is no other woman in the bathroom. ''''Should I take, and handover to the security?'''' While Heather was in a dilemma, the door was opened by a familiar woman. ''''Rosalie_''''

    Rosalie didnot look at Heather. On spotting the mobile at the corner of the countertop, she sighed in relief. ''''I need to go, Heather. Catch youter.'''' She grabbed the mobile and turned to leave.

    Heather looked at Rosalie''s retreating figure and noticed her back zipper. ''''Hey..Rose..your back zipper is..'''' Before Heather couldplete the sentence, Rosalie was gone.

    Jumping onto the ground, Heather quickly followed the woman behind. As she stepped down the stairs, Heather noticed Rosalie hastily going towards the restricted area. ''''Why is she proceeding towards a dark ce?'''' Something was not going well with Rosalie. Curiosity killed the cat. Thinking of the odds happening around her, Heather quietly followed behind her. The faint voices disappeared after a while, and the ce turned eerily quiet. Heather removed her sandals, and followed barefooted in order not to get caught. She quickly hid behind a tree bush when Rosalie halted her footsteps all of a sudden. Heather almost thought she was caught, but sighed in relief when in actuality Rosalie stopped to make a call. Heather ducked her ear to attentively hear her muffled voices.

    "Did your co-worker suspected you?''''

    ''''That''s a relief, William. So, are you specially taking the banana juice to her?''''

    ''''...Of course it will work. I spent days getting a hand on that poison...Leena has to die tonight...Alright...Let''s not talk here. Finish the job, and meet me at our usual spot.''''

    Poison! Leena? Why she is talking about my daughter? Heather''s brain went numb.

 Chapter 419 - From The Darkness

    All Heather could hear was her own heartbeat. Tears coursed down her cheeks uncontrobly. Questions whirled in her brain with neither an answer nor a clue. Why is Rosalie targeting my daughter? Why does she want Leena dead? She had hardly known Rosalie for a month. All Heather thought about her was a simple and kindhearted woman. She even gifted her a nt. Now that Heather thinks of it, she doubted Rosalie''s intentions. Is that the reason she asked about Leena''s likes and dislikes? To poison the banana juice she drinks after every meal?

    Never Rosalie gave her the slightest chance to figure out she is a snake hidden in the grass. Heather wanted to tear that woman''s face right at this moment, but her daughter''s life is at stake. She is the only one who knows about the truth, and only she can protect her. Wiping her tears, Heather turned around. Holding her heels tightly in one hand, she moved at a snail''s pace not to let Rosalie knows she has eavesdropped until she ambled into the zing lights, a farther distance away from Rosalie.

    Before the man named Wiim reached Leena, Heather wanted to do something that could stop her daughter from drinking the juice. Her scrambled brain was not in the right senses to fish out an idea. Taking a deep breath a couple of times, sheposedly thought, and her brain yelled at her to call Leena right away.

    Her hands trembled as she attempted to dial Leena''s number. The cold air hissed, screwing with her hair. Neither she cared.

    ''''Pick up, Leena.'''' Her words were barelyprehensible through the chattered teeth. The second the call connected, loud music drummed into her ears before her daughter''s voice chimed in. ''''Yes, mom.''''

    ''''Leena, listen to me!'''' Heather shouted at the top of her lungs. ''''Don''t drink any juice or eat anything until Ie_''''

    ''''I can''t hear anything! Can you repeat it?'''' The boisterous music sporting in the arenapletely deadened Heather''s voice.

    ''''Can you hear me now?'''' Heather ran as fast as her legs could carry her. ''''Don''t drink the juice_''''

    ''''I can''t hear you, mom! The music here is too loud. Come to the amphitheater. We can talk here.''''

    The call ended before Heather break in to recite her words again. As she brisk walked, Heather called Francis and Devin, but neither of them lifted the call.

    ''''What do I do now!'''' She muttered helplessly. Composing a quick text, Heather hit the sent button, hoping that her daughter would see it. But her heart was restless, thinking of the worst possibilities. ''''What if Leena drinks before I reach her...no...no..she can''t..'''' Determined to protect Leena, Heather ran for a marathon. By the time she found herself at the party, the damage was already done.

    Tears raced down her cheeks, seeing the half-emptied ss juice at the tip of her lips. ''''Leena!'''' Heather screamed, shoved across her way, and reached the table where Leena was chatting with her friends.

    ''''Mom.'''' Leena gasped, staring at Heather''s messy hair and perspiring face. Sweat trickled down her face despite the cool breeze. ''''What happened to your_''''

    Her words never finished, the ss in her hand crashed to the ground.

    ''''I sent you a text. Why didn''t you see?'''' Heather shouted, not caring that everyone''s focus was on her.''''Why did you drink the banana juice_''''

    ''''It''s not banana, mom.''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''Didn''t you see the color of the juice I was holding? It''s orange juice.'''' Replied Leena and opened the message notifications. Indeed there was a text stating not to drink the juice. Strangely mother is the second one to object not to drink. First was her husband. ''''Devin didnot let me drink it because...'''' She paused and sighed. ''''I don''t know...Sometimes he is unpredictable. He gave me a silly reason and ordered orange juice at thest second.'''' Leena gloomily stared at the shattered ss pieces on the ground. My poor orange juice. Speaking of that idiot, where did he go? That idiot is missing along with the banana smoothie for a long time.

    .....

    A smirk yed across Rosalie''s lips as he stared at the text message. [William: Leena did drink the juice. I saw with my own eyes. Come, and meet me at the usual spot]

    ''''Enjoy while you can, Leena! The poison will soon numb your senses, paralyze your body, and atst, death.'''' Rosalie grinned, making her way to the spot where she agreed to meet William.

    As she slowly edged near the tree, a sense of dread settled in her stomach. She hase here twice tonight, but something about this ce sent a shiver down her spine.

    She quickly looked around her surroundings. Except for the swaying trees and the darkness, she could practically hear or see nothing here.

    On second thought, why would someonee here leaving the diligent party? Shaking her head, Rosalie moved forward. In her haste to find William, she didnot sense an object resting in her path until she hit the object and stumbled. She was thrown off guard as she lost her bnce.

    ''''Argh!'''' Rosalie hastily picked herself up and focused her mobile shlight on the object.

    ''''Who the hell put_'''' Color drained out of her face upon noticing it was the Daisy bonsai that she gifted Heather. ''''H_ow did..'''' Her voice choked in fear. A couple of hours ago, she herself gifted this nt to Heather. How did it appear here?

    Not before her brain processed this, a loud thud echoed from behind the tree. The shlight on her hand automatically focused there. A man''s bodyy on the ground motionless.

    Without a doubt, she knew it''s William. ''''William.'''' Throwing the nt aside, Rosalie rushed to him. ''''What happened to you?'''' She shook his arms, but hey there motionless.

    She was on the verge of breaking when the rugged footsteps echoed into her ears from a distance. Terror thundered down on her.. Fear engulfed her like a condemned prisoner as her eyes focused on the formidable man emerging from the shadows, pouring his brightness over the darkness.

 Chapter 420 - My Watch

    Earlier, when her foot crashed with the bonsai nt, although Rosalie thought of a worst-case instance for a split second, sheter assumed it must be William''s prank, for he was the one who brought the nt and poisoned it with deadly nightshade. But the man himselfy on the ground, motionless now. Then this another chilling monster appeared in front of her, and to her dread, he called her original name.

    Clenching her fists around her ruby red gown, Rosalie nced around when she began hearing the thumping footsteps from a distance. In the very nick, lights around her turned on. A number not less than thirty powerfully built men surrounded the area fully armored. ''''It''s a treat for people like us to capture the ancient criminal, isn''t it?'''' Kurt approached her, his gun ready in his hands. It''s funny to know that the criminal master has been sneaking in their premises for two decades.

    Fear swallowed her from very within seeing the batallion. Unconsciously Rosalie took a step back to escape. Her head collided with an object...a metal one she assumed, was pointed straight at the back of her head.

    ''''Want me to pull the trigger?'''' Nick whispered into Rosalie''s ears from behind. ''''I got the opportunity to use the gun after a long time,''''

    Without looking back, she knew she was in point-nk range. How did this happen? She had everything under her control, and with the meticulous n sheid to trap mother and daughter, Rosalie strongly believed it was only a matter of time they both died. How did Devin find out?

    ''''I wonder if I had to appreciate your intellect or pity your dead brain for thinking of an escape considering your situation.'''' Devin''s calm yet scathing tone reminded Rosalie of satan''s call from hell.

    ''''What do you prefer? Rosalie or Ruth? Though I don''t like both the names.'''' His sarcasm felt like a bucket of rubbing alcohol added to the house full of fire.

    ''''I don''t know what you are talking about.'''' She sternly said. ''''My name is Rosalie.''''

    ''''And I call myself a Shakesphere. Will I be one?'''' Though his Leena often praises his poetic skills. He didnot voice out his inner thoughts to turn this serious conversation into aic.

    Rosalie dug her fingers into her palm to calm herself at his sarcastic reply. She desperately wanted to fish out the pocket knife she clipped to the waistband of her dress, but with one wrong move, the oue would be her dead body.

    ''''There is no escape for you.'''' On Devin''smand, a chair wasid for Rosalie. ''''Please take your seat. We have lots to talk.''''

    What else could she do when a man stood behind her, pointing a gun straight at her head? She was forced to sit on the chair to save her life.

    Rosalie peered over her shoulders, ncing at the man lying on the ground. Her heart ached to see him in that state. William had been with her through thick and thin. The man apanied her ever since her thirst for revenge began. ''''What did you do to him?''''

    ''''Nothing. Just knocked him out of his senses.'''' Replied Devin, his voice calm like it''s his ultimate weapon. ''''Therees a great satisfaction in torture before killing. Don''t you agree?''''

    Is he nning to kill William? Rosalie couldn''t describe the helplessness she felt right now. Her hands are tied up. She is incapable of helping the man who has devoted his entire life just for her. He helped her in giving her a new identity. She will me herself if something dreadful happens to him. Leaving her pride, she begged, ''''Leave him alone.''''

    ''''And if I don''t?'''' He questioned in amusement. ''''He tried to harm my wife by poisoning.''''

    Once the poison dilutes into liquid, it can be detected only through the ionization process, which nobody knows. So, there is no proof. Rosalie raised her head with a smirk on her face. Suddenly, a hand tugged her hair from behind until she lost bnce and fell off the chair. ''''Argh!'''' She nced her eyes up. It was Heather.

    ''''You have got guts to hurt my daughter!'''' Throwing the chunk of hair she collected when she pulled Rosalie''s hair, Heather dropped to the ground. She pped Rosalie''s cheek hard. ''''If you hurt a hair on my daughter''s head, I will feed your dead body to the most loathsome filth.'''' Francis and Leena, who had just arrived, tried to pull Heather back, but it was a futile attempt.

    Rosalie tried to dodge the attacks, but she had no strength to avoid the strikes. Kurt was considering diving into action or pretend like nothing was happening here. In the end, he signaled his armed buddies to stay silent. Women''s fights are graver than World Wars.

    ''''Heather! Calm down.'''' Evelyn shouted.

    ''''Mom_''

    ''''Leave me! I should teach this filthy woman a lesson.'''' She attacked Rosalie again. Leena and Francis together strength didnot suffice to pull the raging freak. Devin and Nick have to join their forces.

    ''''Mom, calm down.'''' Leena dragged her mother away from Rosalie. This is the first time she is experiencing her mother''s wilderness.

    Meanwhile, Francis felt like he had seen the childhood version of Heather today. The aggression has never gone from her, even at this age. He wanted to close Rosalie''s case without cing suspicion on Heather and Leena, but the twists are bound to happen at thest minute. Heather eavesdropped on the conversation. If he hadn''t turned up in the party ground and exined the situation to Heather, the truth would have been spread to everyone at the party by now.

    Francis turned to Kurt and said. ''''Take her away.''''

    ''''I am not going anywhere!'''' Rosalie fiercely got up from the ground. ''''What proof do you have to arrest me. I will sue you_''''

    ''''Proof? Which part of proof do you need?'''' Devin chuckled. ''''You thought the event management hired your partner in crime as a waiter without my permission? Or did you think the dress code your helper suggested in a n to hide his identity was approved without my permission? Or did you think the body scanner didnot scan the poison in the bonsai tree? Or did you think I am dumb to not use the X ray scanners to scan the metal box hid in your rectum?'''' The first time he met Rosalie, there was something odd about her that raised suspicion. His intuition confirmed when he unexpectedly met her daughter.. ''''Every step you took, every move you made, you were under my watch.''''

 Chapter 421 - Barrel

    Like a spectator, Leena listened to the bitter truths that were unraveling one by one. Earlier she wondered why Devin ordered orange juice at thest second. It''s because Rosalie used all the poison in banana juice and didn''t have another one? Did he calcte every move of her beforehand? He sure knows to give masterstrokes.

    Now she understood the reason for Devin''s busy schedule. Along with thepany celebrations, he has been dealing with Rosalie''s matter as well. Just like her mom, she believed Rosalie was a kind person. She approached to find Ruth without knowing she had entered straight into the lion''s den. For the first time, someone deceived her right under her eye. Rosalie even tricked her into getting the invitation of WD. What a filthy woman? Like mother, like son.

    ''''My mother''s car ident and my ident at the cliff was your doing?'''' Leena took a step forward towards Rosalie with killing intent. The countless nights of pain and cries was all given by this woman?

    ''''My bad that you both survived.'''' Rosalie took malicious pleasure in irritating her. She doesn''t care anymore if these people have seen through her identity. Let them know how wicked I can be.

    ''''I took pity of you both, and decided to give a painless death this time. I plotted a wonderful n. I fed rotten food to my daughter for a couple of days. I admitted her for appendicitis when infact, she was only infected with food poison. I bribed the doctor with a hefty amount. I stayed in the hospital and befriended your mother. I pulled out all the daily activities you do from your mother. Ultimately I got a hand on the invitation of WD.''''

    ''''What did you achieve in the end? Standing in front of us like a prisoner.'''' Francis calmly asked, suppressing the urge to throttle her neck.

    ''''What did you achieve by killing my innocent son?'''' Rosalie questioned back. The sight of Francis brought her the bitter memories of her son helplessly crying for help in the fire. Her fists clenched tightly, her eyes glowed with savage fire. She never cared for her husband. Her world revolved around her son alone. If she hade a little early from the shift on that day, she would have saved his son from the fire. ''''You are worse than a murderer.''''

    Innocent son? Francis wanted to punch the woman right on his face. ''''Look, your son_'''' Before Francis spat out the truth, Devin squeezed his hand. Time has not yete to give her hope.

    ''''You wrecked my life, shattered my identity. You killed my son. You left me with Nothing but revenge!'''' She paused, choking back her tears. ''''Revenge is the only reason I am living my life. On the day my son died, I took an oath to destroy you. I killed my friend. I took her identity. I nned and attacked Heather. I nned your brother''s family''s death. Unfortunately, the kids didnot go to Europe. They survived.''''

    Wilbur''s throat was closing up. For the first time, Cutie saw a teardrop rolling from her dad''s eyes. She hugged his thigh for her dear life. ''''Don cly dad..'''' She gently patted his leg. Jane squeezed his left hand to console him. Wilbur would tear up whenever their parents were brought up. The person who had killed them is right in front of him. She could understand the emotional turmoil going inside him.

    ''''You killed my parents!'''' He fed the bitter truth to his brain, remembering his mother''s cheery smile and his father''s happyughter hest saw at the airport. He threw tantrums at them for not taking him to Europe.

    ''Business trips are boring, my dear son. Take care of your little sister until wee back. Don''t torture your uncle Francis. I will bring your favorite choctes when I return. Next time, we will go on a family trip together.'' His mother said in a coaxing voice. His father ruffled his hair like he always does before boarding the ne. Wilbur was counting the days hoping for their parent''s return. A weekter, Francis took him to the burial ground without giving him a clue. His little heart shattered, seeing the two bodies draped in a white shroud. There was no smile on his mother''s face, no happiness on his father''s face. Wilbur cried and cried, copsing next to them. He begged his mother to give him choctes, pleaded with his father to ruffle his hair. But neither of them opened their eyes. ''''Why did you..'''' Wilbur was unable toplete his words.

    ''''Because it was fun to watch Francis mourning over his brother''s death.'''' Rosalie proudly admitted. She then turned to face Francis. ''''Your grief, your mournings, your efforts in taking care of two children, your struggles to keep Heather alive on the death bed made my heart happy. I wanted to see that in your face every day. So, I married Max to stay close to you. I knew where your next switch was. I tried several times to kill her, but you protected her safely. Fortunately, I got an opportunity two decadester. But too bad she also survived.''''

    ''''No matter I live or die today.'''' Her voice raised to an edge. ''''I am not letting this opportunity waste. I will avenge my son''s death!'''' Noticing all their attention focused on her story, Rosalie swiftly turned around and kicked Nick on his knee. Caught off guard, Nick fell onto the ground. The gun on his hands flew upwards. Rosalie jumped up and seized it. Everything happened in a blink of an eye.

    Leena''s eyes went wide in realization.

    ''''Watch out, Leena!'''' Devin shouted, running to her, and before Leena shunned Rosalie''s attack, her front head was at the barrel.

    Leena held her breath in anxiety. Her family, friends, were standing close to her, but nobody dared to take a step forward.

    The thirty armed forces surrounded Rosalie at a godspeed, aiming their guns at her. ''''Drop the guns!'''' Rosalie ordered, pressing the gun to Leena''s forehead sharply.

    The armed men didnot drop the guns.

    ''''Don''t you care for your wife''s life, Devin?'''' Rosalie stared at Leena''s eyes. ''''Your men haven''t dropped the guns!'''' Rosalie kept her finger at the trigger, ready to pull when...

    ''''Stop!'''' Devin shouted. ''''Stop it, please..'''' He pleaded.

 Chapter 422 - SuperMan

    ''''Drop the guns, and back off!'''' Ordered Devin. The guns dropped to the ground at hismand in adouble quick speed. The armed forces backed off. Relief spread across his soul when Rosalie''s fingers around the trigger also rxed. But how long? He doesn''t have much time. Finding a counterattack is hard when the enemy is a cold-blooded criminal who goes to any extent for her revenge.

    ''''Leave my baby, Ruth. You have hatred against me. Take my life. Please don''t hurt my daughter!'''' Francis pleaded. Terror washed over Francis, feeling as though something had walked through him and left him numb shaking. He can''t live if anything happens to his baby. ''''Leena, don''t cry! I am here for you.''''

    A tear rolled down from Leena''s eyes. How many sacrifices will you make, Francy? She would burst out if she saw Francy''s face now.

    ''''And when did she be your daughter?'''' Rosaliezily chuckled, eyes moving at everyone to see if their guards were up. They haven''t yet, Rosalie thought and then addressed Heather. ''''Isn''t itme that Francis is iming your daughter as his, Heather? How would his biological father feel if he knew! After all, you are desparately investigating the cruise ship incident. Want to know who it is?''''

    ''''I don''t care who it is! Please leave my daughter, Ruth. I beg you. I beg you! Kill me instead.'''' Heather was shaking in a trembling rythm.

    ''''What a sacrificing family you got!'''' Rosalie scoffed, squeezing Leena''s arm when she saw a movement in her hand. ''''Don''t act smart, girl. Your life is in my hands!''''

    Wilbur, Jane, and Reese were frozen to the ground in fear. Cutie hugged Wilbur''s thigh, sniffling silently. She is not much aware of things happening here. Upon observing everybody''s faces, she understood something bad had happened to Leena. If Carrot was here, she would have saved everyone, Cutie muttered in her head. In her eyes, Carrot is a superman because she can jump and do feats that she cannot do.

    Devin silently stared at Leena''s back. Barrel at her forehead, yet neither he noticed a sign of her body flinching in fear, but his heart was beating at an rming rate. His eyes scanned around quickly to n an escape, and he found.

    Like an angel sent from Heaven, she was slowly making her way towards Leena.

    A smirk yed across Rosalie''s lips at Devin''s submission. The raging lion has turned into an obedient cat. Rosalie slowly walked backward, dragging Leena along with her. Her index finger never left the trigger of the barrel.

    Neither of them standing there could see Leena''s face. Except for one! When everybody''s focus was on Leena, Devin''s eyes were on ''her''. The moment his eyes met with hers, theirmunication had started.

    ''''I have got a secret of yours that you are unaware of,'''' Devin''s tone directed to Rosalie, but his eyes were pointing to the sky. It was a hint to someone who was staring at him for the signal.

    ''''And what''s that? Either way, forget about your wife. She is going to die in my hands today. Her death is a small attribution to my son''s peace,'''' Rosalie said, taking a careful back step towards William. Leena''s heart thumped in her chest with every step she took. She knows Devin is buying time, but how long? Will that work? If she took one wrong step, this woman would blow the trigger. Am I going to die today in her hands, on my birthday? She has lots to do, lots to talk with Devin, spend time with her family.

    ''''Are you sure your son died in that fire ident? What if your assumption was wrong?'''' Devin hit Rosalie''s weak button. With the session, he looked past Rosalie and nced at his hope with pleading eyes. This distraction is enough to divert Rosalie''s attention. Now! Devin screamed in his head, hoping that she caught the hint.

    ''''What!'''' At the mention of her son, Rosalie''s gaze shifted to Devin, unable to believe what he told. ''''What did you say? My son is_'''' Before Rosalie concluded her thoughts, all of a sudden, something jumped at her from behind and kicked her back.

    It was Carrot!

    Leena''s eyes widened, seeing it was her Carrot! In time, she slipped to the side. Rosalie fell on her stomach with a loud thud. ''''Argh!'''' She screamed, hitting her nose on the ground.

    ''''Love you, Carrot!'''' Leena shouted in happiness. Finally, my baby arrived and saved me!

    Devin somersaulted and then rolled over to Rosalie''s side in a blink of an eye. He picked up the gun before Rosalie couldy a hand on it. But he didnot find the necessity because Carrot charged at the woman, piercing her canine teeth into her flesh.

    ''''You filthy dog! Leave me!'''' Rosalie screamed, cursing the dog as she couldn''t take the pain. Blood sttered across the ground, but Carrot didnot care! She grabbed Rosalie''s leg this time. The wounds should remind her of a certain mad dog if she thinks of hurting Leena again.

    ''''Leena!'''' Devin rose, gathering Leena into a tight hug.

    ''''I am sorry. I worried you again!'''' Leena buried herself into his chest, breathing his scent deeply. Atst, she is at home! Those fifteen minutes was torture. She was at the edge of the cliff waiting for her end, but instead, her beloved Carrot saved her life.

    ''''As long as you are safe, I am okay to get worried.'''' He muttered. His eyes met with Carrot. Devin mouthed a thank you to her, not sure if she had understood hisnguage.

    Carrot scoffed at Devin. Even if had had not signaled her, she would have attacked this old goat. How dare that booger face hurt my Leena! Carrot angrily stared at Rosalie, who had already lost consciousness.

    ''''Carrot!'''' Carrot turned when she heard someone call out her name. It was Heather. She dropped to squat to thank her. ''''Thank you so much!'''' One by one, everybody approached Carrot. Although Carrot was a little flustered by the sudden attention, she appreciated their efforts. Not every time she gets the chance to be a hero.

    ''''Taddot!'''' Cutie ran towards her buddy, feeling proud. She knew Carrot has superman powers.. She did not disappoint.

 Chapter 423 - Sacrifice

    With her ears held back and her tail jutted out with a wide sweeping wag, Carrot sniffed Cutie, inviting her to pet. Cutie giggled as she stroked Carrot''s favorite ces across her fur. Nick joined Cutie for fun.

    Meanwhile, Kurt ordered the men to take the unconscious Rosalie to their base in secret because they were too tired to think of a fitting sentence for the ancient criminal. One by one, all returned to the party before someone noticed their missing presence.

    ''''Where did you all leave?'''' Kyle and Harley demanded as soon as Leena arrived at the party ground. Soon, they noticed the missing people''s presence as well.

    Half-n-hour back, Kurt told Kyle to enjoy the party and slipped off without giving much information to her. Later, Leena and Aunt Heather went along with Uncle Francis god knows where. Then Aunt Evelyn went missing, followed by Wilbur, Jane, and Reese...she lost the count of names. With each passing minute, one or the other person would go missing in the name of fresh air, and to the end, Harley, Andrew, Jasper, and Carrot were left alone. Kyle, Harley guessed that Andrew and Jasper knew something because they would give ame excuse and divert their attention whenever they talked about those people.

    ''''Later, girls..I am tired.'''' Leena was too tired to tell the story that took ce there. She just wants to go home and sleep in his arms with no worries.

    Harley and Kyle nodded, not forcing Leena.

    After the party ended, everybody started to their homes in relief. Although Heather wanted to talk with her daughter, she noticed the weariness on Leena''s face. So, she let the matter aside for today.

    ...,,

    ''''You should have kicked that booger''s face''s butt instead of her back, Carrot.'''' Aunt Jpeno''s face was gloomy as she took out Carrot''s headband. She would have definitely kicked that bummer''s butt if she hadn''t fallen unconscious in the end.

    Carrot made a face, agreeing with Aunt Jpeno. She was too focused on saving Leena, so she forgot about the position her kick wouldnd. Anyway, nothing matters to her because she rescued her beloved Leena, and on top of that, she became a hero in everybody''s eyes, especially Devin.

    ''''It''s fine, Carrot. I am happy that you taught her a lesson in the end.'''' Aunt Jpeno said, beckoning Carrot toe close as she needed to pull out her frock.

    To her surprise, Devin offered himself to doff Carrot''s frock.

    ''''Holy Banana Pants!'''' Leena eximed.

    ''''In the name of my sacred butt!''''Aunt Jpeno cried out.

    ''''What''s with you two?'''' Devin gave them an indecisive look. Can''t theye up with something neat? Every time it is bananas or butts. One is a Banana devotee, and another one is a Butt freak.

    ''''Babylicious, are you unwell?'''' Leena hurriedly ced the back of her palm on Devin''s forehead. Weird, Leena thought. The man who runs away at the sight of Carrot has offered himself to change her dress? ''''When did you be a friend with Carrot?''''

    ''''We were always best friends.'''' Replied Devin, clearing his throat. ''''Isn''t it Carrot? Sorry...Hero Carrot, right?''''

    Carrot was in the seventh heaven today. First, this spunky thanked and praised her for her bravery. Now he is iming her as his friend? Carrot did a full-body wag and licked Devin''s feet in response.

    Devin silently clenched his fists not to lose his pride in front of Leena. Did I make a mistake praising this hound?

    Leena giggled, seeing Devin steadying his breath in fear. ''''Enjoy with your best friend then.'''' She kissed Devin''s cheek and was off to her bedroom. Aunt Jpeno also left when she received a call.

    Devin turned his gaze to Carrot. Swallowing hard, he slowly approached her. ''''No licking..okay?'''' To tame her, Devin hit her weak spot. ''''I heard you have a crush. Wanna meet your friend?''''

    Carrot''s eyes perked up at the mention of her crush. It''s been a long since she went to DewGarden park. Instantly Carrot cocked her head for ''no licking your feet''.

    ''''That''s my girl!'''' Devin smiled.

    Devin told her that he would take her to DewGarden oning Sunday. So, Carrot was very excited about it.

    After a while of talking with her, Devin opened the door of Carrot''s room. As he observed Carrot jumping into her luxury marshmallow bed, he closed the door shut and made his way to the bedroom.

    Upon opening the door, Devin noticed Leena working on something seriously on herptop. She couldn''t see him because her back was facing him. He walked towards the bed at a snail''s pace and leaned forward a little. ''''A ghost offered a date invitation at Cemetary. Wanna go?'''' He whispered.

    Leena jumped from her bed at his low voice, her heart racing like lightning speed. ''''Devin!'''' She screamed. ''''Can''t you stop bringing those ghost stories?''''

    ''''How about you stop writing about how to torture a husband in your blog? Then I might consider your opinion.'''' He shut down herptop before taking a glimpse of the content she was updating on her blog. A smile curved on his lips. ''''So, you are not angry at me anymore?'''' He wrapped the nket around her securely and slipped into it.

    Wrapping her leg around his waist, Leena snaked her hands into his shirt slowly. ''''I really thought you forgot my birthday until I saw the video. But Iloved the surprise.'''' Leena drew orbitals on his chest out of her habit. How did she even get a thought that her babylicious would forget her birthday?

    ''''And I got curses for nning a surprise.'''' Heined, pulling her hand out of his shirt. Her simple gestures would be a huge turn-on.

    ''''Is it toote to say sorry?'''' Leena said, her lips jutted into a pout. ''''How about I write an apology poem and_''''

    ''''Apology epted.'''' Devin was quick in reply. He shuddered in revulsion, recalling her past poems.

    Why do people get jealous of her talent? She scorned internally.

    Changing the topic, Leena asked. ''''Did Ruth change her appearance exactly as Rosalie? I can''t believe she has been hiding in our presence.''''

    ''''Evil hides among us is not an ancient theme. We need to open our eyes and see.'''' Tucking a fallen hair stand behind her ear, Devin added. ''''Won-Shik was the one who operated on Ruth. Although she has undergone cosmetic surgery, she doesn''t entirely look like Rosalie. The things we see in movies are altogether bogus. Facial skeletons differ with each person. People undergone surgery may look like the donor to some extent, but not exactly like themselves.''''

    Leena nodded, feeding the information to her brain. But she still has some doubts. ''''How did Rosalie became the sacrifice to Ruth?''''

    ''''Rosalie and Ruth are distant rtives. I guess Ruth caught the hint when you visited her jewelry store. On quick alert, she destroyed the remaining evidence of actual Rosalie, not to raise suspicion on us. I investigating her when I felt everything about her felt a little suspicious. She has been transferring money to a person named Isabe anonymously. The person is none other than actual Rosalie''s mother.''''

    ''''Rosalie''s father died at a young age. She doesn''t have many friends. But she stayed at one of her friend''s house during herst three days. It took me three days to get a contact of her friend''s. ording to her friend, Rosalie had acted strange for the three days she stayed there..she was not willing to go home for some reason. She keeps bbering her that she had seen someone falling off the bridge_''''

    ''''Is it my mother?''''

    ''''That''s the only theory I coulde up with. Her friend also did not see her after the third day. My guess isRosalie might have witnessed the incident. So, Ruth killed and took her identity.'''' Devin concluded.

    ''''I feel bad for Rosalie. How are you going to deal with her? Are you going to expose all her crimes?''''

    ''''We will talk about thatter.'''' Replied Devin. ''''You are tired. Go to sleep.''''

    Leena nodded and closed her eyes. Her body was utterly tired of today''s stressful events. Within seconds, she drifted into a deep slumber. Devin waited till the hour''s hand and minutes hand ovepped at twelve in the clock ''''Happy birthday again, love you lots.'''' He was the first to wish her and thest one to wish her today. He made sure of that.. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes, a smile on his face.

 Chapter 424 - Deep Trance

    A week passed since Ruth was admitted to the hospital. The bite marks in her body were so severe that Kurt had to make an immediate decision. He straight away sent her to the hospital that night.

    On the eighth day, she was sent to the high-security prison after the judgment. Devin didnot let Ruth''s real identity expose. That would be a cake-walk opportunity for Enger to know about his mother. So, Ruth remained as Rosalie, a stepmother, who tried to kill her stepdaughter out of jealousy. Max and Emerie made a fuss, but the evidence all proved otherwise in the court.

    Meanwhile, after sending Ruth to the high-security prison, everybody returned to their normal lives except for one person. It was Kurt.

    Kurt closed the file in vexation. His gaze barely lingered on the notification preview on his mobile for a couple of seconds before a sigh escaped from his lips. Since morning, he has been receiving irresistible calls and messages from one particr person. "I should change your number to brain eater." He grumbled. As usual, he ignored the calls, which he had been doing since morning. Sometimeter, Kurt got a call from his love. His frustration reced with happiness in seconds. He immediately got up and went to the hospital to pick Kyle.

    ''''Hi, Loose Case.'''' Kurt teased and kissed her cheek after she approached him

    .

    ''''Hello, Mr. Sweedish Butler.'''' Kyle nonchntly said. Without sparing him a nce, she stepped into the car. Herugh stifled, noticing his face turning a shade of dark. ''''Don''t frown. It''s not good for your face. Okay?'''' Kyle massaged his temples that crinkled.

    ''''Leena! I will kill you one day!'''' He shouted, tightening his grip over the steering.

    ''''Fine, fine.'''' She giggled. ''''Go, and start a war with Devin first.''''

    Kurt grumbled like a grumpy bear until they reached the restaurant.

    Kyle linked her arms into Kurt''s like a clingy girlfriend and walked along with him. A smile stered across his face seeing her possessiveness. They have been dating for around a month now, yet it feels new and fresh to him every day. His feelings are growing more and more with each passing day for this loose case.

    "Are you free tomorrow? How about we go to the ice skating rink." Kyle asked, her mouth watered at the variety of starters served on the tter.

    "Ice skating is boring, Kyle." Kurt dismissed the waiter before he served the dish to Kyle. "How about Statue of Liberty?" Kurt''s voiceced with eagerness. He put the marinated peppers, a spoon full of crunchies, olives into her te. "Speaking of Statue of Liberty, I forgot to tell you. Elysian has once given a puzzle, and it took me a month to crack, and the clue is in the statue of liberty. That crazy nut cake is roaming in this city!"

    "But sir haven''t yet caught that crazy dude, isn''t it?" Kyle teased. When Elysian demanded Kurt dress up like a girl if he doesn''t crack the puzzle, Kyle imagined Kurt in a see-through girly dress though inappropriate. "But one thing is not clear to me. You haven''t met or seen Elysian. How did you know it''s a man?"

    "Because.." Kurt swallowed the grilled pineapple by force which Kyle added to his te with love. "Once upon a time, he tortured and yed with Jasper.''''

    "How is it linked to Elysian gender?''''

    "Because he asked Reese''s hand in marriage," Kurt said.

    ''''Oh My God! He is so...I don''t have words'''' Kyleughed again. "So, you concluded him to be a man thereafter. But how does he knows Reese?"

    "What else? He has a grudge against me, so he targeted one of my friend''s sisters," Kurt shrugged a matter of factly. "I told you he is born with loose screws in his brain. Let''s not talk about him and spoil our_."

    Kurt halted when his mobile started ringing. He fished out his phone from his pocket, assuming it was a call from the office. Upon seeing the contact name, Kurt pressed the lock button.

    "Who is it?" Kyle asked. ''''Take it if it is urgent.''''

    "It''s just a spam call," Kurt lied. Post dinner, Kurt dropped Kyle at home and went to the prison to check on the ancient criminal.

    Until morning, his mobile flooded with several messages and missed calls from one person until he replied.

    ...

    The next day morning...

    A car pulled in front of the high-security prison. A woman stepped out of the car elegantly. ''''Hey, Kurt! Didn''t sleep well? You got dark circles'''' The woman smiled at Kurt, who was standing at the front gate of the prison.

    ''''And all thanks to you, Aunt Heather. You have sessfully irritated me with your calls and messages for the whole day.'''' He scoffed. ''''I haven''t slept for an hour properly.'''' Kurt guided inside the penitentiary detention center, passing through the security guards.

    ''''You should have agreed to help me when I properly asked,'''' Heather said, walking alongside him. She could see the orange dress code reflecting the walls of the prison here.

    ''''Even after knowing that it''s illegal?'''' Kurt questioned. They walked past the prison cells and stopped at a specific istion cell. A man wearing a white coat was sitting outside, greeted him.

    ''''He is my friend, Craig, Neuropsychologist. I exined the situation to him for a better expertise.'''' Kurt introduced his friend to Heather.

    ''''Hello, I am Craig.'''' The man in the white coat introduced himself to him.

    ''''Hello.'''' Heather shook her hands with Craig. "I am doctor Heather. Thanks for your assistance.''''

    ''''Pleasure is mine to assist a senior renowned doctor,'''' Craig said with a smile on his face. ''''Everything here will remain confidential. I assure you.''''

    ''''Thank you.''''

    After the brief pleasantries, Kurt turned to Heather and said. ''''You very well know this is unofficial. So, we need to finish this fast.''''

    ''''Can I talk with her alone?'''' Heather pleaded. She is scared to ask personal questions with two people around.

    ''''Impossible. I spent all my influence to get permission for three hours. We already spent an hour to put for putting into a deep trance.'''' Kurt denied instantly. ''''I am responsible if something happens here. I need to be here.''''

    Heather gritted her teeth. ''''Fine. Open the door then.''''

    Kurt opened the prison door and went inside. Heather and doctor Craig followed him after.

    A pale woman was lying on the bed, and her eyes closed shut like she was in some trance.

    ''''She is currently under deep rxation,'''' Craig said, walking towards the woman on the bed. He put a hand on top of her head, ''''Hello, Ruth. I amCraig. I here to meet you again.'''' He gently called her name.

    After a thirty-second pause, he heard her reply. ''''Hi, Craig.''''

    ''''Mind if you tell me your full name?'''' He asked in a gentle tone.

    ''''Ruth Vaughan.''''

    ''''But aren''t you, Rosalie?'''' Heather asked, her tone soft like a luby.

    ''''No,'''' Ruth said. ''''I took her identity after Won-Shik, and I killed her.''''

    ''''Why did you kill her?'''' Heather questioned. Although she was desperate to know the answer, her tone didnot differ.

    ''''Because she witnessed Heather''s ident,'''' Ruth said.

    ''''I can conclude you don''t like Heather. So, we will leave her matter aside.'''' Heather said. ''''Let''s talk about you. Two decades back, you went with Won-Shik to a party on a cruise ship to enjoy, you remember that?"

    ''''Hmmm..only Won-Shik went. I sent him there."

    ''''Why? Can you recall what happened on that night?"

    ''''Hmm.'''' Ruth nodded in her trance. ''''I wanted to destroy Heather and Francis''s rtionship.''''

    Finally, she is on track, Heather muttered under her breath. She desperately prayed she would get all her answers today.

 Chapter 425 - Blood Test

    The night Ruth aimed a gun at Leena, she gave a hint to Heather. At that crucial moment, Heather was only concerned about her daughter''s safety, so nothing mattered except rescuing Leena. But Ruth nted a seed of hope in Heather''s heart. She couldn''t properly sleep for the entire week, knowing that someone out there knew the truth about Leena''s biological father.

    The cruise ship investigation had not worked in her favor either. Considering the number of people boarded, Heather found itplicated. If Francis had helped her, it''s not a big deal to find Leena''s father with his influence. But he is blocking her investigation instead of helping her because the man''s jealousy has reached Everest. She thought of asking Devin, but without a beat, he will tell Leena. So, she chose Kurt and pestered him until he agreed.

    Back to the present, Heather stared at Ruth''s pale face. Doctor Craig has done an excellent job in inducing a hypnotic trance in Ruth perfectly. Given a knife and asked to kill herself, Ruth would do it without a beat.

    Although the mere sight of this woman disgusted her, Heather spoke up in a voice, melody to her ears. ''''You know Leena''s biological father, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Hmm..'''' Ruth slowly nodded her head.

    ''''Can you tell me what happened on that night?''''

    Ruth started. ''''I got the news that Heather would be returning from Germany to attend a party. I wanted to take revenge on Francis for forcing me to marry Juan. So, I nned on targetting Heather because she is his triggering point. At the same time, my son had a fever, so I couldn''t personally attend the party. Instead, I sent Won-Shik to kill her. But things didnot go as we nned. On thest day, everybody waspletely drunk, including Heather and Francis. So it became a mess.''''

