Dating With The Devil

Chapter 2( OMG!)

This morning, the sun was shining gently through the windows. Riana stood in the small kitchen, preparing breakfast. It wasn't a feast—just warm rice, some fried eggs, and a pot of hearty meat soup—but the aroma filled the house, bringing a sense of peace. She served the food carefully into four bowls, one for her mother, one for her father, one for sick Justin, and one for herself.

Gonzales, Riana’s father, took a slow sip of his soup. As the head of the family, he looked tired but tried to stay strong.

"I’ve been thinking all night," Gonzales started, his voice calm and wise. "Maybe... maybe it is time to let go of this house."

Riana stopped eating. She looked at her father.

"We can look for another one. Maybe smaller, maybe in a different area, but it will be more affordable. And I’m sure it can be just as nice, just as comfortable as this one. We just need to adapt."

Riana sighed, stirring her soup slowly. The steam blurred her vision for a moment.

"But Dad... my savings are barely half of what he’s asking for. Even if we sell everything we have, it’s still not enough. And even if we find another house to buy... can we really do it soon?"

Lena, her mother, placed a gentle hand on Riana’s shoulder. She shook her head slightly.

"Actually, I don’t think buying a house right now is the right choice."

"What do you mean, Mom?"

"Look at our situation," Lena explained softly, worry lines appearing on her forehead. "We are already dipping into our savings just to pay for daily expenses and Justin’s medicine. If we use all the money we have just to buy a house, what will we eat tomorrow? What if someone gets sick again? What is the point of owning a roof over our heads if we starve inside it?"

Her words hit hard. They were the harsh truth.

Riana looked around the dining room. The walls were filled with memories. Pictures of her graduation, Justin’s childhood drawings, the marks on the doorframe showing how much they grew.

"It’s just... so hard to let go," Riana whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"This house has been our home for fifteen years. Every corner has a story. It feels like we are losing a part of ourselves. If only there was a miracle...if only money would fall from the sky."

Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them away. She didn't want to make her parents sadder.

Gonzales reached out and held his daughter’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

"Listen to me, sweetheart. Home is us. As long as we are together, we can create new beautiful memories anywhere."

Hearing that, she fell silent.

[ At the supermarket ]

Later that day, Riana decided to go to the supermarket. Her stock of snacks was running low, and she wanted to buy some treats to cheer Justin up. Usually, she brought her brother along because he loved pushing the trolley, but since he was still resting, she went alone.

The supermarket was crowded, but Riana enjoyed walking down the aisles, comparing prices and picking items. She pushed her trolley filled with chips, chocolates, and drinks, humming softly to herself, trying to forget her financial problems.

CLANG!

Suddenly, another trolley crashed hard into hers from the side.

"Ouch! Hey, watch where you—"

Riana stopped mid-sentence. The words of complaint died in her throat.

Standing there, looking down at her with that infuriatingly handsome face, was Dean loosened.

He was wearing casual clothes today, a simple white t-shirt and jeans, looking way too good for a grocery run. He had a smirk on his lips, the same smirk he wore when he was about to give her impossible tasks at work.

"Hi, Riana."

Riana’s jaw tightened. Of all the places, of all the times... why him?!

"Good afternoon , Mr. Dean," she said stiffly, keeping her tone polite but cold.

Without waiting for a reply, she immediately turned her trolley around and started walking away fast.

Avoid...That is the best strategy.

But Dean had other plans.

Seeing her trying to escape only made him more determined. He quickly caught up, and before Riana could react, his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist firmly.

"Ah!"

Riana froze. Her eyes widened in shock. People were walking by, glancing at them. She felt her face heat up.

"Let go of my hand! Sir! What are you doing?!" she hissed, struggling slightly.

Dean didn't let go. He held her tight, looking down at her with those dark, intense eyes.

"What if I don't want to let go?" he whispered, leaning closer. "Are you going to scream? Or are you going to threaten me like you do in your head?"

Riana gasped. How did he know?!

"What did I do wrong?!" she asked, frustration boiling over. "I said Good afternoon ! I was polite! I was just doing my shopping! Why are you always targeting me?!"

Dean finally released her wrist, but his gaze didn't waver. He looked at her deeply, as if trying to see right into her soul.

"Your mistake was simple, Riana. But it changed everything in my life."

Riana stared at him, completely baffled.

What the hell is he talking about?!

She had never done anything personal to him! They barely spoke except for work! She was just a small employee, and he was the big boss. How could she possibly have messed up his life?

"Oh really?" she replied sarcastically, crossing her arms over her chest. "How could that happen? We never even talk unless it's about reports or deadlines! How can I be the reason your life is messed up? Please, explain it to me because I really don't understand!"

Dean fell silent. He looked at her fiery expression, at how cute she looked when she was angry. The truth was, Riana had no idea that she was the only person who could make his heart race. She never flirted, never wore revealing clothes to get his attention, never acted fake. She was just... real. And that was exactly why he was so obsessed with her.

