The Devil's Sweetheart

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 plan,'' 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 glare 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 that later, 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...come 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.''

Devin laughed 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 your last birthday.'' She smiled, clutching her handbag like it was her possession. It's time to execute her plan, she thought and got up. On the way, she gave a call to a person and proceeded towards the company building.

She went inside the company'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 have come?'' 

''Well..you called me.'' Heather smiled, sitting on the chair. ''Why did you ask me to come 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 feel comfortable 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 plant from her bag. ''I didnot get the chance to congratulate you properly. Since you like plants, I brought a daisy bonsai plant as your marriage gift. I hope you will like it.''

Heather's eyes shimmered in joy, seeing the little daisy plant. ''Thank you so much, but you don't need to.''

''This is the least I can do as a friend. Please accept it.''

Heather hesitantly accepted the gift from her friend's hands. ''Thank you. I will treasure this plant.''

''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 misplace it by carrying into the party.'' She is not letting her plan fail this time.

''Alright,'' Heather said and called the driver. Five minutes later, the driver arrived, picked the plant, 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 manipulating 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.''