    ''''What happened after? How did Francis and Heather got separated?'''' Heather demanded. So, these two dumb people purposefully separated us? Psycho''s, she muttered. Heather remembered the kiss. Heck, they did more. Flirting, teasing, and slowly the alcohol had intoxicated them entirely until they forgot themselves.

    Ruth shut her mouth without speaking a word.

    Impatiently, Heather lifted her hand to knock this woman, but doctor Craig stopped Heather. He shook his head, in a way telling Heather to be patient.

    With his index finger pressed on her forehead, doctor Craig gently lifted Ruth''s hand. ''''Ruth, you are going to listen to whatever I say. Will you?''''

    ''''Yes,'''' Ruth replied.

    ''''Take a deep breath for a couple of times.''''

    Like a puppet maneuvered by the puppet master, Ruth breathed in the exact number of times the doctor told.

    ''''Let''s go back to the night on a cruise ship again.'''' Doctor Craig convinced her that he had control over herpletely. ''''Shall we?''''

    ''''Hmmm..'''' Ruth replied.

    ''''So what did you tell Won-Shik? What did he do to Heather and Francis?'''' He pressed his index finger on Ruth''s forehead. ''''Try to remember. The more your try, the more you will remember...you can do it, Ruth..''''

    Ruth fluttered her eyelids for a while and then started. ''''On that night..'''' She paused and continued again.''''Won-Shik saw Francis carrying Heather to his room. He couldn''t go inside as the door remained locked.''''

    ''''Later?''''

    ''''Won-Shik gathered two people for his n, a man working in the deck department and aundry steward girl who does housekeeping. He promised a hefty amount if they helped him. When all the guests went inside their rooms, they unlocked Heather''s and Francis''s room using the spare key. By that time, it was already dawn. Heather and Francis were naked, sleeping together.''''

    ''''Won-Shik thought of a n. Max was on the cruise ship. Francis suspects Heather loves Max. It would be an opportunity to break them apartpletely. So, with their help, he shifted Heather to his room secretly.''''

    ''''Theundry attendant pulled out an act of sleeping next to Francis, and Won-Shik took their pictures. Since Francis forced me to marry a womanizer, I wanted his love to suffer in front of his eyes as well. When Heather was pregnant with Francis''s child, I hired a professional to edit the pictures. I sent Francis naked pictures to Heather so that she would hate that man for eternity.''''

    Heather let out shaky breaths as the shock sank in. She almost copsed from the chair if not, Kurt supported her. So, my Leena is Francis''s daughter!

    She can''t believe this. If she hadn''t seen Francis''s naked pictures with a woman, she would have thought of the possibility. She desperately wanted to see him right at this moment. ''''I_I need to go.'''' She said, getting up from the chair. Happiness was dancing within her.

    ''''Wait!'''' Kurt shouted, but Heather was already out of the room.

    Kurt immediately went after Heather. ''''Aunt Heather, wait! You need the pass to go out of this ce.''''

    ''''Oh. Yeah.'''' Heather came back running. ''''Sorry..I am just... never mind...Take me out.''''

    Kurt found a different angle in Aunt Heather. She is like a child who has learned how to walk for the first time. He could understand her fleeting emotions. Even he was jarred by this news. The man who has devoted his life to protect a little girl was his daughter? He still can''t believe it.

    Kurt signaled Craig to take care of Ruth and led Heather outside.

    ''''Thank you, Kurt!'''' Heather thanked him, her eyes filled with sincerity. He has taken a big risk. She doesn''t know how else she could appreciate.

    ''''Pleasure is mine.'''' Kurt smiled. ''''Are you going to Uncle France''spany?''''

    Heather eagerly nodded her head. ''''Don''t tell Leena. I will surprise her.''''

    Kurt nodded.

    The moment Heather was out of his sight, he unlocked his mobile. Like Heather''s words didnot enter into his ears, Kurt stared at Leena''s contact name for a couple of seconds. [Narcissit Leena: I learned a big secret today. Guess what it is?] He sent her a text. Immediately he received a response.

    [Sweedish Butler: That Dora is still five years old?]

    Kurt''s face twisted like he had swallowed a bunch of sour tart cherries. ''''She is too alien for the earth,'''' Kurt muttered before returning to the prison.

    ....

    Just finished with the meeting, Francis made his way to the office room. He opened the door. An earsplitting scream scared the daylights out of him.

    ''''Francis!''''

    Francis''s heart missed a beat. Secondster, he calmed down, knowing that it was Heather. ''''Are you nning to kill me?''''

    ''''Not yet.'''' She embraced him into a bear hug. ''''I am very happy today.'''' Never she felt this happy. A little sadness in her heart was that both didn''t remember their first time. That can be ignored in a bundle of happiness.

    ''''Care to share?'''' Francis hugged her back. He wondered the reason for the sudden happiness.

    ''''I will tell youter.'''' Heather released herself from the hug and pulled him out of the room. ''''You are free for an hour, right?''''

    ''''Yes..but where are you taking me?'''' Francis watched Heather drag him to the private elevator. Without answering him, she pressed the ground floor button.

    ''''Drive to Langone hospital.'''' Heather said to the driver after they stepped into the car.

    ''''Why? Are you not well?'''' Francis checked her forehead for fever. But she was perfectly alright.

    ''''I am fine, Francis.'''' Heather smiled, her heart warmed by his sweet gestures. ''''You are going to have a blood test.''''

    ''''What? Why?'''' He asked in surprise.

    ''''Health check-up.'''' She shrugged.

    Francis didnot object. A yearly health check-up is good for the body. Leena used to drag him to the hospital before, and now it''s Heather. His life has turned like a rainbow filled with colors. After reaching the hospital, Heather directly took him to theb. Francis has to undergo a series of blood tests under her supervision.

    Are they turning me into a vampire? Francis muttered under his breath as he watched the nurse close the cap of the sixth tube. Post the blood test, Heather gave an apple to Francis. ''''Eat this. You need energy.''''

    Francis gazed at the tiny apple in his hands. A little apple after emptying his blood? ''''Apple is not ample. I am craving something tasty. Let''s have lunch outside_''''

    ''''No, you can''t_''''

    ''''They have taken six bottles of my blood, Heather,'''' Francisined like a child. ''''Don''t I deserve good food?''''

    ''''B_ottles?'''' Heather stared at him without blinking her eyes. ''''It''s a tube, Francis.''''

    ''''Whatever. Both are the same.'''' He grumbled, opening the car door when they reached a restaurant.

    ''''Don''t tell this anywhere. People wouldugh at you.''''

    Francis mimicked her with equal enthusiasm and kissed her cheek.

    After the sumptuous meal, Heather ordered the driver to turn the car to the office since Francis had an important meeting in the afternoon.

    Before Francis stepped out of the car after they arrived, Heather stopped him holding his hand. ''''I want to tell you something, Francis.''''

    ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I met Ruth_''''

    ''''You what?'''' He shouted at her carelessness. ''''Are you out of your mind? She tried to kill you thrice. Why did you meet that_''''

    ''''I found Leena''s biological father,'''' Heather revealed, interrupting him in the middle. Now he will shut his mouth, Heather thought.

    ''''What?'''' Francis felt his world crashed again, watching the excitement on his face. So, this was the reason for happiness.

    ''''Leena''s DNA exactly matches with him. I found his address and called him in the morning. He agreed to meet me the day after tomorrow.'''' Heather leaned her head on Francis''s shoulders. ''''Let''s meet him, Francis.''''

    Francis''s lips twisted wryly. She did everything on her own, and now she dares to talk about the man who made her pregnant and left the child in her care? His hands itched to kill that bastard.

    ''''I am noting. I have work.'''' Francis got down from the car immediately. He closed the door with a loud bang.

    ''''Take her home.'''' He ordered the driver. Without saying goodbye to Heather, he strode into the office.

    ''''Look at his jealousy.'''' Heather suppressed her smile. ''''I am so in love with his cute, envy face.''''

    .....

    For two days, Francis didnot even step into the bedroom. He gave a stupid excuse and spent his time in the study room. Heather yed along with him, which irked him more.

    On the day Heather was supposed to meet Leena''s father, Francis could practically see Heather''s happiness floating in the air. His jealousy reached Everest. Without having breakfast, Francis started to the office.

    ''''Francis, breakfast.''''

    ''''I will eat in the office.'''' But he halted, thinking that Heather would coax him to eat. But nothing he thought has happened.

    ''''Alright. Bye.'''' Replied Heather, pressing her lips to control her smile. ''''I have put a snack box in the car. Don''t forget after you get down.''''

    Francis left without replying to her.

    ''''Ah! He is so cute.'''' Heather smiled, watching his retreating figure. ''''How will he react to the news? Will he hug me? or a kiss?'''' Heather covered her face in shyness. Pushing the thoughts aside, she got up, to get ready for the official meet.

    .....

    Francis didnot have the zeal to attend the meetings. Also, he was losing concentration in his work. ''''Who is this bastard.'''' He knocked on the table in vex.

    Throwing the file aside, he took the snacks box to fill his stomach, at least. Without opening, he felt the box emptiness. To his surprise, there was nothing except a white-colored paper cover folded in three folds to fit into the box. ''''What is this? Did she misce the food cover?''''

    Francis unfolded the cover neatly. ''DNA report'' was all written on the outside. That was all it took. His blood boiled like molten Lava. ''''Is she mocking me?"

    ''''Let me see the name of that bastard.'''' He tore open the cover hastily. He read the content. [Child: Leena. Alleged father: Francis. The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the tested child. Based on the analysis listed above, the probability of paternity is 99.9998%]

    As his brain sank thest words, he froze, feeling like his heart stopped beating.

 Chapter 426 - A Hug

    The things we least expect hit the hardest in the unexpected moment. Francis stared at the thin paper presuming that it was a miracle, and the second he closed his eyes, his name would disappear. But it never happened.

    ''''Leena is my daughter!'''' He spoke aloud to feed his brain of the unexpected truth, yet the DNA result was not registering into his brain. A few months back, he learned Heather was pregnant before marriage, and a few days back, he got to know Max is not Leena''s father, and today, like it was a divine decree, he has be Leena''s father. So, the blood test Heather made him undergo two days back was for the DNA test?

    Was it that night? He had lost a little control over his body on that night, but that''s all he remembers, and the next day he was burning with fever. So, the one-night stand was not with a random woman! Slowly realization started to dawn. It''s Heather. ''''It''s my Heather.''''

    ''''Leena is the symbol of our love,'''' Francis repeated the sentence over and over. He then right away dailed Heather''s number. His whole body was trembling, and he wondered if he would be able to speak to Heather without stammering. He tapped his footrest under the table restlessly, waiting for Heather to pick the call. ''''Lif the call, Heather.'''' He has an inkling that she is purposefully testing his patience because every time he calls, she would lift his call in the first three rings unless she is inside the operation theatres. At thest ring, madam showered her attention to him. ''''Tell me, Mr. Hayes?''''

    Arrogant woman, can''t she speak softly? It''s their big day. Francis spoke in an undertone. ''''Where are you?'''' Out was his calm voice contradictory to his inner thoughts.

    ''''At a ce where I was supposed to meet my daughter''s father. Why?'''' Francis heard her sarcastic reply.

    ''''And where is that ce?'''' Francis chuckled lightly at her engaging reply. He rose up, straight away knocked on the executive assistant door, and went inside. The man stood up, bowing his head.

    ''''Didn''t you say you were not interested in meeting him?'''' He heard Heather''s counter.

    ''''I am sorry, Heather. I should have known better.'''' His contrite voice returned. ''''Please tell me the ce. I don''t want to dy any more in meeting my daughter. And tell me does she know the truth?''''

    ''''''Not yet..She is currently railing up on me...'''' Comined Heather. ''''I am at home. Don''t dy anymore...We are...waiting for you...'''' Francis could sense her throat blocking, stopping her in the mid-away every time she uttered a word.

    ''''I am starting right away.'''' Francis ended the call. He hand gestured his assistant to take care of the meetings and turned his foot to the parking slot. All the way home, he couldn''t help but imagine Leena''s shocked face just like he had a while ago.

    ...

    ''''He ising!'''' Heather''s happiness streaked through her like aet. ''''How did he react to the news when he first saw? Shocked? Fell off the chair?'''' She wanted to witness his shocked yet happy face, but what is the thrill of knowing only of one person''s. There is another time bomb with her.

    ''''Leena,e down.'''' Heather''s quickly called her daughter. Just like Francis, she made Leena undergo the blood test before revealing the truth. As stubborn as Francis, Leena refused to meet her father. Heather had a hard time convincing her, and atst, Leena agreed on the condition��that this would be the first andst meeting with him.

    Heather promptly agreed, knowing that Leena would bite on her words once she saw him.

    Hearing the sound of footsteps, Heather nced up. Her mouth crumpled in a twist, seeing Leena in a loose ck dress that would be worn at funerals.

    ''''What is this dress? I told you to wear something colorful. Are you purposefully doing this to insult the guest?'''' Heather chided. She will regret it in another ten minutes.

    ''''Yes.'''' Leena sat opposite her mother. She grabbed a magazine from the table to pass her time. Talking with her mother is thest thing she wants to do right now. She would start her so-called father''s story, whom she doesn''t recognize. Just because someone has donated sperm, and her mom has to give so much importance to him? What about her Francy?

    He raised me, gave me a perfect life. He has sacrificed his entire life to take care of me.

    She bet even her biological father would never have given the love her Francy has showered on her. Tears were welling in her eyes, but Leena refused to let them down. At least not for that man. Initially, Leena didnot want to meet him, but at thest second, she decided to meet him and show off��show him how happy she is.

    Leena started at the wall clock. ''''When is heing? It''s already twelve-thirty. He was supposed to be here by now. It looks like he has no punctuality along with responsibility,'''' Leena grumbled, which made Heatherugh. In the nick of time, Heather suppressed and put on a serious face and said. ''''He must being_''''

    ''''I had an important meeting with a client. I had to postpone just to meet him.'''' Leena red irritatingly to let her mother know how much ''interest'' she has in meeting this person. How awkward would it be to meet him after twenty-five years? She could already imagine. Like a grumpy kitten, Leena started asking questions. ''''What does he do for a living?''''

    ''''Well, he is a_''''

    ''''What''s his name?''''

    ''''It''s_''''

    ''''Does he have a family?'''' She questioned another.

    ''''He has recently_''''

    ''''Never mind.'''' Leena interrupted her mother again. ''''I am not bothered.''''

    Will you let mepletely answer one question at least, dear daughter? Let''s see if you keep up the same face and momentum once your father arrives.

    ''''Don''t give him a hard time, Leena. He is your...'''' Heather trailed off as she saw Francis just entered home. Her eyes sparkled, and before she could scream, Francis shook his head, diffusely telling her to continue the act.

    Heather nodded.

    Francis stood behind Leena''s chair to listen to their conversation.

    ''''I know you don''t like your father now,'''' Heather started. ''''But if you meet him a couple of times_''''

    ''''No way. I already told you this is the first andst meeting. I never considered him as my father and never will.'''' The rush of adrenaline made her head hard to think. She couldn''t stop her bottled emotions from flowing out. ''''Why do we need him in our life, mom? We are happily living together. You, me, and Francy. I never asked to find my father. That stranger has done nothing to us. It was Francy who has been with us through thick and thin. Can youpare Francy''s love with him? Did you realize how much you are hurting Francy by arranging this secret meeting without telling him?''''

    ''''A secret meeting? This I am not aware of.''''

    Leena jumped out of the sofa in fright at the sudden intrusion. She turned her head. Momentster, she breathed in relief, seeing that it was Francis. ''''Francy..when did youe?'''' Oh no! What a bad time? Does she have to confront that man in front of Francy?

    ''''When you startedining about me,'''' Francis said.

    ''''It was not on you. Why would I ever do that?'''' Leena quickly replied. ''''It''s actually...'''' Leena trailed off. How Do I tell him? She hates to call that man her father.

    ''''But you didin, baby.'''' Heather joined Francis. ''''Were you not whining that your Francy is not punctual, an irresponsible man?'''' Heather slightly hinted at her daughter.

    ''''Hell no. I did it for_'''' Leena trailed off and snapped at her mother in realization.

    ''''Your father is here.'''' Heather gave her a knowing smile. ''''Ask him why he iste.''''

    ''''Francy? My f_ather?'''' Leena asked again for confirmation.

    Heather promptly nodded her head.

    Leena slowly turned her head. Nothing was entering her brain except for her mother''s words that turned her world in seconds. When it finally dawned, Leena nced up at Francis.

    ''''Are you not going to give your father a hug?'''' Francis opened his arms wide, and that''s all it took. Leena ran into his arms.. Words were not enough to express her happiness now.

 Chapter 427 - Kindergarten Kid: Nursery Kid

    Tears uncontrobly poured through Leena''s eyes. Unlike the grievous tears she had before, they were a sign of unspoken happiness this time. The pearl droplets coursed down her cheeks, dampening Francis''s shirt, leaving him in a wave full of emotions.

    She could never imagine any man taking her Francy''s ce, even if it was the so-called biological father, and now she doesn''t need to worry about that anymore.

    He held her little hand and walked alongside her when she learned to walk, protected her from dangers, taught her values, showered her with unconditional love. How can he be so selfless by sacrificing his entire life for a girl of no importance? He doesn''t even know that she was his daughter at that time. She still can''t believe her hero, her Francy is her father.

    Francis gently released himself from the hug and nced at Leena''s face. He could sense her face clouded in happiness. Francis had expected this much reaction, but the blitheness in witnessing it in his daughter''s face was priceless. My Daughter, he repeated the word like a hymn. How does it sound to hear her calling him dad?

    His thoughts suddenly went back to Leena''s childhood. After Leena learned to talk, she started calling him dad because he was always around this bundle of joy. Heather reprimanded several times, but Leena never gave a damn to her words. Francis also didnot correct it. For some reason, he loved it and didnot intended to. But never he thought the little kid''s innocence would bite him back one day. On her fourth birthday, she dragged him and Heather to the table when it was time to cut the cake. Although Heather had divorced Max by then, she still invited him for Leena''s sake. Fortunately, Leenapletely ignored him like he didn''t exist, and that annoyed Max.

    ''I wan cut cake wid mommy, daddy.''She spoke in her usual brokennguage in front of guests. Max, who was already raged, immediately left the party. It further raised suspicion in the guests. While Leena was staring at the colorful barbie cake with a twinkle in her eyes, hoping to cut it soon and devour it, Francis and Heather stood there in embarrassment. The party somehow ended well with his brother''s intervention.

    The next day, Francis harshly reprimanded Leena without realizing the little kid had cried until her eyes burned. She didnot talk to him for three days until he brought her a limited version of Steiff teddy bear. Leena did talk but never called him dad again. She even gave him a new name as she could not roll her tongue over his name correctly. In the end, she cut it short and called him Francy. That''s how the name Francy came into existence.

    Breaking the bitter thoughts of his past, Francis returned to the present. Tables have turned now. His gaze was impossibly kind as he said. ''''Daughter dear. call me dad.'''' He said in a determined tone.

    ''''Dad.'''' Her voice choked with emotions as she gazed into his eyes. ''''Dad,'''' Leena repeated tersely, testing her tongue. Although the word sounded foreign to her tongue, she loved it.

    Francis felt like his life appearedplete today. Like a happy little stone rambling in the lone road, he was bubbling in happiness.

    Heather captured father and daughter sweet moments in her memory without missing a beat. ''''Done with your reunion? Father and daughter together left me alone,'''' Heather said, her voice toned down to aint.

    ''''Mom.'''' Leena pursed her lips into a pout as she held Heather by her arm. ''''I am sorry for yelling at you.''''

    ''''I expected this much from the drama queen.'''' Heather pinched Leena''s nose, her eyes twinkled in mirth. ''''Google should put on an award for thisdrama queen.''''

    ''''So that mother and daughterpete for the top position?'''' Francis teased. Like a picture-perfect family, Heather and Leenapleted, with Francis standing in the middle.

    ''''No worries. Leena will secure the first position,'''' Leena brandished herself without any hesitation.

    Francis and Heather''s shoulders dropped.

    ''''I am sure it''s your narcissistic traits.'''' Heather nced at Francis dubiously.

    ''''You started using me the moment you discovered I am her father?'''' Francis protested. ''''Honestly, it''s your traits. Weren''t you proud of your beauty always?''''

    ''''Me? Not a chance. Although I am a beauty after all.'''' Heather refused as she crossed her arms. ''''It''s yours. Weren''t you proud that girls were swooning after you? There was one woman_''''

    ''''Stop both of you!'''' Leena interrupted, standing in between them. She doesn''t understand why people call her a narcissist all the time. All in all, she is tired of exining that she is better than everyone else. ''''Let''s have lunch. I am hungry.'''' She added angrily.

    ''''I am sorry, baby,'''' Heather said. ''''Call Devin. Let''s have a family lunch here.'''' What Heather forgot to witness was someone''s gloomy face at the mention of Devin.

    Speaking of Devin, Leena was excited to tell the newly discovered truth. ''''Thanks for reminding mom. I will do it right...'''' And before that, Francis grabbed the mobile from Leena''s hands.

    ''''I have to call_''''

    ''''WD is very far.'''' Francis started by interrupting. ''''It takes an hour to reach here. Considering the hectic traffic, it might take an additional half-n hour. Lunch takes an hour. Why bother him? He could do something productive instead of wasting four hours. We can three eat lunch together today.'''' Francis exined. He is not allowing that brute to spoil his happy day.

    ''''WD is not that far. It takes only half-n an hour to reach here.'''' Heather retorted, clearly seeing through Francis''s n. ''''Considering that it''s not peak hour, it hardly takes twenty minutes to reach here. Eating food is also productive work.''''

    Leena stood there watching her dad''s face twisted like a crumpled newspaper. She could foresee the senior elephant and the junior elephant''s drama going to start soon.

    ''''I have been observing youtely, Francis,'''' Heather added. ''''Your jealousy is reaching Everest. Keep it limited.'''' Heather gave him a pointed look before she snatched the mobile from his hands and gave it to Leena. ''''Call him, Leena.''''

    ''''He started first,'''' Francis grumbled as he went to the dining hall. ''''You don''t know about that brute.''''

    ''''I can hear you.'''' Heather followed after him.

    ''''Lunch is not going to end well today.'''' Leena thought of sharing the news with Devin over the call but held back to see his shocking expression. Exactly fifteen minutester after the call, Devin arrived at Heacis. His frown deepened, looking at Leena.

    ''''What''s this funeral dress?'''' Devin asked as he saw Leena in a ridiculous ck loose dress. She looks like a modern Grim Reaper, except that there is no scythe in her hands. She even pinned a silly synthetic flower on the left side of her dress. Knowing about her craziness, it was not a great surprise to Devin.

    ''''I will tell you the storyter.'''' Leena smiled sheepishly, looking innocent. She dressed up like the death of haunted folklore to create a negative impact on her father, but it backfired on her in the end when she learned the truth.

    ''''Hey, Devin.'''' Heather greeted him. ''''You are pretty fast in arriving. Did you exceed the speed limit?''''

    ''''Hey, mom-ish.'''' Devin greeted Heather cheerfully. ''''To answer your_''''

    ''''To answer yourst question,'''' Leena contributed to rifying. ''''Don''t worry, ma. Devin is a racer.''''

    ''''Is there a rule that racers are ostracized from following the traffic rules?'''' Francis questioned, his gaze serious.

    ''''Look who is talking about traffic rules.'''' Devin taunted. ''''If I remember correctly, you snubbed it during our racing to overtake me.''''

    ''''You both went racing?''''

    ''''We did once, and that was thest.'''' Devin had a teasing smile as he looked at the grumpy man. ''''Too bad you lost, isn''t it, France?''''

    ''''That''s because you cheated at thest second.''''

    ''''Cheaters don''t think cheating is wrong until they get cheated on.'''' Devin retorted.

    ''''It was a small mistake. But you_''''

    ''''Then what I did was negligible.''''

    ''''Negligible my_''''

    ''''Stop both of you.'''' Their bickering continued until Leena and Heather have to intervene.

    ''''You are behaving like a Kindergarten kid, Devin.'''' Heather scolded.

    ''''Thanks to you, Heather. I was about to tell the same thing.'''' Francisughed, ridiculing Devin. ''''He is_''''

    ''''And you are no better, Francis." Heather added. ''''You are worse than a nursery kid. Better you go back to the yschool.''''

    Francis attention went to Devin straight away.. He could see the corner of Devin''s mouth twitch in a mocking grin.

 Chapter 428 - CarrotArmy#

    The supposed happy lunch turned into chaos, with the two kindergarten adults fighting like cats and dogs for nothing. Leena, in her imagination, assumed Francis and Devin as goats in a ring, locking horns in a fight to find who was the strongest. It was good that Devin and Francis didnot hear her inner thoughts.

    ''''Devin,'''' Leena called him, bringing his attention from the brandy fights. With his focus entirely on her, Leena started in excitement. ''''I have discovered a secret, a secret buried for two decades. It''s going to leave your jaw drop to the floor.''''

    Rather than hearing the secret, Devin was more interested in Leena''s cute facial reactions. Her hands red open, her eyes went wide, and her voice elevated to an exaggeration, precisely to say, it was akin to a director exining a horror movie story to the actor.

    Leaning forward, Devin stared into Leena''s eyes for a good time. ''''What is that jaw-dropping floor secret?'''' His voice dropped to a whisper, creating a horror movie effect on her.

    ''''Back off, Devin.'''' Francis butted in, his voiceced in anger. ''''You are scaring my baby.''''

    Heather sighed. He started again.

    Devin exhaled a deep breath before moving back to his position. What''s with this old mantely. He is turning into a Monday of his life. Toozy to start another argument with him, Devin turned to Leena, his voice dedicatedly sweet to her as he spoke. ''''''What is the secret?''''

    Leena nced at Francis for his permission. Francis proudly nodded his head to go ahead and reveal the truth.

    ''''Brace yourself to hear the truth.'''' Taking a deep breath, Leena shouted. ''''I found my biological father. It''s none other than my Francy!''''

    Leena and Francis glued their eyes at Devin, expecting a surprised scream of ''what did you say!'' or a shocked cry of ''I can''t believe this,'' but instead, father and daughter were surprised by his calmness.

    ''''What''s with your reaction? Aren''t you surprised?'''' Is this what they call expectation VS reality?

    ''''Hmmm..not really.'''' Replied Devin, habitually cing the veggies onto Leena''s te. ''''I doubted from the day I got to know Max is not your father.'''' He remembered Leena talked about this when he was in the hospital.

    ''''But how did you know it''s me?'''' Francis asked.

    ''''Although Leena doesn''t look like you...I am d she inherited Aunt Heather''s features.'''' Devin paused and nced at Heather at first. She gave a thumbs-up gesture and mouthed a ''thank you''. He then turned to Francis. He was amused to see Francis''s face twisted like an angry google emoji. Suppressing his chuckle, he added. ''''I do find simrities in the way you both react.''''

    ''''What is that?'''' It was Heather''s turn to ask.

    ''''What kind of reaction?'''' Leena asked. ''''I never gave a thought about it.''''

    ''''Anyway, it''s confirmed,'''' Devin added, lookingzily at Francis. ''''Do I have to list them_''''

    ''''Yes!'''' Francis said, determined. Leena and Heather joined him after.

    These three! Their surname should have been brain-eaters instead of Hayes. But Devin didnot voice his thoughts. Instead of listing them, Devin cross-questioned. ''''Can you tolerate spicy foods and Drinks?''''

    Francis and Leena shook their heads. Indeed, they crave spicy foods, but their digestive system is weak to ingest.

    ''''Weak stomach, metabolism..mouth blisters...this should suffice. Don''t ask me anymore.''''

    ''''That''s true,'''' Heather bellowed. ''''Now that I think about it, Francis and Leena are sensitive to food.'''' If she had not seen the pictures, she would have guessed it long back. ''''I should have thought about it seriously.''''

    What a discovery, mother-inw. ''''I will be happy if you three spare me to eat.''''

    Atst, the three left poor Devin. Post lunch, Devin shoved Leena into her bedroom to make her change the Reaper dress. Although Leena wanted to wear this to the home, Devin''s answer was no. Reluctantly, she changed before going home.

    ''''I have enrolled Carrot''s name in a pet show.'''' Leena stepped out of the car after reaching home. ''''The show is happening this weekend��Reese, Jane, Aunt Jpeno, Nick, Adney, Harley, Kyle will all join in the big-league event to cheer Carrot.''''

    ''''Just for a dog show, you are taking an army?'''' Lifting her hands, Devin nted a small kiss on her knuckles. He loves this spot. ''''I am noting. I look like pick the odd one out in the group.''''

    ''''I never asked you toe. It''s FYI.'''' Leena kissed his cheek in return. ''''Off you go now. It''ste.''''

    ''''Alright, darling'''' Before leaving, he stole a kiss on her lips.

    ''''Kiss thief.'''' Leena smiled, watching the car departing out of the gate. Since she is on leave, Leena decided to take Carrot to a local club to build her confidence for the event.

    ...

    Carrot practiced gaiting, hand stacking, free stacking to give her best in thepetition. Days passed. The big-league day has finally arrived. Her friends appeared in front of her house in the morning itself to get ready.

    With Devin''s nagging protocols he ordered her to follow, the frustratedLeena kicked him out of the house. Since it was the weekend, with nothing to do, he went to meet his friends.

    Nick had to switch to Limousine to fit this batallion in one car. With the army''s blessings, Carrot confidently climbed the Limousine to win thepetition. An hourter, they arrived at the Ryok town hall where the show was happening.

    ''''Carrot, are you ready?'''' Leena asked as she smoothened Carrot''s hair.

    Carrot nced around. The ce looked like a festival with her fellow friends bustling here and there. A man was making his dog practice the ramp walk. Another woman was teaching gaiting to her dog. All her fellow friends were doing well in practice which scared her. Although Leena prepared her, Carrot''s confidant was downing seeing the crowd.

    Noticing her spirit going down, Leena dropped to squat. ''''Don''t panic, Carrot. You will do fine. We are all with you.''''

    ''''We are all with you, Carrot.'''' The rest others joined to boost Carrot''s spirits.

    ''''All the bes Taddot.'''' Cutie patted her friend. ''''Make Tootie poud of you.''''

    Carrot tilted her head, wagging its tail in response.

    ''''Carrot, buddy! We need to win this show.'''' Adney ruffled Carrot''s hair, which Leena neatly smoothened a minute ago.

    Leena hit Adney''s elbow. ''''Don''t spoil her hair.''''

    ''''Don''t spoil her hair.'''' Nick and Adney mimicked, which earned a furious re from Leena. Happiness is teasing Leena. It heightened Nick''s and Adney''s happiness in seconds.

    ''''CarrotArmy,'''' Andey shouted, switching the video to selfie mode. ''''On the count of three, say hail to CarrotArmy.''''

    ''''Yes!''''

    ''''One, two, three....''''

    ''''Hail to CarrotArmy!'''' Shouts reverbarated in the air. The onlookers who havee to watch the show were surprised to see a luxurious Limousine just to cheer the dog.

    Adney immediately posted the video on his Instagram by tagging everybody present here. Reese, Kyle, Jane opened their ounts to see if the video came perfect as they envisioned.

    ''''Guys, we are gettingte for the show. You can see the videoster. Come on.'''' Leena held Carrot''s leash and guided the nervous Carrot into the town hall. The rest followed Leena after.

    ''''I will get the ID''s first.'''' Leena and Carrot went to the counter to collect the ID for Carrot, while others straight away headed to the audience division to grab their seats.

    Right after collecting the ID, Leena proceeded towards the stage, and on her way, she felt something hard pressed to her foot. She halted and stepped aside. Carrot picked it up with her mouth and handed it to Leena. She flipped it and read the name written on it. ''''Isabe Collin.''''

    ''''It''s me.'''' Leena heard a voice from behind.

    Leena turned around. A man holding the leash of a Shitzu dog looked up at Leena. A girl''s name for a man? She thought.

    ''''Isabe Collin is my boss''s name_''''The man suddenly froze in the middle of his words. His face was glued to Leena''s face.

    ''''Excuse me.'''' Leena waved the ID in front of the man''s eyes. ''''Is this your ID?''''

    ''''Y_es. I am sorry_''''

    Just then, the announcement of the show started. Leena quickly passed him the ID and rushed towards the stage along with Carrot.

    He scanned the crowd to see her face, but she blended into the crowd already. ''''Is she the one?'''' With the pouring rain and bruises on her body, he could not see her face properly.. But he has an inkling that it''s her.

 Chapter 429 - No Point Of Repair

    The organizer took the participant''s attendance, and the show began. As an introductory event, the contestants did a ramp walk with their owners. Most of the participants just did a routine walk on the stage with their pups and dogs. Carrot was counting time, as in thinking when the organizer would call her name. ''''Don''t panic. Give your best,'''' Leena said, and in time, the organizer announced Carrot''s name.

    ''''A Golden retriever...Hailing from nowhere...rescued from a street when she was a month old. Her name is Carrot!'''' The organizer''s voice reverberated to every corner of the audience. ''''Guess the owner of the little one?'''' He right away nced at the group, who were ready to scream the name. ''''Carrot supporters, you are restrained from answering.''''

    Nick and the group sighed in defeat.

    ''''Anybody knows_''''

    ''''It''s Leena!'''' Someone out there in the crowd screamed.

    ''''Leena Hayes.'''' Another one screamed.

    ''''Well..well..our audience are quite fast.'''' The organizer whooped in delight. ''''Let''s join our hands and wee Carrot and Leena onto the stage.''''

    In contrast to the normal walk that others did, strutting on her heels, Leena entered the stage like a predator down the runway with an attitude. Decked in a crop top and jeans, she was ying the hearts. The olive-colored jacket she earlier wore was loosely shrobed over her shoulders, revealing a part of her thin waist. Her hips and arms were swinging in dance to the rythm of the music. Meanwhile, Carrot walked on her knees, arching her paws like how Leena taught her at home. The duo stole the hearts of the audience.

    ''''They look so cute together!'''' Kyle threw a flying kiss to Leena and Carrot.

    ''''Look at her showing off.'''' Reese stared at Leena with envy-filled eyes. ''''Is this the reason she didnot allow Devin to be part of the show?''''

    ''''Why don''t you tell that you are jealous of the dress Leena is wearing?'''' Jane giggled, cing an arm around her friend''s neck. ''''I know you have been eyeing on that jacket ever since Leena brought it.''''

    Reese nicked off Jane''s hand in anger. She fell in love with the jacket the moment her eyesid on it. The first thing that entered Reese''s mind was to go on a date with Andrew wearing that outfit. It was a limited one-piece edition, and the shopaholic had grabbed it already. Reese literally begged Leena to lend the dress, and she was also ready to pay the original price, but that shopaholic had turned her back, and in turn, set a triple price. ''''I will pass this video to Devin.'''' Reese video-shooted Leena in case she needed to ckmail her in the future.

    ''''Careful with her, Reese,'''' Nick replied before turning back his attention to the stage.

    ''''A big round of apuse to Carrot and Leena for this stunning entry.'''' The organizer cheered and then turned to Leena. ''''Thanks for epting the invitation without a second thought. We are overwhelmed to see you here, Leena.''''

    ''''Pleasure is mine.'''' Leena was in all smiles as she spoke. With immense support from the audience, Carrot gained her confidence.

    The show began. In the first round, Carrot secured second ce. Shih Tzu dog they encountered at the counter secured the first position. The second round was more challenging than the first. It was agility training. Leena had double work as Carrot jumped over the barriers, weaved cones, and limped the h hoop leaping. Keep her pace with Carrot, and guide her to finish the task. By the time the third round ended, Shih Tzu dog and Carrotpleted the task within the same duration.

    ''''Damn it!'''' Aggravatedly, Nick pped his thigh as he took a look over the winner board.

    ''''Nick, bro! You pped my thigh.'''' Nick cried as he rubbed his stinging thigh.

    ''''Not a big deal.'''' Nick glued his eyes at the winner board, anticipating a miracle to happen, not once fretting over Adney''s cries.

    ''''Come on, Taddot.'''' Cutie pouted. ''''You are superman.''''

    ''''On the winner board, Zoe stands first, followed by Carrot securing the second position.'''' Upon hearing the announcement, Carrot and Leena destely nced at each other. The woman holding the Shih Tzu grinned widely.

    ''''But..but...we have another announcement'''' With all the attention focused on him, the judge said. ''''This is the result of only two rounds. We haven''t yet clubbed the third-round scores.''''

    ''''There is a third-round?''''

    ''''Yes. The ramp walk.''''

    Leena''s hopes raised again.

    ''''With that being said, let''s look at the winner board again.'''' The judge said over the mike. In the nick of time, the winner board transformed. Carrot''s name stood at the top.

    ''''Yes!'''' Nick pped Adney''s thigh.

    ''''You Donkey.'''' Adney got up and shifted his position.

    ''''Carrot, you won.'''' Leena hollered in tion. Carrot jumped onto Leena feeling exhration. Cheers erupted in the crowd.

    Meanwhile, a man fixed his eyes at Leena without taking his eyes off her. A couple of minutester, he snapped when he heard his friend addressing him from behind.

    ''''She is beautiful, isn''t it, Noel?''''

    ''''No. I mean yes...''''

    ''''She is married, man. Her husband wille for your throat.''''

    ''''No..no..That''s not the reason I am looking at her.'''' Noel addressed his friend.

    ''''Then?''''

    ''''I find her familiar....''''

    ''''Of course, she is. She is a celebrity, after all. Let''s go already. Our boss is not happy that Zoe lost the game.''''

    Noel nodded. He looked at Leena''s face for onest time, and turned to leave. Hundreds of questions swirled his mind. If she is the same girl, how did she survive the injuries? Blood was oozing from her flesh wounds. There were parts in her body where her flesh was brutally torn to the point that the outer part of the bones was exposed. Her body would be a feast to the vultures if it was a forest. With just one look at her, he knew her body was injured to the point of no repair.

    Although they reached the hospital in time, he suspected she would not live longer. But he didnot voice his inner thoughts to his boss. His head would hang on top of the hospital tower.

    If she is the same girl, is she married to my ex-boss or some other? Noel wondered.

 Chapter 430 - Sketch

    Ruth woke up early in the morning, had her breakfast, and went back to her room. She refused to see any visitors, especially her husband and daughter. Leaning her head on the wall, Ruth closed her eyes, thinking of her friend. ''''Are you alive? I wish to see you once, William.'''' She knows this is her end. Never will she be able to step out of this prison. She wondered why Devin and Francis chose to hide her identity. Had they exposed her, it would be nothing but a death sentence. Why didn''t they expose?

    In between her thoughts, the prison officer rapped the iron bars creating a rythm with his staff. ''''A visitor for you.''''

    ''''Tell them I am not interested,'''' Coarsely, Ruth told him.She is tired of hearing her husband''s emotional drama and her daughter''s cries.

    ''''It''s not your husband and daughter this time.'''' The officer curtly added. ''''Come on. I will drag you by force even If I have to.''''

    Grumbling to herself, Ruth rose to her feet with the support of the wall. Old age perils, she mused bitterly. The officer secured the shackles on her arms for safety. Ruth followed the prison officer and walked along with him. He led her into a private room and then closed the door from outside.

    Her eyes went wide in surprise, seeing the frame sitting on the chair. Devin? Why is he here? ''''Why did youe here?'''' Ruth demanded.

