WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS (BOOK1)

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 24

RUVIK

As we pulled up to the restaurant, Rui turned to me and mentioned that she had been trying to secure a reservation here for the past two months but had been unsuccessful. She seemed genuinely curious as she asked, "Why do you think you can get a reservation then?".

I couldn't help but grin at her surprise when I answered, "Because it's my restaurant." Her eyebrows shot up in astonishment, and she exclaimed, "Wait, what? Then why didn't you meet me here sooner?".

I chuckled, her incredulous tone amusing me. "I like to keep an air of mystery," I quipped, enjoying the banter as we stepped out of the car. I gestured for her to follow me into the restaurant.

As we entered, the manager greeted us warmly, addressing both me and Rui by name. Rui looked genuinely impressed, and I could tell she was curious about the special treatment. The manager led us to a private room, elegantly set with a single dining table. There was an air of exclusivity about it, and I could see the surprise in Rui's eyes.

As we settled into our seats, the waiter provided us with menus and poured wine into our glasses. Rui, however, had other plans. "Can I have a glass of water, please?" she requested, her tone casual but firm. The waiter nodded and brought her a glass of water, then proceeded to pour wine into my glass. Rui's next move took even me by surprise. "Actually, could you take the wine away, please?" she asked the waiter.

I arched an eyebrow, curious about her sudden change of heart. "What's the matter? Not a fan of wine?" I teased, genuinely intrigued. Rui shook her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "I don't drink alcohol, not even wine."

I couldn't help but be impressed by her conviction. It was a refreshing departure from the norm, and I found myself nodding in approval. "You're a rarity, you know that?" I commented, raising my glass of water in a mock-toast.

With our drink preferences sorted, we proceeded to order our food. As we perused the menu, Rui excused herself, saying she needed to use the restroom. "Sure thing, take your time," I said, watching her go with a small smile.

Alone at the table, I found myself lost in thought. Rui was a puzzle, a delightful enigma that had intrigued me from the moment we met. And as I looked around the elegant room, my thoughts inevitably drifted to her soul, that radiant aura that was both pure and captivating.

As the minutes ticked by, it became clear that Rui hadn't returned to the private room. A gnawing worry started to take root within me, my heart beating faster than usual. Placing my hand over my heart, I could feel an unfamiliar ache. It was like my heart was racing as if trying to keep up with the anxiety building inside me. This was entirely new to me.

I left the room, my steps quickening as I searched for any sign of Rui. I checked the common dining area, the washrooms, and even the other VIP rooms, but there was no trace of her. My unease intensified, and then I heard it—her voice, soft yet filled with distress, coming from one of the VIP rooms.

Pushing open the door, I was met with a scene that took me off guard. A group of people,  men around age 55 with brown hair and green eyes, a tall woman with brown hair and brown eyes same around the men's age. A boy around 25 or 26 sharing the same features as the men and the other boy, he is young around 20 or 21 with the same features as the women, were gathered around a table. Rui stood there, her face streaked with tears, her eyes red and puffy. My heart clenched at the sight of her in such anguish.

I approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She turned to me, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine. Her expression was a mixture of sadness and frustration. "What happened?" I asked softly, genuinely concerned for her.Her voice trembled as she replied, "Let's just go from here." With that, she walked out of the room, and I followed her, my thoughts a whirlwind of worry and confusion.