I knew nothing of her.

Lunch was a feast for the senses, with dishes that told stories of Du family's heritage. Grandpa Du regaled them with tales of his youth, his eyes sparkling with mischief and wisdom. Eve listened, captivated by the history that Leon was a part of.

As the Afternoon sun begun to dip below the horizon, Grandpa Du took Eve's hand. "My Dear, I may not have much time left in this world, but I can see that you are a woman of great character. Leon is lucky to have you by his side." He said, a knowing look in his eyes.

Eve felt a lump form in her throat. "Thank you, Grandpa Du. I promise to stand by Leon, no matter what the future holds."  As They said their Goodbyes. Eve felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Eve sat in the passenger seat beside Leon, "Eve, today meant more to me than you can imagine. Thank you for being there, for being you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Eve smiled, her heart full. "Leon, today was special. I'm glad I could be a part of it." her heart racing. "Well... Mr. Du." she chimed, trying to sound casual. Leon hummed in response; his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Two years ago... In the café... it was love at first sight, wasn't it?" Eve teased, her voice soft and playful. Leon's grip on the steering wheel tightened, and he glanced at her briefly before focusing on the road again. The tension in the car was palpable.

Suddenly, Leon hit the brakes, and the car skidded to a stop, parking sideways. Eve jerked forward, her smile fading as she realized something was wrong. Before she could react, Leon leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. "What are you doing?" she stammered, her heart pounding.

"I'm ensuring your safety, Mrs. Du," Leon replied in a deep voice, his fingers brushing against her seatbelt. Eve's breath caught as she realized she had forgotten to fasten it. His proximity was both thrilling and unnerving. "Uh... um, thank you," she managed to say, snatching the belt back and locking it. Leon straightened up, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips. The tension between them lingered, unspoken words hanging in the air. Eve wondered if this was more than just safety. As Leon resumed driving, she stole a glance at him, her heart still racing.

Leon's heart raced as he replayed that day in his mind—the café, the girl with the long dress, and the magical spell Eve had unknowingly cast on him. He had been an observer, a silent admirer, captivated by her every move. Her changing expressions—joy, concentration, frustration—had mirrored the emotions she poured into her composition. Leon, too, had felt a surge of inspiration, as if her creativity had seeped into his own soul. And when the little girl stumbled, Eve's kindness had shone through. She was more than an artist; she was a compassionate soul.

But love? Could it be love when he didn't even know her name or address? Leon had tried to forget her, to move on, but her image lingered like a haunting melody. He wondered if fate had conspired to bring them together again, this time in the confined space of a car.

As he drove, Leon stole glances at Eve. Her profile was etched in his memory—the curve of her lips, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled. Safety was his excuse, but it was more than that. He wanted to protect her, to be close to her. Perhaps it wasn't just attraction. Leon tightened his grip on the steering wheel, and as he glanced at Eve once more, he vowed to find a way to break the spell—to make her his, in this life and the next.

****

Flashback

 Eve stood in the dimly lit alley, adrenaline surging through her veins. The wounded man lay on the ground, his groans echoing off the cold walls. Panic set in—what could she do to help?

And then he appeared—a stranger with long locks of hair, his fair skin illuminated by the faint light. His voice was deep, commanding. “Don’t move him,” he instructed, his eyes assessing the situation. “The cut might be more painful. I’ll bring him out; you call for an ambulance.”

Eve nodded, her fingers trembling as she fumbled for her phone. She dial the emergency number, her gaze never leaving the mysterious man. Who was he? Why had he been there at that precise moment?

He effortlessly lifted the injured man, his strength evident. Another bystander stood frozen; shock etched on his face. Eve’s mind raced—was this man a hero? Or something more?

As the ambulance sirens wailed in the distance, “Come with us,” the stranger said, his voice steady. “We’ll get him to the hospital. It’s safer there.” Eve nodded, her heart racing. She followed them out of the alley, the night air cool against her skin. The friend—still in shock—trailed behind.

As they reached the main road, the stranger hailed a passing taxi. The taxi sped toward the hospital, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Eve stole glances at the stranger, his features etched in her memory.  And as they arrived at the emergency entrance, Eve stepped out, her hand brushing against the stranger’s. His eyes held gratitude, and she knew she had made the right choice.

The injured man’s urgent journey to the operating theater left three young people waiting outside. Eve, her curiosity piqued, initiated the conversation. “I’m Eve, he is lives in my neighborhood” she introduced herself, gesturing toward the operation theater “But who are you guys? I’ve never seen you around.”

The tall man with intense black eyes stepped forward. “You can call me Leon,” he said, his voice low and measured. Beside him, the blond-haired man waved casually. “And this is my friend Nick.” Eve mentally connected the dots—Nick, the one who waved, must be the blond man. “We were just hanging out,” Leon explained, “when we witnessed this incident.” His gaze shifted toward the operating room doors, concern etching his features. “As for why those people are after him… well, they must be DD’s men.”

Eve furrowed her brow. “DD? Who’s that? And why resort to violence?”

“DD stands for Dark Devil,” Leon replied, his tone grave. “He’s City A’s biggest mafia figure. They say he rules the underworld—the puppet master pulling strings in the shadows.”

Nick chimed in; his expression more nonchalant. “You’ve never heard of him? Must be living a blissfully crime-free life, Eve.”

She shrugged. “I’ve always been more interested in novels than criminals. But this Dark Devil sounds like a monster.”

Leon’s eyes held a hint of weariness. “Monsters come in many forms,” he said cryptically. “And sometimes, they wear tailored suits.”

Certainly! Eve’s curiosity stirs, and she leans toward Nick, her voice hushed. “Tell me more about this Dark Devil,” she says. “What drives a man to rule the shadows? And why does he wear that name like a badge of honor?”

Nick glances at the operating room doors, as if measuring his words. “DD is a legend,” he begins. “Some say he was born into the darkness, raised by it. Others claim he clawed his way up from the gutters, fueled by vengeance and ambition. But one thing’s certain: He’s cunning, ruthless, and commands loyalty from those who fear him.”

“And his empire?” she prompts. “What kind of operations does he run?”

Nick’s gaze sharpens. “Everything,” he replies. “From illegal arms trade to human trafficking. His reach extends beyond City A—across borders, through secret networks. He’s a chess player, moving pieces with precision. And those who cross him…” He trails off, leaving the threat unspoken.

Eve shivers, realizing she’s stepped into a world far darker than her novels. “But why?” she persists. “What motivates him?”

Nick’s eyes darken. “Power,” he says. “Control. Maybe something deeper—a scar he can’t forget. DD thrives on chaos, and he’s built an empire on fear. Crossing paths with him? It’s like dancing with the devil.”

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