    ''''To check if you have increased your weight.'''' Ruth could feel the amusement dancing in his eyes.

    ''''I don''t have time for your jokes.'''' Ruth turned to the door, pulled it forcefully, but it wouldn''t open.

    ''''Don''t waste your energy.'''' Lazinessced to the edge of his tone. ''''Come, and sit. The door opens on mymand.''''

    Just likest time, she was helpless again. Rosalie sat on the opposite chair. ''''Look, Devin, I am not sure why you havee. But I have nothing to give you.''''

    ''''I know..'''' Devin agreed crisply. ''''But I have something to give you.'''' He unlocked his mobile and showcased a picture in front of her eyes. ''''Can you recognize him?''''

    Ruth stared at the picture for a couple of seconds. The eyes look familiar. A good-looking young man, other than that, she hadn''t seen him anywhere. Ruth shook her head in response. ''''Who is this?''''

    ''''Arsen Lennox, your son.''''

    ''''What!'''' Ruth tried to grab the mobile, but Devin locked it spontaneously.

    ''''My_son is alive..it can''t be..he died in the fire ident.'''' Ruth tried to feed her brain of the truth. She remembered Devin talked something secret about her son when Leena was under the barrel. Ruth spected he wanted to distract her from saving Leena. Devin had a point at that time, but why would he lie now? ''''I don''t understand.''''

    ''''Your husband''s mistress and son turned up on the night fire ident happened. A fight urred between your son and husband before the house caught in the fire. I don''t need to tell the rest of the story.''''

    ''''My son did it,'''' Rosalie concluded. Tears rolled down her cheeks. His son hated his father because of the torture he used to impose on her.

    ''''For your information, your son has been searching for you ever since the ident happened. You have been staring at the closed door for too long. You have missed the opened window.''''

    Ruth couldn''t hold the heartbreak any longer. Was her life full of revenge a lie? ''Your son is searching for you.'' The words prickled her heart. Was her revenge the price she paid to lose his son? Had she investigated the fire ident instead of the revenge, would she have found Enger, and lived happily? So this is the reason Devin did not expose her identity. Her son will know where she is. He might have killed her rather than throwing her into this prison.

    ''''Why are you telling me this? Is it your revenge for hurting Leena?'''' She quietly asked. Knowing that her son is outside, her heart earned to find him. Devin raised her hope, and took it back in the next second. The most dangerous man she had ever seen.

    ''''Revenge sounds mean.'''' Devin got up. Buttoning his suit jacket, he added. ''''I prefer to call it returning the favor. Goodbye. I hope we never meet each other again.''''

    Shedding each hope like leaves of a nt until left with no purpose is what Devin did to her. Ruth copsed on to the floor, tears running down her eyes uncontrobly.

    ....

    After the short visit to the prison, Devin drove to the office, remembering the sweet argument he had in the morning. After his marriage, Devin learned silence is the best way to win an argument. Morning Leena wore a dress and asked for apliment. Casually he replied, ''the dress looks pretty on you.'' instead of ''You look pretty in the dress.'' And that''s the biggest mistake he made.

    Back to the present, Devin shook his head and went back to his work. With back-to-back meetings, he freed himself during lunch hour to call Leena to irritate her. There were fifteen missed calls on his personal mobile from the same number. ''''Doctor Walter.'''' Devin immediately called back. The call got connected in two rings. ''''I was busy with meetings. What''s the matter?'''' He came straight away to the point.

    ''''Well...I found him..'''' Doctor Walter added. ''''The one who saved Leena.''''

    ''''That''s wonderful. Who witnessed?''''

    ''''A middle-ageddy. I personally visited each patient I shortlisted and exined the situation to them. Many there heard of an injured girl, but they hadn''t seen the person who brought her to the hospital except one.''''

    ''''You sure she is genuine?''''

    ''''I made sure it remained secret. Her name is Sophie. She injured her leg while traveling to present her piece for an art gallery.''''

    ''''Sophie was on thewn when a man brought a girl who was barely breathing. She had witnessed everything that happened from the time he brought Leena.'''' Doctor Walter continued. ''''Since she is an artist, I asked if she could sketch if she remembers his face. That would make our task easier. The answer she gave was, ''I can never forget his face in my life. His heartbroken cries shook my heart.'' ''''

    ''''Did you see the picture?'''' His curiosity piqued.

    ''''No. I will let you decide from here. I have given her your mail ID, and I suppose you must have got the email notification by now.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Devin genuinely thanked him. ''''Let me go through the picture. I will call youter.''''

    ''''Alright.''''

    Devin ended the call. He opened the mailbox and found an email addressed from [emailprotected]</a> Nervously, Devin read the content of the mail she had written before clicking on the attached picture. A beautiful sketch of a man''s silhouette leaned against the wall, a big teardrop on his cheek portraying his emotional agony.

    The mobile fell off his hands.. Devin felt like his heart stopped beating seeing the picture.

 Chapter 431 - Nailbiting Truth

    Devin''s hands trembled as he picked the mobile from the floor. Nothing but his own heartbeat echoed into his ears. He closed the picture, weening that it was his mind ying tricks on him, and after he opened the picture again, he would see a different face. Yet every time he does that, his heart beats faster and faster because the sketch of a silhouette leaning against the wall was none other than him.

    ''''How did I be Leena''s savior without I am aware of?'''' Devin closed his eyes for a short while, but the pounding heartbeat intensified. After ending Walter''s call, he thought of several ways to catch hold of that mysterious guy. In a cruel twist of fate, he got a thunderbolt surprise when he saw his own picture here.

    He tried to convince his brain by telling that saving Leena was a mere coincidence. But the teardrops on the sketch? Why would he cry? Unless he knows her very well.

    ''''Is it my lost memories?'''' He still has no exnation for it.

    ording to Doctor Walter''s investigation, the driver was there with him as well. What an irony of life? He is learning about himself through other sources.

    ''''Leena''s ident happened five years ago...so the driver during the time..'''' Devin''s voice trailed off at the realization. He hastily marched out of his office room and barged into Harley''s office without knocking on the door. ''''Harley_''''

    ''''You might be the CEO,'''' Harley addressed Devin without lifting her eyes, knowing that no one would dare to barge into the room without knocking on the door. ''''But I would suggest you follow the ethics.''''

    Ignoring her nonsense, Devin quickly said. ''''I will give you an hour. Find Noel, and bring him to my office.''''

    ''''Noel?'''' Harley lifted her eyes off the file to look at her weird brother. ''''Isn''t he your previous driver?''''

    ''''Yes_''''

    ''''What business you have got with him?'''' Harley interrupted him again rather seriously. She wondered if a demon had possessed her brother''s body after the ident. He orders her to investigate random people at random times, just like now.

    ''''Your time is ticking. Bring him fast'''' Devin turned back and went off.

    ''''Weirdo,'''' Harley muttered. A sigh escaped from her lips. ''''Where are you, Noel!'''' What if he is in a different city? No..no.. Let''s be positive, Harley. She nodded in determination.

    Meanwhile, Devin restlessly tapped his foot on the floor, his eyes drifted from the wall clock to the closed door. One hour seemed like an eon to him. His heart palpitated like an insomnia patient. Several thoughts and assumptions swirled across his brain, but he didn''t want to jump to conclusions.

    While he was in thoughts, he heard the sound of a door opening. His eyes immediately snapped to the door. Harley entered, followed by a man behind. ''''Noel is here.'''' Harley said, stepping aside.

    ''''Hello, sir.'''' Noel greeted him nervously. He was d that he managed to speak without stuttering in front of Devin. Noel thought of him just two days back, and he is now standing in front of his ex-boss. Why did he call him here? Is it because he had stared at the girl in the dog show, and he called him to punish her? Noel swallowed hard.

    Sensing it was personal, Harley went off, closing the door behind.

    ''''Sit.'''' At Devin''smand, Noel sat on the chair, his muscles stiff in fear.

    ''''Sir, you called me for?'''' Noel''s politeness didnot wear off, despite being an ex-employee of Devin.

    ''''You remember the ident that happened in Seattle five years back?'''' Devin questioned, propelling his elbows on the table.

    ''''Y_es.'''' Noel nodded his head in uncertainty, not understanding why he asked about it.

    ''''Can you describe what exactly happened on that night?''''

    ''''Pardon, sir?'''' Noel stared at Devin like he had gone insane.

    ''''I mean it.'''' Although he might sound weird to Noel, Devin doesn''t have a choice except to rely on sources for his lost memories. ''''What happened on that night?''''

    ''''Ummm..Late in the afternoon, I drove you back to the hotel after the business meeting ended. You were supposed to meet a friend in the evening, but you didnot go. It was during at night..I don''t remember the exact time. You asked me to drive you to Capsolen cliff suddenly. The city was pouring heavily on that night. So, it took us four hours to reach the ce. I stayed in the car at yourmand. Three hourster, you arrived carrying an injured girl in your arms.'''' Noel exined the struggles they had to find the hospital and theter incidents.

    Devin''s throat constricted, making him difficult to swallow. How much did she suffer? He was the one who saved her, but he doesn''t remember a thing about his past with Leena. ''''Can you recognize her if I show you a picture of her?''''

    ''''I will try, sir.'''' It''s confirmed to Noel. His ex-boss has gone insane.

    Devin opened the gallery and showed one of Leena''s simple pictures to noel. ''''Is it her?''''

    ''''Exactly. She is the one.'''' Now it''s confirmed. It''s the same barbie beauty he had seen in the pet show. How could he forget a woman he had seen a couple of days back?

    ''''Thanks. You may go,'''' Devin replied. ''''Meet Harley before you leave.''''

    dly, Noel thought. He bowed his head and left the room.

    Devin still can''t believe this truth. His soul took flight. No word of happiness left. He wanted to tell the truth right away, but not until he found the reason for his memories.

    ''''Why did Morvena do that?'''' Devin backtracked every event that took ce after meeting Leena. Three months back, Enger entered Leena''s life, iming himself as her savior and mysterious friend as well. But recently, Leena concluded he was not her friend. So, the friend is...

    Without waiting a second, Devin called Adney. As if the mobile was in handy, Adney picked up before it even rang fully.

    ''''Adney.'''' Devin parallelly texted a number to his mobile. ''''I texted you a number. The current owner of this number is Enger Cassius Lennox. Can you trace if the SIM has a previous owner?''''

    ''''''Hold on, bro. Let me switch on myp.'''' Adney quickly opened thep. He entered the number in a link and ran a suite. In less than two minutes, the address was disyed on the ck screen. ''''Ummm..strange..the previous owner is you, and the address is our home address. Do you use another number?''''

    ''''I will talk to youter, Adney.'''' Devin hung up. That''s it! As he guessed. He is the mysterious friend of Leena, which Devin is yet to digest.

    Five years back, after the ident, Enger joined hands with Morvena and erased his memories. It was a win-win situation for both. So, it was Enger who had a deal with Morvena. Later Enger stole his mobile. He read the conversations. He pretended to be Leena''s friend to be close to Leena. The theory fits perfectly. One thing that didnot sit with Devin was how he allowed these stupids to mess with his brain?

    Little did Devin know, the theory he reasoned and assumed would soon prove him wrong and blow him with a nail-biting truth that happened years back.

 Chapter 432 - Dig Up

    After ending the monitoring session of a new employee''s ss, Leena strode into her room. Not before she rxed for a couple of minutes, Reese barged inside without knocking on the door. ''''Leena!''''

    Reese''s voice was so loud that Leena woke up with a start. ''''Reese, I told you not to disturb when I am resting,''''

    ''''Devin is here. He hase inside the office directly.'''' Reese raced towards her friend. ''''Also, he is talking with Mandy...it''s more like browbeating her. Mandy is shitting bricks over there.''''

    ''''Mandy?'''' Leena rose from the chair in surprise. Often Devin would drop her at the office gate but never step into her office, reasoning that her office has full of girls.

    ''''Why did hee?'''' Leena questioned herself. She fought with him over a dress in the morning. Did hee here to console her? Without wasting a second, Leena dashed out, followed by Reese. Few steps away, she found Devin standing in front of Mandy''s desk. Meanwhile, Mandy stood there, gazing onto the floor destely.

    ''''I have proof that it''s you.'''' Leena heard Devin''s cold tone directed at Mandy.

    ''''Ca_n you..give me a chance.'''' Mandy slowly lifted her head. She swallowed hard as she gazed into Devin''s intense eyes. ''''I will stop bitching. I promise.''''

    ''''You told the same thing when west met.''''

    Mandy pursed her lips. Did I tell him that? Why does this devil target me all the time? When ites to that witch''s matters, her tongue loses control.

    Meanwhile, Leena quickly scanned the room. The employee''s gaze heartened at Devin like he was a rare candy brought from the store. That was enough to instigate her jealousy.

    ''''There is no drama y going on here. Get back to work.'''' In a matter of seconds, the employees ran to their desks.

    Devin snapped to his left, hearing the shrill voice of his Sweetheart. He gazed at Leena with longing, like he had seen her after a long time. Not as Devin this time, but as her mysterious friend, as the stranger who saved her.

    ''''What are you doing at my office?'''' She smiled mischievously in a way that her smile pierced his heart.

    ''''Am I not allowed here?'''' Conutered Devin, a glint of a smile in his eyes.

    He crossed the distance between them and pulled Leena close to him possessively. The employees around them gasped silently, watching their PDA.

    ''''Why are you targeting Mandy?'''' Holding his hand, Leena led him into her office room before he attempts to do something naughty in front of her employees. ''''You are harassing my employee_''''

    The second the door was closed shut, Leena''s back was pushed against the door, causing her to stop in the mid-sentence. Closing the small space between them, he leaned forward, crashing his lips against hers. His light kisses turned into more erotic in a way Leena had no choice but to open her mouth and inhale his sweet breath.

    ''''Leena.'''' He breathed in. ''''I missed you.'''' He told her in between frenzied kisses down her neck. ''''I missed you every day, every second. It hurts like hell being away from you.''''

    Confusion flooded Leena''s brain, drowning her in doubts. He was talking as if he had not seen her for months and years.

    She hadn''t seriously fought with him fought for months. The morning fight was just a silly one to fool with him. What has gotten into him to speak so emotionally? She doesn''t want to hurt him by asking the reason. In the end, she said. ''''I missed you too.'''' And hugged him.

    Silly girl, Devin spoke under his breath, his arms tightening around her in a secure hug. If only she knew what he meant by ''I missed you.'' ''''Can I ask you a question, Sweetheart? Will you answer it genuinely?''''

    Unbridling herself from the hug, Leena nced up. ''''You are acting strange today. Did something happen in the office?''''

    ''''Did you ever had feelings for your mystery friend?'''' He questioned rather than answering her. Although he can''t recall his memories of her, he is very much intrigued to know Leena''s opinion of him back then.

    The sudden question blew Leena''s mind. ''''Of course not. He is my friend, and nothing more. You are my only love.'''' Their friendship was a symbol of pureness. Her world revolved aroundputers and making money, and after the ident, she loathed men to consider dating until Devin happened.

    If he remembers correctly, Leena once told she met her friend during a fashion event. It was when she was a first year student. Four fucking years and he could not make her fall for him? Was this narcissist too hard to please? Devin vouched for the option considering the rough days she gave him before epting his love. Getting those thoughts out of his mind, he focused on another question that pooped into his brain. ''''What kind of person was your friend? Was he nice to you? or was he a pervert?''''

    ''''Hell no.'''' Leena stopped him from thinking otherwise. ''''He is very decent. Most of the time, we y games or talk about some fun stuff. That''s all.''''

    No wonder the rtionship moved at a snail''s pace. Those games must be something like cake-making, ice cream making. ''''What else you both talk?'''' He curiously asked.

    ''''I don''t understand why you desperately want to know about him,'''' Leena shouted after him. ''''Don''t you hate him?'''' She still remembered Devin deleted his number from her mobile andter ordered her to crack Avogadro''s number out of jealousy.

    ''''That''s because..'''' Devin trailed off. The truth was almost at the tip of his tongue but held back in thest second. Until he gains his memoriespletely, he will keep them a secret from Leena. ''''Anyway, tell me more about him.''''

    ''''Later..I have a meeting with the client in another half-n hour.''''

    ''''Are you kicking me out?''''

    ''''Any doubt?'''' Leena unlocked the door.

    ''''Monster you are!'''' Devin dragged Leena along with him. ''''At least see me out.''''

    ''''Yes, Mr. spoiled brat.'''' Leena giggled as he went along with him.

    As Devin walked past Mandy''s desk, she covered her face with a book. ''''He is a devilnded on this earth to feed on an innocent human like me."

    After Leena went inside the office, Devin drove to the city''s far end without going to the office. The car took a left turn connected to the main road and progressed down the shallow road before screeching it to stop in front of groves. He stepped out of the car and walked into the woods, crossing the tall eucalyptus trees. The sound of chirping birds, whispering wind of the leaves intensified. The dry leaves crunched with every step he took. A whileter, he halted his footsteps when he found a man sitting on a wood log. ''''Weren''t we supposed to meet at the hospital? Why did you ask me toe to a forest?'''' Devin asked.

    ''''The more people walk on the same path in a forest, the path bes easier to follow. The same thing happens with the brain. The more you think about something in a calm ce, the easier for you to recall the rted feelings of that associated memory.'''' Doctor Walter nced up.. ''''Let''s dig up your memories from here.''''

 Chapter 433 - The Price

    Countless doctors he approached, but none could detect a mishap in his brain. He neither suffered an ident nor has a damaged brain to lose memories. Every doctor would tell him it''s just a stress factor and advise a big medication list. But he knew those were baseless, and there was something off with him. Cluelessly, he searched for the reason until his paths identally crossed with the memory thief. There he learned the truth. She deliberately operated on him on someone''s orders.

    He promised Leena not to look for his memories when the blondie returned to Russia by creating a big misunderstanding between them, and he kept that promise intact. But knowing that it''s Leena whom he has forgotten, he made up his mind to regain his memories, even if ites with a price.

    Back to the present, Devin stared at Walter''s empty hands. ''''You are going to bring back my memories without using medical equipment and medications?'''' When he investigated doctor Walter''s bio, Devin figured out he has been researching memory disorders. He wished at least he could help him in solving the mystery.

    ''''Memories don''t deal with medications, Devin. It''s a false trope many assume.'''' Walter said. ''''When did you had an ident? It''s a surprise that there is no news spread to the public. How did it happen?''''

    ''''Five years back...It was time when I went racing with a friend. It was a minor ident, so not a big deal..but I forgot memories of about six months. I get a trigger when I see the subject''s genesis rted to my past. I wanted to know if there is something important that happened in the six months.'''' Devin lied. Telling him that he has lost memories of one person without an ident would be the most bizarre thing.

    ''''I got it.'''' Walter nodded as he lifted Devin''s left arm. ''''Close your eyes. We will start our first session."

    "How many sessions before I gain my memories?"

    "I can''t assure you the number."

    ''''Are you doing hypnotherapy?'''' Devin questioned, eyes still open. ''''I mean..you are not a psychologist.''''

    ''''''Is there a rule that neurologists shouldn''t learn hypnosis?'''' Walter extended Devin''s left arm to feel for his pulse. ''''My grandfather was a famous hypnotherapist. He taught me a little, and I practiced it through books. If you are still in doubt, rest assured. You are my nine hundred and tenth patient.''''

    ''''Now I trust in you.'''' Admitted Devin before closing his eyes.

    ''''Well..you are already under mymand.'''' Walter smiled, cing a finger at the arch of Devin''s brows. ''''How do you feel?'''' He asked, gently massaging the acupressure point to stimte the hormones.

    ''''Rxed.''''

    ''''Look up..'''' Eyes still closed, Devin looked up like he had surrendered himself to Walter''smand.

    ''''Up...up..the more you try to open, the more your eyes get locked. Keep looking up..until I let you go...3.2.1..'''' Walter pulled back his finger and snapped his finger in front of Devin''s eyes. ''''What do you hear?''''

    ''''Your voice.''''

    ''''What do youst remember before the ident?'''' Walter asked. ''''Ask your brain to recall, and open your memories.''''

    Devin''s mind soundlessly rocked as the whirlwind of images cast against the closed eyelids. Fleeting memories were snapping, but none was concrete.

    He was at a fashion show wearing a rabbit costume and then at a hilltop. In a matter of seconds, the location changed to under the waters covered in snow. He was swimming in the ice-cold waters aimlessly, the water moved in swirls, trapping him into its abyss. His hands hurt, legs refused to dive further, but his heart was in a desperate search to find her.

    He almost lost hope until he saw someone drowning deep into theke. He knew it was none other than her. ''Leenaaa...'' He soundlessly cried out in fear, holding her shoulders. But she has lost her consciousness to speak.

    ''Leena, wake up...'' As he rescued her to the nearby shore, she was starting to fade out in his hands. Shortly after, the thundering voice of the same woman''s voice, which he always hears when he looks for his memories, echoed into his ears.

    ''''I warned you to stop looking for your memories.'''' Her voice roared at him, but he stood still this time despite the bleeding pain in his ears.

    ''''Why do you keep appearing to torture me. I am not going to let you take her into the mist this time.''''

    ''''Devin..''''

    ''''Open your eyes, Devin! Remember, you are still under my control.'''' Walter screamed, but Devin refused to open his eyelids. ''''You are losing focus. Get back here.''''

    What Walter didn''t know was, Devin was operating his memories at hismand. ''''Let me see my Leena this time...please.'''' His pleading voice fell on dead ears, but the blocked memory remained intact.

    ''''Get back here. That''s not your memories!'''' Walter shouted, tapping Devin''s shoulder vigorously.

    ''''They are my fucking memories!'''' His thunderous voice was deafening, gravelly prating Walter''s soul. Walter took a step back in fear.

    Devin shrieked open his eyes as the images slowly disappeared, leaving him in nothing but emptiness. His consciousness broke apart from his brain like a swimmer leaping up to the surface water. There was something cold under his eyes, and he reckoned it was his own tears unconsciously coursed down. Prying open his eyes, he blinked as he looked around, lost, and saw Walter looking at him, motionless as if thunder-stricken.

    ''''I am sorry.'''' Racking his hands through his hair, he muttered. ''''I lost_''''

    ''''You lied to me, right?'''' Walter slowly took a step forward. ''''You have opened your memories before. What happened during those six months? Why did you call Leena''s name? or did you really suffer an ident?'''' Walter stared at him, demanding answers. Devin almost had a panic attack, and if he hadn''t stopped..he couldn''t think of the consequences.

    ''''I..I..I am..I didnot lie_''''

    ''''Look, Devin, It''s clear that you are hiding something.'''' Walter started. ''''I am a doctor. I cannot treat a patient without knowing their illness. I need to know theplexity of your illness. Without that, I will not be any help to you.'''' Walter sternly said. He received a call from Devin in the morning. Walter assumed Devin called him to talk about Leena''s savior, but no...he had an ident, lost his memories, and wanted them back. Walter has helped many patients recover memories through therapies, and he assumed Devin''s memories are the same, but his illness is not as easy as he believed.

    A couple of secondster, Devin started. ''''I know it sounds weird, but I happened to lose memories of only one person. That is Leena. I remember the number of ads I modeled, I remember the number of employees working in mypany, I remember almost every detail that happened in my life. Yet, I have no memories of Leena..her alone.''''

    ''''That''s not possible.'''' Walter shook his head. ''''It''s only in theories."

    Devin unlocked his mobile and passed it to him. ''''Look at the picture. You still think that it''s all in theories? I am the implementedb rat.''''

    Walter''s face turned ne as he stared at the picture. ''''This...''''

    ''''It''s me. I never knew I saved Leena until I saw the picture.'''' Devin exined.

    ''''There is a block in your brain.'''' Walter feed his brain with the bitter truth. ''''That''s the reason you suffered the panic attack. If my theory is true, the block inside your mind is stronger than I anticipated. Whoever has done this to you can only bring your memories back. I am sorry, Devin, I am no help to you. For me to bring back your memories, it would be your death. Are you willing to pay the price?''''

    Isn''t that what the ghost woman who appears in his memories warned? That he would die if he looked for his memories? ''''Is there no other way?'''' Still, Devin hopefully asked.

 Chapter 434 - Leena: Aneel

    Devin''s hope-filled eyes and his helplessness put Walter in a paradoxical situation, but he could do nothing about it. Devin is requesting something with a price higher than his capability. He will never be able to bring him back alive if they go deep into his memories. ''''I doubt there is a way, Devin. Only the person who has done this to you can bring your memories back safely.''''

    ''''I understand.'''' Devin was considering the thought of contacting Morvena, but there is no certainty that she would agree. Skimming the ideas from his brain, Devin looked up at Walter''s face, filled with helplessness. ''''Don''t feel bad. You did what you could do. Thanks for everything. You were a great help.''''

    Walter smiled, rising to full height. ''''Let''s go. If I find a way, I will contact you.''''

    ''''Alright,'''' Devin expressed his gratitude with a nod. He knows Walter is only trying to appease him, not to lose hope when infact, regaining his memories is not possible. He was happy that he discovered his lost love, and his present love is none other than his sweetheart, but somewhere there is regret, a regret that he has to drown in his lost memories forever.

    By the time Devin entered the city, twilight had diffused into the sky. He called Harley to check if he had got any important meeting around the evening. After Harley listed them, Devin found them all minute, which doesn''t require his presence. He told her to handle it by herself and turned the car back to home.

    Following inside the house, Devin was surprised to see the living room was empty. Aunt Jpeno and Nick''s bantering, Carrot, and Leena''s dance practice would greet him after returning home, but the empty house weed him today.

    ''''Where did everyone go?'''' Just the words traveled out of his mouth, Devin heard the grating noises from the kitchen. He doesn''t need to look at the person to see who it was.

    ''''She must be doing another experiment.'''' Without making his footsteps obvious, he made his way towards the kitchen. The scene he witnessed was so beautiful that he wanted to run to her and squish her adorable cheeks.

    A few steps away, Devin saw a few strands of Leena''s hair fell in front of her eyes when she leaned forward to grab the sugar jar. With both her arms mussed up with the flour, Leena pouted before swaying them back with the back on her hand, and the next second she leaned forward again, her silky hair was back like a curtain to her face.

    ''''Argh! I should have put on a pony.'''' Before Leena swung them back over her shoulders, she felt a familiar presence behind her, startling her. She fluttered as his fingers deliberately caressed her swam neck before pulling her hair back. ''''I love when you let your hair loose.'''' He wrapped his hands around her waist.

    ''''So, I always let them fall in your presence.'''' Leenaid her head back on his chest. ''''You are early to home. Don''t have meetings?''''

    ''''I wanted to see you badly. So, I let Harley handle them.'''' Devin''s sweet sugary words brought a smile to Leena''s face.

    ''''What are you making?'''' Devin asked as he stared at the spilled flour, vani extract bottle, and other ingredients he was unaware of. ''''Am I going to be a victim of your experimental dishes again?''''

    ''''It''s a vegan cake, and yes, you are my experimental baby. I am learning to bake a cake to do it on your birthday. It''s a birthday present from your sweetheart.'''' Leena spun around and stood in front of Devin face to face.

    ''''Birthday present shoulde as a surprise. Not like this.''''

    ''''Not surprising is also a surprise. On your birthday, you will have to act surprised, hug me tightly, and appreciate my efforts in front of the guests when I pull the cake cover. Happy tears are also epted. Am I clear?'''' Leena closed her eyes to imagine the scene.

    ''''Sadistic Leena.'''' He pinched her cheeks until Leena swatted them away. Their funny, yful conversation ended as Aunt Jpeon entered home with shopping bags. Carrot and Nick followed behind her. Leena could feel the atmosphere took one eighty-degree swift turn as she noticed the frown on Aunt Jpeno''s face and the rage in her eyes. Devin went upstairs to shower, leaving Leena to deal with the matter.

    ''''How dare that bastard smile at me!''''

    ''''Umm...who is that bastard, Aunt Jpeno?'''' Leena cautiously asked. Leena, Nick stood in silence as Aunt Jpeno ranted a string of curses.

    ''''I should have thwacked his butt without caring about the public.'''' Aunt Jpeno made a fist, throwing an imaginary blow at the air. ''''How dare he show up with his new boyfriend in front of me?'''' She got up and strolled into the kitchen to vent her frustration by cooking a pumpkin dish.

    The moment Aunt Jpeno was out of their sight, Nick exined Leena. ''''It''s her ex-husband,''''

    ''''That''s the reason she is angry? Did you see him?'''' There was a surprise in Leena''s voice.

    ''''Unfortunately, no. I was at the billing counter. So, I missed him. Carrot saw him, and she can''t describe.'''' Nick exined. Too bad he missed the beauty who stole a butt''s heart.

    ''''What''s the store name?''''

    ''''Don''t tell me you are going to hack into the security camera?'''' Watching Leena''s ''ofcourse yes, you dumbo'' eyes, Nick zed at her murderously. ''''I am not going to tell. I don''t care how influential your husband is. I am going toin to Kurt about your illegal hacking activities. Let the FBI deal with you.''''

    Leena scoffed. ''''Ask him to find a single piece of evidence. I will myself surrender.'''' Leena was about to leave but took a step back and proudly stood in front of Nick. ''''Along with that, I will change my name in the reverse order of letters if he catches me.''''

    ''''Leena..aneel..Ah! not good.'''' Nick''s face twisted like he had smelled the horse poop. ''''Is she that confident no one can find her illegal activities? Obviously, she is under the protection of husband and father.'''' Shaking his head, he went back to his room.

    Two hourster, Aunt Jpeno called them for dinner. The famished three hoped to eat the dishes from the magic hand just like every day until they saw the whole dinner table filled with orange dishes��pumpkin soup, pumpkin chill, curried pumpkin...pumpkin juice. Leena stopped listing the names. Even the rice was made with pumpkin. Leena wondered if Aunt Jpeno is a pumpkin lover, just like she loves bananas.

    It''s not the first time they have suffered Aunt Jpeno''s wrath. Her anger would always turn into dishes made of pumpkin. The three finished the dinner with the utmost reluctance.

    Post dinner, Leena immediately climbed onto the bed. Devin was about to leave the room to make a call, but Leena pulled him back to the bed in time. ''''No work at home.'''' She sternly said.

    ''''Roger that, mydy.'''' Leena giggled at the way Devin addressed her. Laying her head on his chest, she threw her right leg on his waist like she always does. ''''Are you sleeping, babylicious?'''' She lifted her arms and peeked at his eyes which were staring at a distance. ''''What are you thinking?'''' She poked his arm.

    ying with her locks, Devin replied. ''''Can I ask you a question, sweetheart?''''

    ''''Yesss...'''' Stressed Leena like an enthusiastic kid.

    ''''You still think I loved someone other than you before I lost memories?'''' Leena''s body stiffened at once, which he felt in every muscle of his body. It was a sensitive topic to bring when their life is leading without any mishaps, but he wants to know if Leena has not let the thought out of her mind.

    Leena raised her head and stared at him for a while without letting her expression reveal. ''''Why do you bring this_''''

    ''''Will you believe me if I tell you I had not loved anyone other than you?'''' He cut her off.

    Leena internally cursed Devin for bringing the topic when she had almost forgotten the past incident. Even if Devin wants to, he can''t change the fact that his first love is Morvena. He constantly taunts her that she had given her first kiss to a stranger. Give the situation, she could mock him for spending passionate nights with that woman. But she doesn''t want to create another misunderstanding. She had epted the reality.

    ''''I believe in you.'''' She smiled at him. ''''I am sleepy. Good night.'''' She kissed his cheek and went back to bed. Leena closed her eyes before Devin tried to pry another question and break her moodpletely.

    Not breaking her eyes off, Devin gazed at the sleeping face. He is not dumb to know what''s going on in her head. Grabbing his mobile, Devin texted Nick. [I want Morvena here by tomorrow. Don''t hesitate to use the force if she doesn''t oblige.]

    Keeping aside his mobile, Devin leaned forward to Leena''s sleeping face. ''''Soon, you will know the truth.'''' He kissed her cheek, pulled Leena''s head to his chest before closing his eyes.

    ....

    The day was supposed to be bright amidst the trees, but she is sitting gripping her heart in fear in an unknown ce. Morvena sat in the chair, fidgeting her hands under the table nervously. Not once she lifted her head to take a peek at the intimidating man.

    ''''What you did to me in the past, do it now. Bring back my memories safely.'''' Devin''s voice sounded echoed into her ears like hell''s invitation.

    ''''It''s not in my hands,'''' Morvena timidly replied despite the fear. ''''I am no help here.''''

    ''''My Leena doesn''t like violence. But if you keep denying it, I may have to use it against you.''''

    Morvena clenched her fists. Even now, he is concerned about her likes and dislikes.

    ''''Who ordered you to erase my memories?''''

    Morvena silently stared at him.

    ''''Tell the truth, Damn it!'''' His fist furiously pounded on the table. Morvena flinched in fear. The vase on the table trembled, dropping to the floor. ''''Was it Enger?''''

    ''''Am I that famous you keep chanting my name?''''Morven''s eyes widened, fear gripping her heart, as she watched the nightmare of her life walk into the room.

 Chapter 435 - Stubborn

    The most dreadful creature in Morvena''s eyes has walked into the room. How the hell did he know this ce? Until now, she faced the wrath of a devil, and now she has to face the wrath of this creature as well?

    ''''Who allowed you inside?'''' Nick rose in full anger, watching Enger casually walk into the room. He has got a nerve to trespass their security, and on top of that, Enger''s smirk irked Nick the most. ''''Where is the security?'''' Nick shouted. Before Nick went out to bring the security to throw Enger out of the room, Devin stopped him.

    ''''That''s more like Devin I knew.'''' Enger sat opposite Devin. He gazed at Morvena with spite before turning his full attention to Devin. ''''Just in case you are wondering how I know you are here, I have been keeping a tight check on you since the day someone tried to harm my beloved Leena.'''' With Devin''s entire focus on him, Enger continued. ''''I heard you had sent her to the high-security prison? I would have killed her on the spot I were you.''''

    Despite the serious situation, a smile erupted on Devin''s face for the briefest second before it disappeared. "My wife doesn''t let my hands dirty with blood.''''

    That triggered Enger. He sharply tuned to Morvena. ''''I don''t care why he brought you here. But you will stay silent. Consider it as my warning.''''

    ''''And if she refuse?'''' Devin questioned.

    The malicious smile returned to his face. He then addressed Morvena. ''''You will end up like your mother.'''' Morvena gripped her fists under the table. How long is he going to threaten her?

    Before Enger got up to leave, Devin grabbed Enger''s shirt cor hard. Enger scoffed, watching Devin''s spiteful expression, which he enjoyed seeing in him. When he received the information that Devin brought Morvena here, he immediately rushed here to warn. ''''I will soon take back what is mine.''''

    ''''Soon, you will end up with nothing, and I will make sure of that. Count your days.''''

    ''''Is it?'''' Enger chuckled. ''''Let''s see.''''

    Releasing his grip over his shirt, Devin stormed out of the room. Giving a hateful look at Morvena and Enger, Nick followed after Devin.

    ''''Are you okay, Devin?'''' Nick asked, stepping into the car.

    ''''Nothing is okay. Nothing is going as I intended.'''' He massaged his forehead tiringly. Why is Enger connecting his memories with Morvena''s mother? Who is she? He is not aware of what exactly happened in the past. Only two people know the truth. One Devin doesn''t consider in the list, and the other is not willing to agree.

    ''''Care to share what happened?'''' Nick asked. ''''Did you find something about your memories?

    ''''It''s.. a littleplicated.'''' Replied Devin. ''''Let''s go.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' Nick nodded, not prying over it.

    ...

    Two days passed. It was Friday, and weekend mode activated for Leena since morning. Reese took a half-day to go on a date with Andrew. So, Leena is left alone with Nick.

    Evening came, both had ramen at a nearby Korean restaurant and went to spend time in a park.

    ''''Are you still in love with her?'''' Leena tested the waters. Over two months, Nick broke up with Merl. Leena or Devin didnot bring this topic to let the wound heal itself naturally.

    ''''I was initially. But not anymore.'''' Nick picked a small pebble he found on the ground and tossed it to the distance. ''''As the days passed, I learned if I focus too much on the painful past, I will miss the beautiful future,''''

    ''''I am proud of you.'''' Leena patted Nick''s shoulder. ''''I will find you a beautiful girl soon.''''

    ''''Madam matchmaker.'''' Nick pressed his hands together and bowed his head. ''''Let me be single for a while.'''' He wants to stay away from the woman for a while and focus on work and enjoyment.

    ''''No_''''

    To divert her attention, Nick changed the topic to something spicy. ''''A new movie is releasing today, Leena. Shall we go watch?''''

    ''''Which is?''''

    ''''The 13th night.'''' Nick chuckled, watching Leena''s expressions go wild.

    The name sent chills down Leena''s spine. Thest horror movie she watched haunted her sleep for three days. She hugged Devin tightly without letting him breathe. The 13th night trailer came as a suggestion on youtube. Her hands itched, and Leena tapped the screen. The trailer itself was a horrible sight to see, and he expects her to watch the one-hour movie ande back safe? ''''I_I don''t believe in ghosts.''''

    Nickughed hard. ''''yes..yes..During the day, Leena doesn''t believe in ghosts, but she is a little open-minded at night, isn''t she?''''

    Leena didnotment, for she knew her tongue is tied up when ites to ghosts.

    ''''Honestly, Leena, the horror movies I watched are nothing. This is not the real deal. You should have seen Morvena''s house in Russia when Devin and I went to warn_'''' Nick sped his mouth shut before hepletely spilled the truth. Swallowing hard, Nick nced at Leena, and he knew Leena caught his slipped tongue.

    ''''Continue the story where you left.'''' She calmly said. These two went to Russia and met that witch without informing her.

    ''''Ummm....ther is nothing to the story. It''s just slipped_''''

    ''''Tell your stories to kids.'''' Leena interrupted Nick. ''''Why did you both go to her ce? Better tell this before I start my torture.''''

    He can survive physical torture, but the mental torture Leena gives is beyond his imagination. Nick vomited the entire Russia incident, including the scary house part.

    ''''One year she tortured Devin by keeping in that house? My poor Devin!'''' Her heart squeezed in pain for the turmoil Devin underwent. How did he be a victim to her? Someone ordered to erased Devin''s memories, and she did it? A predatory expression settled across her face. Who could it be? What exactly happened five years back? Does any of the family members have identified his memory loss?

    Leena texted Harley and asked her to meet at a nearby park or any ce for that matter without telling Devin. ''''Let''s go to WD.'''' Leena got up.

    ''''Why..why..I mean, are you going to talk about this? He would kill me for..''''

    Leena stopped his rants by shooting a re at Nick. ''''I need to give a certified drama queen runner award.''''

    ''''And the winner award goes to Leena Hayes?'''' Nick questioned. She is not ready to quit the drama queen role as well?

    Leen shrugged in an obvious statement. They reached the vintage cafe that Harley texted the address. Spotting Harley at the end of the table, Leena strolled and sat in front of her.

    ''''Hey, Leena! What''s up_''''

    ''''Let''s talk about pleasantriester, Harley.'''' Leena cut her off. ''''Listen to me carefully. Did ever Devin go on a business trip for one year long?''''

    ''''One year long trip was only ce'''' Harley recalled Devin''s long trips. ''''It was five years back. He went to a ce."

    ''''Which ce?''''

