Post Banquet Blues

"Evangeline." A stern voice popped all the pink bubbles arising from the lovely atmosphere.

"Dad?" Eve followed the source and found Sylvius approach in big strides towards them.

"Guess who came?" He made way to expose the person behind him.

A beautiful lady clad in an elegant purple chiffon gown came forward.

"Iris! You made it!" Eve joyfully called.

"Eve!" Iris almost shrieked.

The cutie-pie has turned into a gorgeous-pie, and her fangirling cells are pumping like crazy. She almost wanted to pounce on the young girl and rub herself on to her. Even so, her saner side prevailed and successfully clutched on her dignity that nearly jumped out the window.

Iris dashed towards Eve and kneeled in front of her. The dress she wore spread out like petals on the floor. She looked valiant as she solemnly held the lass' hands. Her eyes however glittered with raging excitement.

"Eve. OMG, you're so lovely. This dress and look suits you so well."

"You look beautiful as well Ms. Iris. The dress my Dad picked suited you very much. Both of you standing together appear like the perfect couple." The hard-working host didn't forget to squeeze in rainbow fart to accomplish her goal. She didn't even care whether the two adults became a little cramped with her statement.

"So when is the weddi-"

An awkward cough obscured Eve's final words. Sylvius felt his old cheeks getting hot. Why is his daughter like this? His flawless years of maintaining a stern, handsome face almost shattered.

Sylvius and Iris were bashful because of her words. Both of them knew her little thoughts but chose to play dead and let her be. Who told them to spoil her without limits? They almost regretted it.

"Sarien, this is Dr. Iris Dey." He decided to pull the lad into the dark waters.

Sylvius won't forget the scene he arrived at. It's a shame knuckle cracking sounds didn't seem to perturb them. If he stood still for a moment more, wouldn't this weasel ascend heaven instead? That proximity was a prelude to his nightmare.

"Good Evening, Dr. Iris." Sarien greeted her with a curtsey.

"Young Master Lu, we meet again." Iris returned the gesture calmly, but deep inside, she chastised herself.

The boss' son was in front of her, yet she didn't notice. She underestimated Eve's gravitational pull that drew all her attention. She even neglected a big living person who existed a step away because of her fantastic adorableness. She can only sigh at her hopeless stanning state.

"Sarien, she is my future step-mother." An unexpected interjection almost sent the awkward pair into outer space.

It's Iris' turn to cough her lungs out after hearing her baby Eve. Sylvius lost the battle and finally let his stern face wither away.

Though they have a good impression of each other and communicated more lately, wouldn't this speed too much? Nonetheless, a tacit understanding made them shut their mouths and roll with it. They both surmised that Eve wouldn't do anything beyond teasing them anyway, or so they thought.

"Oh. What wonderful news. Congratulations." Apparently, Sarien didn't notice their predicament and gave his blessings wholeheartedly.

His good wishes moved Sylvius that he wanted to pummel the kid at that moment. Can't he recognize it was all his daughter's teasing? Since assault is punishable by law, he can only imagine kicking the brat to his heart's content.

"Eve, can we take a picture? Just one is okay." Finally, someone took up the job of fixing the weird atmosphere.

Iris's near-pleading voice made Eve chuckle. She thought her future step-mom is adorable.

"Alright." She decided to grace her request.

Iris quickly passed her phone to Sylvius not caring whether he's the holy father, president, or whatnot. This moment is the only chance to take a picture with her cutie angel, and she must get one at all cost.

"Syl. Thanks a lot!" The thrilling anticipation fueled her to cross any barrier between them and requested earnestly. At this moment, Dr. Iris is no more and only Iris the fanatic existed.

She then hurriedly sat on the nearest chair positioned herself closest to Eve. She didn't forget to wrap one of her arms on her shoulders, appearing like an old hen proud of her adorable chick. Her beaming face shows how delighted she was until she saw Sylvius and Sarien went behind them.

[ Excuse me. What do you think you're doing?]

The smile plastered on her face, almost splintered. These highly intellectual mammals can't read the mood and ruin her once-in-a-lifetime moment. Don't they know it's rude and unforgivable to barge in a photo if they are not invited?

