[4]

"Are you asleep, babe?" Austin asks in such a gentle tone. His phone call is directed to someone he'll visit tonight. His plan is to bring the woman to the main house and make her the queen there. Shifting the cursed woman he's given another day's deadline, right… Just one more day he's given for her to stay. Enjoying the remaining comfortable life before returning to where she originally belonged.

Austin seems cruel and heartless to drive Jane away without mercy. But he doesn't care. To him, Jane is like a parasite he needs to cut off and get rid of. From the start, he believed that Jane's presence was nothing but a burden, slowly gnawing away at their family.

"But, Dad," Austin squints in disbelief. When Jane's photo is handed to him by his father on his work desk. Austin has just returned from New York, filling in for his father's absence in running the business. Unique Enterprise's name must not lose its edge in facing the current trends.

"I only asked for this marriage to happen, Austin."

Austin grumbles in frustration. He rubs his face in frustration and slams his body into his oversized chair. His father sits in front of him calmly. There's no worry or doubt that his son will refuse. The middle-aged man is convinced his son will agree.

"I love another woman, Dad. I think you know who she is," Austin tries to maintain his tone. Even though his emotions are rising, he can't speak harshly to his father. Charles Don William is fighting against an illness.

Many doctors say that the middle-aged man staring at him won't last long. The cancer eating away at him is in a worrying stage.

"I don't know," Charles laughs. His eyes focus on the large window displaying the bustling landscape of the West Side city. From the twenty-fifth-floor height, everything looks beautiful and neatly arranged. "From the start, when I saw Jane, I was convinced she's the woman who can balance you out."

Austin nods. "I'm the one who wants to get married, right, Dad? I should be the one thinking about that, not you."

"Because you haven't met her yet, Austin." Charles doesn't want to let go of his laughter. A lighthearted and warm laugh that Austin can still enjoy.

"Dad, please don't meddle in this. I can find my own match. Calysta and I intend to get married this year. Calysta just nee—"

"I've never approved of your marriage, Austin. If you insist, I can make sure you can't do anything anymore."

Austin stares in disbelief.

"Who knows if this might be your father's last request, Austin."

Austin's hand clenches tightly.

"Love is because of habit."

No one responds to Charles's recent statement, except for the ticking of the clock on the wall in this eerily silent room. Austin's mind is in turmoil. His thoughts are at war. Meanwhile, Charles gazes at his son with a pleading expression.

"Okay," Austin surrenders. "But I want to meet her before this marriage takes place."

A smile returns to Charles's face. "I'm sure Mom has arranged a dinner tonight where Jane comes as a special guest."

Damn it! Austin curses inwardly. Everything has been arranged meticulously by his parents. After Charles returned home with rather tight security, Austin didn't just sit idly by.

"Richard," he calls as soon as the call connects.

"What's up? Have you returned? I'm still on my way to your office, Austin. I—"

"No need," Austin quickly interrupts. "I need your help urgently."

"What's going on?" Richard asks with a much more serious tone.

"I want all the information about the girl whose photo I sent you. Immediately. Don't miss anything, Rich. I'm giving you three hours."

"Are you crazy?" Richard snaps irritably. "Do you think I'm the National Civil Registration Agency?"

Austin doesn't laugh at Richard's joke, which seems to be realized by his confidant.

"Okay. I'll let you know soon, Austin. But give me five hours. I just arrived from Singapore."

"Okay." That's all Austin says, and without further ado, he immediately ends the call. He leans back in his oversized chair, massaging his temples just to alleviate the sudden headache. But it doesn't diminish at all.

"Who is this girl really? Showing up out of nowhere and Dad asking me to marry her? Ridiculous!"

"Darling?"

Austin blinks slowly. "Ah... hello, Darling? Are you asleep?"

"You asked that earlier." Laughter is heard, making Austin smirk. "Are you daydreaming?"

"No," Austin quickly retorts. "I'm focusing on the wheel and the open road tonight."

The laughter resurfaces. "I can't sleep before you come home, Darling."

Austin's smile widens. "Wait for me, Calysta."

"I'm always waiting for you. You know that, right?"

Austin nods faintly. "Thank you for your patience, Darling. Get ready. I'm heading to the apartment."

A light laughs and a whisper that make him press the gas pedal a bit harder.

"Always, Austin. Uh... it seems like red is a good choice tonight? You like me wearing red lingerie, don't you?"

***

Placing down the phone she had just used; she resumed the interrupted activity. Thick smoke billowed but quickly dissipated into the night air. Her long black hair fluttered following the wind's direction. Her eyes occasionally closed, relishing the breeze kissing her skin. A silk cardigan served as the outermost layer of his expensive sleepwear.

As she mentioned earlier; red lingerie. Calysta never missed wearing that sheer attire at night because she knew Austin would return to her embrace. A faint grin unknowingly formed on her lips. Glancing around at the watch on her left hand, she immediately extinguished the cigarette she had just enjoyed.

"My wait is about to end," she murmured softly. Gracefully, she left the balcony, closing the glass door she had tightly opened earlier. She also pulled shut the large curtain that had been drawn to the other end. In a corner of the room, she lit a gentle therapeutic scent deliberately.

Intentionally.

She knew by heart what could please Don Austin William, her lover. She took one of the expensive wine collections from the storage rack. Complete with glasses, a few lemon slices, and a special place for the wine for their upcoming enjoyment.

Her smile broadened. "Preparations done." Then her eyes focused on a large frame where her figure was present. Also, Austin standing behind her. The portrait that ideally belonged in the main house of Don William. Unfortunately... the photo could only occupy the living room of her apartment.

"This time, I won't let go again." Her hand clenched tightly. "That Old Bastard is dead. No one can stop me from being by Austin's side."

Her eyes glowed with ambition and a growing sense of vengeance.

"And I'll make sure... no one can escape my desires, including you, Katherine Don William."