    ''''Russia. He wanted to expand WD''s business over there, but he did nothing there... literally nothing."

    "Ummmm..does he call you after going to Russia?"

    "Rarely. Mom, and dad got agitated with his behavior. They wanted to bring him back from Russia, but Devin did not allow. He must have maintained a secret woman there. What do you think Leena?" Harley thought of provoking Leena.

    Leena''s imagination went wild, not because of Harley''s provocations. Did Morvena kidnap Devin after he went there? ''''Have you ever noticed peculiar behavior in him? Anything for that matter?"

    "Why do you ask?"

    "Just tell me, Halrs."

    ''''Peculiar behavior..." Harley paused contemting to tell the one incident she witnessed. In the end she went for it. "I know it may sound girly, but I saw him crying on many nights. He refused to tell the truth when I demanded. He threatened me with Jasper''s matter if I tell the matter to mom, and dad. Adney thought a ghost possessed him. Some dayster,Devin dropped a bomb. ''I am going to Russia to expand the business. Don''t call me unless it is important. Take care of office in my absence.'' "

    He is hiding something from the rest, Leena presumed. "How was his behavior after he returned from Russia?"

    "He was normal, just that he lost little weight."

    "How did hee back? I mean did hee back by himself or someone tagged along with hin?"

    "How did hee back?" Harley scratched the back of her head. Do I have to remember all these things? Why is Leena asking so many questions? "I don''t remember." Harley felt a scary vibe. ''''Something wrong with him?'''' She has been receiving lots ofints on Devintely. Did something possess him like Adney told? Harley''s imagination was running at a different level.

    ''''Nothing happened. He is perfectly fine.'''' Leena squeezed Harley''s hands assuringly. ''''I need to go. I will text with youter.''''

    ''''Alright. Text me back. I will be waiting for your reply.'''' Harley shouted after Leena.

    ''''Okay!'''' Leena gave a thumbs up. The second they were out, Leena turned to face Nick. ''''Let''s go to Russia tomorrow. Only Morvena can fill the answers to our questions.'''' If Morvena is Devin''s first love, why did she erase the memories? Or is there something missing which she hadn''t connected the dots? Right now, her mind is too empty to think of any theories.

    ''''Devin doesn''t allow you, Leena. Besides, she will not reveal the truth, Leena. She is a very stubborn woman.'''' Two days back, he brought her on Devin''s orders. She didnot open her mouth despite Devin''s threatens. What are the odds that she would reveal it to them? Enger is also on his move. He is keeping a tight watch over Devin and Leena.

    ''''Let''s see who is more stubborn,'''' A mischievous glint passed across her feature. Let''s end this once for all, Morvena!

 Chapter 436 - Virtual Entry

    The stubborn she was, Nick couldn''t persuade Leena to drop the Russia trip n. Devin would surely disagree with this idea. Nick wondered how Leena was going to convince him if she desperately wanted to meet Morvena. ''''Enger is keeping an eye on you.'''' He stated the fact. ''''I bet Devin will not agree.''''

    ''''Hence we are not telling the truth to Devin. We are going to Japan. I have a friend in Japan whom I studied with in college. He is a very influential man there. I helped him during our project when we were studying, so he owes me a favor. I will call him and inform our visit right away.'''' Leena said tactfully.

    ''''You had a guy friend in your college?'''' That was a surprise to Nick. Except for Reese, Jane, and asionally some girl''s names, he had never heard about guy friends from her mouth.

    ''''Hrious joke.'''' She used to interact with guys as long as they were within limits until that night of Ethan''s torture. Past is past, she doesn''t want to dwell on it anymore. Coming back to the present, Leena said. ''''You and I will go on a business trip to Japan. We will meet my friend, spend a little time with him, and thereafter we will start to Russia secretly.''''

    ''''Wow.'''' Nick appreciated, giving a big thumbs up to Leena. ''''But..what if Devin investigates?''''

    ''''Unpossible,'''' Leena stressed the word like it''s impossible to impossible. ''''We are traveling to Russia with the forged identities. My friend will manage that. To Devin, we are in Japan, but only we know the truth. How is our n?''''

    ''Master of evil,'' Nick spoke in an undertone. The urge to praise Leena was at the tip of his tongue but bit his lips. She would start another drama. As a matter of praise, Nick gave another thumbs-up, agreeing with her statement. ''''Since this is settled, can we go to the movie now?'''' It''s been a month since he had seen a horror movie.

    ''''No way.'''' Leena sternly said. She doesn''t want to have a nightmare watching those fleshless creatures. Sticking to cartoons is the best. ''''Let''s go home and re-watch ''The secret life of pets. Snowball rabbit is insanely cute.''''

    ''''Cute? I hate his buck teeth.'''' Nick mimicked Snowball by protruding his front tooth on his lower lip. Leenaughed hard till tears started to tear her eyes. ''''You look like a bunny, Nick. Let''s shop for a rabbit outfit after wee back from Russia.''''

    ''''Along with that, let''s buy a carrot outfit for you.''''

    ''''Why?'''' Curiously, Leena asked.

    ''''Because rabbits feed on carrots.'''' Nick stuck his tongue out for this hrious win.

    ''''It''s not even fun.'''' Leena rolled her eyes. By the time the chit-chat ended, they had reached home. Leena waited for Devin as she nned the strategies in her mind to safely inform him about their trip to Japan without nting a seed of doubt.

    ....

    At the office, Devin concentrated on his work, brushing the thoughts of his memories. He has decided to tell Leena the truth by taking her on a romantic date though it will depend on how she epts. Devin knows she will call him crazy foring up with such a bizarre thought. ''''How do I exin_'''' Devin stopped his thoughts when his mobile buzzed. He nced at the contact name without any expression. It was Walter. ''''Hello,'''' Devin answered, picking up the call.

    ''''Can we meet up, Devin? I need to talk with you.''''

    ''''Regarding?'''' Flipping the page of the file, Devin questioned. ''''Is it my..'''' He paused, focusing hisplete attention on the call. ''''Did you?''''

    ''''It is. But I can''t tell you about that in the call.'''' Came Walter''s reply from the other end. ''''I will text you an address. Pleasee to the location.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' The call ended, pushing Devin into a pool of thoughts. His hopes raised again, but he never knew when it would crumble again.

    Devin checked his calendar, and there was no scheduled meeting from now. He made sure meetings were kept minimal on Fridays.

    He drove to the defined address. Walter arrived at the location and guided him to a house, more like it looked like a workshop. A couple of men, a woman, and a boy merely of eighteen years, were conversing until Walter called them.

    ''''Guys,'''' Walter called, bringing their attention. All the four smiled at Devin, and one particr boy waved his hand,ughed, showing all his front teeth.

    ''''Who are they?'''' Devin turned to Walter.

    ''''Let me introduce them first.'''' Before exining the situation, Walter introduced them to Devin. He pointed his finger to the tall red shirt guy. ''''Be, my best friend, a chemistry professor at Columbia University.''''

    ''''Hi, Devin.'''' Be waved her hand at Devin.

    ''''Hello.'''' Devin greeted her with a smile.

    Walter then pointed his eyes to the man sitting left to Be. ''''Elias, again my best friend, a neuroscientist.''''

    After the brief greeting between Elias, and Devin, Walter moved to the other two guys. ''''Theo, a professional con artist. The one with spikes is Nico, a professional fighter.''''

    Nico immediately shot up, extending his hands. ''''I am a big fan of you, especially Leena. She is so cute and funny. Our college has_''''

    ''''Nico.'''' Walter interrupted the boy. ''''Later.''''

    Nico pouted and red at Walter like he stole his favorite candy.

    Devin stared at Walter in confusion, demanding an exnation. All the four people Walter addressed have a different professions. What is he trying to say?

    ''''Let me exin on behalf of Walter.'''' Elias stood up and smiled at Devin before starting. ''''Two days back, Walter exined your condition. I have been researching for eight years, finding a way to know if the brain can lock the memories of a specific object or person, but we doctors had no conclusion. I was surprised when Walter informed your memory case. With the years of research, I have done, I have a n to extract your memories safely.''''

    ''''How do you do that?''''

    ''''By entering into your brain virtually. The team will apany with you."

    ''Virtually entering into his brain!'' Devin froze as the meaning sank into his brain. He has foolishly allowed a woman to mess with his brain, and now these fools expect him to do the same? ''''Are you insane?'''' Devin shouted at Walter.

    ....

    I informed the book will end by Sep, but Devin''s memories are taking longer time than I expected. I have justpleted writing about Devin''s memories today for thest privilege chapter. The ending may take another two or three weeks. The recent chapter might looks like it''sgoing slow. I am bringing things together to one ce. Please be patient for a while. In another two chapters, you will get to learn many things....

 Chapter 437 - The Key

    Walter expected this much reaction from Devin, for Devin''s trauma runs deep inside his bones. At the same time, Walter found no other alternative. He proposed this n only after his friend Elias assured him of Devin''s safety. ''''Devin, listen to_''''

    ''''I made a big mistakeing here'''' Devin gazed at Walter, his voice cold and furious. ''''I don''t know if you think I am dumb not to notice your ploys...but I am not someone to open my mind to your experiments.'''' Without another word, Devin turned to leave. Not again, he is going to be ab rat.

    Walter hurriedly went behind Devin before he escaped out of the workshop. ''''Please listen to me, Devin. You have misunderstood us. This is nothing rted to the experiment you are assuming. The people havee here at my request. Whatever happens here remains between us. I guarantee my life with this. Please listen to the n once, and if you still find this a sham, I will not force you anymore.''''

    Devin halted and turned around. Walter''s words came out genuine. He is not losing anything by listening to the n, so why not hear what they say before considering his opinion. ''''What''s the n?''''

    Walter gazed at his friend Elias to exin. Nodding his head, Elias started. ''''To begin with, you have a block in your brain, which is hard to trigger with the hypnotherapy.'''' Elias grabbed a tiny ss tube from the table and showed it to Devin. ''''This is a drug called Toconin. Once you drink the entire content, five minutester, your brain slowly starts to have open ess to the other bodies. This is where wee in.''''

    ''''I connect to your brain through a brain simtor device. From then on, the barrier will open. I will have virtual ess to your memories. I will travel with you, help you find the key, unlock your memory block, and we wille back safely.''''

    ''''So, you will travel with me throughout,'''' Devin asked for confirmation.

    ''''Not only me,'''' Elias said and pointed to the rest of the team. ''''We all will join you.''''

    ''''I_I don''t understand. Why do we need them?" Confusion sprawled across his features.

    ''''Walter told me you had a panic attack when you tried to ess your memories,'''' Elias said. ''''Be is an expert in formingpounds. She will create a stable chemicalpound that will numb your pain and put your physical body in a deep sleep. So you are relieved from panic attacks.''''

    ''''Impressive.'''' Devin appreciated. He can''t believe they had taken a minute detail into consideration.''''And the rest?''''

    ''''Theo is a professional con artist. If your subconscious-memory enemiese to distract you, Theo will act like you, trick them, and persuade them to think that it''s not you. So, you are safe from distractions. We can save time on finding the key without distractions."

    Not a word traveled from Devin''s mouth. The idea fascinated him. He could feel the intensity of Elias''s research. ''''I take back my words.''''

    ''''For you to utter those words, I can understand the trauma your memories put an impact in you.'''' Elias smiled.

    Devin nced at Nico, but he addressed Elias. ''''Why do we need a fighter?''''

    ''''Because your subconscious memory is protecting the memories. from yourself. I don''t know what kind of memories you blocked. Without your conscious, you will send enemies. So, there is a chance that we may face a threat inside your memories. Enemies will definitely try to defend once they know you have entered their territory. It''s their nature. So, we need a fighter. Nico will fight and put them in prison. Trust me, my cousin is an outstanding fighter.''''

    ''''I am very impressed.''''

    "Thank you." Elias smiled.

    Devin nced at Nico. Nico''s face blushed. ''''There is a woman who will appear at the start in my memories. Her voice sounds like a cry of an expiring mouse. Can you deal with her first?'''' More than his memories, Devin was scared of her gravel voice.

    Nico eagerly nodded his head. He decided to give her special treatment.

    ''''So, you are willing?'''' Walter asked, a proud smile on his face.

    ''''Well..I guess so.'''' Devin exhaled a deep breath. ''''This is the real deal.'''' Goosebumps raised just by listening to the n.

    ''''Where do I fall once I sleep? I mean..I lost memories for about five years back.''''

    ''''I can''t assure you in that. It entirely depends on your subconscious memory.'''' Elias exined. ''''Finding the key is the biggest trope here because you don''t know in which part of your memory the key is hidden.''''

    ''''How do I wake up from sleep?''''

    ''''I have a special watch in which we set the timer. We will wear their before going to your memories. It will pull you back once the time pses. So, before that, we need to trace the key.''''

    ''''When are we starting?'''' Devin''s enthusiasm was back.

    ''''Any day is fine..but need your full attention for the whole day,'''' Elias said.

    ''''I will inform you of the date then.''''

    Masking Leena for the whole day is the biggest hurdle here. Devin once again thanked the team and returned home. Both Leena and Devin to bring their trip n, but the situation didnot help them.

    After the sumptuous dinner, Leena immediately climbed onto the bed. ''''Devin, I have an important matter to discuss with you.''''

    Exactly his thoughts, Devin muttered in his brain. ''''What is it?''''

    ''''I am going on a business trip to Japan tomorrow. I have a meeting with a client. I might have to stay there for three days.''''

    Devin couldn''t believe the turn of events. He has been thinking of masking Leena, and precisely the opportunity hit the door. ''''Take Nick with you. Be careful.''''

    Did he agree without throwing a tantrum? Something is fishy. Anyway, she got permission. Leena internally did a happy dance. ''''Thank you, Devin.'''' She leaned her head on his chest. ''''Eat on time. Don''t overwork when I am away. Don''t put your mobile in silent mode.''''

    ''''Hmm..Okay.'''' He kissed her hair, entwining her hands with his. Such a caring wife she has be. ''''Leena...'''' He sweetly called her.

    ''''Hmmm...'''' Leena extra sweetly hummed, tilting her head to face him.

    ''''I will give you a surprise when youe back.'''' He pecked her lips.

    ''''Finally, you decided to gift the shares from one of my favorite brands?''''

    ''''A bigger surprise than that.'''' Devin chuckled at her apparent reason. Never is she going to stop her fetish for clothes.

    ''A bigger surprise than that,'' and Leena imagined a bigger number.

    The following day Leena started to Russia, and Devin returned to the workshop. Both thought they had tricked each other without knowing their purpose was the same.

    ....

    The initial part of the chapter is pure science. To exin more and not to confuse readers, I will give a small example. Let''s say I am thinking about tigers now. The thought has be my memory now.

    A thought never takes a shape in the physical world which is we we are living. But inside the brain, my thoughts be projections. Just close your eyes, and think of something. Along with the subject, the settingses into your mind as well.

    Since we virtually enter into memories, we see our thoughts we imagined projecting into real objects.What ever you imagine, you see them physically inside the brain.

    A littleplicated..but If you have doubts, let me know, I will try to clear.

    I have been plotting Devin''s memory arc for over six to seven months. But my research didn''tplete. So, I dyed this arc to bring the best sci-fi plot. I have been dreaming to write this ever since.. Hope you will enjoy this as much as I loved writing it.

 Chapter 438 - The Contractor

    Afternding in Japan, Leena met her friend, spent a couple of hours, and started her journey to Russia in the morning along with Nick. She had to stick the ear pods to the ears throughout the journey because someone next to her was grumbling like a gummy bear. Theynded in Russia, but Nick''s curses didnot stop either.

    ''''Stop it, Nick,'''' Leena said before stepping into the backseat of the car. ''''You are making a big fuss over the forged name.''''

    ''''I have shared the location to your number,'''' Nick addressed the driver. Receiving an affirmative nod from him, Nick turned to Leena to address the previous topic.

    ''''A big fuss? You got at least a better name, Jurassic Park, and what about me?'''' Nick tightly gripped his mobile, shifting his anger onto the poor object. ''''People standing behind meughed like crazy when the officer called me Mike Faartz. Even if it is a forged name, how could you....'''' He trailed off, exhaling a deep sigh. ''''Nevermind. You and Aunt Jpeno have no shame.''''

    ''''So, did Mike faartz?'''' Leena added spice to the wound, suppressing her smile.

    ''''A lot of times.'''' Nick gritted his teeth. ''''Because that''s the only gas Mike can afford.''''

    ''''Pfftt.'''' She smacked Nick''s arm. ''''Youredy sense has improved a lot after I took you under my wings.''''

    Rubbing his arm, Nick looked at Leena like she was a lost alien descended on the earth. He wondered if she would keep the same brave upfront once they entered the deep forest. Nick badly wanted to share his experience but sealed his lips, seeing her enjoy the scenery. He let her experience before her nightmares began.

    Without being aware of the events that would turn up in her way today, Leena enjoyed the view of lush green trees throughout the ride. Three hourster, the car pulled at a forest entrance.

    ''''We have arrived at the location, sir.'''' The driver said in affluent English.

    ''''What the! Is she living inside the forest?'''' Leena curiously questioned Nick, looking at the surrounding flora.

    ''''Yes.'''' Unlikest time, Nick came fully prepared this time. He grabbed a backpack in which he stored the essentials they neededter on.

    ''''Please stay here until wee back,'''' Nick told the driver and motioned Leena to get down.

    ''''Why is she living inside a forest?'''' Although they traveled through the deserted area for almost two hours, Leena presumed the final destination of Morvena''s house would be a cozy apartment. But who would have thought she had weird tastes.

    ''''That''s a long story. You will know once we get there. Let''s go.'''' Nick guided Leena into the forest using the mobile shlight. Leena''s heart raced in rythm, sounding like a drumbeat in a musician''s instrument as she walked in the dense forest carefully. The sunlight was not questionable here.

    Upon entering the ce that allowed a little sunlight in, her heart thundered again as she saw a spooky gnarled twisted tree in the front yard of a house. Before Leena recovered from the fear, a man with a beard who looked like a Dumbledore appeared in front of her out of nowhere. ''''Ah! You scared me.'''' She gasped, patting her poor heart. What the hell is wrong with this ce and people? Everything is ghostly. Scary houses in amusement parks are betterpared to this ce.

    Not understanding what she meant, the beardy man stared at Leena curiously.

    ''''We want to meet Morvena.'''' Nick brought the man''s attention to him. Using the trantor app, Nick tranted English to Russian for the man to understand. ''''Please tell her she has a visitor.''''

    The bearded man nodded, went inside the house, and in a minute, he returned and informed them that his madam is not willing to meet anyone.

    ''''Can you tell her it''s_''''

    ''''Wait for a second, Nick.'''' Leena interrupted Nick and addressed the beardy man. ''''I don''t care if she is willing or unwilling, tell her if she doesn''te_''''

    ''''Dyadya, who are you talking to?''''

    Leena halted her words and snapped at the owner of the voice. For a second, Leena thought she was hallucinating. The girl who just spoke... ''''You..you were the tattoo girl. You were the one who gave me the heart-shaped tattoo, wasn''t it?''''

    The girl stood like a frozen statue. Why is she here? Without replying a word to Leena, she ran inside the house.

    ''''Stop.'''' Leena ?hased after her despite the bearded man tried to stop.

    ''''Leena, wait.'''' Nick followed behind her cluelessly.

    Even though the house looked creepy, thanks to Leena''s upied mind, she had her entire focus on searching for the tattoed girl. She opened the door of the only single room she found in thisrge house. A familiar girl, as pale as paper,y on therge bed. Morvena was sitting next to her, feeding her the soup.

    Leena was knocked to six again to see her friend here.

    ''''Winter!'''' She sped her hands over her mouth. Leena rushed towards her. ''''What happened to you?''''

    ''''Leena.'''' Tears welled in her ears seeing her friend after a long time. ''''How are you?''''

    ''''Who allowed you inside?'''' Morvena shouted.

    ''''Why is Winter here?'''' Leena calmly asked, but the intensity in her voice was resonant. ''''How do you know Winter? Did you also operate on her as you did with Devin''s memories?''''

    Morven''s grip over the soup bowl tightened. ''''Leave this ce, Leena. You are not allowed here.''''

    ''''Not until I collect my answers. Four years back, you suggested a tattoo designer after my ident. I requested the designer to design a broli one, but I got a locked heart-shaped tattoo on my back in return. Why is the tattoo girl in this house?'''' Leena assumed the designer made a mistake until now, but aftering here, she decided it''s not as simple as she thought.

    ''''It has nothing_''''

    ''''Don''t try to act smart anymore. Wreaking havoc in people''s life is your hobby, I guess. Devin, me, and now Winter as well.'''' Leena''s continued. ''''What did you do to Devin? Why did you erase his memories?''''

    Morvena tiredly massaged her forehead. Can she get a break? Enger, Devin, and now Leena. She never thought the mistake she made in the past woulde to haunt her today.

    ''''Fine, don''t open your mouth. You might have saved my life, but I don''t sit and watch you ruining the lives of people lives. I am not letting this matter aside. Expect awyer''s notice soon. Let the world know the top neurosurgeon''s weird hobbies.'''' With that, Leena turned to walk away, but before she took a couple of steps...

    ''''Along with sending thewyer notice to my house, prepare one for your husband as well.''''

    Leena hastily turned, facing Morvena, not understanding her underneath statement. ''''What do you mean?''''

    ''''The one who gave the orders to wipe out Devin''s memories is.'''' She paused, contemting, to tell the truth or hide it. She had enough humiliations from these people. In the end, Morvena deciding to confess the truth. ''''The one who gave me the contract, the one who ordered me to wipe out Devin''s memories, is none other than your husband.''''

    Leena received the most shocking twist today.

 Chapter 439 - The Key To His Locked Memories

    The revtion twisted her emotions like no reality could. Since yesterday, Leena has been thinking a lot about who could be the potential threat to Devin. Many people hit her brain, business rivals, rtives, friends, but she crossed all the names except one. Only one person''s name was running in her head��Devin''s grandmother. She assumed the evil witch had found Devin''s first love and ordered Morvena to erase the memories. But this revtion, she can''t believe it. She had seen Devin struggle. Why would he order to wipe his memories? ''''Don''t lie. Why would Devin do_''''

    ''''It''s the truth, Leena,'''' Winter admitted.

    ''''You know Devin?''''

    Winter''s silence answered her questions. It was like an explosion of energy within Leena, hearing these shocking confessions. She dreaded to think whatever happened to Devin was moreplex than she thought.

    The monster in her head was wing her brain, causing the ear-splitting headache. Someone behind her held her hand to support. She supposed it was Nick.

    ''''Are you okay, Leena?'''' Nick''s eyes clouded with concern.

    "I..I don''t understand what''s happening here.'''' Leena''s voice lost its edge.

    ''''Don''t worry. We will figure this out.'''' Nick squeezed Leena''s hand.

    ''''Now that you know the truth, I will be happy if you leave this ce. Don''t let me call the security.'''' Morvena attentively observed Nick''s movements. She scoffed, watching him treat Leena like a delicate child. One real charmer she is! Five years back, she was, and five years after she is.

    ''''I don''t see security around your home, though.'''' Added Leena, a mischievous glint on her face. '''' I am not leaving this ce until you answer all my questions.''''

    ''''Then sit_''''

    ''''Morvena.'''' Winter interrupted her cousin. ''''Tell the truth. She has to know.''''

    Morvena started at Winter with a questioning look like she really meant it. ''''Didn''t I tell you what just happened yesterday? He will hunt us if he knows the truth.'''' Enger''s warning was ringing in her brain like a morning wake-up call.

    ''''Who is he?'''' Leena demanded. She intervened between their talks, but Morvena and Winter conversed like Leena''s words didnot reach their ears.

    ''''We can''t escape from him all the time. The more we fear, the more he will threaten us. Five years back, I demanded you take up Devin''s order for my personal gain. Five yearster, I am requesting you. Please show Devin''s memories to Leena.''''

    ....

    At the workshop..

    Elias tapped Devin''s shoulder once, twice, but hey on the lounge chair, unresponsive. ''''It started. He went into deep rxation.'''' Elias swallowed the drug and then turned to the team.''''Set the timer. Let''s go. Devin needs us.''''

    ''''Copy that! Timer set.'''' The rest of the team adjusted their wristwatches and drank their respective drinks.

    ''''Elias,'''' Walter called his friend. ''''Why didn''t you tell Devin about the danger? That he might go into_''''

    ''''Our brain will always believe whatever you tell, Walter,'''' Elias said, cutting his friend right away. ''''Right now, we need to feed him the focus and starve him from the distractions.''''

    Walter nodded in agreement. ''''I got your point.'''' The mind will always believe everything you tell. What you feed your mind determines the next course of action. He felt a little guilty for sending Devin into his memories without revealing the secret. But it was a wise decision he made. Had he told him the truth, Devin''s subconscious mind would undoubtedly attack him.

    ''''Good.'''' Elias smiled and nced at the team. ''''Ready, everyone?''''

    ''''Yes.'''' When the team responded, Elias made a final check on the brain''s simting device attached to his chest.

    ''''Don''t let the enemies surround Devin. Let''s find the key as soon as possible ande back.''''

    ''''Yes.''''

    Eyes closed, breaths held, and everything went nk when Elias pressed the red button.

    ...

    Leena stood in arge room, surrounded by spooky stuff. If not, her brain was too focused, she would be shaking like a leaf. The events happening around her were too much to think about. After Morvena and Winter''s discussion ended, Morvena informed Nick to take care of Winter and brought her to this room. ''Why did you bring me here?''''

    ''''Drink this.'''' Morvena passed on a small container to Leena.

    ''''No_''''

    Morvena sighed. This girl! ''''I didnot put anything in this. It''s just a sleep-induced drug. All your questions will be answered. Please drink this.''''

    Leena hesitantly took the bowl and swallowed the bitter liquid with the utmost difficulty. A few minutester, drowsiness was beginning to take hold of her. Soon, she copsed on the bed, and just like that, everything went nk.

    ....

    Wearing a full-length red dress so that the blemishes on her injured legs were not exposed, Leena stood in front of a parlor. She nced up, stared at the name: Alien''s tattoo design parlor. If her memory served her right, this was the same parlor she visited four years back.

    ''''I am wearing the same dress, I have bruises in my..'''' She trailed off when the realization dawned upon her. It can''t be! Why did Ie back to the past? What about Devin? She looked around. The crowd who were just passing, suddenly charged towards her with weapons. Leena hastily turned to run, but a man caught her wrists. He was about to sh her neck, a pair of hands caught her, and threw him down.

    Leena looked up in fear. It was Morvena. Within seconds, the men and woman who came to kill Leena were on the ground. Morvena dragged Leena behind a tree to hide her from other intruders.

    ''''Who are they?" Leena panted as she asked.

    "Your subconscious projections. Trying to defend you."

    ''''What did you do to me, you weird woman.'''' Leena began receiving strange looks from the people, but she was least bothered. ''''Why am I back to this ce? Did you alter the time?''''

    ''''Calm down, Leena. Don''t attract the people. It''s not good for you, and me as well. I didnot alter the time. We are taking a ride inside your memories.'''' Morvena muttered in gritted teeth. She pushed the ss door and dragged Leena inside the parlor. ''''Besides, I don''t have a time machine to alter the time.''''

    ''''My memories?'''' Leena was floored. ''''How did we..'''' She remembered drinking a drug. ''''What the! I lost consciousness andnded inside my memories?''''

    ''''Yes, and don''t scream. Let''s go inside.'''' Morvena guided Leena through the corridors. All the way, Morvena met several crazy creatures, and monsters straight away popped out of Leena''s memory. Ants, as giant as hounds, a nine-tailed lion..a flying woman with ws..oh lord! Morvena stopped looking at them. There was even a ghost sitting on one of the corridor tables. Seriously, what kind of crazy creatures does she imagine? Is she always like this? She wondered.

    They stopped in front of a door. Morvena keyed in the password, and the door opened. The room was empty except for a small chestnut box sitting in the middle. She walked inside, Leena trailed behind her.

    Carefully, Morvena opened the box. Inside the box, there was a heart-shaped key. What surprised Leena was, it was not a physical one. A virtual key, floating in the air like how we imagine things or objects inside our thoughts.

    It was a virtual heart-shaped key symbolizing ess to someone''s heart. Oddly, it felt familiar. ''''The key.. It looks exactly like my tattoo."

    ''''You wanted to know the reason you got a heart-shaped tattoo instead of a broli one, isn''t it?'''' Morvena could sense the truth slowly, bu surely dawning upon Leena. ''''I didnot know where exactly to safeguard his memories. But then I didnot find a secure ce other than inside you. So, I locked them inside your soul and hid the key in a safe ce. No one other than you can wield the key."

    ''''You are the key to his locked memories.''''

 Chapter 440 - Noisy Baby

    ''You are the key to his locked memories'' The words keep ringing in Leena''s ears, influencing her unconsciously. Her mind turned by fear like a lost child cluelessly wandering the house.

    ''''The secret of his memories is buried under your tattoo,'''' Morvena said. ''''The key is in your hand.''''

    Why? Leena wanted to ask but very well knew Morvena would turn down her question. Her clueless mind went nk to think about anything at the moment. Rather than questioning Morvena, Leena nced around the room.

    A ss mirror slowly rose to the ceiling from the bottom of the terrain, revealing her reflection in the mirror. Leena stared at the heart-shaped tattoo on her back. ''''Aren''t we in the memories of my past?'''' Leena suspiciously questioned Morvena before trudging towards the mirror. ''''This incident never happened in my life.''''

    ''''Present has returned to the past.These are the projections of your present in the past. Any idea you feed to subconscious mind, it emerges into a thought. Your mind is constantly thinking of every possible way to open the lock.'''' Added Morvena as she gazed at Leena and her reflection in the mirror. She is quite good at imagining, Morvena thought.

    Leena grazed her fingertips over her tattoo. Her own skin shuddered at the touch. ''You are the key to his memories!'' Morvena''s words again ringed in her ears, pushing her towards the edge. Her inner self demanded her to find the connection between her tattoo and Devin''s memories. Taking the plunge, Leena arched the key into the opening of her tattoo. The moment she did so, the ss cracked, shattering into pieces, before pulling her into the secret world.

    ....

    Countless confessions, numberless fans, nothing brings me happiness except for her smile. She came into my life and then became my life. This is my story, my book that has no edits. There is no agony than bearing an untold story of mine.

    First meeting...

    I was cycling on thewn on my new bike my dad gifted after I perfected walking. But my happiness was short-lived because my mama bear called me. ''''Devin,e and get ready. We are going to the hospital.''''

    ''''I am noting. I want to y.'''' I screamed intensely, but no mom will listen to the kid''s rants. My mother practically dragged me to the hospital, although I threw tantrums at her.

    My dad helped me sit on the chair, my short legs dangling off the ground. I hated these tall chairs. Mom and aunt Sharon went inside the hospital room, abandoning me. Nurses and doctors passing by would either ruffle my hair or pinch my cheeks, calling me adorable. I hate them more than the tall chairs.

    I waited in the corridor, apanying my grandfather and dad. The ear-splitting cries of a baby from the opposite room reverbarated into my ears. The ambnce siren I hear in the movies was a little bearablepared to that baby''s noisy cry.

    I wish I had cotton in handy to plug into my ears. I closed my ears, but the cries still echoed. ''''What a noisy baby,'''' I grumbled. With the utmost difficulty, I got off the chair and ran inside the room. Now, the noisy baby cries are more abundant.

    Around five people surrounded in a group, consoling the noisy baby, but she wouldn''t stop her cries.

    ''''Baby, look at me. I will bring you a toy if you stop crying.''''

    ''''Oh, my. Don''t cry, sweety!''''

    I tiptoed on my heels to peek, but the baby''s face was practically invisible, considering my height. My curiosity to see the baby heightened. ''''Mom,'''' I called my mother, tugging her dress from behind.

    My mom turned around and smiled at me. ''''Ah! my baby Devin is here.''''

    I looked past my mom, and my eyes straight awaynded on the baby. The noisy baby was wrapped like a cocoon in something blue, but I saw the tiny head. It looks like a kiwi fruit that my mom feeds me every day.

    ''''I am afraid her throat hurts, Eve. She had only stopped her cries once. It was when she slept.''''

    ''''Don''t worry, Heather. It''s nothing serious. She must be sore from the trauma of birth.''''

    My curiosity piqued. I walked towards the bed and stood in front of the noisy baby. Her head looks like a kiwi. I want to know if her face looks like a pineapple.

    I tugged Aunt Heather''s hospital gown, and I almost jumped in happiness when she tilted the baby in my direction.

    I nced up and stared at her teary eyes. OMG! She is not a pineapple. She is a hairy monkey I recently saw on the TV. Without my knowledge, my hand went to hold her tiny hand, soft to touch. The noisy baby stared at me, her teary gaze more focused than any toddler could be. Like magic, her siren slowly came to a stop.

    ''''Woah!'''' My mom ruffled my head. ''''Look, Heather. My son stopped the cries of your daughter.''''

    ''''My son-inw came to im her wife.'''' Aunt Heather yfully said. ''''Little Devin, will you marry my daughter?''''

    I didnot know how to answer Aunt Heather''s question. So, I gazed at the floor sheepishly. Marriage with this hairy monkey? Maybe I need to think tonight.

    ''''Look, Eve! He is ready for marriage.''''

    ''''So, when are we holding the wedding?'''' Like always, my dad started his drama.

    Suddenly, I was jolted out of my thoughts when someone held my ear. It was none other than uncle France.

    ''''Little brat.'''' I cried in pain when he twisted my ear. ''''You have not evenpleted three years, ready for a marriage, and even blushing?''''

    ''''Francis!'''' My mom yelled and pulled me into her embrace. ''''Do you have to be harsh on my kid? We are just making fun.''''

    ''''Fun? But I don''t trust your son.''''

    While they argued with each other, I seized the chance and ran to the noisy baby. She seems to be happy around me. Although she is ugly, I like her.

    ''''Is she cute,Devin?'''' Aunt Heather asked me. ''''Does she look like me?''''

    ''''She looks like a hairy monkey,'''' I admitted innocently.

    And everybody in the room burst outughing, except for one.. Uncle France wore a predatory expression on his face as he stared at me. Why is he angry? Is he upset that I did not call her kiwi head?

 Chapter 441 - N To O: Y To S

    Days turned into months and months to a year. I forgot the color of the kid''s bike my dad gifted me because it was no longer important in my life. I found a new interest, hairy monkey.

    Although she sleeps a lot, I spend my entire day with the hairy monkey. She cries..a lot.. if I don''t visit her for one day. I still call her with the nickname hairy monkey because she still has no name.

    When I thought she would turn into a big-sized monkey after she grew up. But I couldn''t believe the changes I saw in her. She turned into a cute cherry.

    I gifted her a barbie on her birthday. I think she loved it because of all the gifts she got, I noticed her eyes constantly drifted to the Barbie. Along with the birthday celebrations, it was also the naming ceremony for her. Leena! She is named Leena. It''s so beautiful, isn''t it? Just like her.

    When I turned three and a half, my dad put me into school. Technically, it was uncle France''s idea. He is the evil mastermind behind this just because I am stealing Leena''s attention. So, I had to cut down on my visits. But I used to make it up on weekends. Along with Leena''s cuteness, her craziness spiked up.

    One weekend, Aunt Heather brought her home. Thank god, uncle France didnot tag along. My mom took us to the garden. She helped Leena into the reclining chair. I fed her oranges by peeling them one by one. Leena clung on to me like a ko bear.

    ''''Wat is lhat?'''' She spoke in her usual broken English, pointing to a tree.

    ''''That''s a banana tree, Little one.'''' I said, wiping the juice on the sides of her mouth. What a clumsy kid! I am better at taking care of myself.

    ''''lhat?'''' I saw her pointing to an almond tree this time.

    ''''It''s an almond tree. We can make oil from almonds.'''' I bbered whatever I knew about almonds. ''''Mom has a big bottle of almond oil. It''s very good for_''''

    ''''Amond oil is male of amonds?'''' Her eyes turned big, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

    ''''ording to mom, yes..Why are you crying?'''' I wiped her tears away.

    ''''So, Baby oil is male of babies? Me baby.''''

    Devin: '''' ''''

    ''''No..no.'''' I had a hard time convincing Leena. Later, my mom reprimanded me because I did something naughty to make her cry. That''s one kind of example to exin her illogical questions, but at the same time, I find them logical in some way.

    When I thought I had a good time with her, the viin sketched another n. Two yearster, uncle France started sending Leena on pics with grandma Margaret on weekends. I knew he did it on purpose. What can I do? I don''t have the power to make him disappear.

    Years passed, I got busy with school work and basketball. Every time I got a chance, I would take my friends to Wilbur''s home.

    When I hit my teenage, I stepped into modeling, hoping that Leena would see me on the TV screen, but Iter learned that madam is obsessed with cartoons. I pleaded with my mom to convince uncle France. The message was to send Leena to our school, but instead, he sent her to an all-girls school. I googled up the curses in all thenguages to use on him.

    I don''t know when it started, but my feelings for Leena have grown so strong that I sincerely epted every emotion I felt for her. My first time meeting with her in the hospital might be a fate, but falling in love with her was beyond control. If I had told my friends, they would call it teenage adrenaline, but I knew it. I never felt the same for any other girl. It was only for her..her alone.

    Later years, I didnot pay much attention to Leena due to my shootings until I found a boy stalking Leena.

    ''''Stay away from Leena.'''' His disheveled hair, unkempt shirt, everything about him spoke danger.

    ''''And I would warn you the same. Stay away from Leena. She is mine. Once Enger sets an eye, nothing will stop him from possessing.''''

    The resentment in my heart festered like a tide. Our verbal argument turned into physical fights, like the predators in the ring. In the nick of time, my hands were on his throat, ready tond a punch on his face..

    ''''Stop! Please. Don''t hit him.'''' I halted and looked over my shoulders at the pleading voice. A girl in a uniform, akin to Leena''s, appeared in front of us.

    ''''Winter!'''' Enger growled, grabbing my wrists. ''''Stay out of this_''''

    ''''Leave him. I will talk to him.'''' She softly pleaded, looking at me. ''''You will neither see him in our school premises nor near Leena.''''

    ''''This is thest warning.'''' Giving onest disgusting look at him, I jerked my hands off him and walked away.

    ''''Why the hell you came here, Winter!''''

    ''''Did you take a good look at him? For god''s sake, he is an athlete, Enger. I don''t want you to get your legs broken in his hands.''''

    ''''So, it''s all about..physical..''''

    The words trailed off into the air as my footstep''s distance grew. Blood oozed out of my left hand as I walked towards the car. I was about to open the door, a hand caught my wounded arm. A girl with blond hair nced at my wrist ''''Your hand is bleeding.''''

    I jerked my hands off her. I felt something strange pass down my body when she touched my injured wrist.

    ''''Don''t mind the boy. He is my cousin, a little clumsy at times.'''' She extended her hand. ''''I am Morvena. I am a big fan of yours."

    ''''Thanks.'''' My poprity among girls is growing like the icebergs in Antarctica, except for her. Can''t she upgrade herself from thoseic relievers? Brushing my thoughts aside, I stepped into the car.

    ''''How about a date with me?'''' She pointed to the coffee shop opposite us.

    ''''It''s N to O.'''' I replied, starting the engine without looking back. Strangely, I was able to use my left hand without any pain or difficulty.

    Morvena stared at the car until it disappeared out of her sight.. ''''Soon, I will make you say Y to S, Devin.''''