"But it happened, Riana," he said finally, his voice low.

"So that is why you bully me?! That is why you make my life miserable?!" Riana couldn't hold back her tears of frustration anymore. "You accuse me of ruining your life, so you take it out on me?! That is so unfair, Mr. Dean!"

"Enough," Dean cut her off. He looked around at the people staring at them. "We cannot talk about this here. Come with me."

"No! Just talk here!"

"This is not the right place."

"Talk here or don't talk at all!" Riana stubbornly stood her ground.

Dean rubbed his face roughly, looking like he was about to lose his patience. He hated being opposed, but he also loved it when she challenged him.

"Fine. Choose," he said dangerously. "Either you come with me peacefully right now, or I will make a scene here. And trust me, I can make it very embarrassing for you."

Riana gritted her teeth. He is such a bastard!

She knew he wasn't bluffing. With a heavy sigh of defeat, she nodded.

"Fine. I'll go with you."

-

-

-

This was the first time she had ever entered a man’s house alone. Usually, she visited friends with a group, but this... this felt different. It felt dangerous.

Dean’s house was located in a quiet, exclusive area. It wasn't a massive mansion, but it was spacious, modern, and clean. It smelled like his expensive cologne.

"Make yourself comfortable," Dean said as he closed the door and locked it.

Click.

The sound made Riana nervous. She sat carefully on the edge of the large sofa, keeping her posture straight.

"Want some coffee?"

"Iced coffee latte, please," she replied automatically.

While Dean went to the kitchen, Riana looked around. Wow... he actually has good taste. The interior was minimalist but classy. Maybe, just maybe, if they could talk properly today, things would change. Maybe they could clear the air and start over. Maybe he would stop being mean to her at work.

A few minutes later, Dean returned with two glasses. He placed one on the table in front of her, and kept the other for himself.

Then, he did something that made Riana hold her breath.

Instead of sitting on the opposite sofa, he walked around and sat right next to her. Their thighs were almost touching. The distance between them was just inches.

"Are you afraid?" Dean asked, watching her reaction.

Riana straightened her back, trying to look brave even though her heart was racing.

"Why would I be afraid? You won't kill me or kidnap me, right? So... no. I'm not afraid, Dean."

She used his first name. It felt strange, but also... right.

Dean smiled faintly. "Good."

Just then, Dean’s phone rang. He answered it, and immediately got immersed in a long, serious conversation, completely ignoring Riana as if she wasn't even there.

Riana sat there awkwardly. Great. He dragged me here just to ignore me.

Feeling bored and annoyed, she decided to stand up and explore a bit. She walked towards the back door which led to the garden.

Her eyes widened in awe.

It was beautiful. There was a large, serene fish pond right in the middle, with an artificial waterfall cascading down rocks. The sound of water was soothing. Inside the pond, hundreds of colorful fish—Koi, Goldfish, and others—were swimming actively, gliding through the clear water.

"It's so pretty..." she whispered, forgetting about Dean for a moment.

"Who are you?"

A sharp, feminine voice suddenly came from behind her, breaking the peaceful moment.

Riana jumped and turned around.

Standing there was a woman. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with perfect makeup and wearing a dress that was so tight and revealing it left little to the imagination. She looked like a supermodel. Her eyes were scanning Riana from head to toe, filled with judgment and suspicion.

Who is she? Riana thought instantly.

"I... I'm Riana," she stammered, feeling suddenly small and insecure in her simple t-shirt and jeans. "I'm... Dean's friend."

The woman raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced.

"Friend? Dean never mentioned having a friend named Riana. That sounds suspicious."

Riana panicked internally. We aren't even friends! Oh god, what do I say?

"W-we just became friends today!" Riana blurted out, forcing a nervous smile. "Literally just today."

"Oh?I see." The woman looked past Riana towards the house. She was clearly looking for Dean.

"Dean is inside?"

Riana informed her politely. "He's on the phone."

"Oh."

The woman walked past her with confident, model-like steps and entered the house.

Riana let out a huge breath. Phew! Who was that? She’s scary.

She turned back to the fish pond, trying to calm down. She decided to act indifferent. It wasn't her business who visited Dean.

But five minutes later, the woman came storming out of the house. Her face was red with anger. She looked furious. She muttered something under her breath, got into her sports car, and drove away screeching.

Wow. Drama. Riana thought, rolling her eyes.

Suddenly, the woman’s voice shouted from the driveway just before she left.

"Riana! Come here!"

Riana blinked. Confused, she walked over.

"What is your number? Give it to me now!"

The woman commanded her with such authority that Riana’s brain seemed to shut down. For some strange reason, she felt hypnotized. She actually recited her phone number! The woman saved it quickly, slammed her car door, and sped off without even saying goodbye.

Riana stood there alone in the driveway, staring at the empty road.

"......."

"What just happened?!"

She finally snapped back to reality and grabbed her own hair in frustration.

"Who was she?! Why did I give my number to a stranger?! Why am I such an i***t?! Aaaarrrghhhh!"