The Devil's Sweetheart

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 is coming for a drink. Minutes later, Andrew received a reply from Kurt.

[To: Andy: I got a call from the office. Let's catch up later]

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 plan.

Andrew placed a call to his dad, and after a couple of rings, he heard the voice from the other end. ''At last, 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 PlayStation to play 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 always complain 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-in-law. 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 little complicated. I can't tell it on the phone.'' Andrew added. ''When I come home this weekend, I will explain 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 collapsed 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 revelation 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 from coming 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 in-laws. 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, placing 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 sleep completely. She got up and glanced 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's comfort. Remember one thing, Reese, trying to get everyone to like you is a sign of mediocrity.''

''Leena, even you are blaming_'' Reese ceased her thoughts for herself chewing her bottom lip. Her lips can't explain 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's late 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?