 Chapter 442 - Brain Power

    I didnot give much thought to it when my wound healed in just hours which was supposed to take at least three days, considering the severity of the cut. But, I had to reconsider when the same girl saved me from another danger. A car almost hit me when I was crossing a road from a store, but she saved meing out of nowhere. She was as quick as a Gaze, as fast as a racing cheetah. No. I had never seen something move with such a fantastic speed.

    ''''Are you okay?'''' She pulled me to the sidewalk area. With a panic look on her face, she examined my body for injuries.

    ''''How did you know I am here? or have you been following me all the way?'''' I demanded, jerking my hands off. ''''How the hell you did that? Don''t tell me you are something that I don''t want to imagine?''''

    ''''I_I am not....I am sorry. I have to go.'''' She ran off without exnation. I was d she didnot show her supernatural abilities this time.

    ''''Weird girl,'''' I muttered, looking at her retreating figure.

    A monthter, she showed up in front of my school. With the burden I am shouldering already, she is turning into another headache. ''''What''s with you?''''

    ''''A coffee with you.'''' She smiled, which irritated me more.

    ''''You should know my answer by the look of revulsion on my face.'''' Before I walked past her...

    ''''I saved your life. Don''t you owe me a favor?'''' She asked.

    I can''t deny the fact. She saved me from the danger. It''s just one coffee. I am not going to lose anything with one coffee. ''''Alright.'''' I agreed. ''''Just once.''''

    ''''Thank you!'''' She squealed.

    I was sitting opposite her, wearing the most boring look on my face. I nned to sneak into Leena''s school with Andrew to see the annual festival, but this girl is literally wasting hours of my precious time for one cup of coffee. I heard from Wilbur that Leena is ying detective Sherlock Holmes in a drama. It''s one in millennia to miss such an opportunity. I offered Andrew a yStation, and he readily agreed without asking further questions.

    ''''Can''t you skip seeing the detective drama for today?'''' Her questionpletely threw me out of my seat. How did she hear my inner thoughts? ''''Who are you? Are you..are you a werewolf?''''

    ''''No.''''

    ''''A vampire? or a shapeshifter?''''

    ''No. I am not.'''' Morvena replied. ''''Do you believe those creatures exist? They are myths.''''

    ''''I don''t believe. But it looks like I have to now.'''' My eyes keenly focused on her teeth, but I found no canines. Oh, no. I forgot the myths I read. The fangs and ws can be extended and retracted at their own will. Is she one among them? The thought of having a coffee with those creatures caused his body to cringe. ''''How could you read my inner thoughts? How did you heal my injured wound?''''

    She lowered her head, her mouth shut from forcing the truth.

    ''''Fine. It''s not my concern anyway. Thanks for saving me.'''' I got up from the chair. ''''Don''t show up in front of_''''

    ''''I am not any supernatural creature, you assumed.'''' She lifted her head, and nced at me, and pointed her eyes to the chair.

    ''''Then?'''' I went back to the chair.

    ''''I was born with enhanced physical and mental abilities.''''

    ''''Sorry?''''

    ''''I know you think of me insane. But this is truth. Telepathy, time travel,psychokinesis, I can affect the physical system without physical interaction. My mind and body can travel at the speed of our thoughts.'''' She exined.

    ''''What the! So, you found me through the mind travelling ability?'''' I concluded the bitter truth. ''''I can''t believe it. How did you get..'''' I trailed off, the truth is yet to sink into my brain.

    ''''My mother is a scientist. She sits in ab for hours experimenting. By the time she realized she was pregnant, the harmful chemicals she swallowed affected the fetus badly. The fetus died in her womb.'''' She continued. ''''To bring back the fetus life, she consumed the drug she invented to give the energy, which in turn bring back the fetus to life. But my life came with a higher price.'''' Morvena added.

    ''What''s that?''''

    ''''Have you ever thought how much a human can use its brainpower?'''' She questioned instead.

    ''''Not sure. Probably ten to fifteen percent.''''

    ''''You are right. My brain cells are activated to the full extent after my mother consumed the drug. I was born with those abilities.'''' Morvena closed her eyes. ''''I can hear the sound of your blood flowing in your veins. I can see your stomach enzymes breaking down the food. I can see the number of cells dying in your body. I can hear someone falling from a bike, a little distance away. You just thought about sneaking into a school of the girl you like. Your friend is apanying you. There is nothing that I cannot see, and there is nothing that I cannot hear.''''

    Nothing but my own heartbeat echoed into my ears. Is it a boon or a curse to be born with such ability? When I thought in my perspective, it''s a curse. Who would be happy to hear people''s thoughts all the time? ''''How do you concentrate on other things with your ability? or even..can you sleep at least?''''

    ''''It''s hard. But I learned to control with my mother''s help. Unless I wanted to, I don''t listen to anybody''s thoughts intently.''''

    ''''Aren''t you scared that I would reveal your truth to the world?''''

    ''''I know you don''t.'''' She smiled. ''''I read your inner thoughts already. Honestly, it''s only our second meeting, but I felt like telling my secret. You are the only person I shared my secret with.''''

    ''''Your secret is safe with me.'''' I smiled in response. I thought she was a stalker, but she is not that bad. She is just born with a rare ability.

    ....

    If you are aware of Yogi Sadguru, probably Indian might have heard his name. A modern day mystic, and visionary. For more, refer google or YouTube. I watched a video of him enlightening the brain''s capacity. Humans use only 5 to 10 percent of brain. If it used at maximum capacity, no supernatural being can outsmart it. I designed Morvena''s character based on this theory. Movie Lucy is based on this theory.

 Chapter 443 - Living Corpse

    Years passed, along with my love, my fear to express my feelings to Leena elevated to Everest. At first, I nned to talk with her after I became famous. I did be famous, but dropped the idea out of fear. I thought of directly confessing my feelings on mypany''s inauguration. I started mypany on her birthday to remember.

    Is it because of the pent-up feelings I suppressed for years that pushing me back or is it because I was scared of rejection? I don''t know. But I get damn nervous just by the thought of confession.

    Leena joined the college. At the same time, I went to Seattle for a small fashion show to which I was invited as a guest. Although the show doesn''t stand for my reputation, I liked the theme.

    I can''t believe I crossed paths with Leena there. Instead of the guest, I turned into one of the contestants.. Maybe I was disguised in a rabbit costume, or I badly wanted to talk to her...I did initiate the conversation with her. The loud music has saved my day. If not, she would have heard my heart beating like I had gone crazy. I even took a bold step and asked for her number. I know she is one kind of crazy nut, but she happens to prove on the first day.

    She demanded me to solve the fucking Avogadro''s number to get her number. Like hell, why would I even attempt her fake theories when I have her number already. To provoke her, I texted her on the same day. It started with silly banter, and slowly our friendship blossomed.

    All the time we do is y some games or text some funny stuff. Sometimes sheins about her friends not keeping the room clean or sometimes about her brother or Francy. I thoroughly enjoyed it when ites to Francis stuff. He is the monster of my love life. I will make him lock him in a cer if he does not agree to our marriage.

    The four years I spent my time with Leena were the best of my life. I finally mustered up my courage to confront her. When the day I wanted to confess the truth, she gave me the biggest surprise. My heart broke when I learned she got a boyfriend for herself.

    I know it''s not her fault, but I have ignored her texts since that day. I didnot text her for a week. I shut down myself from work. If I had the ability, I wished to travel back in time and profess my feelings. If she had given Ethan a chance, there is no way she would have rejected me. At least the narcissist would consider my handsome face.

    Happiness flooded in my little one''s life. A boyfriend, dozens of job offers in her hands, graduation certificate in another month. What I didnot know was a scandal was waiting to tear her. Her tears broke my heartpletely. My investigation didn''t yield any result either.

    I didnot n to disturb her peace, but I felt she needed a distraction and a little motivation. I went to Seattle to meet her. With the recent ominous incidents happening around her, I have been keeping an eye on her. My suspicion was raised when she went to the cliff to meet a friend. My instincts raised a red signal. I went in search of her.

    Fear seethed like a terrible monster as I saw her mobile on the muddy ground. ''''Leena!'''' I screamed.

    ''''Leena! If you can hear my voice, can you respond, please?'''' I lost the path once I stepped down the cliff, but I continued searching. Atst, I found her injured body down the cliff, barely breathing. ''''God damn it! How did this happen!'''' Tears started to stream down my face as I dropped to the ground. ''''I am here, little one. Don''t panic.'''' Discarding the creepers that shrouded her body.

    ''''W..ho.. a,..re..you.'''' She managed a whisper.

    ''''Don''t close you eyes. I am here.'''' I gently lifted her and carried her to the car. On the way to the hospital, I motivated her to stay awake. But all of a sudden, she gave me the motivation by kissing me. I don''t know what exactly I had to feel in that situation. I didnot have the time to think of it as we reached the hospital.

    .....

    ''''Her fall has implicated major organs in the body. We are sorry. Prepare for the worst.'''' The doctor''s words devasted me, like a sharp-toothed creature eating me alive.

    ''''Nothing will happen to you.''''

    ''''I promised to keep you safe. I will not let anything happen to you.'''' I fished out my mobile, and called a number. ''''Are you in Russia?''''

    ''''Yes. Why_'''' I cut off the call. I started to meet myst savior.

    ....

    The moment she opened the door, my week copsed to the floor. The pain in my heart started to pull back like the tide going out every passing second. ''''I don''t need to exin to you what happened there. Please...save her, Morvena. She is just a little girl."

    ''''She is going to die, Devin.'''' Morvena closed her eyes, looking at a girl''s state on the hospital bed. ''''Her organs are slowly shutting down. She doesn''t have much time left. I can smell her death."

    ''''Don''t say that, please. She has many aspirations in her life." I begged, holding her hands. ''''You saved me once from the ident.''''

    ''''That''s different_''''

    ''''I trust you.'''' My own voice sounded different to my ears. ''''Didn''t your mother bring the fetus back to life? Please bring back my Leena to life."

    ''''Have you gone crazy? You are asking for life.'''' She yelled. ''''Remember a lifees at a bigger price.''''

    ''''I am willing to pay the price,'''' I said in determination. ''''Take my life in exchange.''''

    ''''You are offering your life for her sake!'''' She chuckled, unable to believe that he was sacrificing like his life didn''t matter to him.

    ''''My life is meaningless if there is no her in this world.''''

    ''''Taking a life is a matter of seconds.'''' Morvena exhaled a deep breath. ''''The life you are asking is her lifelong happiness. Universees in bnce. Her lifetime happiness has to be someone''s lifelong grievance. Do you have such a lifetime grievance? Bring me that, I will save her life."

    "I have." wallowing hard, I closed my eyes. Never I thought I would have to make this tough decision. ''''My twenty-three years of her memories. Nothing is precious than the memories I hold of her."

    "I am a living corpse without her memories. It''s my lifelong grievance."

 Chapter 444 - Destined Together

    Million feelings, thousand thoughts, infinite memories of hers he holds dear to my heart. If my lifetime grievance brings her back to life, I am willing to sacrifice my memories. ''''I am willing to pay any price. Please treat her fast.''''

    ''''What about my price?''''

    ''''I have nothing to offer except for wealth.''''

    ''''You have one.'''' Morvena lifted my hands and held them together. ''''I confessed my feelings twice, and you rejected twice for her. I understood you would never look at me in this lifetime. If you can''t give me your love, give me one passionate night. I will hold on to the fact that I had sex with the most handsome eligible man.''''.

    ''''Are you..are you testing me?'''' I yanked my hands forcefully with a look of disgust. The thought of touching some other woman sickened my body.

    ''''I am an opportunist, Devin. I don''t care if you think of me as a bitch. That''s the craze I have for you.'''' Morvena got up to leave. ''''Tell me your answer aftering to a decision.'''' Not before she walked a couple of steps, she felt his touch on her wrists. ''''Will you treat her if I say yes?''''

    ''''Ofcourse_'''' Morvena didnot yetplete her thoughts, she was dragged to her room. She has to run alongside Devin to match his pace. ''''Devin, wait! Where are you taking_'''' She was thrown onto the bed like she was nothing to him. She could not see an ounce of feelings for her in his eyes. Eyes lifeless, with no passion, he ripped her clothes, shredding thest dignity she owned.

    ''''What the hell are you doing, Devin!'''' Morvena pushed his body off to the ground. She grabbed the nket and covered her body. ''''Are you crazy?''''

    ''''Is it what you asked for?''''

    ''''I never asked you to behave like a rabid dog.'''' She yelled. Her eyes welled up in tears ''''I want one passionate night with you to remember this lifetime. Can''t you give me that?''''

    ''''My love and fiery passion are for her alone. You know that.'''' Morvena watched his eyes, not gazing at her for a moment. What is the uniqueness he finds in Leena that he can''t find in me?

    ''''I hate you. Get lost from here.'''' Devin did not leave. Morvena fiercely grabbed the mobile from the stand and called the hospital Dean she mentally picked the number from the database of the hospital. ''''Mr. Finn. I heard you are looking for a doctor to treat Leena..yes..yes..I heard....Allow me to look her injuries to determine if we can save her...well, I will start tonight...sure..thank you.''''

    Ending the call, Morvena gazed at Devin. ''''You got what you want. Now get out of my room.'''' Morvena yelled. ''''Also, prepare yourself.''''

    ''''Keep my memories a secret.'''' I whispered and left the house. I didnot care if she yelled or screamed at me. My mind was too upied to give a damn to her feelings.

    .....

    Just when Devin left, the doorbell rang again. Morvena quickly changed her dress and opened the door, thinking it was Devin again, but the living nightmare stood in front of her. Winter stood behind him.

    ''''Aren''t you weing your new brother-inw?''''

    ''''Sorry?'''' She stared at him in confusion. ''''Brother-inw?''''

    ''''Winter will exin in detail. Before that, let''s talk.'''' Enger walked past Morvena into the living room. ''''I heard from your security guard that something happened inside."

    "You are prying on me, bastard!"

    "Quiet woman." Enger let out a deep sigh. "I don''t have time. Hear me clearly. Erase my memories from Devin''s brain along with Leena''s memories. Along with it, I need his mobile."

    ''''What!'''' Morvena screamed in horror.

    ''''You heard me right.'''' Devin should never get a trigger from Leena''s memories in his lifetime. Getting rid of Winter is easy. He has toy a well trap for this dumbhead.

    ''''I am not doing any favor to you. Get out of my house, Enger. Now.'''' Morvena turned to Winter. ''''Why did you bring this trouble to my house?''''

    ''''Enger promised to marry me if you agree to his wishes.'''' Winter squeezed Morvena''s hands to grab her attention. ''''I never asked anything from you. Can you please do this favor?''''

    Morvena gnashed her teeth as her eyes darted to Enger''s face. A cunning fox! ''''He is using you, Winter. Why can''t you see his ploys? With Devin aside, he will not have any threat. Don''t you know that he still loves Leena?''''

    ''''Things can change. He promised me that he would treat me well after our marri_''''

    ''''Empty promises.'''' Morvena cut her off. She tried hinting Enger''s ploys to her sister, but she has turned into an airhead. When she didnotply with his wishes, Enger threatened to leak her secret to the world. She has no way except to ept his forceful orders.

    .....

    Tears streamed down from her closed eyes uncontrobly. She felt someone squeeze her heart, restricting the blood flow. My friend, my savior is Devin? I am his childhood sweetheart! Leena sped her mouth shut, sinking the thoughts into her brain. ''''Why did he do that? Twenty-three years of memories, he sacrificed to save me.'''' Doctors said it was a miracle that she survived, but it was his sacrifice.

    ''''His love for you is unconditional.'''' Morvena''s throat squeezed, stopping her thoughts. ''''The more you recovered physically from the injuries, he suffered a ten folded pain, physically, emotionally, mentally. I operated on his brain for six months. I wonder how he endured the pain. At one point in time, I couldn''t recognize him. He went into depression, lost weight, addicted to drink to ease the pain. There is not a day he stopped crying, screaming your name at night. He was a living corpse for the disy, better off dead.''''

    Leena squeezed her eyelids shut in the hope her tears would stop, but the pressure intensified. ''''I want to see him.'''' Leena got up to leave.

    ''''Wait a second.'''' Morvena left the room and came back in an instant with a pouch. ''''My sixth sense says you need this. You know..in case something happens. Use this wisely.''''

    ''''What is it?'''' Leena opened the pouch. There was a key, along with a paper, and in it, a handwritten address.

    ''''It''s Devin''s. He buried the things rted to you in a house before he lost the memories. The key and the address are in the pouch."

    ''''Thank you.'''' Leena ced the things back into the bag. "How did hee back to New York? He has no recollection of memories?"

    "I wiped his memories of one year, and personally sent him. Whatever he remembers after, you should ask him."

    "I will." Before leaving, she gave a hug to Morvena. Although Leena didnot speak a word, Morvena picked her emotions.

    ''''Even his lost memories couldn''t restrict him from falling in love with you again. You are destined to be together. I am sorry for acting like a bitch in the middle.'''' Morvena patted Leena''s shoulder. After his memory loss, Morvena thought of starting a new life with Devin by entering into his life, but Enger stood like a barrier. She doubted Devin would have fallen for her even she approached after he lost memories. With or without memories, no one can rece Leena from his heart.

    ''''Your apology is epted.'''' Long back, Leena narrated a movie story to Devin. The male lead falls in love with another girl after he loses his memories. He ducked the theory, stating that the male lead wouldn''t have fallen for the second girl if he had really loved the first girl. He was right all along!

    ''''At least, he confronted his feelings oveing his nervousness this time."

    Nervous? May be yes in thest. Pulling herself back to the present, Leena mentally began to prepare the list of things to talk when she meets him. Will he believe that I am the girl he saved? How to exin this to him dramatically?

 Chapter 445 - Border World

    A question constantly lingered in Leena''s head, which she couldn''t help but shoot at Morvena. ''''How did you seal Devin''s memories in my body? Memories are not physical.''''

    ''''Energy. It''s energy,'''' Morvena corrected. ''''Everything in this world is made of energy. Thoughts begin it, emotions amplify it, and actions increase the momentum. Energy is neither created nor destroyed. It just takes shape from one form to another. I just transferred his energy into a tattoo and buried inside your soul.'''' Morvena said. ''''Alright. I am speaking a lot of science here. It''s gettingte. You need to leave this ce.. I cannot guarantee that you will cross paths with wild animals.''''

    As long as there are no ghosts, I can deal with anything. Leena internally murmured.

    ''''I heard a ghost roaming in this forest,'''' Morvena whispered into Leena''s ears. She then left the room with a silly smile on her face.

    ''''Ah!'''' Leena kicked the rail of the bed. ''''Did she sneak into my thoughts?'''' Grumbling to herself, Leena followed behind Morvena to the room Nick and Winter were present. Both were ying a card game to pass the time.

    The duo snapped at the door, sensing someone''s presence. Nick gazed at Leena in a question. Leena mouthed ter'' before turning to Winter. ''''Winter_''''

    ''''I am fine, Leena. Don''t worry about me.'''' Winter admitted knowing Leena''s thoughts. ''''The only thing I feel sad about is I lost my identity.''''

    ''''I can help you, Winter.''''

    ''''It''s not easy.'''' Winter motioned Leena toe near her and hugged Leena. ''''I am happy to see you.''''

    ''''Me too.'''' Leena smiled. After a couple of minutes of pleasantries, Leena and Nick started since it was turning dark.

    Before stepping out of the house, Nick turned back and smiled at Winter. ''''Bye.'''' He waved his hand at her.

    Pursing her lips, Morvena mouthed a goodbye. Lips parted, Leena and Morvena nced at each other.In just one hour?

    Winter watched Leena and Nick departing from the house, her eyes didnot leave a certain person''s sight for a second.

    ''''He left,'''' Morvena said. She could see a glint of happiness in her cousin''s eyes after a long time.

    ''''He is cute, isn''t he?'''' When Morvena took Leena to a private room, she was left alone with a man. Enger left a deep regret mark on her life. She hated sharing her space with a man, but she liked hispany. He was damn funny and cute.

    ''''He is wild as well,'''' Morvena stated, tucking Winter with the nket.

    ''''I like wild men.'''' Winter smiled mischievously. ''''Can you give his number.''''

    ''''Sleep,'''' Morvenamanded. ''''Or I will have to use force.''''

    Winter pouted before closing her eyes. Her cousin''s tortures are worse than nightmares.

    .....

    The ten hours journey felt like a decade to Leena. All the way, she recalled every memory of Devin''s. She couldn''t help but feel giddy all over. The moment shended in New York, she straight away went to WD. Since it was office hours, she knew he would be in thepany. To her surprise, she learned he had taken two days of leave.

    ''''Didn''t he tell you?'''' Harley asked. ''''I thought you nned a trip.''''

    ''''I..I we did.. I will talk to youter.'''' Leena rushed out of thepany before Harley would start her investigation.

    She went home with the hope of finding him there. To her horror, Aunt Jpeno informed her that Devin hadn''t returned home since yesterday. She called his number, but it went into voice mail. ''''I am scared, Nick.''''

    ''''Don''t panic. He must have gone to friend''s house.'''' Nick patted her arm. Why does he scare people all the time? ''''I will call the driver and guards right now,''''

    The driver and guards informed the boss didnot let them drive with him. Nick nced at Leena, who was checking her mobile. ''''I will try to find his address_''''

    ''''Not necessary.'''' Leena passed her mobile to Nick. ''''He is at Villow''s garden.''''

    ''''What? What work he has got at an unknown ce?'''' Nick sighed. ''''He is a mystery box. Let''s go.''''

    The location led them to a big house, closed with a shutter. Rather than calling home, it looked more like a garage. After ten minutes of knocking the shutter like mad people, the shutter atst opened up.

    ''''Walter!'''' Came Leena''s startled voice.

    ''''Hey...Leena. Ummm..'''' Walter broke out in a sweat with the new twist added onto their te. ''''How did you know I am here?''''

    ''''Is Devin here?'''' Leena questioned him instead.

    ''''I..I..'''' Walter stammered, wiping the sweat from his forehead. ''''Actually...''''

    The way he was sweating buckets, Leena knew there had something happened here. Before hepleted his words, Leena walked past him and entered inside.

    Surrounded by three people, Leena saw Devin''s bodyy on the lounge chair with a tube attached to his brain. The scene reminded her of the dreadful ident. The thought itself shuddered her heart in fear. ''''What happened?'''' She turned to Walter. He gulped in fear as he looked at her bloodshot eyes.

    ''''Doctor Walter, I am asking you. What happened to my husband?'''' Her voice raised to an octave, triggering the fear not only on Walter but everybody present there.

    ''''W_e nned to extract his memories safely,'''' Walter exined all the events from the time Devin received the picture of Leena''s savior until they lost Devin at the hospital. ''''He went missing after the doctor informed your family to prepare for the worst. We searched all the familiar ces, but we couldn''t find his location. His subconscious memory is fighting with us, not giving us ess to his memories. We all woke up except..'''' Walter trailed off, unable to utter thest words.

    This came as another surprise to Leena. When she thought everything was going well..

    ''''What does that mean? He will get upter, isn''t it?'''' Leena walked towards Devin and gently patted his cheeks. She then kissed his forehead. ''''Come back, Devin. I have lots to talk with you. Please..''''

    ''''He won''t wake, Leena.'''' Walter said. ''''He is stuck in the border world. It''s a mirror world to no reality. He is in the assumption that you died, and his memories of you have be his reality.''''

    ''''No. It can''t be. I am here, Devin. I didnot die. You saved me from the ident.'''' Leena shook Devin''s shoulder vigorously, but hey unresponsive. ''''Get up, idiot! Was one ident not enough to scare me? You do this every time. Don''t you have any other work except making me cry?"

    ''''For how long will he stay there?''''

    Walter stayed silent.

    ''''How long!'''' She demanded.

    ''''Not sure. It''s hard to bring people from the border world,'''' Elias muttered, tightly clutching the chair for failing in one mission. ''''I don''t know. Or he may note back to life."

    His words jabbed her wretched heart hard.

 Chapter 446 - Wake Up

    Although Leena knows Devin never gets irritated, she bugs him every hour if he goes on a business trip. She can''t imagine spending a day without talking to Devin. Without seeing him is like serving a life sentence in hell.

    She wanted to tear these people''s faces apart for making Devin undergo this pain without properly studying his medical condition. But she held back her fury. Right now, bringing Devin back to this world is her priority. If the people here are incapable, she knows a person who can bring Devin back to reality. ''''Morvena.'''' She muttered, squirming her hands over the mobile. Decided to talk with her, she dialed her number, which she exchanged with Morvena at her house. The call got connected on the second ring. ''''Hello, Morvena_''''

    ''''Devin is not waking up?'''' Morvena dropped a bomb.

    Leena was taken aback. ''''You..you knew this?''''

    ''''If you have called me expecting my help, I have to say, I am sorry. You have called the wrong number,'''' Morvena added on. ''''I can find where he is hiding, but I cannot bring him back. Recall the words I told you at my house. If you are wise enough, you will understand what I meant. I have done my part. Bye.''''

    ''''Wait..Morvena!'''' Leena screamed to hold on, but she disconnected the call already. Pursing her lips, Leena walked towards Devin. ''''Get ready. I will drag you even if you are hiding in the hell.''''

    She made a decision already, just that she was scared to let out. ''''I will bring Devin back.'''' She dered.

    Walter immediately made a statement. ''''You can''t go inside_''''

    ''''Do you have a better option?'''' Leena questioned Walter before turning to the team. ''''Please make the arrangements.''''

    Elias nodded and motioned the team to get ready for another memoryne. Nico grabbed the drug and wristwatch from Be and personally handed it to Leena. He wanted to initiate a conversation with this barbie, but the situation was not right. He will not be surprised if she beats him.Nico also grabbed the tube from Elias''s hand and connected it to Leena''s brain.

    Nick, who was watching Nico''s movements keenly, knocked on Nico''s head. ''''What''s with you, kiddo. Are you trying to impress her?''''

    ''''I am not a kiddo. I am eighteen years old. To answer yourst question, yes, I am. I am a big fan of Leena,'''' Nico said as he looked at Leena, earnestly studying the Toconin drug.

    ''''Leena,'''' Walter spoke up. ''''We cannot stay inside Devin''s memories for a long time. He might kill us there. I have set the timer to fifteen minutes.''''

    Leena nodded, slowly closing her eyelids.

    As Elias watched Leena slowly drifting into sleep, he signaled the others to get ready. He then turned to Nick. He couldn''t help but ask, observing Nick''s athletic build. ''''Are you into martial arts?''''

    ''''I am a professional Krav Maga fighter.'''' He proudly added.

    ''''Is it? Good to have another fighter.'''' Elias nodded and told Be to give him the Toconin.

    ''''Why..why am I..'' Nick''s voice trailed off as the brown-haired Be forced him to drink the disgusting liquid that is sour than the tamarinds ''''Don''t panic if you see something weird.'''' Be pushed Nick''s body onto the lounge chair. Pleasantly drowsy, Nick had no urge to fight off the sleep. ''''I don''t know anything..''''

    ''''I am switching on the button.'''' Be pressed the button. Nicks''s voice went into the void, and his vision went into ckness.

    ...

    Standing in front of the hospital, Leena stared at the building. She could hear her wretched cries from every corner of the hospital.

    ''''We need to move, Leena,'''' Watler said. ''''Devin started sending enemies'''' He pointed his eyes to Nico and Nick, who were dealing with the local thugs.

    ''''Is your boss that poor to send the local thugs?'''' Nick yelled at the man as he threw his back on the ground. ''''Leena, go and search the house. He must be there.''''

    As Nick suggested, Leena went home apanied by Elias and Walter. Every nook and corner, she searched, but the man in question was not still missing. She went to his office, the cliff in Seattle where she fell, Wang family house, but the search went in vain. ''''Where are you, Devin! Please show up.'''' The amount of energy she wasted in searching, she lost the strength to utter a word.

    The rm beeped on Walter''s watch, indicating the time. ''''We have two minutes left. Nick and Nico are also tired. They can''t fight anymore."

    "Please...Devin." Along with her giddiness, her frustration red up. She searched all the ces she was familiar with. Where could he hide? Morvena snapped into Leena''s head to remind her. ''Recall the words I told at my house, Leena''

    What did she say? Leena thought hard. She recalled the incidents happened in the house.

    ''There is not a day he cried, screaming your name.''

    ''My sixth sense says you need this.''

    ''Use the key wisely.''

    Leena opened her eyes when the realization dawned upon her. ''''The key! He must be hiding there.'''' She opened the google maps on her mobile and teleported to the address immediately.

    ''''What''s this ce?'''' Walter asked, looking at the wooden house, which was in a secluded area.

    Leena keyed the virtual key into the lock and stepped inside. In the room filled with girly stuff, precisely the stuff that she liked, Leena saw Devin lying on the floor, clutching a photo frame to his chest.

    ''''Devin,'''' Leena slowly walked towards him and dropped to her knees in front of him.

    He tilted his eyes and stared at Leena like she was an alien descended on to the earth. Leena could understand Devin thought of her as another projection of his memory. She would haveughed if it was some other day because he looked damn cute.

    Devin lifted the photo frame. ''''She is beautiful, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Hmmm..She is.'''' Leena answered.

    ''''She is dying.'''' His voiceced in pain.

    ''''She is not." Leena corrected him. "You saved her. Go to the future, and see. She is alive and happy. You met her again after five years in a bathroom. Do you remember the incident?''''

    ''''Hmmm.'''' Slowly, but surely he nodded. ''''I called her pervert?"

    Pervert, my foot! Is he not leaving the name even at this state? ''''I came to remind you that she is waiting for you."

    Devin shuddered at the overflowing memories as Leena squeezed his hand.

    ''''I havee to take you with me, Devin.'''' Leena smiled at him. ''''This is world is not real. Wake up. Let''s live together happily."

    "Is she really waiting for me?"

    "Yes."Gazing at her, Devin put aside the picture frame, and got up.

    ...

    Opening her eyes, Leena turned to Devin, a smile never left on her face as she watched him sleeping. ''''Is he back?''''

    ''''Taking a tour on rest of his memories. He wille back soon.'''' Elias smiled. "You brought him back."

    Leena exhaled a deep breath and then looked at Nick. ''''I have somewhere to go.''''

    ''''Wait until he gets up.''''

    ''''He knows the ce I am going.'''' Having said that, Leena drove to the house shest met Devin in his memories. A man who was guarding the house smiled at her knowingly.

    The rooms was neat like it was maintained neatly.

    The cupboards filled with dresses of her favorite brand, and her portraits hung on to the wall. While opening the cabs, Leena found a letter neatly folded in one of the cabs. She unfolded and read it loud.

    [My dear Leena,

    I know you will never get a chance to read this letter. This will be thest letter I will be writing to you. It''s been five months since I saw you. It hurts..a lot. I forgot your favorite color, but then the dresses here reminded me that you love blue. Soon, I am going to lose my memories of youpletely. I was a coward in the past. But If I am given a chance, I want to be born as Devin again. To love you, to confess you boldly, to live happily...'''' Before Leena finished the letter, the front door burst open and stood the man of her dreams.

    ''''Leena...''''

    Like a child who saw a candy at a store, she ran and threw her arms around his back.

 Chapter 447 - A Wild Stallion Mounting His Mare

    She hugged him, not just the normal hug, but the special crushing hug that had taken his breath away, giving him butterflies that made him smile like crazy. The sweet little gesture of feeling her in his arms made his heart beating like crazy.

    Leena mentally prepared lots to talk with Devin when he woke up, but the moment she saw him, a whimpering sob escaped from her mouth, constricted her throat, cutting off the words she couldn''t bring herself to say. She freed herself from his arms to look into his eyes, but he pulled her back into his arms possessively as if she would disappear out of his arms the moment he did release her.

    The day he saw Leena at the park, he felt a strong familiarity, like he had known her for a long time. It turned out the girl of his memories he has been searching for was his sweetheart. Five years back, she locked his heart, throwing the key far away. Five yearster, she effortlessly found the lost key and unlocked his heart again. She pulled him towards her like a moth of me only to burn him into ashes of her love again and again.

    ''''Leena..'''' He softly called her name, pulling back her head.. His gaze stared into her soul. The whole world went quiet for a second. ''''How did you find my memories...'''' He wanted to give a surprise by telling her the truth, but she had given him a shock by appearing in front of her in his memories.

    ''''I lied when I told you I was going to Japan.'''' She muttered in guilt, staring at the floor. ''''I went to Russia to find the truth.'''' She cupped his face in her tiny arms, gazing into his pools. She found her soul mirrored in his eyes. ''I don''t know how to thank you for_''''

    Herst words barely left her mouth before he pressed his mouth to hers. His hands cupped her face as he pried open her mouth into a demanding, punishing kiss for attempting to show her gratitude by thanking him. ''''Never say thank you. Understand!'''' Leena responded with a faint hum before pulling his head back to her lips. His voice was edgy and raspy, just the way she likes.

    R-18..Please skip to the dotted lines if you are notfortable.

    ''''Aye..monster!''''He let out a growl from the back of his throat at his sensual voice. Leena''s desire grew for him, wanting his hands to touch her everywhere, his mouth to taste her nectar salts to quench his thirst, his length to explore deeper inside her. She wanted a gentleman in public but an aggressive predator in bed, and he is the epitome of a beasty gentleman exploring the boundaries to stimte her.

    Pushing her lithe body upwards, Devin weightlessly lifted her to the bed without breaking the kiss. Neither of them wanted to. His moments were aggressive, running his hands across her curves. Leena unbuttoned his shirt buttons fervently. He chuckled at her impatience, helping a hand to his sweetheart.

    He pulled down her dress, opening the doors of ultimate pleasure. Her body glistened, soft to caress, unlocking his carnal desires. His gaze from her eyes shifted to her buds, excited to meet him. ''''You are driving me insane!'''' He grunted.

    Her eyes zed with desire. ''''And y_ou are no better!'''' Barely finishing her words, she impatiently pulled his head, leading his mouth to her right bud. dly, he muttered. He teased her, running his hot tongue slowly and sensually over her bud like the strings of a guitar while his hands explored her wet entrance in long, and dedicated strokes. Her toes curled as he yed his fingers in and out of her insides until it drove her insane.

    Knowing she was close, he came to her ears. He bit her earlobe before whispering. ''''Be a good girl, and spread your legs for me.'''' His voice wasmanding yet gentle. Therger his dirty vocabry, the more it aroused her. Like a puppet under themand of the puppet master, she submitted herself under his witchery.

    ''''I love when you bring the animal in you.'''' Leena gasped, digging her fingers into his broad back as he plunged deep inside her like a wild stallion mounting his mare.

    Her legs maneuvered over his back. ''''I am always in the mood for you.'''' He breathed in. Holding her hips, he rammed his length in and out, deep and fast. It drove her insanely crazy with every push he made. They glued their sweat-dripping bodies until there was nothing but the sounds of her moans filling the brim and his groans echoing the earth. She wriggled, the pleasure building like a hot volcano ready to explode.

    Leena was on the verge of stairs to heaven. Her body arched like a hunter''s bow as she cried out his name. ''''Devin!...pull it off..we haven''t...'''' Her thoughts convulsed short with the built-up pleasure.

    Her pleas didnot reach his ears this time, or even if it did so, it didnot matter to him. He thursted his hardness into the sacred spot repeatedly following the great release after.He groaned, muttering a curse, exploding inside of hers until he buried the veryst drop of his.

    Breathing hard, he buried his face on the crook of her neck. He let her rest for a couple of minutes before he picked her up and pushed her body against the wall.

    ''''Hungry beast! Let me rest for a couple of minutes.''''

    He pretended to turn deaf. He began the naughty marathon again with her uncontroble screams, almost every position he could think of. Every time she came, he filled inside her like farmers nt tiny seeds deep inside the soil.

    ...

    By the time Leena opened her eyes, the sky was dark already. She lifted her head to take a peek at Devin. His one handy protectively on her waist and the other on her head, stroking her hair gently.

    ''''Morning, babylicious..''''

    ''''You woke up? FYI..It''s evening.''''

    ''''My body is just up. So it''s a morning for Leena,'''' Leena added on. ''''You didnot sleep?'''' She wondered how he manages to stay awake after the heavy workout.

    ''''I am having dirty thoughts of you if I close my eyes.'''' He teased. ''''Ready for another round. I will_''''

    ''''You will be gentle, and I will be an idiotic savant to believe.'''' Replied Leena. Before he started another flirty drama, Leena diverted his thoughts by bringing Morvena''s topic. ''''Is Enger threatening Morvena?'''' Now that he had recollected his memories, he should have also recalled Morvena''s mystery.

    ''''Eight years ago, Morvena''s mother went against Enger''spany. She disappeared without a trace, and her father was used of murder.''''

    ''''Is it hard to get rid of Enger. She has the powers to do so.''''

    ''''Her abilities came with a price. She is afraid that the price she has to pay would be bigger.'''' She would talk about her mother during his one-year stay. Back then, Devin was dealing with his own issues to concentrate on her.

    ''''Can we help her, Devin?'''' Leena suggested. ''''She helped us.'''' She believed Morvena was the antagonist in her story until the truth came out.

    ''''I will try, sweetheart.'''' He assured. He was nning to put an end to Enger once for all this time.

    Leena didnot let him sleep for the whole night. Now that Devin recalled his memories, Leena made him tell the stories of their never-ending tale. She didn''t forget he called the great beauty a kiwi head, and hairy monkey. She is waiting for the day, and chance to make him eat his own words.

    ....

    Two weekster..

    At the office, Nick and Reese stood in front of Leena. Reese swallowed as she saw Leena eating an orange fruit dipping in a hot sauce and lettuce like a rabbit. As for the banana smoothie, Nick almost threw up when Leena squeezed one whole lemon into the juice before taking a sip. ''''''Hmmm..this is heaven!''''

    And it''s hell for us, you nasty banana lover! Reese muttered inside her head. ''''Is something is wrong with her?'''' Reese whispered to Nick. ''''She is behaving...you know..a little off.''''

    ''''It must be the effect of a horror movie she watched two days back. The movie must have driven her insane,'''' Replied Nick as he saw Leena dip the lettuce into the banana smoothie and hot sauce before putting the leaf into her mouth. Oh, lord!

    ''''Should we inform Devin?''''

    ''''Don''t. He gets unnecessarily scared.'''' Nick muttered. ''''We know about her. Sometimes her madness goes to_''''

    ''''What are you both whispering?'''' Leena screamed, bringing Nick and Reese''s attention back to her. With a suspicious gaze, she tilted her head. ''''Are you bitching behind my back, you son and daughter of biscuit eaters!''''

    Nick, Reese: '''' ''''

 Chapter 448 - Promotion

    With their eyes wide opened, Nick and Reese nced at each other meaningfully. They drove to the conclusion that Leena is suffering from insanity, and she seems to be enjoying every minute of it. Eating weird food was one thing to consider, and calling them an offbeat name?

    ''''Is something wrong with you, Leena?'''' Reese asked concernedly.

    ''''Isn''t my question to ask?'''' Leena shot a ferocious re at Reese. ''''What all things you bitched about me with this cartoon.''''

    ''''Wait! You called me cartoon!'''' Nick''s voice raised to the ceiling.

    ''''Any doubt!'''' She screamed at him with the same intensity.

    Nick was at the brink of losing his temper when Reese poked his arm, threatening him to stay put. Leena is not in her usual self today, and if Nick starts a fight with her, Reese knows it''s not going to end well for him..

