High Standards

Daniel discussed the future collaborations with the other managers and knocked on the door before dismissing them.

"Come in." A flat voice heard from inside.

He pushed the door to open and walked in with a cup of coffee. Devin was working on the drafted proposal focusing and spotting the mistakes on the necessary pages. His rough hands moved swiftly while pointing out the errors. The bright golden rays cascading from the tinted floor to ceiling glass wall was enhancing his slightly bronzed skin. His suit jacket was draped over the enormous chair. He rolled his sleeves to the elbow, the arm veins bulged each time his rough hands ferociously moved pages. Daniel walked into his office room and placed the coffee cup on his desk. Devin slightly raised his head and gazed at the sudden intrusion. He smiled when he saw who the person was.

"You don't have to uncle Daniel." Devin sipped the coffee and closed his eyes savouring the perfectly blended flavour. I should ask Harley to learn the formula from uncle Daniel. She makes the worst blend of coffee.

"Your secretary is on leave and if I am not surprised, you wouldn't even have had breakfast in the morning. It's high time Devin, you should get married." Daniel always treated Devin like his son and nags about his marriage just like his parents.

"You know me very well. Thanks for the coffee and it's way better than my secretary's. For the wedding, you have to wait until I find my_"

"Soulmate," Daniel added. "You have been masking us with that lie for years and you haven't even found one."

"Who knows I may find soon." Or I have found her already. He kept those thoughts to himself. The word soul mate reminded of the girl he saw at DewGarden park today. He felt an immediate connection the moment he saw her. He wondered if he is looking forward to the meeting with that weirdly cute woman. He unconsciously smiled at the mere thought.

"Sigh! And I am waiting for that day. You have lunch with one of our investors at Phoenix. Let's go together. Besides I am famished already." Daniel stated.

"No. Axel will drive me." Devin instantly rejected. He grabbed his suit jacket from the chair. "We have a meeting with the Forester CEO and you will be the face of it today. Last time that lewd woman was ogling at me like I am her possession. I don't even know what I will do if I see her today."

"And that is the reason you are still single. She is the daughter of Forester company and the only heir and she is pretty. You should at least consider going on a date with her." Daniel chuckled remembering the day a girl openly declared his love in front of a crowd and he said he doesn't like pretty faces and walked away. He very well knew how to twist his words at situations.

"I don't date lecherous women. Besides, I don't lack power and money. I am waiting for one woman." Buttoning his suit jacket, he grabbed his mobile to the Hotel Phoenix.

"Alright boy. I will wait for your soulmate to arrive and now it's time for your lunch meet." Both of them walked out of the room bickering each other.

.....

The moment Devin walked out of the WD, he was immediately surrounded by hundreds of reporters.

"Mr Wang, there is a rumour that you are dating the famous actress Emily Harper. Is it true?" One of the media asked.

"Are you tying a knot with her?"

This is the truth about celebrities. Everything about them would be a sensation to the media and Devin being the top celebrity, all the paparazzi eyes are on him alone. Devin was long used to these comments and did not even bother to glance at them. He walked away, but they did not leave him.

"Are you saying goodbye to your single status finally?"

"You both have checked-in and checked-out of the same hotel in Los Angeles. Emily Harper has already confirmed your relationship status."

His footsteps suddenly stopped when he heard the reporters one comment. The atmosphere around him changed which frightened the entire reporters. His rough footsteps marched forward like a monster ready to pound on his prey. All the reporters gulped in terror and nervously backed of seeing his murderous aura.

"Which media?" Devin demanded. His voice raged like a volcano.

"Wit_ness" The reporter stuttered with the mere sight of him.

"Whatever her name is, tell her. WANG DEVIN has very high standards and she is nowhere in reach. Next time if she tries her cheap tricks, there will be no her in New York City and it applies to you also." The reporter scared out of death by his mere comment and nodded his head fervently. He knew Wang Devin can wipe out his name with just a flip of his finger. He was blinded by that woman's money and instantly regretted awakening the devil from his sleep.

...

"To the Phoenix." Axel opened the door and started the car.

Devin closed his eyes and massaged his forehead. Instantly the girl popped into his mind. You again? I have seen you only once and you have slipped into my mind twice. He sighed and a sweet smile plastered on his face when he reminded of her smile and his thoughts instantly flew back to DewGarden. He went there for some business and spotted a girl playing with a mere leaf and even when someone approached her, she did not even bother. He was about to reach her aid when she was being harassed, She surprised him by twisting that douchebag's arm. The meek little cat playing like a child turned into a lioness instantly. And what was that rhyme?

Spring is coming? Time for cleaning?

What are those? Rhyming words? Devin was grinning like an idiot thinking about her while Alex couldn't help but looked into the rearview mirror to see his rare smile.

....

Leena was about to sleep when a notification popped up on her mobile. She jumped like a child when she saw a picture was uploaded by her favourite photographer VinqueAero on Instagram. It was just uploaded and there are already thousands of likes and comments? I envy that person. All VinqueAero portraits are unique and stunning and some of the photos even appeared on the covers of National Geographic Channel. But no one has ever seen and doesn't even know if it is a man or a woman. She intently gazed at the photo and felt like she had been to this place. Where did she see? She wondered. The portrait was too beautiful, she found it difficult to recognize the reality from illusion. She dismissed that thought, liked and commented on the photo and soon fell asleep peacefully to replenish her energy for tomorrow.

Never in her life, she would have thought tomorrow would be the biggest shock of her life.