Lonely

"Your coffee, Sir." 

Devin nodded to his assistant as he continued to talk on the phone. He had just gotten to his cabin from a meeting and it felt like his neck was stiff from all the focus towards the presentation screen. When he took the first sip of coffee, something slipped through his mind… He took out his phone and scrolled through the gallery, landing his eyes on that one peculiar picture. Darah Chen. Could she be feeling lonely over there? It had been a while since he last saw her. As the owner of Aldric Sheng's automobile manufacturing company, Altec, a dozen things would cross his mind and work. He had almost forgotten about the girl he had a date with.

As an only son with a dysfunctional family, Devin Zhao had caught the attention of Aldric Sheng long back when he was still a teen. Their gang was filled with children like him, trying to find a way, trying to make it in life through devious means. Aldric had always admired Devin for his calm, loyal and supporting nature. But he still recalls how Ryu had always been his favourite… Ryu Sheng was like a brother to him but to Aldric, he saw something in Ryu no one did. Devin never questioned his choice, it seemed only natural that the strongest among them was the heir of the Shengs and that too, being his son. Suddenly a call lit up the screen taking his attention away from Darah's dignified gaze in the picture. It was Lyra.

"Devin! Are you free today!?" He sighed, looking down at his lap. He sure was exhausted. She was probably calling to hang out at some stupid karaoke bar.

"Lyra not today… I'm tired."

"Guess who's got an offer at RnB!?" Devin was silent for a moment. No way… Even with her father's influence there was no way a shitty actress like her could bag a role for one of the most prestigious filmmakers in China. Devin was dumbfounded. 

"Did someone fool you Lyra? Don't be so stupid!" Devin sighed.  Lyra laughed hysterically as if she had gained a new power. 

"Don't underestimate my talents, Devin Zhao! One of RnB's agents personally invited me to an audition which I'm sure to get!  You better watch me!" Devin was shocked. For a moment he thought it was a scam but when she sent him a very friendly picture of the said man with the owner of RnB, he finally realised Lyra wasn't bluffing.

"I'm going to see Darah today. She can help me out with the script!" 

Devin shot up from his seat immediately upon hearing that. Well in that case, he had to come too.

"I can drop you off! Time?" 

"No need. Zeke's with me!" Lyra smiled, looking at her painted red nails. Devin had a tinge of restlessness on his face… 

"Well then, I'll help you out… on your audition. Meet me there." There was no way she would deny that. Devin knew.

"Oh my god yes! At 5 in the evening! Be there!" Lyra squealed out of joy. Devin smirked and held a fist to the air. What was he so happy about? He put his hand down and fixed his face as soon as he saw the assistant come back to get his cup.

Back at home, Darah was surprised to hear the news from Lyra, told to her by Miss Zhi Ruo. She didn't know what to feel. It was something to be happy about but not after what her psycho brother had done the previous night to frighten her. 

"I hope I can practice with you Darah! I'm so excited!" Here she was, practically squealing like a child but Darah didn't want to kill her vibe. Lyra seemed like a very soft person so it would hurt to see her sad. 

"I-I'm excited too." Darah replied, not feeling her best.

"Great! I'll be there in a minute ok!?" Lyra was all smiles for the meet. But only Darah knew how much she was conflicted  from the inside. She hadn't seen Ryu all this time today. Maybe he wasn't home? Or he was out there somewhere planning something malicious. Aside from that, her body had been feeling awfully fatigued these days. Darah couldn't figure it out but she sat on the side of the window, looking out to the gates. Two guards there and two in front of the guesthouse door and many many more around the compounds. 

It surely required a genius to get out from here. As she took a deep breath, a blazing blue Rolls Royce neared the premises… It had to be Lyra. A few seconds later, another car appeared. She saw a tall figure step out as he threw the keys over to a guard. It was Devin! Why was he here!? 

She shut the window and walked back as soon as she saw his eyes meeting her direction. Looking at herself in the mirror her jaw dropped, seeing her hideous self still in nightwear. I have to change!, She screamed internally.