    ''''Don''t mind him, Leena. He is just making fun.'''' Reese forced a smile. Considering her words carefully, she said. ''''I have got some important work to finish. Can I leave?''''

    ''''Permission granted, my dear best friend, Reese.''''

    ''''Thank you, my dear Leena,'''' Reese spoke in a sugary tone to appease her.

    Reese motioned Nick to follow her before she left. Nick was at the door to step out after Reese, Leena called him. ''''Hey, cartoon. Can we go out shopping? I am craving for sauerkraut?

    Cartoon again! Nick breathed in and out twice. He controlled the urge to kill Leena, but his mouth couldn''t handle his temper. He looked up at her furiously. ''''Four burritos, and two frozen smoothies for breakfast, and.'''' His eyes shifted to her messy table. ''''Not even an hour passed you havee to the office, and you ate four lettuce wraps, two oranges, and gulped one big ss of banana smoothie, and now you want sauerkraut! Is it a stomach or a small-sized Indian ocean?'''' Given his strong appetite and muscr build, even he can''t eat the foods inrge quantities at a time.

    ''''I am noting with you.'''' He stormed out and closed the door shut.

    ''''You smell like a drama and headache. Isn''t it just a regr quantity for an average human?'''' She scoffed. With onest gulp, Leena emptied the ss. She opened youtube and her mouth watered as she watched the procedure of making sauerkraut. ''''Fermentation for five days? Too much hassle.''''

    Leena ordered a dozen bottles of sauerkraut to home. Taking off the food thoughts from her mind, Leena concentrated on working for an hour at least. While she prepared the diet chart for a client, she felt so sleepy that she couldn''t stop yawning.

    She thought of taking a ten-minute nap, and it turned into two hours of sleep. If not, Reese hase to remind her of the meeting, Leena would have sleptte till office hours.

    .....

    Due to the jam-packed meetings and hectic work, Devin didnot get the time to talk with Leena for the whole day. To make his time to Leena, he ended the meetings fast and started early.

    ''''You are very early today? It''s still seven O clock.'''' Aunt Jpeno looked at the paper bag Devin was holding. ''''What is that?''''

    ''''Ice cream tub. For Leena.'''' He handed the package to Aunt Jpeno. When he called her in the afternoon, she told her cravings for ice cream. It''s unusual that Leena asked for ice cream because he hadn''t seen her eating it once. He found a vegan store Van Leeuwen and brought it by himself. ''''Can you refrigerate it? I will bring her.''''

    ''''But she already had dinner and slept.'''' Aunt Jpeno answered, getting up to freeze the tub.

    ''''Already?'''' Be it eleven or twelve, she would stay awake until he arrived.

    ''''She must be tired due to work.'''' Aunt Jpeno''s voice wasced with care for Leena. ''''My poor child. The moment she came home, she asked for dinner so innocently and lovingly. I wonder if she is eating her mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks or someone snatching away from her.'''' Aunt Jpeno purposefully looked at Nick.

    ''''Are you ming me?'''' Nick scoffed. This is one hell of a joke he heard in a decade.

    ''''Of course, it''s you.''''

    In between their fights, Devin slipped off to the bedroom. Since the romantic ice cream n was canceled, he joined with Leena to sleep after dinner.

    Leena was still in a deep sleep when Devin woke up in the morning. ''''Kos are better.'''' To irritate her, Devin pulled her hair and earned an irritated groan. Satisfied, he slipped off the bed to the gym. He was d that she woke up after he returned from his two-hour workout.

    ''''I thought I would not get the chance to talk with you before I leave for the office. Is work stressing you a lot?''''

    Hearing the voice, she nced up. Leena''s throat dried up, and not a word traveled out of her mouth. Since it''s the house, Devin has a habit of taking off his shirt right after hees out of the workout room. Sweat dripped from his temples, coursed down to his face. Blue veins stood out on his arms and neck. With his pants lying low on his hip, something familiar churned in her lower region. She wanted the sheets to rip right at the moment.

    ''''Leena. Are you with me?''''

    ''''Huh? What did you say?'''' Oh no. This isn''t good. Why am I having wild thoughts in the morning?

    ''''I asked if your work is stressing you.'''' He leaned over and kissed her cheek. ''''You have been sleeping a lottely. You can take a break, Sweetheart.''''

    ''''No..I am fine. I will tell you if it stresses me out.''''

    ''''Alright.'''' He said. ''''I brought the ice cream you asked for. You can_''''

    ''''Really!'''' She red from the bed like an atom bomb. ''''You are the best, babylicious.'''' She kissed his cheek and stormed off the room.

    Devin nced at Leena''s back, shaking his head.

    When Devin arrived at the breakfast table, Leena''s thoughts immediately shifted to the morning incident. Although he dressed like a gentleman, her lewd mind began imagining him dirty. She has seen him naked countless times! Why is it affecting me badly? Get it done, Leena. Don''t stress yourself.

    ''''Devin.'''' She seriously called him, bringing his attention. ''''What time your meeting starts.''''

    ''''At ten?'''' He gave her a questioning look. Her behavior has been a little odd since morning. ''''Why?''''

    Leena looked over the wall clock. It''s eight-thirty. It takes an hour to reach WD, and with that, he has half-n an hour of free time. She got up and pulled Devin out of the chair. ''''Let''s go.''''

    Nick, who had just appeared out of his room, looked at Leena like she had grown another head. ''''Something is wrong with her.''''

    ''''Where are you taking me?''''

    Without a word, she dragged him into the bedroom and closed the door shut. Cluelessly, Devin watched his back pushed to the wall and a pair of arms locked on either side. Did their roles swap? It''s his signature push which he does to lock Leena from escaping.

    She moved closer until their faces were an inch apart. ''''Where did you buy these pants? I am in love with this.'''' She whispered, tracing her finger over his belt buckle.

    ''''Quite out of the question this is!'''' He chuckled, pushing her body upwards. The moment he did so, Leena threw her arms to the back of his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist securely.

    To have easy ess, Devin turned around with Leena''s back on the wall. ''''Did you drag me here to tell that?''''

    ''''No...To test the zipper of your pants.'''' She bit his bottom lip with the built-up frustration inside her. That earned a deep groan from the back of his throat. Drawing her lips out, she moved his lips to his ear. ''''We have half-n an hour time before your meeting starts.''''

    ''''Extra fifteen minutes if I speed up.'''' The provocation was all she needed.

    ....

    With full energy, Leena was working, asionally eating the lettuce wrap. For munching, she had the saurekraut which she ordered yesterday. Momentster, she heard a knock on the door, and Renya entered inside. ''''Hey, Leena.''''

    ''''Morning, Renya. What''s up.''''

    ''''I prepared the report you asked for.'''' Renya ced it on the table. Her eyes briefly shifted to the weird foods Leena consumed. ''''Review it, and let me know for any corrections.''''

    ''''I will do itter.''''

    ''''Okay.'''' Seeing the weird food on the table, Renya couldn''t help but ask. ''''Umm..are you pregnant?''''

    ''''Huh?'''' Leena lifted her head in dismay.

    ''''I mean..you are eating extra-weird food,'''' Renya said. ''''Pregnant women have cravings for unusual foods. I had cravings for paper when I was pregnant.''''

    ''''I..I am not.'''' She said, hesitantly, unsure of the answer. ''''Sometimes I tend to eat weirdly.''''

    Renya smiled. ''''Alright. I will take my leave.'''' But Renya didnot believe it. She knows it''s the pregnancy cravings.

    The moment Renya left, Leena thought of her words hard.''''Just like she said, I have been suffering from unusual cravings for three days.'''' Nervously, she bit her lower lip. ''''I haven''t got my period as well.''''

    [How to find you are pregnant] Leena googled in the search stream.

    Except for nausea, she faced the rest of the symptoms. Fatigue, missed period, food cravings. Along with the symptoms, it said to test using the pregnancy kit at home.

    ''''Am I pregnant for real?'''' She pointed her stomach. Without informing Nick, she rushed to the nearby medical pharmacy and brought a test kit.

    As told in the instructions, Leena followed urately like a student. Her knees gave in due to nervousness. Although she hadn''t expected it, the thought of a baby in her womb raised her hopes.

    Five minutester, two colors appeared on the device. Leena screamed. ''''Oh, My Devin!'''' She squealed. ''''You got a promotion, idiot!''''

 Chapter 449 - 1+1 =

    Joy bubbled up Leena''s face like she was ready to dance, but considering she was pregnant, she dropped the idea not to hurt her baby. As slow as a snail, holding the walls for support, she stepped out of the bathroom to her ce and gingerly sat on the chair.

    ''''Our baby ising soon!'''' She kicked her legs in the air in happiness as the truth sank in.

    ''''When did this happen? Was it in the wood house?'''' She muttered in disbelief. Only the first three to four times he entered with protection. Later, Leena felt ack of intimacy, the energy exchange between Devin and her became obscure, which she didnot like. She told Devin she would take pills, but he didnot allow her to use them once. In turn, until she was ready, he would pull out at the peak time. ''''It seems he couldn''t control out of happiness on that day��my poor babylicious.''''

    ''''Soon, I will have congrattions in the order from my friends and family. How much I love them to hear.'''' She googled about the pregnancy untilte afternoon and closed the tabs when she gathered enough information.. She wanted to book an appointment with a gynecologist, but being a celebrityes with a price. She doesn''t want to announce it to the public anytime now. So, she called her mother to check her tomorrow''s schedule.

    After ending the call with her mother, Leena called up Devin. An irritation sprawled across her face when he didnot lift her call in the first ring.

    In the third ring, she heard. ''''Hey, Sweetheart.'''' And those two sugary words from his sweet voice instantly dissolved her rage into a smile.

    ''''Did I disturb your work?'''' She questioned in such a way that Devin should feel guilty.

    ''''Not at all.'''' Replied Devin without faltering. Why did she think in that way? He will ditch his work if her call is on the way. ''''Don''t you know how much I love to talk with you.''''

    Leena hummed in satisfaction, wearing a silly smile on her face. ''''I have got a huge secret to tell you.''''

    ''''I am listening.''''

    ''You are going to be a father.'' The words were at the tip of her tongue, but Leena smacked her lips. Ordinary is not her style. Create suspense, and make him go mad, and then finally, the revtion. ''''Guess what it could be? Use your brain properly, and answer.''''

    He knows the kind of secrets she holds. It''s as silly as the cartoons. ''''Did Dora turn six years finally?''''

    Leena pressed her lips together. She wanted to pull his hair and smack his head. Can''t he make some other guess? ''''Wrong guess. It''s something between you and me.'''' She hinted.

    ''''Between you and me?'''' He paused. ''''Did you find out how your breath pause when I put my_''''

    ''''Devin!'''' She yelled at him. The embarrassing stories of her, and he never forgets. ''''I am not gonna tell you any secret. Find by yourself. By the way, I wanted to ask you one more question. When are you nning to hold the wedding? Or perhaps you thought of skipping it? I guess that''s what you are nning so that you don''t need to spend the money. I have never seen a miser like you.'''' Leena let out her frustration in one breath. If it''s her pregnancy hormones bringing the worst in her, and by chance, they would stay with her for the whole nine months, then she could imagine Devin''s future.

    Devin: '''' ''''

    Wasn''t she who suggested that they postpone the wedding for one year? Before Devin replied, Leena started once more.

    ''''I want our wedding to happen in another two months. Not a simple one. A grand wedding. I don''t know what you do, how you do, but I am notpromising with any of your excuses this time.'''' She immediately looked at her stomach. Oh no. Two months is too much. By that time, I may not be able to bend my body. How can I wear gorgeous wedding dresses? ''''Cancel two months. Make it one month. I am hanging up. Bye.'''' She hung up.

    ''''Look at her behavior. Hanging up on my face.''''

    Just then, Harley came to remind him of lunch with our investors. ''''Aren''t you leaving?''''

    ''''Yeah.'''' He gave azy nod and rose to stand. Before leaving, he said. ''''Can you find a wedding event nner? The best one at any cost.''''

    ''''What! Are you nning to hold a wedding?'''' Harley eximed in wonder.

    ''''Yes.'''' Order from the she-devil. He will have to face hell''s wrath if it doesn''t happen in a month.

    ''''Leave that to me, bro. Mom and I will n. Leena would look stunning in a wedding dress.'''' Before leaving, Harley reminded him of the lunch.

    ''''The wedding nner will freak out if I give a deadline of one month.'''' Shaking his head, he was off.

    ....

    As soon as Leena reached home, she ate a light dinner and told Aunt Jpeno to call her for dinner two hourster. Obviously, she has to eat for two people.

    She picked cardboard from Devin''s office room to make something creative. His birthday is approaching in a month. It would be a hell surprise, but holding the suspense for a month from Devin is unpossible. With her behavior, in a day or so, he would find out. ''''Inte spoiled the generation.''''

    ''''How about I reveal with the help of Carrot.'''' Thinking hard for a while, she penned down on the cardboard. [1+1 =?]

    ''''When hees home, I will show him the cardboard and ask him what is 1+1. Obviously, he will say two and give me a look of ''Not only trigonometry, but you proved to be poor in addition as well.'''' She paused for a second before continuing. ''''ording to Leena''s theory, mathematics is not always correct. Because you didnot withdraw at the right time, one plus one has be three. Perfect! As usual, the cutest confession ever.''''

    ''''Leena! Come to the living room. Fast.'''' Her happy moments were interrupted when she heard Nick''s scream. Until she went down, he kept yelling her name.

    ''''What?''''

    ''''Look for yourself.'''' Nick passed his mobile.

    At the same time, Carrot barked, wheeling around Leena. ''''You had three spoons of peanut butter, Carrot. No food until dinner.'''' She said before shifting her attention to the message. [Hey, hi. Do you remember me? We met in Russia. We yed a card game for an hour]

    ''''Is it Winter''s num..'''' Leena trailed off her thoughts when Carrot barked again, pulling her dress. ''''Is this your way of throwing tantrums. Still, no food.''''

    ''''I got a text from this number in the morning.'''' Nick nervously said. ''''This is my old number, so I didnot check it in the morning.'''' Nick tensely added. ''''What do you think? I_I am scared to..''''

    Carrot barks turned louder. She rushed to the door and knocked with her tiny paws. She then looked at Leena and Nick. Her face was devoid of anxiety.

    ''''Is something wrong, baby?'''' Leena looked at Nick. ''''She never acted this strange.''''

    ''''Let me go and check the cameras_'''' Before Nick concluded, the lights turned off the entire home. The emergency bell in the house buzzed, indicating the danger.

 Chapter 450 - Gunshot

    The clock ticked in the rythm, singing a luby to her sleep. A sense of rxation filled as the aroma of the scented candles infused into her nostrils. Far more deeply, it felt unfamiliar. Unconsciously, her hands went to grip the bedspread. The silk fabric, soft to touch yet far to her liking, induced her heart to thump in anxiety. A realization dawned upon her that she was not resting in her bedroom.

    Leena jerked from her sleep with a start. Like a scared bunny caught in the headlights, she moved her head in the room in all directions. The room looked cozy and decorated in all blues, her favorite color, but she didnot feel a single ounce of attraction to it. ''''Where am I?'''' Glimpses of the events that happened a few hours ago followed.

    A few hours before....

    Fear fluttered in her stomach in the dark living hall. She grabbed Nick''s hand in trepidation. She shouldn''t take the stress, not at this time. Her every action may harm her baby. Taking a couple of breaths, she calmed her erratic heart.

    ''''Why did lights go suddenly? Is something happening?'''' Aunt Jpeno came out of the kitchen. ''''I heard the rm?''''

    Carrot barked at the door onest time before dashing to Leena''s side. ''''Nick,'''' Leena called him. ''''Don''t open the door until we are sure of the safety.'''' She tapped the shlight icon on her mobile and shed around the room.

    With nothing danger so far, she dialed Devin''s number without looking at the empty signals bars. The automatic voice-over dreaded her bones in fear. ''''No..This can''t be. It must be signal jammers! Someone is attacking pre-nned.''''

    Nick pulled the curtains and tapped the shlight button on his mobile. He found three guards on the ground lifeless. Coldness hit his core. How did this happen? All the bodyguards are trained who can take down at least a dozen men unless....something happened to them before they got the chance to fight. From a distance, Nick heard the sound of faint footsteps marching. Without a second wait, he galloped into his room and returned with a gun, and the bullets in his hands.

    ''''Get back to your room, and lock the doors, Leena.'''' He ordered, loading the bullets into the gun. ''''Don''te out until my orders.''''

    ''''No, Nick.'''' Leena grabbed his hand. ''''You are alone. We don''t know what happened to the guards. Please don''t go_''''

    ''''Trust me. I can handle this.'''' He put on the shlight on Aunt Jpeno''s eyes. ''''Take her.'''' He strictly ordered before slipping in the direction of the footsteps.

    ''''Nick!''''

    ''''Come, dear.'''' Aunt Jpeno grabbed Leena''s hands, hiding her nervousness. ''''Carrot, you too, follow me.''''

    With each step Leena took, her heartbeat rapidly increased. Halfway to the room, Leena jerked when she heard the gunshot sound. ''''Please, don''t be Nick.'''' She prayed desperately. A body came gliding down the stairs and went to a halt rolling back and forth a couple of times. In a split second, the lights turned on.

    ''''Nick!'''' Aunt Jpeno screamed in horror, trudging towards him. His abdomen ripped apart. Blood oozed out of his stomach, covering him in red. His consciousness was losing faster than he expected. Nick looked at Leena''s teary eyes and then to her hands. She was pressing his abdomen to stop the blood flow with the utmost difficulty.

    ''''Leena..nose...cover...chemical...''''

    He wanted to tell her the men were carrying a powerful spray to make the senses go numb. But before hepleted his words, he lost consciousness. In the nick of time, men in ck leather jackets with mouths covered descended the stairs and sprayed the house. ''''Our target is you. If youe with us, there will be no more bloodshed.''''

    Carrot barked in anger and sprinted towards one of the men in anger. ''''Don''t go, Carrot,'''' Leena screamed to stop the pup, but a man had already kicked her stomach. The pup let out a intive whimper in pain. He lifted the pup and tossed her body on the floor. ''''Quite a challenging dog you are!''''

    Tears uncontrobly flooded down Leena''s eyes, but she couldn''t help. Aunt Jpeno had already lost consciousness. Her vision was slowly beginning to fail as well. It must be the spray she inhaled, Leena assumed. Her senses numbed.

    ''''Check for any trackers."

    Using the tracking device, one of the men scanned, and found one in the ear ring, and the bracelet. Devin recently gifted earrings, and insisted her she wear them everyday. She did not know he had put a tracker until today.

    "Remove it. Handle her gently. She is very important to boss.'''' Were thest words Leena heard before her vision cked out.

    ....

    When the truth sank in, fear wed up her throat. Why was this happening when my life was going perfectly normal? How do I go back to Devin? Nick and carrot are badly injured. Are they fine? She had an inkling that it was that faker''s doing.

    Looking around, Leena opened the cupboard, balcony door, but there was nothing useful she found to escape. While doing so, she heard the footsteps from outside. Spontaneously, Leena went back to her bed and closed her eyes.

    ''''How long has she been sleeping?'''' She heard a woman''s voice.

    ''''Since eight hours.'''' Leena heard another woman''s voice. ''''Will she be alright? Enger sir is deeply worried about her.''''

    Enger! Is that you bastard? Leena muttered inside her. How low can you stoop? She had an inkling that it was him, but the reality was hard to digest.

    ''''Let me check her pulse.'''' A hand grabbed her wrist, and she felt the chest piece of the stethoscope on her heart.

    ''''How is she?''''

    ''''She will wake up in an hour. But I need to tell something important to Enger.'''' A couple of minutester, Leena heard the footsteps trailing off. When the door closed shut, she opened her eyes.

    How do I escape out of this ce without letting this bastard know? If Devin had tracked her, she would be in the home by now. Which part of the secret ce is this? Unconsciously, her hands went to clutch her stomach protectively. Did the doctor find out? Please, don''t let anything happen to my baby. She can''t sit here hoping for Devin toe and rescue her.

 Chapter 451 - Just A Fetus

    The room smelled of the underlying aroma of cigarette smoke. Snubbing thest nub of cigarette, Enger lit another. His eyes briefly shifted to the cigarette butts on the floor before his gaze seeped towards the sea through windows.

    He had this worst habit once but gave up the obsession because Leena hates smoking. But, today, Enger felt agitated even when Leena was staying by his side. Many questions were running through his mind. How will she react to him? If not for the betrayal from that woman, he wouldn''t have gone along this path.

    Enger snapped at the door when he heard the whispers echoed inside. ''''How is she, Ellie?'''' He asked the doctor.

    ''''I checked her condition as you said, Enger,'''' Ellie said. ''''She is good.''''.

    ''''Did she wake up?'''' Enger spoke, rolling the cigarette.

    ''''Not yet.'''' She replied. ''''But nothing to worry about. Her health is perfectly fine.''''

    Enger hummed. ''''You can leave. I will call if I need your help.''''

    Ellie nodded but halted when she remembered the most important thing. She fidgeted, considering the thought of telling him or let it aside.

    ''''What''s wrong?'''' Enger turned around. ''''Is something wrong with Leena?'''' Those bastards! He told them to bring his beloved unharmed, but they delivered her into his armspletely unconscious. His heart pained to see her in that condition.

    ''''No..no..nothing wrong,'''' Elle said. ''''When I examined her body, I found her pulse rate was higher than usual. I don''t jump to conclusions without proper tests, but with my experience, I can say there is a chance that she might be pregnant.'''' The doctor''sst words were barely a whisper. Enger''s darkness mirrored her soul.

    Enger felt like a bucket of cold water dropped on his head. Pregnant with his child! Like hell, he is going to allow his child into this world. He knew a decision was already made. ''''Give the abortion pills.''''

    Ellie''s eyes widened. He want to kill the baby? What kind of sick love is that? Did I make a mistake telling him the truth? ''''No, Enger. Please don''t do that. Killing a fetus in a mother''s womb is the biggest sin. She will never forgive you if one day she knows the truth. Besides, I might also be mistaken. I am not quite sure if she is pregnant.''''

    ''''I hate when I have to listen to someone''s suggestions.'''' Engerzily added on and nced at the man standing by the door. ''''Steven.''''

    ''''Yes sir,''''

    ''''Tell aunt Mna to prepare lunch for Leena and banana smoothie. Add the pills by yourself into all the dishes without putting doubt on the maids.''''

    ''''Yes, sir.'''' Steven, before leaving, nodded his head and dragged the doctor with him.

    ''''It''s just a fetus. She will never know the truth.'''' He brought Leena far away to live a happy life together as a family. She might not ept him now or, worse, resent him for all the mistakes he made, but for how long? She can never escape from this ce. Slowly but surely, she will have to ept him. The thorn of his seed will always remind her of his memory if he doesn''t cut it now.

    With the bubbled-up thoughts running through his mind, Enger strolled out of the room, opened Leena''s room door to check up on her. She was still sleeping. He gently closed the door shut and made his way down the hallway towards the basement through the secret door.

    Two guards standing on either side of therge shutter door lifted it upon Enger''s orders.

    ''''Did you guys miss my torture? I am back.'''' At Enger''s words, three heads snapped to his face. Brutally wounded, Morvena''s legs and hands tied up to the pir with sizeable silver shackles. Winter''s condition was a little better. The funniest thing was the third person was none other than Nash. His condition was much worse than Morvena.

    With a malicious glint, Enger stared at Morvena. ''''It''s a wonder that my sister-inw helped a stranger recover his memories.'''' He then cast a look at Nash. ''''I am still in wonder that my best friend ditched me and helped my ex-wife behind my back. What do I do with you, three betrayers? Hmmm?'''' He didnot understand why Nash had stopped him from going to Russia in the past. So, he let Steven investigate secretly, and all the truths fell into ce.

    ''''I gave you a chance, but you never listened.'''' Enger''s eyes gazed intently at Morvena. ''''Get ready to be theb rat for the brain experiment our scientists recently adopted.'''' Having said that, Enger went off, the shutter closed behind him, turning into darkness once again.

    ''''Did you contact Devin, sister?'''' Winter weakly whispered. She was fine yesterday morning. After her continuous persistence, Morvena gave Nick''s number. She even texted him. How did shee back to the monster''s den again?

    ''''He is not avable to my reach,'''' Morvena muttered. With Leena''s disappearance, his thoughts are filled with her alone, and she is finding it difficult to contact him.

    ''''Try again.''''

    ''''I am losing my energy, Winter. Talking through thoughts requires more energy. If Devin doesn''t respond_''''

    ''''Try talking to Leena,'''' Winter said.

    ''''What''s the use? She is just like us staying here. A victim to Enger. How will she be a help?'''' Morvena questioned back. That bastard abducted her when she was asleep and injured her to the point that she couldn''t use her energy.

    ''''I am pretty sure Leena will figure out something. Please do it, Morvena.'''' Winter then turned to Nash. ''''Did you hear that, Nash? My sister doesn''t have much energy. Only you know the in and out of this ce. If we have to escape, we need your support, Nash.''''

    ''''I can''t betray Enger_''''

    ''''You still think about the monster again? I agree that he saved your life. You have served him enough. What did you get in return?'''' Winter''s question deeply provoked Nash''s emotions.

    ''''We three will die in his hands if we don''t act now. Do you want to die here filled with regret? It''s now or never, Nash.''''

    He looked at his bruises, and hisst straw broke.

    .....

    Meanwhile, Leena woke up hearing the faint whispers. She nced at the two women who stood in front of her with a food trolley.

    ''''Who brought me here?'''' Leena questioned. ''''Bring that coward who kidnapped me here.''''

    Aunt Mna gulped. Her guts! She had never seen someone challenge this psycho. ''''Sir may talk with youter.'''' Why do this psycho keep torturing girls? Brushing the thoughts aside, Aunt Mna said. ''''I brought lunch for you.'''' She looks very calm. Unlike others, she is not freaking out. Is this what they call calm before the storm?

    ''''I am not hungry.'''' Replied Leena straightaway. Who knows what kind of poison he had added?

    ''''You haven''t eaten anything since you came here. Please don''t starve yourself, child. It''s not good for health. There is no poison in this food.'''' Aunt Mna took a bite from all the dishes for Leena''s assurance. ''''See, nothing happened. I am fine.''''

    She hasn''t eaten anything since yesterday night. Honestly, she found no appetite to eat. Every time she closed her eyes, Devin''s face would haunt her. It''s not even a day, Leena missed him badly. She wanted to go home and run into his arms.

    Leena stared at the food. Even with no appetite, she has to fill her stomach for the sake of her tiny one. With that, Leena''s eyes shifted to the banana smoothie. ''''I will have the juice.'''' Leena grabbed the banana juice.

 Chapter 452 - Son Of A B*t*h*

    ss at the tip of her lips. All it takes is a sip and the moment of decision to shape the destiny of the little life growing inside her. At thest moment, Leena held back. Her Francy always tells her not to eat anything given by a stranger. Harm cane in any form. ''Enger will not directly harm me, but if he knows I am pregnant..I can''t take the risk.''

    The doctor checked her pulse and heartbeat. Did she find out and tell him? ording to the research she did yesterday, it''s not possible to guess the early days of pregnancy without running proper tests. Be it her motherly protective instincts or this suspicious ce. Her evil third eye was blinking inside her mind with no hesitation. Her sixth sense set a supernatural order to follow her intuition. Without a second thought, Leena put the ss back into the cart..

    ''''Call him.'''' She said. A confrontation with him is needed today.

    ''''Huh?'''' Aunt Mna stared at her without blinking her eyes.

    ''''Bring that bastard who kidnapped me.''''

    Aunt Mna motioned the maid to fetch the psycho. She didnot show it on her face, but a sense of excitement danced within her. Is the psycho going to get bashings today?

    Like greased lightning, the door opened, and the maid came in first, followed by the man Leena loathed from every fiber of her cell. ''Son of a bitch, atst, you showed your face. You are dead meat today. I have been waiting to tear your ass for a long time.''

    Enger signaled the maid and Aunt Mna to leave. The maid went out, but aunt Mna stood there like a statue like his words didnot reach her ears. He didnot mind her presence a hindrance. She knew what sort of man he was but never spoke her mind.

    After hearing from aunt Mna that Leena woke up, Enger stood by Leena''s room but didnot dare enter inside. He expected surprise, screams, ''eyes wide open in surprise'' scenes, but the reality was far graver. Leena stared at him, her face as calm as still waters. Did she guess it was him who kidnapped her? She must have! ''''Leena, let me clear things. I know you learned Devin''s memories through Morvena. This is all sudden to digest.'''' Enger began the exnation. ''''I can exin_''''

    ''''I have no mood to listen to your dramas.'''' She cut him off, pointing her eyes to the dishes. ''''What have you put in this?''''

    Panic ratcheted up a notch at the sight of her swirling eyes drilling deep into his bones. Still, Engerposed his stance and calmly exined. ''''Nothing. The dishes are highly nutritious.''''

    ''''No poison?'''' She tilted her head.

    Enger stared at her, his eyes squeezed shut in agony. Her every word jabbed his heart. He is a monster with no feelings, but the same monster would worship this goddess. He would kill himself before he got the thought to hurt her. ''''Why are you testing me? Don''t you know that I never harm you_''''

    ''''Prove it.'''' She interrupted him again and directed her focus on the juice.

    All he wanted was to kill the fetus without hurting his beloved. Unlike her, the juice would do nothing to him. Without any hesitation, Enger picked the ss and took a couple of sips. ''''See. Nothing happened. I wouldn''t have dared to drink if I had put the poison.'''' How can she think that he would harm her? She has been his life ever since he understood what''s love meant. ''''Drink this. Don''t starve yourself.''''

    Without epting, Leena gazed at the ss and smiled at him, somewhere between a sardonic wit and a malicious glee. ''''There is a term for the food that was savored and defiled by someone��a LEFTOVER! I don''t even feed my pup the food eaten by someone else, let alone me?''''

    Her fearless attitude made him fall for this beauty more and more. ''''Do you know my love for you deepening every passing day.'''' With her eyes focused on him, he decided to let out his feelings today. ''''My confession maye at the wrong time, but I have been waiting to tell you this, Leena. I love you.'''' He imagined confessing Leena most romantically, but it never worked with Devin surrounding her. ''''Do you remember the boy you gave a band-aid. It was me. I would send bananas every day with Winter because you love them. I have loved you ever since I was young. I can''t imagine my life without you. I agree that I lied to you about being your mysterious friend. That was the only mistake I made.''''

    ''''One mistake?'''' She scoffed at him for having the thought of owning her. ''''You imed yourself as my savior, stole Devin''s phone, almost killed Winter because she would be a hindrance to pursue me in the future. You introduced yourself as my friend to get close to me. You created a misunderstanding between us, so that I will leave Devin. When it didnot work, you nted a bug in my ear to know what was happening around Devin and me. Do you still call it one mistake?''''

    Enger didnot speak, for he was a loss at words.

    ''''You yed the game very well by cashing Devin''s memories. You might have stolen Devin''s phone and used his memories, but you failed to investigate one thing that only he and I knows.'''' She smiled. ''''My first kiss with the savior. On the night Devin saved me from the ident, I kissed him which you failed to answer when I asked you."

    Enger''s eyes went wide in surprise with the revtion. He remembered Leena once called him to meet him at the restaurant. She talked about his girlfriends and other personal stuff. He felt delighted that Leena moved friendly with him. So, the truth is to confirm her suspicions?

    ''''I knew it all along, and not to forget the assassination attempt you did on my husband. A shame on you toe behind a married woman.''''

 Chapter 453 - Trend Setter

    ''''I will soon make you pay the tenfold to whatever you did.''''

    ''''How? Care to exin?'''' Enger crossed his arms delightedly. ''''Do you know why Devin was unable to locate you? The ce you are staying in my private ind. The connections to the outside world are cut off. From today, you will have to spend your entire life with the so-called leftover, and soon I will make you my wife. Gone was the trend you hear stories of a prince charminging on a white horse. Wake up. He will never reach you.''''

    ''''Gone was the trend, princess waiting for the prince charming toe and rescue her on the winged horse.'''' Leena rose to stand, tall and proud. ''''It''s Leena. She is the brand. She doesn''t copy trends.. She set the trends.''''

    With force, Enger grabbed Leena''s arm and pulled her to him. His dark eyes gaze into her fearless eyes. ''''Aren''t you least bit afraid? My men surround this ind. Even to step out of this ce, you need my permission.''''

    ''''Ten days.'''' Leena jerked his hands off her. Grabbing a tissue from the car, she wiped her hand. ''''Try keeping me here for ten days if you can.''''

    With a scoff, he mocked, looking at her hand. ''''Are you challenging me?''''

    ''''Toozy for that.'''' Like a typical narcissist, she said. ''''I am showcasing my caliber to let you prepare for the worst toe.'''' She then turned to aunt Mna. ''''Can you lead me to the kitchen?'''' The dishes look great, but she is not eating anything he offers until she returns into her babylicious arms.

    Aunt Mna dubiously looked at Enger. When he nodded his head, she told Leena. ''''I_I will show you. Please follow me.'''' Before leaving, she took a peek at the psycho. She wished she had brought her mobile. She has been waiting for someone to tear this psycho''s ass, and finally, this girl fulfilled her wish.

    A punchnded on the wall as the rage overwhelmed him. ''''Ten days? It took me one week to n and one week to execute it. With no phone, no social media, how will you contact him? This is your destiny, Leena. Soon, you will ept the identity.''''

    .....

    In the kitchen, Leena examined the ingredients thoroughly. She washed the vegetables and other staples twice and made supper for herself without letting any maid help her. Although her cooking is not the worst, after Aunt Jpeno came, she rarely cooked.

    The ce looked like a pce that the first-timers would definitely get lost. A guard came beside her to lead her to the room. All the way, her eyes looked past the surroundings to check for the CCTV cameras. Every corridor, there was one.

    After returning to her room, Leena scanned to see if Enger had put on a camera. He informed her there were no cameras, but better be safe than sorry.She closed her eyes to sleep, but the images of Devin''s face, Nick''s bloodied wound, Carrot''s whimpers haunted her. ''''Please, let them be safe.''''

    Days passed in a blink of an eye, and it was Leena''s fifth day here, but she couldn''t find a single clue. Just the thought of staying here forever made her brain go restless. The guards followed her everywhere she went. Her life was living in a cage, with the doors wide open. Enger woulde every day to her room, but she refused to see his face for a second.

    For the five days Leena stayed here, she didnot sit in her room except for sleeping. She learned the directions of this house, the ces CCTV cameras are set, the number of times Enger goes into theb.

    The only problem is her escape, but there is no one to help her. She made friends with Aunt Mna. Tonight, while preparing dinner, Leena nned to steal her mobile.

    Tiredly, she returned to the room and climbed on the bed. Hugging her stomach, she pursed her lips. ''''Little brat! You are testing your mother beforeing to this world. What feats will you perform once you are out?'''' Slowly her fatigue kicked in. She closed her eyes to take a nap, but before she rested for a couple of minutes, she heard a voice.

    ''Leena''

    ''Can you hear me, Leena?''

    With a start, Leena woke up and looked around, but none was apparent to her eyes. Who could it be? Is it a ghost?

    ''You scared cat, I am not a ghost. It''s me, Morvena. I ammunicating through our thoughts.''

    ''Morvena, how did you_''

    ''Listen up, Leena. I have been trying to reach you since you were abducted and brought here, but luckily today, you are avable. Don''t interrupt me until Iplete my thoughts. I was brutally hit and starved from food. So, I have very little to no energy.''

    ''Enger found that I revealed Devin''s memories to you. He knew Devin woulde to Russia for my help, so he abducted me and injured me physically. I am in the same house as you, under the basement.''

    ''The potential drug he has been researching for ten years is soonunching into the market. If it bes sessful, hispany would be the top supplier of medical drugs to the world. If that happens, there is no stopping him. No one would look for his crimes and his heinous deeds. He nned to reveal his identity as the face of Leius and introduce you as his wife. That is his n from the beginning. He nned and kidnapped you at the right time. To the public, it will look like you have eloped with Enger by cheating on Devin.''

    ''''Oh my Goodness! A masterstroke n!''''

    ''So, you need to stop him. In the past, my mother investigated the illegal manufacturing of drugs hispany made. I have kept it safe in my house.''

    ''Why didn''t you stop it before then?''

    ''Winter didn''t let me because she loved him...anyway..that''s a long story. The third floor, which is Enger''s study room, has aputer andptop backup. If you can break into the room, you can hack into the system and contact Devin. Pass the message to Devin, and let him go to my house to find the evidence.''

    ''How do I do that? He is keeping a strict watch over me. Besides, I can''t bypass the secret cameras.''

    ''Hisb is on the fifth floor. I don''t know if my energy will be sufficient, but I will try to break the electricity and stop the generator from working for a while. Can you mask the guards and break in?''

    ''I don''t know if I can, but there is no harm in trying. When is it?''

    ''Tonight.''

 Chapter 454 - Frog Swallowed By A Snake

    Before Morvena shut down from Leena''s thoughts, she informed Leena. ''Keep in mind. An angel never touched by fear will disappear by a breath of fresh air.''

    ''What do you mean?''

    There was no reply.

    ''Morvena, are you there?''

    Leena gathered Morvena was off from her thoughts. Disappear by a breath of fresh air? What does it mean? Although Morvena speaks in puzzles, there lies a hidden meaning behind her words. She predicted the future and shared information about Devin''s secret house, which helped her find his location. For now, Leena brushed the puzzle and concentrated on the mission she had to aplish at night.

    The n was impressive, but the execution? It''s not the idea but the implementation that counts. Getting off the bed, Leena went out to tour the house to have a clear picture.. ''My room is on the first floor. It took me one minute to reach the second floor. I walk at a normal pace, not to hint at the guards. When the lights turn off, I can walk at a speed of 1.5x. So, the rtive speed would be...'' Her brain stopped there. ''''I am terrible at physics.''''

    ''''You are terrible in handwriting as well.''''

    Lips pursed, Leena turned around and found Enger staring at her with a goofy smile on his face. She humiliates him every chance she gets, but hees back to her like the usations didnot matter to him.

    ''''Looks like you need a guide.'''' Enger smiled at her.

    ''''No thank...actually, yes.'''' She never got a chance to look into inside corners. Let''s make this psycho the partner of her crime for today''s mission.

    ''''Follow me.'''' There was a sense of excitement within Enger. When hepared her to the first day, Enger felt a drastic change in Leena. She is slowly opening up to him. It''s only a matter of time she will forget Devin.

    ''Dunderhead.'' She muttered under her breath.

    At first, Enger took her to theb on the top floor via a lift. The smell caused her nauseous until she couldn''t stand for a second. Specting that it would create suspicion on him, she told him to take her to the next floor.

    Enger guided her to the third floor, which was shut, unlike other floors. ''''This is the restricted floor. Only I use it. But there is no constraint for you. You can freely roam wherever you want.'''' Enger stood in front of the safe and ced his thumb on the keypad.

    ''''Does the scan runs on electricity?'''' If it runs on power, she can never break into this floor with these CCTV cameras

    ''''No. Wireless scanner. It is directly connected to myputer through Bluetooth. It''s a way I keep safe from hackers.''''

    A smile curved on Leena''s lips for a second before it disappeared. ''If I can prompt Enger and get the ess to this floor, half my job is done.''

