"Red, my dear, you were fine at the video call but what happened? You have changed." He changed me. Mrs Bennet said, rubbing Red's back. "Mama please. I am opening my outlet tomorrow. I need your prayers and support more than this." Red replied, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "They are always with you but what about my daughter? My Red which used to be so-" "It's not going to come back, Mama, until he comes to me. And you guys promised you won't talk to him about it." Red said, turning to her mother. "But, Red, afflictions won't end unless you try." "I don't want to talk about it." Red said bitterly, getting up and leaving to her room. Mrs Bennet sighed at her behavior but couldn't do anything for help. Red opened her outlet by the money she received from Lucifer by the third person and it honestly infuriated her when she received it. Millions of thoughts roamed in her mind and disrupted it, thinking Lucifer might not have considered their bond as nothing but a deal. T
"How long are you going to wait? It's been a year, if he wanted to come, he would have done it sooner." The harsh reality broke her heart as she involuntarily replied to herself."I am going to London, if he didn't come to meet me there. I ...I will take it off." Red forced a smile and went to London.Her heart was pulsating with unwanted sensations she was trying to avoid and putting up her cold posture. She was setting things up for the show but Carter told her someone came to meet her.Red heart skipped a beat to think it might not be Lucifer. An instant smile came to her lips, she set her hairs and smiled sweetly, going to see who came to meet her but to her disappointment, It was Peter and Parker- it's not that she was unhappy to see them.She quickly hugged them, face lit up in extreme happiness."Oh my God! You guys! What are you doing here?! Gosh, I missed you so much, you didn't even wait for me." Apart from April, these two also knew what happened to Red. "Hey! We misse
~ 6 Months Later ~Red's last encounter with Lucifer left her broken, she was turned into a stone. Having a devoid look on her face, not being the person she once was as he stole her smile and enthusiasm. Today is the day when Red achieved her dreams and became an international fashion designer but her heart was shattered as she couldn't take the facade anymore but managed to hide the seas of suffering under the surface of numbness."Seems like you took my words personally, Ms Bennet." Erich taunted, looking at Red who once again came to him, offering partnership after growing her name. "Yes. That's why I came back here to show you what I could do." Red replied coldly. "Still, you came back."'I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.' Erich thought. "I had to. I cannot fool my customers by using local fabrics and if I try to contact other companies it would be costly." Red explained. "Then it was necessary for you to come." Erich said, laughing a little. "Are you mockin
"Will you marry me?"He straightened his back, looking at her in amazement, not sure what he heard.He scanned Red to find any hint of amusement on her face but to no avail. "No." He replied."No, never." Erich said, shaking his head in denial. "Why? What problems do I have?" Red rudely asked, coming closer. "None but I won't marry you. I don't want to be a part of your life." Erich shrugged, turning his attention back to his work. "Why? You can stalk me, and know everything about me. If you don't love me then what's your problem?!" Red asked furiously. "That doesn't mean I-" Red moved closer and turned Erich to her, putting her hands on the armrest of his chair, she leaned in dangerously close to his face. Erich was disturbed by the closeness, curling his toes to contain his overwhelm. "Marry me, Erich." Red whispered with her breath lingering on his face. "Wh-What are you saying?" Erich stuttered, He couldn't even raise his gaze to meet hers. Erich swallowed hard and put h
Later Red went home and told everyone about her so-called marriage. Everyone was shocked but grasping the fact she is trying to overcome Lucifer.Red also put up the condition that no one will mention Lucifer ever again as this was the mark of her new journey to find redemption.When Lucifer came to know about her engagement with Erich the first thought that struck his mind was- "Was I too late to return to you? Couldn't you wait until things calm down?" But along with that millions of questions and scenarios roamed in his mind for what could be the reason for their marriage when Red wanted to avoid him. Everyone was happy with the engagement as it was clearly seen how gallantly Erich is treating Red, taking care of her but April was displeased by this whole ordeal and came to Red to talk about it. After all my efforts, they can't become one like this. April thought and came to NYC to meet Red.Red was looking at her engagement ring, thinking.'The nature of our bond won't let me
~ Present ~They were in the party, Erich had a call so he went to attend it, leaving Red and Lucifer alone, which she doesn't want. Red was extremely cold with Lucifer, they talked and Red showed no interest and Lucifer out of blue asked, "Are you happy?""Huh? Of Course I am." She said, taken aback by his words. Lucifer gave her a compassionate look and said slowly."Red, You promised me that you will never lose the shine of your eyes." Moving closer he asked desperately."Those eyes, Red which have the power to overcome every obstacle with a smile. The shimmer which attracted me to you unwillingly. Where are those eyes you promise to keep dedicated?"
