The Devil's Sweetheart

The last 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's community.''

''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 exclaimed.

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 planning 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 essential commodities. Uncle Pumpkin was playing with Carrot. It was almost a month since Leena has seen Carrot. It was a summer break for Cutie, so she had Carrot's company, 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 yet comfortable 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 flattened, 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 flaws.''

Reese mimicked Leena in her tone, and the latter ignored her and turned to uncle Pumpkin.

''Uncle Pumpkin, I am going to miss you.'' Leena cried, her eyes plained 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 glanced 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..'' Placing 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 she completely 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 playing with a sweet smile on her face. Happy that he is slowly trying to overcome 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 play later. 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 playing.

....

A woman was sitting on the floor in a closed room, fixing a Vihuela instrument with attention. Except for the occasional clattering of the 

the tools, a sheer silence commanded until the mobile chime broke the silence.

Over the shoulder, she briefly glanced 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. Glancing 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.