    The door slid to the left, allowing them inside. A magnificent circr living hall greeted Leena with the indoor swimming pool in the center. To its left, an open spa, and to its right was a garden. Leena felt like she had entered into a fantasy city.

    Enger could practically see Leena''s eyes twinkling in admiration. ''''Do you like it?''''

    ''''It''s beautiful.'''' It was so overwhelming that she didnot know how else to react.

    ''''I am d you liked it.'''' Enger chuckled. ''''You cane and rx whenever you feel like.''''

    ''''How?''''

    ''''What?''''

    ''''I mean..without ess to this floor, I cannot enter.'''' What a spontaneous question, Leena. The mouse has entered right into the den.

    ''''Ah! That. Come with me.'''' He guided her to his bedroom to activate her thumb recognition.

    ''''That''s it! Done. Your thumb is imprinted.''''

    If there were no Enger here, Leena would have jumped in happiness.

    ''''Thank you. I Am hungry. Can we go back?''''

    ''''Sure.'''' He smiled.

    ''Turn off that smile, psycho. You look like a bat blinded by the sun.'' Leena cursed. After the little tour, Leena made lunch for herself, ate it, and went back to her room to sketch a n for tonight.

    Night arrived, and her eyes were glued to the ticking clock. ''''It''s already 8 O clock. When are you_''''

    Suddenly, she heard a booming noise, and the lights blinked once twice before turning the room to darkness. ''''Did she do that for real? She is so cool.'''' With immediate effect, Leena went out, only to get stopped by the guard. Damn these road blockers. ''''Madam, please stay inside. There is a short circuit in the house. We are fixing the_

    Before hepleted his words, lightning followed by a screeching sound reverbarated. This time, it came from the direction of Leena''s room. ''''Is something wrong here?''''

    ''''Please stay inside. It''s just a short circuit. I will send a maid for your aid to apany you.''

    ''''Alright.'''' Leena closed the door shut.

    The moment she heard the guard''s footsteps trailing off, Leena opened the door and peeked to the left and then to her right. ''''You can do it, Leena!'''' Taking a deep breath, she said in a determined tone before turning her footsteps in the direction of the third floor.

    Meanwhile, Enger kicked the door on the top floor and screamed until his voice turned hoarse. Two of the guards stood outisde, trying to open it, but the door was stuck like some energy was forced upon it.

    Enger would have assumed it was Morvena''s work had he knew she was sound and doing well. Her body is brutally injured to the point that she doesn''t have the energy to lift her finger.

    In a fit, Enger grabbed the mobile from the table and called Steven. ''''What the hell is happening here? What about Leena_''''

    ''''Leena madam is safe. The guard confirmed she was in her room. It''s just a short circuit. We will fix it in another ten minutes, sir.''''

    Enger breathed in relief hearing Leena was safe. ''''Do it fast.''''

    ...

    At the other end, Wilbur stared at Devin and exhaled a deep sigh. Within five days, Devin lost a charm in his face. His stubble has grown into a beard, but he is not bothered.

    Persuading this stubborn friend to eat was a waste of his energy, but Wilbur still repeated the same dialogue he had been doing for five days. ''''Drink this banana juice at least.'''' He used thest straw. Leena''s favorite, but it looks like he has to change his n.

    ''''Leena doesn''t like you starving,'''' Andrew added. Reese, Jane sat on the floor, holding Heather''s arms on either side for support.

    ''''Devin.'''' Fredrick, and Evenly patted his shoulder. ''''You have been starving for five days. You need energy, son.''''

    ''''Did you find her location?'''' Devin struggled weakly, voicing a faint mutter. In his distress, he failed to notice that his mobile blinked twice.

    ''''Five days, we couldn''t find her location.'''' She was gone when he returned from the office. There was no trace of her. Carrot''s whimpers, Nick''s bloodied body, and unconscious Aunt Jpeno weed him on that wretched night.

    Francis''s pulse was beating in his ears, but he let his fear aside. He can''t let his work with all those emotions. Five days it has been since he saw or heard his baby''s voice.

    Adney repeatedly watched the CCTV footage but found no clue.

    Kurt, on the other hand, was speaking to the higher authorities. Hisptop blinked for a moment before a pop-up urred. It was Elysian. Despite the situation, the name caused his body to shake in rage.

    [Elysian: Track this system''s IP address, and find me. I don''t have much time. Reply to this message fast if you see this.]

    In due time, Adney''sptop also blinked with an iing message. [Track this system''s IP address and find me. I don''t have much time. Reply to this message fast if you see this]

    ''''Why is darling suddenly asking me to track the location? He always maintains secrecy.''''

    On the other hand, Francis''s mobile vibrated, and he immediately unlocked his mobile when he received a text message. It was a messaging tform that was of no use. He was about to ignore it, but then the context stopped his tracks. [Track this IP address and find me here. I don''t have much time. Reply to this message fast]

    ''''Is it my baby?'''' He mumbled.

    ''''The nerve of this bastard!'''' Kurt screamed, unable to hold back his frustration. ''''He dares to hack into myptop again and ordering me to track his IP address when I am on an important mission? What is he thinking of me?''''

    ''''Are you talking about this message?'''' Francis showed his mobile with uncertainty.

    Kurt''s eyes went wide. ''''It''s..it''s_''''

    ''''It''s Leena. Find the location!'''' Francis screamed. ''''She sent the message to all of us so that at least one will respond.''''

    Hope was raised like a miracle in everybody''s hearts.

    ''''Leena..it''s Leena.'''' Hearing Francis''s words, like his energy, bolted up, Devin fast rushed to Kurt''sptop.Indeed, there was the message. He quickly texted her. [I am here, Sweetheart]

    [Elysian: Fianlly, you responded. I will cut this short, Devin because I don''t have much time. Enger kidnapped me. He is nning to announce himself as the face of Leiusbs soon. Hispany is manufacturing illegal drugs, and morvena''s mother knows it. She has hidden the evidence somewhere in her home. Find them soon]

    [First, I need to bring you back from there. We can talk about the evidenceter.]

    [Elysian: I challenged him I would destroy him before Ie back to you. I still fear Morvena doesn''t have the energy to hold the electricity, but she is holding it. I am still afraid Enger will find me before I go back to my room, but I am still risking. We struggled, letting our barriers, just to contact you, and you are simply telling me that you want to bring me back secretly as he did? Give me the honor I deserve.]

    With that, the inbox pop-up disappeared.

    Adney, who was still in the state of digesting that his darling Elysian is his sister-inw, woke up with a start when he heard a beep sound. He gazed at the screen. [Elysian: I don''t know when I will be avable again on theptop, but I need your help. Brush the theories I taught you in the past. We are going to do something real deal. Don''t leak this conversation to any of the family, not even Devin. It''s between you and me]

    Adney''s fingers trembled as he typed the message, but before he hit the enter button, Elysian went offline.

    Meanwhile, Kurt gazed at hisptop screen, as daze as a frog about to be swallowed by the snake. ''''Elysian is Leena?''''

    Author''s update: Sorry for posting the chapters three dayster. I was writing thest chapters of the book. I wanted to give my best The book is officially ended. Two chapters will be automatically released everyday.

 Chapter 455 - The Bahamas

    Morvena screamed inside Leena''s head. ''I can''t hold anymore, Leena.'' And it was all that took Leena to close the chat session. The only power source emitting the little light to keep her sanity in check was shut down by one click, turning the room into pitch ckness.

    Her fear of darkness paledpared to the terror of getting caught by guards, or worse, Enger. Relying on the wisdom of her touch, Leena ced her hands on the walls. Like a blind man at an orgy, slowly but carefully, feeling her way through, she climbed down the stairs and walked to the one floor below her.

    She could hear the whispers of guards as she walked. The moment Leena held the doorknob to open the door, it was unlocked from the other end. To make the matter worse, the whole pce lit up.

    Feeling nothing but cold terror, her hands went cold and mmy as she watched Enger standing in front of her.

    ''''Where did you go?'''' Enger demanded. The moment the door opened, he came back to check upon Leena, and the room was empty to his trepidation. ''''A maid didnot see you in the room when she came here.''''

    ''''I_I was..I was scared to stay alone.'''' She muttered nonsense that came to her mind at the instant. ''''I get anxious and depressed in darkness. So, I went in search of you.''''

    ''''I am sorry. I should have been with you.'''' Enger''s spirits went flying high hearing Leena''s confession. His heart dared to hope that Leena leaned to him forfort. ''''You want me to stay with you?'''' He asked in hope.

    ''''No. I am not yetfortable.'''' She replied and went inside the room, closed the door.

    ''''Which means she will allow when she isfortable.'''' The thought of holding her hands to sleep made him feel giddy. Smiling to himself, Enger made his way to the third floor. He went into the study room to video connect with the Leius CEO, Enger found theptop hot for his fingers to touch. ''''How? I didnot used it since morning.'''' As he was in suspicious thoughts, the video call connected, and he forgot the matter aside.

    .....

    Kurt doesn''t know if he feels happy that he found his enemy or sad that his enemy himself knocked on his door. Correction, it''s her. She has been sneaking around him all years. How many times he rebuked Elysian in Leena''s presence. Will she take revenge for that? He still remembered the deal they made. The thought of wearing a girly outfit shuddered him. Now that the cat is out of the bag, he is dead meat.

    Meanwhile, Adney found the location of the IP address and showed it on the maps. It was an ind surrounded by the waters. ''''So, this is the reason we are unable to locate,'''' Adney said as he zoomed the part of the ind alone. ''''It''s Maushus Fay, A private ind in the Bahamas.''''

    ''''A private ind in the Bahamas.'''' Devin thought hard, making the probabilities of getting there. He then addressed Francis and Fredrick. ''''I will go Russia to find the evidence. Can you manage the permit in secret?''''

    ''''Getting a permit to a private ind in a different country is not an easy task, son. But we will try,'''' Fredrick added. ''''If the government doesn''t allow it, we will release a press conference with Leena_''''

    ''''No. I don''t want to put Leena in the limelight. It causes unnecessary gossips.'''' Devin declined without a second thought. ''''We will keep the announcement as thest straw. If we can show the evidence against Enger, no one can stop us.'''' As Leena said, he would bring her home with honor.

    ''''I wille to Russia along with you, Vincy.'''' Wilbur offered, but then Devin declined. Nick and Carrot are injured, and the family is not in the proper senses. With his father-inw and his dad not around here, there should be someone here in case of emergencies.

    ''''Call us if you find anything,'''' Francis said. ''''I will start to the Bahamas, right away.''''

    Before leaving for Russia, Devin went to the pet hospital to check on Carrot. Although Nick took the bullet to his stomach, he is recovering fast, but Carrot''s condition is not improved.

    She would be happily roaming today if only she got a kick in her stomach, but the fall from the first floor to the ground has implicated her health badly.

    Devin pushed opened the door and went inside. A vet doctor was sitting next to Carrot. The little one would jump in happiness and circle around him when he returned home, but today, she was lying on the bed like a lifeless doll with bandages on her stomach.

    ''''How is she doing? Any improvement.'''' Devin caressed Carrot''s head. Sensing the familiar presence, Carrot opened her eyes and looked at Devin with her hope-filled eyes.

    ''"Can we talk in private, Sir?'''' The doctor said in a whisper. Devin nodded and followed the vet to the private cabin.

    ''''Is she not doing well?'''' Devin asked.

    ''''Her condition is worsening. The injury is not a big deal for her if she wants to live, but sometimes pain not onlyes in the physical form. She is mentally stressed. The only medicine is the unconditional love from someone she holds dear to her heart.'''' The vet exined.

    So, it''s not only him, but even Carrot is longing for Leena. Half-nodding his head in understanding, Devin went back to Carrot''s room. ''''Carrot.''''Devin softly called her, sitting beside the pup.

    Carrot nced at him.

    ''''You want to see Leena?''''

    Her eyes shone at the mention of Leena.

    ''''I promise I will bring Leena soon.'''' He gently stroked her fur body. ''''And you should be running happily by the time she is back. Will you do that?''''

    Carrot tilted her head in response.

    Devin smiled and ruffled her hair before leaving. Without dy, Devin started right away to Russia. Along with him, he took Be, the chemistry professor, Walter''s friend, who helped recover his memories. Since it''s the case rted to him, Kurt tagged along with Devin.

    With the diligent search and turning the house into a mess, Devin found the evidence hidden inside a safe locker. It was a big bundle of physical copies written inplex chemicalpounds. Be snatched the file and frantically flipped the pages. She read it aloud. ''''An atom acquires a negative or positive charge by gaining a negative or positive charge through ionization. What the hell! The drugs manufactured are coelutedpounds.''''

    ''''What does that mean?''''

    ''''It means when the quality team tests the drugs, it reduces the detection capability and uracy of the chemicals. It''s hard to believe one of the best pharmapanies is doing such a shady business. The chemicals used in thepound are a big threat in the long run if patients consume.'''' Be exined.

    ''''How do we bring this into the limelight then?'''' To Devin''s question, Be answered. ''''Only if we use ion enhancer.''''

    ''''The FDA should get involved in this.''''

    ''''Leave that to us.'''' Devin gripped the file tightly. The evidence is enough to put an end to Enger.

 Chapter 456 - Hacking Wizard

    Aunt Mna''s phone was void of signals to call her husband. ''''Annoying husband! Where are you hiding?'''' Once, she was the wife of a rich businessman. Her husband owned a small-scale pharma industry. Enger worked with him part-time, and often he came home to assist her husband with work. Aunt Mna looked down on Enger, and sometimes she made him work on household activities. Six yearster, Enger built hispany. He crushed her husband and made her his servant for household activities. ''''A snake is always a snake.''''

    Raising the mobile high to the sky, Aunt Mna aimlessly took a stroll in the garden. All of a sudden, she heard the faint voices of Enger, talking about herb rosemary and Leena. A gossip queen she was, Aunt Mna quickly hid behind the bushes to listen to the conversation.

    ''''The doctor I contacted informed that if rosemary is inhaled continuously for a week, it''s harmful to pregnant women. The maid added a strong dose of rosemary essential oil into the humidifier.. I told her to continue for ten days from today without fail.'''' Steven exined.

    ''''Did Leena find suspicious?'''' Enger asked, rolling the cigarette on his fingers.

    ''''No.''''

    ''''Good. You may leave.'''' Enger threw the cigarette butt on the ground and snubbed it with his shoe. He plucked a handful of basil leaves from the garden and chewed them to let the cigarette smell wear off in his mouth. He then went back inside the house.

    Fingers pressed against her mouth, aunt Mna gaped in fear. ''''The sweet girl is pregnant, and this monster is hellbent on killing the unborn child?''''

    Does she know that she is pregnant? Of course, yes. She didnot let anyone cook her food. Aunt Mna remembered Leena avoiding foods that are harmful during pregnancy.

    Momentarily, aunt Mna sprinted inside the house to Leena''s bedroom.

    A humidifier was on the bedside table, and Leenay on the bed, sleeping with a serene look on her face. ''''Poor child. My heart goes for you.''''

    Lifting the humidifier, aunt Mna went into the bathroom and emptied it. She thoroughly rinsed it and then filled it with normal water. ''''Psychopath! You want to kill a fetus inside the womb! Let me see if you can do it under my eyes.'''' Aunt Mna wished Leena''s husband woulde to take her back.

    .....

    A day passed in a blink of an eye. As Leena woke up, she saw Aunt Mnaing out of the bathroom, a humidifier in her hand.

    ''''Morning.'''' Aunt Mna smiled. ''''You woke up?''''

    ''''You cleaned that again?'''' Amusingly, Leena asked. ''''You did it yesterday.''''

    ''''Ah! Yes. I love to keep things clean.'''' Aunt Mna smiled. ''''Get ready. You need to eat food in time.''''

    Leena nodded.

    She got a fresh, cooked breakfast and went to the living room to pass the time. Evil god must be dancing in her head. To her annoyance, Enger was sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper. He nced up, sensing a presence. ''''Hey, Leena. Good morning.'''' His eyes lit up.

    Leena gave a fake smile to him.

    ''''You woke upte today.''''

    ''''It''s getting bored here.'''' She said. ''''So why not take rest.''''

    ''''I can make myself free today. How about you y chess with me? or caroms?'''' Enger suggested.

    ''''I only y games on theputer.'''' She shrugged nonchntly. A secondter, she cautiously asked. ''''Can you lend me yourptop if you don''t mind?''''

    Enger found Leena''s face full of innocence, but he was scared, for Leena is not an ordinary girl��a hacking wizard. Aputer is a weapon in her hands. With a flick of her finger, she will control the world. In no time, a message will straight awaynd in Devin''s inbox. Is this her master n? Before his thoughts went haywire, Leena spoke.

    ''''You don''t want to give!'''' She concluded. ''''Fine, I will go, and_''''

    ''''Wait, Leena,'''' Enger called, stopping her tracks. ''''List the games you want to y. I will download them and bring theptop.''''

    A hacker is only a wizard with the inte around, Enger reasoned.

    That was the biggest mistake you made, Leena concluded.

    On the first and second days, Leena did nothing except ying the games. To her disgust, Enger was around her premises. On the third day, as usual, she was ying a game when suddenly, the system blinked before a nk screen appeared.

    Is it my brother-inw? Leena looked past Enger and typed a message on the popup screen. [Code Dingleberry]

    She received the reply [Code Banana]

    ''Yes! It''s him.'' She squealed.

    ''''You changed a lot, Leena,'''' Enger stated.

    ''''In what way?'''' Without lifting her head, she questioned Enger. Meanwhile, her fingers worked on typing the text to Adney. [Where are you]

    ''''Two days it has been since you freaked out at me. You even talked sweetly.'''' Enger said.

    It''s because I want you to believe me, dunderhead. Leena spoke in her mind. ''''Is it?'''' Was her question to him.

    Leena stared at the screen again when she got reply. [Galifrazian: In Ferry boat along with Kurt bro. I am at a distance where I found the system by the acoustic emissions from the capacitors of the house you are living. We are very near to you]

    ''''Leena, can you forgive me for bringing you here without your consent?'''' Enger''s voice came out as a whisper. He still feels guilty about it, but will Leenae willingly if he asks?

    Not bothered to respond to his question, she texted Adney. [I will take you under my wings when Ie back]

    At the other end, Adney''s face flushed red. He still couldn''t believe his darling was his sister-inw. Kurt tried to peek into the system, but at thest second, Adney red and clutched theptop to his chest. It''s a secret between Elysian and Galifrazian.

    [Galifrazian: Brother ising to fetch you. What help do you need me, darling?]

    [Find Enger''s bank ount] After texting Adney, Leena turned to Enger. ''''I like the cover of your mobile. Can I have a look at it? I promise I don''t know your password.''''

    Enger chuckled. ''''It''s fine. I am just scared that you will leave me. To answer your first question, yes, the cover is beautiful. It''s custom-made.'''' Enger handed the mobile to Leena.

    At the other end, in the ferry boat, Adney''s eyes went wide in horror as he saw the reply. Find Enger''s bank ount? He knows where Leena is heading. Is she for real?

    [I will give you fifty percent share. Hack it] Leena coaxed Andy.

    Definitely, Leena lured him. Adney didnot need a second to decide. Two minutester, he sent a message to Leena. [Galifrazian: Can''t hack. It''s satellite password]

    [Then click on forgot password]

    ''''Oh lord! Is she not scared a bit?'''' Adney gulped in fear.

    ''''Who are you talking about?'''' Kurt butted in the middle.

    ''''N_o one.'''' Adney got up and moved to a different ce. He clicked on forgot password, and it directed him to a page with security questions.

    [When you were young, what did you want to be]

    [Speed up. We have only forty-five seconds to answer the question, darling]

    Graffiti. The very first thought urred, but Leena didnot want to take the chances.''''Did you have any other aspirations other than bing a scientist when you were young?'''' She asked Enger.

    [Speed up. Only thirty seconds left] Adney texted.

    ''''Hmmm..Graffiti. But Graffiti artists don''t make much money. So, I left the idea.'''' Enger said. ''''Why do you ask?''''

    ''''Just wanted to know more about you.'''' She smiled.

    Enger''s heart fluttered, watching her smile. How he wished to wake up everyday to her smile.

    [First question sess]Adney texted the second question. [What''s your favorite book]

    ''''Do you read books?'''' Leena directed a question to Enger.

    ''''Rarely,'''' Enger answered. ''''But Stephan King''s IT book I read it a lot..I don''t remember the count. Do you?"

    ''''I have lots.''''

    With second question sessful, thest question appeared on the screen. Both didnot need Enger for the third question. It was the name of your first crush. Adney himself answered it.

    As Leena held Enger''s mobile, the moment the transaction wasplete, it blinked with an iing call and text. A victorious smile spread across her face. Shutting down theptop, she handed the mobile to Enger. ''''I am sleepy. I will take a nap for a while.''''

    ''''Okay." He watched the retreatiing figure, shaking his head.''''Silly girl. She is so innocent.''''

    When Enger saw the notifications on his mobile, he unlocked it. The color drained out of his face as he saw the text message and a call. In time, Steven came running towards him. ''''Sir, did you look at the news? Ourpany is all over the news."

 Chapter 457 - I Hack Into Peoples Minds

    Just by seeing the message of the hefty money emptied from his ount, Enger''s heart leaped into his throat, causing him mute in horror. To worsen the situation, the media''s news of hispany being cornered has drained the color out of his face.

    ''The world''s leading pharma Leius''s shady business shocked the world atrge.''

    ''The current CEO of the Leius pharmabs is only the stand-in CEO.''

    ''Breaking news: The face of the Leiusbs was revealed to be Enger Cassius Lennox, who fled away from Mexico after killing his father in the fire ident at the age of ten.''

    ''We have thoroughly tested the drugs.. Thepany will be banned, and their supporting hospitals will be cklisted! Quote on quote by the FBI.''

    Enger could hear the shuffling footsteps surrounding the house. He knew in no time they would barge into his home to take him. His throat constricted at the foresight of his dream soon burning into ashes. How did this happen when everything was under his control?

    The retreating figure climbing the steps at once stopped and turned around. Enger didnot notice or probably has turned a blind eye in the past, but the withering scorn on Leena''s face was palpable at the moment.

    ''''Liked my gift?'''' Leena mocked.

    ''''How?'''' Enger managed a word through gritted teeth. He could have brought people with his money, but Leena seized it, making him zero.

    Every day, he double-checks theptop to ensure it''s not connected to any inte source before giving it to Leena. He knew Leena could not be trusted because he had experienced it once, but he didnot learn his lesson. One innocent smile, and two sweet words, Enger got ttered and forgot that her devious fox ploys were as violent as the attacks of a wolf.

    ''''Hacker is a wizard with inte around is a myth. That''s what you believed.'''' Descending the stairs, Leena made her way towards him. ''''Professionals hack the system. I hack into people''s minds.''''

    ''''I concealed the disgust and wore the mask of an innocent maiden to make you believe in me. Infact, getting ess to your floor was not to rx in the SPA.'''' She smiled. ''''The electricity breakdown five days back was not an ident. Thanks to Morvena, I sessfully passed the message to Devin.''''

    Enger clenched his fists. If he had investigated why theptop was still hot without snubbing the thought, he wouldn''t have been in this position. A small mistake has costed his fortune.

    ''''Coming to your money, my brother-inw couldn''t hack the satellite password. So, I asked him to click forgot password. The first security question was your favorite profession when you were young.'''' Leena''s heart beat out of her chest as she heard the footsteps nearing the house.

    Vortex of anger swirled inside Enger. Even when Leena asked him about his favorite book, it didnot create doubt in him. Infact, he felt happy that she was leaning towards him. Leena nned it so cunning that he could put a tail behind her and call her a fox. ''''I..I trusted you.''''

    ''''Not my mistake.'''' She shrugged.

    The door opened, and one by one, the military forces entered the house. Seeing the fully armed forces, the servants inside the house raised their hands in defeat. Before Enger knew what had happened, he was rounded up.

    Leena loved the entry of these armed forces. It looked like a Hollywood action movie. Of course, she deserves it. This is the least credit these people can do to recognize her efforts.

    Feeling a presence behind her back, Leena turned around and saw Devin''s face. Despite being in a state of despair, Enger''s eyes didnot leave Leena''s sight. He didnot miss the smile on her face, a genuine smile he had never seen, giving it to him. He has lost everything. What''s life without her? Enger''s fingers brushed past the loaded gun on the back pocket with a thought around.

    She pressed her lips tight to fight the chaos of her happiness. But Devin''s appearance was a question to ask. Lost weight, bags under eyes, tired face, beard grown to her hated length, he more looked like a teenage boy rejected by a girl.

    Meanwhile, Devin imagined a weight loss figure, pale face, sunken cheeks, but his sweetheart exceeded his expectations. Infact, her face was glowing, unlike him. So, she didnot miss him? ''''What are you waiting for?'''' He mused irritatingly.

    Crossing her arms, Leena stood like a statue. She gave him a look of ''what''s with that attitude of yours.''

    When she didnot attempt to make a move, Devin has to tone down his voice. ''''Will you give me the honor to take you back, mydy?''''

    ''''Yes, Mylord.'''' Smiling to herself, she dashed, colliding her body against him. Automatically, his hands wrapped around her waist. ''''I missed you.'''' She whispered, inhaling his scent to feel home.

    ''''I missed you too��a lot. I couldn''t sleep without you.'''' He kissed the top of her hair and looked past Enger. In a matter of seconds, Devin saw envy, hatred, the mixed emotions directing at him.

    Leena shyly smiled.

    ''''You gained weight. Looks like you didnot miss me.''''

    ''''That''s because..'''' Leena closed her mouth shut. She wanted to go on a hunger strike, but the little one demanded food every one hour inrge quantities. ''''Aren''t you taking me home? I am starving.''''

    ''Home.'''' He muttered, a smile on his face as he took her out. On the way, Leena saw Kurt was going into the house with a loaded gun in his hands. Their eyes met, and Kurt turned his head to the left and walked as fast as he could to avoid her eyes. ''For how long?''

    ''''Devin,'''' Leena called him when she remembered her friends here. ''''Morvena is in the basement_''''

    ''''She is taken to the hospital.''''

    She nodded, thinking of visiting herter when she returns to New York. Before Leena hopped onto the helicopter, a gunshot echoed into her ears. Her footsteps halted at once. Was it Enger''s? Did he...

    ''''It''s none of our business. Let''s go.'''' Devin closed her ears.

 Chapter 458 - Birthday Gift

    While returning home on the private ne, Leena asked about Carrot''s and Nick''s condition. If it were a couple of days back, Devin would have hesitated to tell about Carrot''s health, but he doesn''t need to lie. Carrot''s health had significantly improved after the little conversation with her before he left for Russia. He never knew dogs are so sensitive to humans until he met Carrot.

    Half n hourter, Leena said. ''''It''s time for lunch.'''' She was meticulous in ordering and avoiding some food items, which amused Devin. During lunch, Leena ate three times the food she usually eats despite Devin''s naggings.

    ''''I haven''t eaten good food for ten days.'''' She pouted. ''''Don''t get mad at me.''''

    ''''I am not mad, sweetheart..'''' He tucked the hair behind the back of her ear. ''''I don''t want you to have an upset stomach.''''

    ''''Leena is strong to have an upset stomach.'''' She reasoned.

    ''''She tells the same thing all the time before running after the bathroom,'''' Devin countered.

    Ignoring his bombasts, Leena snuggled closer to him for sleep, and a whileter, she flipped to the other side. She felt her body heating up. She turned left and right a couple of times before she rushed into the bathroom and threw up.

    ''''Your eating habits have to be controlled, Leena.'''' Leaning forward, Devin closed her ears as Leena forced the food out of her stomach. ''''Are you okay, now?'''' He handed the hot water and patted her back to soothe her trembling body.

    The stomach acids bubbled up in her throat, making her throat sore. ''''Loose motions are far better than vomitings.''''

    ''''Your metabolism is high, which doesn''t mean you have to eat anything that your eyes want.'''' Her tiredness was clearly visible on her face. Without a word, Devin carried her back to the seat.

    ''''Don''t worry, Devin.'''' She entwined her left hand with his right and squeezed it as a form of assurance. ''''It''s just motion sickness. I will be fine.''''

    ''''No. Let''s get you checked up tomorrow.'''' He said, leaving no room for discussions. He knows Enger doesn''t harm Leena, but he wants to ensure she is fine and healthy.

    He would never fail to throw her into the sugar sea. ''''Alright, my sweet husband'''' Getting up, Leena jumped into hisp in happiness.

    ''''Now?'''' Devin questioned, embracing her hands around her back to support her from falling.

    ''''You are always horny, idiot.''''

    ''''Aha?'''' He grabbed her lower lip and nipped it. ''''Two weeks back, I was eating my breakfast, and madam was so horny that she didnot let me finish, and dragged me to the bedroom to satisfy her needs. Later she threw me out like I am an escort.''''

    With Devin''s sharp words, Leena sheepishly gazed at the carpet. After her pregnancy, she feels like her body is going through a transformation, including her sexual frustration.

    ''''Cat got your tongue?''''

    ''''Can I ask you a question?'''' Leena changed her topic.

    ''''Pass the question if it is about your stupid poop questions.''''

    Leena hit his shoulder. ''''It''s not about poop this time. What is 1+1?'''' She decided it was time to tell him the truth.

    ''''Clue?'''' Here is asking for a hint when even the kindergarten kids know the answer.

    ''''It''s not two.''''

    ''''I know that.'''' Thinking hard, Devin came up with an answer that would suit Leena''s taste. ''''Even if 1+1 = 11, or 03, Leena is always right. That''s what you wanted to hear, isn''t it?'''' He doesn''t want to enter into any arguments with this feisty one.

    Leena wanted to bang her head on the floor. Despite giving several clues, this idiot cannot catch the phrase that one plus one is equal to three.

    ''''Your sense of humor is the worst I had seen.'''' Leaning her head on his chest, she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.

    ''''Did I say something wrong?'''' Devin thought to himself.

    After Leenanded, hands waved at her with all smiles. It looked like the followers lined up to see the newly chosen Pope of the Vatican city in Dan Brown''s Angels and Demons novel. All her family members and friends lined up to receive Leena.

    Her mom looked like she had aged a decade. After the little hugs from the other end and pats offorts from her end, Devin took her to the hospital to see Nick on the way. He tore up after seeing Leena. The same went for Leena as well.

    Later, Leena went to the vet hospital. Sunshine flooded Carrot''s soul as she saw Leena. She jumped from the bed and wagged its tail before jumping onto Leena''s embrace.

    ''''How much I missed you, Carrot.'''' She patted her back lovingly.

    Leena wanted to leave Carrot for at least two days until she was properly recovered, but Carrot being Carrot, refused to let Leena away from him. The trauma of losing Leena on that day has left a severe impact on her.

    Leena also wanted to meet Morvena and Winter, but the night had turned darker. So, she went home along with Devin and Carrot. The memories of that day flooded back at once as she stepped into the home.

    Sensing Leena''s spiked-up emotions, Devin came forward. ''''It''s over. Don''t think of that incident anymore.'''' Grabbing her hand, Devin took her to the bedroom. ''''Come on, let''s sleep.'''' Only when his fatigue carped, Devin slept. His body and mind were beyond exhausted for the days Leena was not with him.

    Laying on the bed, Leena didnot close her eyes. Instead, they were glued to the wall clock.

    Devin waited, but Leena didnot move her eyes. He couldn''t help but ask. ''''What''s so amusing in the clock?'''' He questioned as the time showed it 11.55.

    When the time struck twelve, Leena turned to Devin, screamed, startling him at once. ''''Happy birthday, babylicious!!!''''

    Now it dawned on Devin. ''''You remember?''''

    ''''Of course. How can I forget your birthday?'''' She pecked his lips. She wanted to make it to his birthday at least, and shended into his arms before that.

    ''''Thank you. Thank you so much, darling. So, where is my gift?'''' Although Devin knows his sweetheart didnot get the chance to make the cake, she learned, he wanted to listen to the funny reasons she came up with.

    ''''Gift?'''' An idea hit her brain. Cheesy it was, let it be. Leena was tired ofing up with unique ideas which she knew this idiot would never guess. Blushing and dropping her eyes down, Leena took his hand and put it on her stomach. ''''This is your gift.''''

    At first, Devin was confused, then..''''Wait! What!''''

 Chapter 459 - Daughter Or Son?

    At first, confusion, then realization hit him hard. His hand trembled. In a blink of an eye, Leena watched him undergo a series of emotions, and finally, his face buzzed with happiness like he fell in love with the whole world. At the sight of his genuine smile, the world stopped for Leena, and all that existed for her was him and his eyes staring at her.

    ''''Are you really?'''' He asked in disbelief. He still can''t believe this is all real, only to wake up to hear that it was a beautiful dream.

    Although Leena hasn''t confirmed with the gynecologist, the signs are apparent. ''''A thousand times yes! You got a promotion.'''' She pinched his cheeks hard to let him know the emotions he experienced were all real. ''''I have hinted at you several times, but your thick brain didnot catch my clues. One plus one is not eleven, idiot.''''

    Now that Devin backtracked, one plus one was a direct hint, but there were many cases where he got indirect hints.. He should have guessed by her change in mood swings and her eating habits. ''''I am going to be a father, Leena.'''' He kissed her cheeks and lips everywhere on her face as he muttered, ''I am going to be a father'' like it was a hymn.

    ''''Yes, yes.'''' She giggled at his cute reactions. She expected he would be excited, but not like this.

    ''''Can I?'''' He hopefully asked, eyes moving to her t stomach. A little scared, yet he wanted to feel the sensation. It''s their symbol of love.

    "You need to ask?" Leena''s heart warmed at how much he is respecting her wished. She took his hand and put it on her stomach. Devin lightly shuddered at the warm touch. A littleter, the anxiety wore off as he gently caressed her t stomach. ''''This is the most precious birthday gift I could ever get.'''' He would cherish this moment forever. ''''Thank you so much, Sweetheaert."

    Her eyes watered for no reason. In another nine months, there would be giggles, waves ofughter in their happy home.

    She snuggled closer to Devin. Unlike other times, careful he was. He shifted Leena''s body to afortable position andy his protective arm around her waist. ''''When did you confirm?'''' Was it in the secret house it happened? It must be. He would always pull out to ensure safety, but his body didnot listen to his mind''s constant pleas on that day.

    ''''On the day Enger took me.'''' Replied Leena. ''''I nned to go for a check-up before revealing. It was good that he didnot know, otherwise..'''' She trailed off, snubbing the negative thoughts of that day.

    Devin knew if Enger knew of Leena''s pregnancy, he would definitely get rid of it. He was d Leena was still in her early stage of pregnancy.

    Little did Devin and Leena know, Enger tried to kill the baby twice, but nothing could harm the tiny little one to sprout into life.

    ''''Don''t think of that incident anymore.'''' After clearing Ruth, Devin entirely concentrated on Enger alone. He was nning to contact Morvena and convince her to get the evidence, and before that, he took her his Leena.

    Enger''s chapter is closed forever, and nothing will separate his sweetheart from him. ''''Let''s go to the hospital tomorrow for the check-up, Alright?'''' Devin texted his mom that he would arrive at the hospital in the morning. Before confirming, he doesn''t want to inform anybody yet.

    ''''Hmm...okay.'''' She smiled, imagining how Devin would pamper their kid. At the thought, Leena immediately sprang up and jumped onto Devin''s chest. ''''Who do you think? Daughter or son?''''

    Before Devin replied, Leena babbled. ''''I want a daughter. A cute daughter. I am perfectly fine with son as well, but shirts and pants are boring. I can''t go for shopping to buy cute little stuff.''''

    ''''If it is a daughter, I can do different hairstyles every day, and get her ready with cute dresses, essories, go for shopping to buy them, I can keep myself busy, and many more.'''' She squealed, pping her hands. It''s daughter! She confirmed. Leena made a note to shop for cute little dresses, hair essories.

    A daughter? The thought of a tiny little one running around the house cheered Devin. He only hoped their child doesn''t inherit the narcissist traits of this biggest narcissist, but that will be the hypothetical question. But he didnot dare to point his opinion. He doesn''t wonder if Leena will throw him out of the bedroom. Her mood swings are hard to ignore. He wondered if they remain for the whole nine months. If that''s the case, he is dead meat in her hands.

    ''''I will go on shopping this weekend with Reese.''''

    ''''Are you really going to shop for our daughter, or it''s a cover-up so that you will get the chance to buy dresses?''''

    ''''Well..'''' She cleared her throat. ''''As my tummy will grow, I need dresses that fit my body. So, naturally, I need new dresses.''''

    Devin shook his head, a smile on his face. ''''Alright, madam. Permission granted.''''

    Leena babbled on and on, talking about their children until her tired eyes automatically closed shut.

    Devin pulled the nket and securely tucked her. Laying his hand protectively around her waist, he stared at her serene face. ''''Good night darling.'''' He kissed her forehead and followed her to into the deep slumber after her.

    The following day Devin woke up to calls and birthday messages from his family and friends. Getting ready, he took her to the hospital in the morning for a check-up. Unlike his usual fastness, he drove at a snail pace. At one point, Leena yelled at him, unable to hold back her frustration.

    At the hospital, her mother screamed like she had won an oscar after knowing that Leena hade to check for pregnancy. In her sheer happiness, Evelyn forgot to treat Leena and rushed out to call Fredrick. Devin has to practically drag her back to remind her of the duty.

    By the time Devin brought Leena out of the hospital after the necessary tests, the news had reached the whole family and his friends.

 Chapter 460 - Wedding Preparations

    The garden was bejeweled with twinkling lights wrapped around the trees giving a magical look. It was only during his childhood Devin celebrated his birthday. When he came to a certain age, he would party with his friends.

    He felt like he was back to his childhood days with birthday cones, friends, and family gathered together. It was embarrassing for an adult, at least for him, to cut the cake, but Leena practically dragged him and presented him in front of the cake.

    ''''Leena baked this cake to surprise Devin,'''' Aunt Jpeno proudly said. ''''Birthday boy, you should praise your wife for that.''''

    Surprise? Devin scoffed. Like an actor, he followed the script and hugged Leena tightly the moment she opened the cover. ''''I loved the surprise, Sweetheart. It''s marvelous. Thank you so much for the gift..''''

    ''''You are wee, dear husband.'''' Sheepishly, Leena smiled. She clearly told him to shed happy tears, but this idiot..

    ''''Oh, my Leena.'''' Evelyn dotingly looked at her daughter-inw''s ardent face. ''''Why did you take so much effort at this time.''''

    ''''We could have ordered one, baby.'''' Heather butted in. ''''Don''t take pressure during this time.''''

    ''''It''s nothing, mom. It''s the least I could do for his birthday.''''

    Look at her taking praisings for nothing. I have done half of the work, Devin mused.

    ''''Sister-inw, You are the best.'''' Adney''s cheerful tone surprised Evelyn and Fredrick again. They have seen Leena and Adney fight like Tom and Jerry whenever they meet. Suddenly, they have seen a drastic change in their rtionship since yesterday. Evelyn observed his son''s attitude towards Leenapletely changed. Infact, Adney stuck to her like glue and helped her with the decoration. Devin guessed Adney realized Leena was the one he was worshipping.

    ''''Thank you, brother-inw.'''' She sweetly replied.

    Meanwhile, Carrot watched the cake with enthusiasm. Like a deserter, Cutie licked her lips for the nth time with longing. She had the urge to snatch the knife from Devin''s hands and cut it by herself, but her noisy dad would give her a big ss if she didn''t behave.