Fortunately, her remaining reason was intact and made her realize that she can always crop the photo.

And just like that, a photo was taken courtesy of a bodyguard lurking outside.

"Iris. Send me a copy." A whisper shook Iris that she almost tapped the wrong icon. She thanked God she didn't accidentally touch the delete button beside the crop icon.

"Alright." She whispered back.

"Dr. Iris, send me one too." A younger voice pitched in.

( What are they doing?) Eve questioned the system guide while watching the three who were on the corner, acting suspiciously. They've been speaking in hush tones and sometimes glance at her secretly. If she didn't know them well, she'd assume they were doing some kind of illegal drug deal.

( Host, they are sharing your pictures.)

( Will they feel cherished if I send them my pictures then?)

Eve pondered if ever a simple act of sending them portraits of her beautiful self will help her achieve the side task.

( I think so, host.)

( But it's too tedious to take photographs of myself.)

( Leave it to me host. I'll find a way!)

The furball was glad to take up a responsibility that will show how powerful and competent a system guide it is.

( Good.)

Eve didn't care anymore and resumed eating. She'll ask her Dad to be excused and go back home. She misses her bed.

***

An adorable youngster can be seen concentrating on a form for quite some time. She's spinning a pen effortlessly on her fingers while holding a paper on the other. Her chic blazer and a neat bun made her appear like an adult lost in meditation. However, if one observes closely, one will see that under the formal coat was a pyjama and the side drawer of the majestic office table was open containing a hoard of snacks. Her serious appearance of contemplation was in actuality revolving about the meal she'll have for lunch.

"Young Miss, here are the files." A man's voice summoned Eve's fleeting thoughts back to reality.

"Thank you."

"Do you need help, Young Miss?" Glancing at the pile of documents, he can't help but offer his assistance. It's nearly a week since the heiress took over their boss' work. At first, he was sceptical and anxious about their company's future. Still, his anxiety was all for nought for their mini-boss was terrific. They didn't have a backlog, and everything was functioning as per usual. If she continues her outstanding performance, he is confident their corporation will reach greater heights.

"Nah. I got it but I'll ask you if I needed one."

"Thank you, Cleo."

"It's my pleasure to be of assistance, Young Miss."

The man in suit bowed his head and excused himself.

Eve lay the document down and kneaded her temples. She's been loafing all these times that serious work is taking its toll on her slothful body.

To think that she took the initiative to cut her siestas off, she almost fooled herself into thinking she's turning over a new leaf. Nonetheless, she makes sure her power naps are maximized to their full potential, and specially wore her special "suit" to accomplish that. On the other hand, her compulsive snacking habits can only be made discreetly while she stays in her Dad's office.

Eve can't help but lament why she took such a painful task. Nevertheless, the plan has been set, and she can only bite the bullet and go through with it.

( Any development?) Eve inquired Halfsie, who was spying on both Sylvius and Iris at the moment.

( Host, they didn't seal the deal yet but they have grown closer.)

[ Well, of course, how can they get married in that place?] She mused.

It's been six days since the festivity and six days since she took over Sylvius' duties.

Obviously, her young age is not an issue in taking over the business matters as long as she shows them what a genius she is. Of course, a little persuasion coming from her Grappa made them submit almost instantaneously. It also helps that the board has been desensitized to her presence for the past month. She knew attending the meetings and proposing different insights supported by her Dad cemented her credibility.

There were complaints at first, but they knew well that opposition was futile. They recognized that they didn't have a choice but to assent. They determined that assisting her to the best of their abilities to lessen the probability of committing mistakes was the best course of action. Thankfully, the little boss guaranteed the big boss would return in seven days.

( As long as there is progress then it's okay.) Eve hummed, satisfied by the way things developed.

Eve also hoped they could give her a little brother as soon as possible. If he's around, she won't need to ascend the future position and exhaust herself out. She's here to corrupt souls after all, not venture into the business world.

After bouts of self-preservation ideas, she retook the manuscript and resumed her work.

Good thing she only needs to grind for one more day.

***

"Has today's message arrived?" An eager female voice inquired.

"Not yet, she hasn't sent one." A low male voice responded.

