Hell's torturer: The Demon in Disguise

Part 14

I'm stuck in another tedious meeting. I can't concentrate on what they are saying for the life of me. The words coming out of their mouths merge into an incomprehensible cacophony of sounds. Now this is a true torture.

I couldn't sleep during the night. It's rare for me to suffer from insomnia even if I stay up late to watch court cases. My mind was preoccupied with my date with Rin, even after that small incident we still had a great time. Her sheer presence was enough to make me forget about everything else.

I can't say I've fallen head over heels for her, but she doesn't make me lament the fact that I have functioning eardrums while she's talking. I would even venture to say that I genuinely enjoy her company. She gives me a rush of endorphins no other activity has given me before. The void inside gets smaller when I'm with her. I can't stop thinking about this girl. It's like she put a spell on me. It's either a curse or a blessing. Her enchanting smile was enough to purify all the darkness within me, yet it also had the power to drag me to the pits of hell.

"We're just friends." Her words echo in my ear. Yes, she is my friend, but she is also much more than that. My feelings for her go way beyond lust and desire, they transcend any form of connection I've ever felt towards anyone.

"Damian..."

While I was twisting and turning in my bed all night, it wasn't the image of her naked body that drove me mad from yearning. Instead, the image that came to mind was of a cozy house nestled in a peaceful land, where we lay, cuddled in each other's arms away from other people. Our home. The playful sound of child banter in our backyard. Our fingers intertwined as we stared into the beautiful landscape.

"Mr. Messer?"

I want to have a family with her. ...

"Mr. Messer, are you listening?" My thoughts get interrupted by my chief executive.

"Yes, yes," I say shaking my head. "I'm sorry what was the question?"

"We were discussing our upcoming marketing campaign and would like to know your thoughts on it, sir."

I can't even construct a coherent answer. It's like I've been pulled out of my dream and snapped back to this mundane reality.

"Whatever appeases the shareholders," I say and leave my seat. "You can all go now."

"But we haven't reached a consensus..." the head of the marketing team chimes in.

"Go," I say firmly.

I observe as they rise one by one, exchanging bewildered glances, and gradually emptying the room until it's just me and my assistant.

"You can stay Kevin," I tell him. "Did you by any chance give my personal information to someone without me knowing?"

His empty stare is now filled with woe. I can see droplets of sweat starting to form on his forehead as he adjusts his tie.

"There was a lady working for the FDA, she said she couldn't contact you, so I gave her your number and working hours," he says as if he was on an exam.

"You did well," I smile, watching him lean back, feeling relieved. "Before you go, there's one more thing I need to ask you."

"Yes sir."

"What's the estimated value of our company?" He appears puzzled by my question.

"About 1,4 billion, sir."

"Thank you. You're dismissed." I loosen my tie and pick up my jacket, ready to leave." You can have the rest of the day off."

***