    ''''Can you stop the praises and cut the cake? I am starving here.'''' Andrew''s voice screamed from somewhere behind.

    Cutie smiled ear to ear, hearing Andrew''s voice. She would floss Carrot''s teeth, although she doesn''t know how to do it. That''s how much she appreciates Andrew right now.

    ''''How many years did you starve in your previous life that you eat like a hungry pig in the present life. Donkey fellow?''''

    Not only Reese and Harley, Everybody sighed. The drama started.

    Hearing thements from his enemy, the line of Andrew''s mouth twisted into a scowl. He narrowed his eyes at Jasper with spite. ''''My bad, I could have sworn I was dealing with an adult, but no.''''

    ''''Is that how you talk to your brother-inw? Remember, you haven''t got my blessings for the_''''

    ''''Mr. Jasper Allen, and Mr. Andrew Dawson.'''' Leena interrupted their talks. ''''I am giving you full rights. You are free to leave this party.''''

    ''''What did I tell you beforeing to the party, Jasper?'''' Harley''s voiceced with threat. Meanwhile, Reese sternly looked at Andrew. ''''Behave at least for today.'''' Reese and Harley guessed it already. These two will never get along with each other.

    Jasper and Andrew studied each other with unforgiving judgment and turned their heads away with a loud hmph.

    Right after Devin cut the cake, Cutie and Carrot jumped into action. While Leena was having fun with friends and family, Kurt dragged Devin to a secret ce where no one could hear their talks. ''''What is it? Don''t tell me we got another problem with Enger.''''

    ''''Well, he will rot in hell for the lifetime. That I can ensure...but..'''' Kurt sighed. ''''We seized his Visa, his investments, everything rted to him, but the strange thing is, his bank bnce is zero. It happened right before we entered his house to capture him.''''

    Confusion reced Devin''s calm eyes.

    ''''You remember Adney insisted oning to the Bahamas with us?'''' Kurt continued as he saw Devin''s nod. ''''As the Ferry boat neared the ind, I saw Adney open hisptop and secretly working on something. I ignored specting that he was ying a game. After I saw his rtionship with your wife today, something was wrong. Adney is not opening his mouth, but I am sure he came there with a purpose.''''

    ''''You mean..'''' Instantly, Devin''s eyes shifted in the direction where Leena was.

    ''''The transactions of debits are destroyed in the backend,'''' Kurt added. ''''FBI is thoroughly looking for the records. I hope you got my point.'''' Everywhere she goes, either she follows trouble or purposefully finds trouble.

    Devin tried to suppress his smile, but his restraint failed to curb it. It''s not that he is pleased by the illegal activity but how she yed the role of a fool to fool the fool who thinks that he is fooling her. He already knows Leena''s intention of hacking into the ount. ''''I am sure she will make use of that money for a better purpose..I must say better than your FBI.''''

    ''''That''s not my point, Vincy.''''

    ''''That''s the only point I perceived.'''' Devin patted his friend''s shoulder. ''''Cover it up.'''' With that, Devin made his way back to the garden.

    ''''Cover it up! Is that easy?'''' Kurt kicked the trunk of the tree hard. ''''Argh!'''' The pain coursed his leg to the point of numbing his senses for seconds. Realizing his mistake, Kurt trudged back to the garden in hopes of finding his love. Well, he found, but his blood instantly boiled hearing Kyle''s...

    ''''If it is a girl, Leena''s sharp nose, and if it is a son, I wish he would get Devin''s eyes.'''' Kyle cheerfully said as she gobbled thest piece on her te. ''''Devin''s eyes are beauteous.''''

    ''''I know, right.'''' Reese joined for the treat. ''''I would always tell the same thing to Leena.''''

    Leenapletely ignored her son getting Devin''s hazel eyes. She was fangirling about her daughter having a sharp nose.

    Meanwhile, Kurt, hearing thements, unable to suppress his anger, called out Kyle''s name from a distance. ''''Kyle, let''s go home.''''

    ''''Huh? Already? We are yet to have dinner.''''

    Kurt appeared in front of her. ''''Do you still have room for dinner after eating three pieces of_''''

    ''''Someone challenged me.'''' Leena interrupted. ''''If they don''t find my name_''''

    ''''Let''s have dinner here.'''' Kurt cut her off before she brought the topic of the girly outfit. Damn this Elysian! He immediately fled away to find his friends.

    ''''He is just a paper tiger,'''' Leena grumbled. Meanwhile, Kyle wondered if something had gone wrong with Kurt''s system again.

    During dinner, the hot topic was Leena and Devin''s wedding. Francis was looking for the day to see his baby in the wedding dress.

    ''''Two months is very little time. Can we make it?'''' Reese questioned.

    Leena fidgeted over Reese''s statement. Infact it''s not easy, but if it exceeds more than two months, her bump will start to show up.

    ''''Don''t get tensed up.'''' Devin squeezed her hands assuringly. ''''We are going with the date as nned. Just that we need to speed up.''''

    From the next day, the wedding preparations started.

 Chapter 461 - Pumpi: Jalapi

    With Leena''s pregnancy, the dresses, essories were almost taken care of by Heather and Evelyn. Everything came to her doorstep. Also, Devin, on the other hand, was treating her like a delicate creature. He changed the floor into a cushioned carpet. He would not let her use the stairs, and at some point, Leena''s saturation point reached andshed at him. Only then did he slow down a little.

    On the weekend, Devin went out to see the wedding sanctuary. Leena and Nick listed the guests to invite for the wedding, and as they did so, her phone ringed with an iing call. ''''It''s uncle Pumpkin!'''' She eximed.

    ''''Mr. Condom?'''' Nickughed. ''''What a weird surname for a man, isn''t it?''''

    ''''Whose surname?'''' Aunt Jpeno came out of the kitchen with fruit juice in her hand.. As Nick was about to grab, Aunt Jpeno swatted his hand away and handed it to Leena. ''''Go, and make for yourself.'''' She said and went inside to prepare the lunch.

    ''''Double check the guests. I will take this call.'''' Leena went out, and a couple of minutester, she came back. ''''Uncle Pumpkin is nearby. He ising to meet me.''''

    ''''Alone or with his boyfriend?'''' Nick asked.

    ''''Alone because he is interested in you. Probably, he wants to woo you.'''' Sticking her tongue out at Nick''s scowling face, Leena turned to the kitchen. She informed aunt Jpeno to prepare lunch a little early.

    ''''Who is the guest, dear?''''

    ''''You will know him soon.'''' If uncle Pumpkin were straight, she would have paired him with aunt Jpeno. Both are crazily insane in one way or the other.

    Aunt Jpeno nodded. ''''Alright. Take some rest. I will prepare the lunch.''''

    Since the guest was important to Leena, Aunt Jpeno prepared them cautiously. As she was arranging the dishes on the table, she heard the doorbell ring. Momentster, she heard a familiar voice of a man, which was odd to her. She was sure it was not Nick''s voice.

    Washing her hands, she made her way to the living room. She found a man talking to Leena. His face was not visible, but she can never forget the familiar v-shaped butt she squeezed numerous times during their intimate moments. Aunt Jpeno''s mouth slowly dropped open. ''''Pumpi!'''' She rubbed her eyes to make sure he was real.

    Uncle Pumpkin''s finger twitched unconsciously. Only one person close calls him pumpi. He turned around. Eyes went wide instantly. ''''Jpi.'''' He whispered her nickname. Why is she in Leena''s house?

    One''s eyes clouded with anger, and the other one''s in surprise. Pumpi, and Jpi? Slowly but surely, Leena connected the dots. Aunt Jpeno caught her husband cheating on her. Leena doesn''t know if it''s a rumor but heard uncle Pumpkin divorced his wife. Oh no! But she needed confirmation. Leena nced at the raging woman. ''''Is he...your...husband?''''

    ''''Ex-husband.'''' Aunt Jpeno corrected. ''''Ex-husband who cheated on me.''''

    ''''Jpi..'''' Gritting his teeth, uncle Pumpkin softly called her name. ''''Behave decently_''''

    ''''Decency my foot?'''' Aunt Jpeno raised her brow. ''''Where did your decency go when you were banging your ''keep'' behind my back. Not once. I caught you twice, shame on you, bummer.''''

    Uncle Pumpkin''s face crumpled like a twisted paper. Is she going to spread his affair to the whole world?

    It was hard for Leena and Nick to suppress their smile after witnessing uncle Pumpkin''s lips puckered as if he ate a bunch of gooseberries.

    ''''Ummm..Let''s have...lunch.'''' Leena suggested clearing the awkwardness in the air.

    Meeting a proud mother-inw for the first time was better when Leenapared uncle Pumpkin''s case.

    He ate in silence. Not once did he lift his head, and if he did, he knows he would be screwed. Had he known Jpi was staying with Leena, he would have met Leena somewhere outside to annihte this awkward talk.

    ''''How is your condompany doing?'''' Aunt Jpeno sarcastically questioned, drinking a sip of water. He doesn''t know to rip it, grip it, roll it, and dip it, and yet he is the owner of a condompany. What an irony, aunt Jpeno thought.

    ''''Good.'''' He whispered. The condom always reminds him of their first night.

    ''''What''s that one-word answer? Anyway, I heard your new manager is very efficient?'''' Aunt Jpeno questioned. ''''A rumor that you have given him a promotion. Is he that good at serving you..I mean yourpany.''''

    He is not dumb to know the meaning behind her statement. Who the hell has leaked the news of his rtionship with his new manager? He can''t stay in this ce anymore. cing down the spoon on the te, uncle Pumpkin looked at aunt Jpeno. ''''Jpi...I have urgent work at the office. Can we meet next time?''''

    Before she replied, uncle Pumpkin fled away without even informing Leena.

    ''''Half-baked pumpkin.'''' Aunt Jpeno grumbled in annoyance. ''''I need some peace of mind, Leena after meeting this bummer. Can you send me coffee to my room?''''

    ''''Sure, Aunt Jpeno. Please take your time.''''

    As she left, Nick and Leena stared at each other, for they didnot know it was time tough, but they burst outughing.

    .....

    Durning night, after dinner, Leena exined the conversations that happened during lunch to Devin. Patiently, Devin listened, his one hand caressing her stomach, which had be habitual. ''''I never expected they would have a history.''''

    ''''I know, right.'''' Leena giggled. ''''I have one more good news to tell you. I am penning down our love story into a book. Though, I will change the names and ces. Ultimately, it''s our story. How is the idea?''''

    ''''Are you for real!''''

    ''''Of course, yes.''''

    It''s not new to Devin that Leena every day woulde up with weird hobbies after her pregnancy started. He knows she would drop the idea in a week or so. ''''Don''t add your toddler poems into the book. The readers who read your book will go mad.''''

    Leena hit his shoulder. ''''Want me to throw you out of the bedroom?''''

    ''''You are greater than Shakesphere'''' He pulled her into his embrace to coax.

    ''''I love that.'''' She appreciated hisparison.

    ''''What''s the name of the book?''''

    ''''I have two in mind. Still thinking.'''' The bullied husband? The title sounds like it tones down Devin''s character. The Devil''s Corazon? Leena thought.

    I am the devil, and Devin is my Corazon. The Devil''s Corazon is a good choice, but somethingcked in the title.

 Chapter 462 - My Condom: Your Butt

    Two monthster....

    Wedding guests slowly began to filter into the vast floral wondend. Wooden chairs decored in creamy fabric filled the resort. Devin weds Leena is the trending gossip. For two months, media, gossipers, fashion bloggers have been waiting to see Leena''s dress.

    Ushers rushed around, taking the wedding guests ording to their seating chart. Every guest found the effect of the resort striking, except for two species.

    Wendy sucked an oversized lollipop in her mouth. ''''The beautiful resort turned into a ghost town.. It must be crazy Leena''s idea.'''' Wendy thought she was mumbling to herself until she heard a woman''s voice, agreeing to the idea.

    ''''Exactly. It looks like a Halloween festival. The moment I saw this decor, I knew it must be that Witch''s idea.'''' Mandy sneered, disoriented by theplete transformation of a beautiful resort.

    Surprised that someone shares amon hatred, Wendy nced at the bubbly woman standing next to her. ''''You are talking about Leena?''''

    Mandy nodded.

    ''''You hate her?''''

    ''''As much as I love gossiping.''''

    Wendy''s eyes twinkled. ''''We have amon enemy. Let''s toast with a lollipop.'''' She smiled and gave her a lollipop. ''''Wendy. Wendy Hamburger.'''' She introduced herself.

    Hamburger? Mandy sneered. ''''Mandy. Mandy Shufflebottom.''''

    Shufflebottom? Who keeps such a funky surname. Wendy scoffed.

    ''''Do you want toe with me?'''' Mandy asked.

    ''''Where?''''

    Mandy looked around and turned to Wendy. In a whisper, she said. ''''There is a talk that Leena is getting ready like a Halloween mommy. Let''s go, and bitch on her.''''

    The word bitching, brought a sense of happiness on Wendy, and a rush of excitement since it''s Leena. ''''Let''s go then.''''

    As they walked down the marble path to Leena''s room, Wendy''s eyes caught sight of a godly handsome man in a blue suit. Her heart skipped a beat without a thought. To her disappointment, he slipped into the crowd in the nick of time, disappearing out of her sight. ''''Damn it! Where did he go?'''' She looked around.

    ''''Who?'''' Mandy asked.

    ''''A man in a blue suit. He was standing at the podium, tall, handsome, and muscr.''''

    ''''Ah! I guess it''s Nick.'''' Mandy eximed. ''''I know him.''''

    ''''Nick...Nick..'''' Wendy muttered, a sheepish grin on her face. ''''Can you introduce him to me?'''' She removed Kurt from her dictionary after he hooked up with a dumb girl. She hoped for a chance with Nick atleast.

    ''''Later. Let''s go, and see the Witch first.''''

    ''''Hmmm..'''' Wendy nodded. She went with Mandy, turning back now and then in hopes of seeing the man who stole her heart.

    Nick was in his world, smiling in all happiness without knowing he fell into sight of a hurricane called Wendy. He sat on the wooden chair and peeked at the girl seated opposite row, parallel to his. The way she slightly tilted her head in his direction and tugged a hair behind her ear nervously to sneak asional peeks at him was driving him crazy.

    In two months, they have be very close to each other, braced their strengths and weakness, but neither of them dared to confess, for both are broken once and afraid to take a step forward. All of a sudden, Nick''s thoughts were interrupted by the conversation of two little kids.

    A long fluffy gown mopped the ground as she ran over the field with her friends despite her mom''s warnings and his dad''s naggings. A stunning flower tiara secured on her head matched her little face.

    ''''Hey, Cutie,'''' Elsie screamed, running behind her friend. ''''Give me some bouncy balls.''''

    ''''I gave you a box aleady.'''' Cutie pouted, slowing down her footsteps despite her anger. ''''Whele did you keep?''''

    ''''I..I..'''' Elsie panted a couple of times to catch her breath. ''''I blew mine over that boy who insulted your brokennguage.''''

    ''''How dale that annong Cookie.'''' Rolling her tongue over the words is the only weakness she has, and the kids she bullies take advantage of it to mock her. Always.

    It''s all her dad''s fault. Without a second thought, Cutie med Wilbur. Her grip tightened over her fluff dress for a second before she unknotted them, scared that she would spoil her dress. Cutie flushed a paper box from the goodie bag and gave it to Elsie. ''''You are the bess, Essie. Can you bow the balls on my dad''s face also?''''

    ''''OMG!'''' Elsie eximed in shock. ''''No..I can''t. Your dad will kill me.''''

    Cutie knows where the switch is. ''''I give you fifty dol for your next month espenes.''''

    The deal was tempting to Elsie, but it''s risky. If she is caught, she will be dead meat in uncle Wilbur''s hands. Elsie pondered for a second before whispering. ''''Fifty is very less. If you give me forty dors, I will consider it.''''

    ''''Forty dols?'''' Cutie gasped. ''''Too much.'''' But her dad''s furious face is pricelessly tempting to consider any amount of money. She will bargain once again, and if Elsie is still stubborn, she will strike the deal for forty dors.

    ''''You have so much money, Cutie,'''' Elsie muttered, fidgeting over her dress. ''''Your Eena gave you a lot of money to buy a dress for her wedding. Unlike you, I am broken this month. I spent my money buying a gift for Dave.''''

    ''''Why did you buy fol him?'''' Cutie angrily muttered. ''''He showed love letter to my dad.''''

    ''''He promised me to teach Math.'''' Elsie pouted. ''''You know that I am a little poor in Math.''''

    ''''I undelsnd.'''' Her dad literally starts early from the office just to teach her alphabets and numbers. Cutie doesn''t understand why he has put so many ambitions on a little kid. ''''Teach me also. I give you forty dols tomolow.''''

    Elsie grinned. ''''You are the best. Make sure to see your dad''s face angry face.'''' Elsie picked the boxes and went on to aplish her mission.

    Nick: '''' ''''

    Archimedes would have hung himself if he had been alive today. Only Cutie can strike a deal like this. Speaking of the deal, Nick got an idea. He got up and dragged Cutie to the seat, which annoyed her to the core. ''''Nini..I am busy_''''

    ''''I heard your secret. Let''s make a deal if you don''t want me to tell the pranks you are ying on your dad.''''

    Cutie gulped as she saw Nick pull out a box from her goodie bag. He wrote someplex words, which were alien to her.

    ''''Can you see the auntie in the yellow dress.'''' He pointed his finger in a certain direction.

    Auntie Winter? She has seen her twice in eena''s house.

    ''''Give this to her.''''

    ''''No.'''' Cutie cried. ''''They are my bouncy balls_''''

    ''''Wilbur! Your daughter_''''

    Cutie grabbed the box and fled away as fast as she could.

    ''''Wintel.'''' Cutie softly called, bringing Winter''s attention to her.

    ''''Savny!'''' Winter smiled ear to ear, taking note of Cutie''s princess gown. ''''You look gorgeous.''''

    ''''Thank you.'''' Cutie sheepishly smiled and extended her hand. ''''This is for you.''''

    ''''Huh..What''s this?'''' Three letters written in bold tugged Winter''s heartstrings. [You look gorgeous] She doesn''t need to ask whose art was this. She knows he is stealing nces at her asionally.

    Winter pulled the box to her lips and pressed them against the words he had written, boldly challenging him. ''''Can you return this to the owner, Savny?''''

    Cutie scowled. What am I? A love broker between these two? She is scared that her little secret will reach her dad''s ears. Cutie took the box and ran to Nick''s side.

    ''''Here...Winter gave.''''

    It was a feeling that she was kissing him as he gazed at the lipstick smudge. ''''If this is a challenge, I am in.'''' He got up and followed Winter, who was going towards the greenwn.

    Cutie''s shoulders dropped as Nick took her box with him.

    ....

    Aunt Jpeno came out of Leena''s room to talk with Evelyn regarding an important matter. To her surprise, she crossed paths with uncle Pumpkin. He seems to be looking for something, Aunt Jpeno thought.

    ''''You came alone?'''' She asked, running her eyes down the multi-patterned, geeky suit he was wearing. She didnot need to look up at the sky to see the rainbow.

    Uncle Pumpkin cleared his throat. ''''Ummm..yeah.'''' He was in the middle of searching for a man who was wearing a confetteroni suit, and to his utter disappointment, he crossed paths with Jpi. ''''I..I need to go. I will talk with youter.''''

    ''''Wait..Pumpi_''''

    He was gone. ''''Half-baked Pumpkin.'''' She muttered.

    Uncle Pumpkin ran as fast as he could, away from his ex-wife. While doing so, he crashed into someone, and before he realized it, his leg slipped, and he fell on top of him. The wedding guests sitting around the area gasped, watching in wonderment.

    ''''I am sorry. I didnot see_''''

    Uncle Pumpkin''s mouth closed shut as his eyes flicked open in surprise. Holy fucking shit! He crashed into a man whom he had been searching for.

    ''''I don''t prefer bottom.'''' Uncle pumpkin heard the man whisper, soft as honey to his ears.

    ''''Pardon?''''

    ''''I...I mean..'''' He cleared his throat. ''''If you please get up...''''

    ''''Oh..I am sorry.'''' Uncle pumpkin immediately got up and did realize he was inclined to the weird stares from the guests. Both parted away quickly, and not before five minutes passed, like a moth attracted to the me, both were walking down the greenwn.

    ''''I like your suit.'''' Uncle pumpkin broke the silence. He licked his lips as he gazed at the man''s sexy thighs. Damn! Why is he so freaking hot!

    ''''I designed it. Infact the rainbow suit you are wearing is my creation.''''

    ''''What!'''' Uncle pumpkin''s lips parted in surprise. ''''You are..you are Amigo!''''

    ''''Amigo, my brand. Amigo Butt, my name.'''' Amigo winked. ''''By the way, you look great in this suit.''''

    Uncle pumpkin''s face blushed.

    ''''Thank you. My cupboard is filled with Amigo brand. You are the fashion diva I adore.'''' Uncle Pumpkin introduced himself. ''''Jack.Jack Condom. I own a condompany, Balloon condoms.''''

    ''''Balloon condoms.'''' Amigo nodded to himself. He started at Uncle Pumkin deeply. The atmosphere around them turned super hot as Amigo leaned to his ear, the tip of his lips touching his earlobe. ''''I like the name. Sexy, and hot."

    Uncle pumpkin stiffled nervously, aware of the rush of emotions. ''''Was it true what you said earlier.''''

    ''''Hmmm?'''' Amigo tilted his head with a questioning look.

    ''''That..that you don''t like being in the bottom.''''

    ''''I don''t.'''' He rasped. ''''But if it''s you, I am willing.'''' He admitted.

    Amigo''s eyes made it obvious to uncle Pumpkin. The urge to do a naughty dance in his bed sent goosebumps all over. ''''So..''''

    ''''So?'''' Amigo questioned.

    ''''How about...how about my condom into your butt.'''' It was a suggestion, and uncle Pumpkin didnot know he would get a nod from the other party without a beat.

    ''''Sounds sexy.'''' Amigo pointed his eyes to the parking. Uncle Pumpkin mischievously smiled and turned his feet in the direction of the car along with his partner, forgetting the reason he was here.

 Chapter 463 - My Heart, Your Shelter. My Arms, Your Home

    Evelyn was busy talking with the wedding nners suggesting a slight modification of decor on the walls. She heard a familiar voice call her name from behind. ''''Looks like you are too busy to notice me.''''

    Evelyn turned around. ''''Ethan!'''' She cheerfully smiled. ''''When did youe?''''

    ''''Took twenty hours to notice? I have been wandering in this ce since yesterday. You need a little break.'''' He grabbed the silver leaf decor from her hands. ''''Let me help you. How do I do this?''''

    ''''You don''t need to_''''

    ''''I insist.''''

    ''''Fine, stubborn man.'''' Evelyn showed him a demo. Ethan did as Evelyn told. In between, Ethan questioned, his voice barely a whisper so that it reached only Evelyn''s ears. ''''A month ago, I saw an old picture of a girl in my dad''s cupboard. She must be around ten to twelve years.''''

    ''''So, you investigated?'''' Evelyn calmly asked, gluing thest piece of silver leaf on the wall. Evelyn knew Ethan would eventually get to know the truth, but this escted way quickly.

    ''''Honestly, I didnot find the need to.'''' Ethan looked at Harley, joyfully receiving the guests, standing next to uncle Fredrick.

    ''''What are you going to do? Tell your father, and take her back?''''

    ''''If I wanted, I would have done it on the day I found the truth.'''' Ethan chuckled. He could have forcefully taken his sister, and Ethan knew by the next second, her life would be nothing but an unhappy fate. Taking her back into his family is bringing her into a vulture''s den. ''''Can my dad still hope?''''

    ''''She died.''''

    ''''Was it my mom?''''

    Evelyn neither nodded nor shook her head.

    ''''I understand.'''' Ethan squeezed his eyes shut, a shudder passed down him. His mom is a monster. ''''Thanks for taking care of my sister. She got a caring mom, and father, two protective brothers.''''

    ''''Three.'''' Evelyn squeezed his hands. ''''You are, and always be.''''

    Ethan''s eyes welled up in tears.

    ''''Look at you, crying like a baby.''''

    ''''FYI. I found my long-lost sister. Am I not supposed to cry.''''

    ''''Fine...fine_''''

    ''''Ethan! What are you doing here?'''' It was Jasper. ''''Whose sister are you talking about?''''

    ''''No one. Why did youe here?''''

    ''''Devin agreed to tonight''s party. I need your suggestion on the drinks. Let''s go.''''

    ''''MIL, FIL is looking for you,'''' Jasper informed Evelyn before he began dragging Ethan.

    ''''MIL, FIL? What are these shortcuts? Can''t he call address properly?'''' Evelyn scoffed.

    Ethan asked as they walked. ''''Did Devin sneak into the room....''''

    ''''Got kicked out again. Leena must have glued to the mirror. She is not even replying to his texts.''''

    ''''When Narcissist Leenae to the surface, nothing else matters. I feel for Devin.'''' Atst, Ethan got salvation. Exactly ten days back, Devin invited him to his home. Sorry doesn''t bring back the trauma he caused her, but with a great heart, she epted him. That''s all he needed for this life.

    ...

    With a lollipop on her mouth, Wendy slurped, making a loud sucking sound. Mandy stood beside her. A mocking smile escaped from her lips as she watched Jane, Kyle, and Reese assisting the hairstylist. Heather, and the rest of the aunties, helped the makeup artist.

    ''''Hey, Reese,'''' Wendy screamed, startling all the women in the room for the nth time. ''''The makeup artist asked for the watercolor crystal vine.''''

    ''''Wendy!'''' Reese yelled. ''''I will kill you if you scream another time,'''' Reese handed the crystal vine to the makeup artist.

    ''''Can somebody throw this lollipop out?'''' Morvena spoke up.

    ''''Don''t get on my nerves, blondie.''''

    Meanwhile, Leena never once took her eyes away from the mirror. Jane and Reese repeatedly told her to check her poor husband''s texts, but Leena sat there admiring herself.

    The wedding gown Leena was wearing was a charming shade of Macaroon cream. Although Leena''s belly didnot show up, Heather suggested the designer design the dress a little loose to let her breathe. Despite that, it hugged her curves perfectly. The dress undted from the waist, creating multipleyers, with silver flowers, arose from the waistline down the gown.

    Her makeup was minimal, just like she liked. Her front hair framed her face, and the rest of the hair was secured by a crystal vine. An angel descended from heaven, a phrase worth the beauty.

    The door was pushed open, and Evelyn rushed into the room. ''''You still haven''t gotten_'''' Her voice muffled at the sight of her daughter-inw. Her mouth opened and closed, for she was at a loss of words.

    ''''OMG! My daughter-inw! You look gorgeous.''''

    ''''I know, right.'''' Heather proudly said.''''We are almost done, Eve!

    ''''No, no. Everybody, please don''t listen to my MIL. Take your own time.'''' Leena quickly replied, stopping their thoughts of rushing her look over. ''''Although God has spent extra time in sculpting me...'''' She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Unable to resist, she blew a flying kiss through the mirror. ''''I am giving a chance for the sculptors like you people to discover me.''''

    ''''I bet the Greek God Narcissus possessed Francis''s body on that night.'''' Evelyn turned to Heather with a serious face.

    ''''And you should be given an award for discovering so much about myself that I don''t even know.'''' Francis roared at Evelyn as he entered the room.

    ''''Does he have snake ears?'''' Evelyn grumbled.

    ''''Why do you get caught by him all the time.'''' Heather giggled.

    ''''Care to repeat what you_''''

    ''''Francy!'''' Getting up, Leena approached him, a smile on her face.

    Francis''s anger faded. Father and daughter''s dramatic hug was about to happen when mother came in between them like a viin. ''''No hugs until the wedding ispleted. The dress is delicate. Leena, take your seat.''''

    Francis sighed, taking a step back. He stood there watching his baby''s joyful smiles until the girls left the family of three.

    ''''I know you are holding up. Let your tears out.'''' Heather whispered, standing beside Francis.

    How did she guess? Was I that obvious?

    ''''How do I look, Francy'''' Leena would have twirled around if the dress was designed with oneyer.

    He smiled, gently kissing her forehead. ''''I am proud of you, Leena.'''' In these two months, he has dreamed of this day many times, taking her hand, walking down the aisle, but the reality felt wonderful. The radiance and the joy she was wearing welled up his eyes. His mind got flooded with the old memories of the little girl he would drive to the school, carry her in his arms, y with her, and many more. Time sure flies fast. The little girl has grown up into a beautiful woman today.

    ''''Thank you, dad.'''' Never witnessed but heard her Francy cry many times during her ident, but today, she saw them.

    ''''Regardless of you have grown up to be someone else''s queen, you will always be our little princess,'''' Heather let out a happy smile, contended. Her daughter found a happy home.

    ''''Love you, mom.'''' She linked her hand onto Francis''s left arm and rested the other on her mother''s arm to walk down with them.

    ...

    Soft violin music yed in the background. Hundreds of sugar maple trees were suspended from the ceiling, creating an arch that flowed above everyone''s heads. The resort dimmed with the lights as a crowd of girls dressed in princess gowns appeared, holding the fireflies filled jars, and handed them to the wedding guests. Every guest raised the firefly high above. The lights from the fireflies flickered the beautiful sanctuary.

    A soft melodious voice of a woman slowly sank in...

    Falling in love with you,

    Take my hand, take my whole life too,

    For I can''t help falling in love with you...

    The crowd gasped as a cute dog dressed in a pink frill dress slowly appeared, walking towards the altar with a small basket securely held in between her teeth. Another gasp escaped as Cutie arrived, scattering the flowers down the ground from the flower basket.

    A proud expression rested on Wilbur''s face. He has been searching for her since she sent Elsie to blow the bouncy balloons on him. ''''Bratty girl, still I love you.''''

    Momentster, a big gasp escaped collectively from the crowd as the bride appeared.

    Devin forcefully stopped the movement of his eyelids from blinking. A goddess, stunning in her white dress, radiating against all the greenery of the venue. He had an image of what she might look like, standing there in her wedding dress, but seeing her smiling in front of him, blew all of his expectations out of the water. He has been trying every possible way to sneak into the bride''s room, but the woman stood at the door like a Hades Cerberus dog.

    When Leena started walking towards him, unknown emotions started flowing. It was not because of how beautiful she looked. In his eyes, she is always beautiful.

    Their eyes met. Leena smiled at him, reflecting her eyes. A killer smile of hers wounded his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat again. She thought about everything they had been through and how it all led to this moment. The wedding was real. Their love was real.

    Francis ced her hand into Devin and went back to the front row. To Devin''s surprise, his father-inw didnot throw a tantrum today.

    Down the grandstand, the family and friends seated on the first row, readily waiting for the vows to start.

    ''''Do I really need to vow? You have my heart.''''

    Leena tilted her head around, hinting that the world was watching him. Devin let out a heartyughter. ''''Drama queen.'''' Without announcement, he lifted her, pulling her on his feet.

    ''''And you love that drama queen.''''

    ''''Till the stars grow old, and the sun grows cold, I will only love my drama queen. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms, your home.''''

    It was not a big speech, but the powerful words were enough to tear her eyes. Screw the makeup, Leena burst into cries. ''''Just in case zombie apocalypsees true..'''' She sniffed before continuing. ''''If you are turned into a zombie, I promise, Devin, I will let you bite me so that I can be one among you and stay with you forever.''''

    Devin burst into a peal ofughter. ''''The ceremony can never end without Leena''s signature style.''''

    Leena''s wedding vow broke a cackle among the crowd. Even the celebrant standing next to them couldn''t help but let out a throaty chuckle.

    ''''Do you, Wang Devin, take Leena Hayes to be your wedded wife, to cherish in love, as long as you live, to trust, and honor each other, through the best and worst.''''

    ''''I do,'''' He answered without hesitation.

    ''''Do you, Leena Hayes, take Wang Devin to be your wedded husband, to cherish in love, as long as you live, to trust, and honor each other, through the best and worst.''''

    Leaning forward, Leena whispered into his ears. ''''When I say, I do, I don''t mean dishes.''''

    ''''Aren''t you the one wearing pants in our home.'''' He yanked her by her waist and crashed his lips against her even before the celebrant announced to kiss the bride.

 Chapter 464 - The Devils Sweetheart

    Six monthster...

    ''''Leena, Andrew threw the balloon on my face,'''' Kyle screamed.

    A long whistle blew twice. Leena lifted a red card high above, pointing towards Andrew. ''''Out of the game, Andrew!''''

    After her wedding, Leena never went on trips and added with the book she was writing, her life has be busy. Finally, the book ispleted, and it''s under editing. So, she thought of spending a day with her friends and invited them home.

    After lunch, Leena suggested a game. At first, it was only between only girls, but Andrew spoiled the n.. Reluctantly, Leena divided into two teams. A big bucket of filled water balloons was ced at each team''s ying area, and each yer had to knock off opposite team members by hitting them with water balloons except on the face. If the yer is hit and the balloon pops, the yer is out of the game.

    Andrew chose the team name as ''The skull crush bunnies'' Leena chose ''Holy banana pants.''

    Back to the game, Leena raised the red card. ''''Andrew Dawson! You have thrown the ball in the wrong ce. You have gone against the rules! You are out of this game. Go, and apany your loser friends, Devin and Kurt.'''' Leena dered. Speaking of her husband, he brought shame to her. The second the game started, aunt Jpeno threw a balloon at Devin, which popped out.

    ''''She takes every chance to insult me.'''' Kurt mumbled.

    Andrew''s face flushed with rage. ''''Reese threw a water balloon on Kurt''s face, and it was not against the rules? If I do it, it''s called cheating? Are you an umpire or siding on with the girl''s team?'''' Andrew shouted, taking a step ahead at Leena, although Wilbur tried to pull him back. Arguing with his sister doesn''t bring good fate.

    ''''Liar! I didnot throw it on his face.'''' Reese yelled. ''''Did I, Kurt?''''

    ''''Why do you waste time on him, Reese?'''' Kylezily added. ''''He will not open his mouth.''''

    Like Kyle predicted, Kurt stayed silent. Arguing with a girl is worse than a world war, in his opinion. Infact, by quitting, he got a chance to watch Kyle in the game.

    ''''You cheater, Leena!''''

    ''''You don''t have the balls to win, and now you me me?'''' Leena''s voice raised hysterically at Andrew. ''''Out of the game.''''

    ''''This is cheating! The umpire is the biggest cheater.''''

    ''''Watch your words. I can hear you.''''

    ''''That doesn''t exclude the fact that you are a cheater.'''' Grumbling, Andrew made his way and sat beside Kurt and Devin. Three are already out of the game from his team. He would never lose a game in video games, let alone in the field. But with a cheating umpire around, Andrew lost the confidence of winning the game. ''''Your wife is a cheating bully, Vincy.''''

    ''''Everybody knows that,'''' Devin said as a matter of fact. He never agreed to y this silly kids game, but Leena made it mandatory. For namesake, he went into the field and came out in a few seconds to look after Leena.

    His eyes never left the sight of her. Although Leena is not ying the game, dangerse unexpectedly. The bump showed up significantly in the third trimester. Every day, he is closer to meeting another love of his life. He visited every monthly check-up with her, monitor her food and vitamins intake.

    ''''I am keeping my hopes on Nick. At least, he is ying well.'''' Andrew gazed at his team. ''''Nicky...right to your left is aunt Jpeno''s back. Throw the balloon.''''

    ''''Wilbur...target Jane,'''' Andrew shouted. ''''She is near you.''''

    ''''Aunt Jpeno, Jane! Out of the game!''''

    ''''Yes...yes.'''' Andrew smiled ear to ear, kicking his legs in the air.

    ''''Nasty butt!'''' Aunt Jpeno sneered at Andrew. ''''I will squeeze your bums after the game.''''

    Andrew gulped. Will he get squeezed by aunt Jpeno? No way! He will run right after the game ends.

    Devin and Kurt pitied Andrew for soaring his hopes high. The winner of the game was decided the moment Leena became the umpire.

    Slowly, as Devin foretold, the game became one-sided. By the time the clock struck zero, the Skull crush bunnies team was left with one yer. Holy banana pants had five yers. ''''I dere holy banana pants as the winner of the game.''''

    ''''Yayy!!!'''' The girls squealed in happiness. ''''We won.''''

    ''''You are behaving as if you won in the Olympics, cheaters!'''' Andrew scoffed.

    After the game ended, everybody spent a little time in the house and started off home.

    After dinner, Devin helped Leena walk to the bedroom.

    ''''Does your feet hurt?'''' He softly asked, taking a grapeseed oil into his hands, and began massaging her feet. He was terrified something had happened when Leena started experiencing throbbing pain and swollen feet, butter, to his relief, he learned it was normal during pregnancy.

    ''''A little.'''' Devin is taking care of her like an infant baby. Every night, he would massage her feet, legs, back until she fell asleep. Due to her, he has no proper rest.

    ''''I am fine, Devin.'''' She urged him to the bed.

    ''''Let me do it for one more_''''

    ''''Please.'''' She pleaded. ''''I want to talk with you.''''

    ''''Alright, madam.'''' Heplied with her wishes andy down next to her. Habitually, his hand went to caress the bump. It would take time to adjust once Leena gives birth to the little one.

    ''''I decided the name for my book.'''' She tilted to his face.

    ''''Finally.'''' Excitement washed over him. Since the day Leena announced writing a book, she has been skimming her brain, thinking of a name, yet she didnote up with one proper name. ''''What''s the name?''''

    ''''The Devil''s Corazon.'''' She proudly said. ''''How is it?''''

    ''''You are the devil?''''

    Leena bobbed her head.

    ''''I am your Corazon?'''' He asked, pointing the finger at him.

    Leena again nodded.

    His lips tugged into a smile. ''''That''s a perfect name. I know a publisher. Leave the editing, publishing, and marketing to me. I will take care of that.''''

    ''''Really!''''

    ''''Of course, Sweetheart!'''' He replied with the same enthusiasm.

    ''''You are the best, babylicious!''''

    Leena felt like a huge burden was lifted off her shoulders. As promised, Devin took care of everything, and the editing waspleted in a week.

    Her book will be released into the market tomorrow. The thought itself excited Leena. The following day, the moment Leena woke up, she opened her mobile to check the status. ''''What the!''''

    She rubbed her eyes once, twice, thrice, imagining it was a dream, but every time she saw the book''s name didnot appear as she wanted to be.

    ''''''Devin! Devin!'''' She pulled Devin''s hair until he opened his eyes. ''''Five more minutes..sweetheart_''''

    ''''Get up, you sly fox!'''' She should have known when he volunteered.

    Groggily, Devin opened his eyes. ''''Let me guess the reason for your sudden madness.'''' He pulled Leena to his embrace.''''Did you like the twist?''''

    How much she wanted to pull all his hair off his head.

    ''''Now..now..Little kit..Don''t get angry.'''' He petted her head like she was a cute little kitten. ''''Don''t you want my mouth in your_''''

    Leena smacked his shoulder before he would start his dirty talks. Now that Leena gave it a thought, the title sounds apt to her story. Devin always calls her sweetheart. "Devin..." Leaning forward, Leena kissed his lips. "Devin..." She called him again.

    "Tell me, Sweetheart."

    "I am in love with the title now."

    "And what''s the title?" He softly asked, wanting to hear the name from her mouth.

    Like a whispering meadow, Leena''s voice wheezed into Devin''s ears. ''''The Devil''s Sweetheart."

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