Iris and Sylvius slumped on the sofa and sighed in frustration as they waited for today's portrait. Eve has been sending them images of herself at the same time every day yet now it is late.

"The little girl must be occupied handling all that affairs."

Sylvius kneaded his forehead. He's troubled his daughter is overworking herself out.

"Don't worry. She's very bright and energetic. She won't wrong herself." Iris cheered Sylvius while pushing a steaming tea towards him.

"Thank you. "Sylvius took the cup and finished it all in one go. He felt his tensed nerves loosen.

"And once again, I'm sorry for letting you go through this." He can only apologize to Iris for the blunder.

"It's alright. I'll just take it as a forced vacation." Her laughter intertwined with the sound of waves outside.

The two exchanged glances and were flustered for a moment. They swiftly shifted their gazes and again sighed in frustration.

They can vividly relive the astonished look on each other's faces when they woke up on the same bed. Fortunately, their clothes were intact and didn't appear as though they've committed some rated Parental Guidance deed. When they finally collected their wits, they realized they are in a small island villa with no one else but themselves. They thought they were captured for ransom and waited for further instructions. After waiting for a whole day, they only received a note that flashed on the only gadget they have.

The message contained Eve's remark, telling them not to worry and unwind instead. She'll fetch them after seven days and return them to civilization.

At that moment, they knew they fucked up.

They've indulged her whims to the point it came back to bite them in their asses.

Anyhow, they've moved on from the initial shock and accepted their current circumstance.

Iris was relieved knowing that Eve made preparations for her sudden holiday. She also recalled that night, when Eve stated she was glad she came and all. Iris selectively heard her words "I like you a lot" that she didn't think much of her next sentence "Hope you like my sincerity." What was her reaction back then? She almost danced in joviality and praised the Lord for receiving a gift from Eve.

How could she ever know that her present is a forced vacation on an island villa with her Dad? She has almost turned bananas. The stimulation is too much for her single-dog-for-29-years heart. Her wavering sanity, however, was quelled the moment they received a pleasant surprise.

Still, there is only one gadget and two fanatics to enjoy.

Iris and Sylvius almost dispute how to share the gizmo that contained their idol's scarce pic. It didn't help that the image automatically deleted itself after an hour. In the end, both of them had a truce and settled in sharing by watching together. Their relationship improved in a weird way like that.

On Sylvius' side, he accepted that his only child sent him to an island with a lady, the moment he understood the ins and outs. No wonder she volunteered in helping him with the business matters earlier on. To think his angel was capable of scheming flawlessly like this. He didn't know if he should be proud or be angry. Anyway, she is happy, that is all that matters. He approves of Iris anyway.

Regarding the sudden leave, he trusts his daughter's abilities and decision making. He believes the company will survive with her leadership, and even if the sky falls and she accidentally ruins the empire he had painfully built, he'll just start from scratch. It's just that he is bothered that her health may worsen. He wished his vexatious Dad would assist Evangeline more.

Remembering his cunning old man, Sylvius' eyes squinted dangerously.

He knew that codger has a play in this and he'll make damn sure to get back at him.

***

Handsome codger somewhere out there: AAaaccchoooooo!

Lionel rubbed his nose and felt his bastard radar flashing. That cute son of his must be missing him terribly.

Remembering Sylvius' current plight, Lionel roared with laughter.

When he received his granddaughter's request to send Syl to an isolated island, he agreed in a heartbeat. He very much enjoyed the process of watching his son be abducted, put in a sack, and thrown on a yacht. Naturally, he commanded his cronies to kidnap his future daughter-in-law with the utmost respect. It's a shame he couldn't relish his son's reactions after waking up.

A beeping sound returned him from his reverie. He quickly retrieved his phone and opened the message.

"Aghhh. My princess is so graceful as always." His serious face crumpled like a chrysanthemum as he gaped in delight at the image his granddaughter send.

He didn't know what miracle has transpired for his angel to start sending pictures, but he'll gladly receive them. Lionel saved the photo and settled to go home and have lots of images together with Evangeline.

( I should flood Syl with copies of our portraits.) He maliciously conceived.

"That'll teach him." His maniacal laugh was short-lived for he choked and ended up coughing pathetically.