The rest of the party went monotonous except for those who stole glances from each other and avoided crossing ways.After the party, Red and Erich were about to sleep but Erich asked, "Red... didn't you feel bad?""No, It was just a business party." Red lied, sighed and turned off the lamp on her side. "I should have understood that you were trying to move on and I did this..." Erich mumbled, lowering his head and turning to her. "You just wanted to show him I am yours, don't you?" Red asked, climbing on the covers and turning to him. Erich nodded in embarrassment."It's fine. He should know that I am not his anymore." Red shrugged, plopping on her elbow.
Lucifer who was left with no choice but to leave depressingly with no expectations he received from Red who doesn't even want to see his face.Packed his stuff but deep inside he knew he gained what he desired- a glance of her to enhance the fire inginiting in him and comply with his words he told Red."So... are you going to leave just like this?" April asked.Delighted in her heart that he is leaving and she will stay out of this matter but Lucifer has no intentions of letting it happen and April being a complicated woman, surely hides her emotions and intentions well. "What am I supposed to do anyways? I only needed a gaze." He shrugged."And now nothing in this universe can stop you from making her his." Apri
Red couldn't get his demeanour but did as told. In the evening when Erich came, Red tried to talk to him about it but he didn't tell her anything. Erich gave Red a room key and left. Perplexed, Red went to the room. The room was dim and the only source of light was the candles spread everywhere, creating an aesthetic sight while flowers embellished evermore. Enchanted, Red looked around and saw a teddy with 'I love you' written on it along with another note which told her to stand in the circle of rose petals. Flushed by everything Red stood there. Delighted and thrilled to see what is happening. She turned and saw Lucifer coming. He stood in front of her and bent on one knee. Red gasped ,covering her mouth, not believing this moment is true and she is about to face the beautiful moment she imagined will Lucifer was already to complete their tale of love with an eternal bond of salvation. "Red... Exactly five years ago, on this date I first met you. That moment was the most bea
"I am telling you, I didn't do it." Red argued over the dinner table with everyone there. "You are lying, Red. Say you didn't expose Parker's cheater girlfriend in the whole university." Erich asked. "Yeah I did but I didn't announce cheating." Red shrugged. "Liar, you made Peter do it." "Indirectly, it was all your fault." Lucifer hummed, eating his food in silence while Erich was telling the time when Red exposed Parker's ex and humiliated her in the whole university for cheating on her friend. "So, that bitch was cheating on him." Red shrugged. "Anyways, I then leak the result about the pre-" Red was cut off by Lucifer, "Turn off your radio, Red. We should eat in silence." Erich broke into laughter, "Radio?" He asked. "Yeah, she rambles twenty four, seven." Lucifer said and Erich continued to laugh. "Why are you laughing?" Red asked in irritation. "Never heard such a perfect nickname." Erich said, trying to control his laugh. The rough present aside, everyone knew h
Erich tried to make her understand but Lucifer decided to leave. He called Erich to let him know he can't do it and he should also give his and Red's relationship a chance. "Hello Erich. Man, I can't do it anymore. I am leaving." "What? No, Lucifer. You can't leave like this." "Why are you hurting yourself? Give yourself a chance." Lucifer tried to make him understand. "You are not getting it, Lucifer. She pity me and love cannot arouse between us." "Why are you doing this when she wants to live with you!?" Lucifer angrily asked. "Because it hurts me everytime to see her! I cannot look into her eyes because her love is stolen from her because of me!" Erich replied in the same outraged tone. He grit his teeth, calming down. "Okay, meet her once before leaving." Lucifer opened his mouth to say something but Erich spoke up, "At least, let her choose." Lucifer wanted to argue but agree, thinking it might be for the best if Red chose herself. Erich and Lucifer met outside he
Red lowered her head and hid it in Lucifer's chest. Erich curved his lips in dejection and continued in a broken voice, "When I had no expectation then how can I get hurt?" "I don't want to hurt you." Red said, not meeting his gaze in contrition. "What about you Red? Are you going to live your life with me all because you don't want to break my heart? What about your heart? Your emotions? I cannot live like this with you. I want your elation." "But.. but what about the sorrows I gave you. I-" Erich cut her off, "I will gather myself." Erich smiled and lowered his head, continuing in a crying tone, "But I cannot bound you with me knowing you love someone else. I.. can't do this." Red looked at him timidly, stopping her cries, "Please forgive me." Erich wiped his tears and smiled, "Red I love your happiness, If it won't exist then what's the point of my love?" Erich came closer, the soft smile still on his lips along with the tears shining like gems on his exquisite emeral
"Even if it hurts you?" Red asked between her sobs, looking at him innocently. "Even if it hurts me." He smiled, cupping her cheek with his one hand, dearing the warmth and wiping the tear with his thumb. "Why are you so indulgent with me!? Why can't you say what's in your heart?! Why can't you say you want me to be yours?!" Red asked, crying again, hitting his chest. "Because my words would become an obstacle to your path and I want you to choose the path to solace." He said, holding her face and pulling it close to her, boring his eyes into hers. "But Erich.. I.. I.." Red sniffed, trying to say something. "It's okay." He whispered. "I can't do this..." She whispered back. "Shh. Don't think about it more. Your joy matters to me." He said, stroking the side of her face with his hand, removing the tears which stained her charm. "I am sorry. I am so sorry.. Please forgive me..." Red weeped, lowering her head in shame. "Red, can I ask for something?" He asked. "What?" "A pictur
The next day. April couldn't stay any longer and decided to leave before anything else happened because of her. Also, she doesn't want to ruin lives by her presence anymore. "Are you sure about leaving?" She smiled and nodded. "And you will not come back?" He asked again. "Lucifer, I have done nothing to find a reason to come back." "How could you leave after the chaos?" April laughed a little, "I have demolished everything, that's why I am leaving. And nothing could stop me. I'm sorry if I can't help you anymore but I have to go... It.. suffocates me to see Erich and Red.. I can't take it anymore." Her voice cracked up. She sniffed, resisting her tears and continued in a croaky voice, "I didn't intend to become like this. After Erich ended our sessions, I had no intentions of entering his life again. I just wanted to go back, being Red's friend only but.. I came because of you but I can't do it anymore." "April..." Lucifer called, looking at her compassionately. "Thanks for ev
On her way back, her car's tyre got punctured. She called a mechanic and was waiting for him but then saw Lucifer in April's car who was going to her outlet but when he saw her on the road he stopped. "Red..." He called her, coming to her. "Why are you here?" Red asked. "I wanted to see you." He replied. "You did, now leave." She sighed. "Waiting for a mechanic?" He asked. She rolled her eyes, leaning on her car, ignoring him. Lucifer laughed a little to himself and stared at her. Red tried her best to ignore his gaze and smile but couldn't resist and ask out of annoyance, "What are you staring at?" "You." He replied. "Then stop doing it, it's creepy." She said, His smile turned into a sad one as he lowered his head. "Sorry if that made you uncomfortable but what can I do when I love your hair." He said, looking at her again. "I am sorry if it was unpleasant but I love your smiles." He said with a tear stinging in his eye. "I still love the radiance you no longer pos
"I want to start things over between us." Red breathed out, closing her eyes while Erich traced his fingers on the side of her face with his heart racing rapidly. "Erich please." Red spoke inaudibly. Erich gently pushed her down on the bed and moved back, smiling, "Good night." He said and left her alone in the room to think about her words and thoughts. She couldn't sleep at night, nothing made sense to her with millions of questions roaming her mind and the betrayal pricked a needle in her heart, she needed guidance but seemed like she was being manipulated by sympathy. The next day, she woke up early and didn't find Erich next to her. He slept in the other room, She sighed, freshened up. Red readied up and looked at her dead eyes in the mirror. "Smile, Red. You are going to start a new life today." She told herself. And who do you truly love? A question echoed in her mind and blended angst. She shook her head, forming a fake smile and walked out. Red cooked breakfast for Er
"See. When you can do this, why not April?" He taunted. "Lucifer. Stop." April whispered, holding his shirt, hiding behind his back, trying not to cry. "No. What do you think of yourself, Red? You are hurting everyone here by hiding your real emotions, why are you choosing pain rather than sorting everything out?" Red grit her teeth, averting her gaze with no reply escaping her lips because his words were the bitter reality. "Enough, Lucifer. Stop it." Erich said. Lucifer looked at Erich and let out a short laugh, "And look at this poor guy, Red. Contemplate his condition, it was all because of you." Lucifer scowled. Red curled her hands, drowning in guilt for what happened to Erich by her unintentional words. "Stop it." Red managed to say. "Why? Can't-" Lucifer was cut off by April this time. "Please Lucifer. Stop." "No, Let him speak. What are you trying to show anyways, huh? Do you care? Don't give me this crap now." Red mocked. "Leave my house." April managed to say. "I am