After a brief handshake, they sat down.
"You must have known why we gathered here." Lucifer said.
You're so naive.
"Of course, I do. We might work in distinguished fields but are indirectly related." Erich replied.
As if I am unaware of the reason.
"And that indirect relation took us here." Lucifer smirked, motioning to start the meeting.
"I'll have a sixty percent share from the profit. This collaboration will bring a fair price to the public and you'll receive a remarkable benefit, Mr Black." Lucifer said monotonously.
"Both of us will be benefited, Mr Grave. Your investors will increase."
"And your customers. Your name revolves in the world, Mr Black. And by the price where international designers only used to buy fabrics, they can easily get ships as well sounds enticing enough for them." Lucifer explained, leaning back on his seat with a shrug.
"And that's what your sixty percent profit is for, to compensate for it and not to mention, your services will be increased as well." Erich smirked, also leaning back.
"It's a fair deal in my opinion." Lucifer said.
"And I am the one who called it."
"So why don't we prepare the contract?"
"Sure." With this the meeting was dismissed between them.
After the meeting, Erich invited Lucifer to have a cup of coffee with him.
They were in his cabin, having coffee in silence with millions of thoughts roaming and knowing the secrets of heart but not comprehending it, arousing dazzlement.
"So, did you come the way to New York City for the meeting only?" Erich asked.
Because for the one you came, is mine now. And this thought boasted Erich's chest.
"Certainly not. Call it a reprieve from work. I'll wander." Lucifer shrugged.
You should have known why I am here.
"The lost ones wander, Mr Grave. Are you sure you are not looking for something?" Erich retorted.
"You look for the one you have lost." Lucifer retorted back.
"What about the one who is not yours? You have lost it as well."
"Oh that... Sickeningly, those flames are prettier than those tears of a certain promise." Lucier said mesmerizingly.
"Which promise?" All swears are in vain because she is mine now.
"Some meaningless words. That's all." Lucifer shook his head.
The meaningless words I am going to give a purpose.
They laughed a little while cursing each other in their hearts.
Motherfucker.
"Okay then.. I guess we will be business partners over-morrow." Erich said.
"I guess it's a call for a party." Just a glimpse of hers. Lucifer desperately thought.
"Sure. When is your flight?"
"Sunday."
"Then how about Friday night? You have come here from the UK, you are our humble guest." Erich smiled.
"We'd love to host you." Erich added. So you could know she is mine.
"We?" Lucifer raised an eyebrow.
"It's my content so of course I will share it with my wife." Erich smirked faintly.
Little shit! Are you trying to invoke envy in me, huh? Lucifer burned endlessly by his words and still forced a smile.
"Ah... Ms Bennet."
"She is Mrs Black now." Erich replied quickly.
"Oh. Mrs Black. I guess I will have the honor of meeting her." Lucifer sighed.
"You haven't met her?" ... As Red? Erich asked.
"No. Our finance directors take care of the meeting from the start... Anyways, they are the talks of time. It was nice talking to you." Lucifer said, getting up.
"Sure. I hope it's a memorable start for us." His words elicit a sudden pain in Lucifer's heart.
"Me too... By the way, are you free after work?" Lucifer asked.
"Unfortunately, I am not. I have to take my wife to dinner." Erich lied.
"Oh, Such a loving husband." The more Erich mentions Red, the more he was breaking the tranquils of Lucifer.
"Of course, we have to live up to the image of the Flawless Pair... just at a time when you were the Rising Couple."
And Erich hits where it hurts the most, making Lucifer frown.
"It was the talk of the past. For now, I am nothing but a wanderer." Lucifer said.
I hope you never reach your destination. Erich thought bitterly and smiled.
"Seems like we are back to the start."
"Yeah.. anyways. I'll see you at the party." Lucifer said, getting up and leaving.
A fierce fire broke out in the heart, increasing the detest in their heart for each other and leaving no place of backing away to reach what they both have lost.
Knowing it all too well that it's more than a mere meeting and they are more than business partners.
The moment Lucifer walked out of his cabin. Both of their smile faded as these words escaped both of their lips,
"How dare he..."
After work, Erich went home hoping to make that lie the truth, knowing afflictions won't end unless he tries.
Receiving a text from Red that she went to her Mother's place after work, without waiting for him, not to mention, he also headed there.
Ever since Red became a fashion designer, they moved to NYC just with a little inconvenience of Bertha going back to California to give her exams.
She was doing it privately anyways.
"Oh, Hello, Brother Erich." Bertha said with a grin.
"Oh hey, Bertha. How's it going?" Erich asked.
"Great. Red! Brother Erich is here." Bertha called. Red came to the lounge and passed him a smile.
"Oh. Hey. How was your day?"
"Fine." Erich smiled back.
"Ah, Son. You came as well. Great timing. I am going to cook dinner."
"Oh. You don't have to. I came home after a while, let me do it." Red smiled.
"I'll help you." Erich offered hesitantly.
"Sure."
"It's decided My dear sister and brother in law is going to cook!" Bertha announced.
"But-" Bertha cut Mrs Bennet off.
"Mama, think, stars are cooking food."
"We are human as well." Erich said.
"And get hungry too." Red added.
"So we are giving you the honors of cooking food." Bertha said dramatically.
Red sighed, "Enough, Drama Queen."
Red sighed, taking Erich's hand as they both went to the kitchen. Erich took off his Blazer, along with his rolex watch and rolled his sleeves.
"You boil the rice. I'll cook some chicken gravy with it." Red said.
"Hmm.. Sounds good enough." Erich hummed.
They were cooking. This small moment filled with Red's smile would enhance it a million times.
With a heartfelt prayer of Red- Please be a failure, Please be a failure, Please be a failure.
"Uh... Erich. How was your meeting today?" Red asked with a soft tone. Erich smiled and turned to her,
"There wasn't any chance of failure. Obviously, we agreed on a fixed price and the deal is done."
NO!!!
Red's heart skipped a beat in dread along with a shallow breath. Lowering her gaze in distress, she turned away, holding the knife tightly.
Trying to stay composed but couldn't as a disruption wreck her mind. Red grit her teeth and forced a smile.
"I see... Congratulations."
"Thanks." He smiled, standing behind her.
Why are you so casual about it? Red thought and turned back to him after cutting the vegetables, putting the knife back and turning to him.
"You know he told me a strange thing." Erich said, watching Red's expressions cautiously.
"What?"
"That you never met him."
"Were you meeting for work or discussing about me?" Red scoffed, closing her arms at her chest.
"You are his partner as well." Erich could clearly see the worry over Red, how his words are evoking exasperation from her.
"So what!?"
"We are all each other's partners. We are all connected." Erich shrugged.
"What are you trying to say?" Red asked, annoyed.
"Stay away from him." Erich ordered, fading his amusement and giving her a dominant gaze.
His words made Red shiver as her throat dried not by Erich's words but knowing that's what she wants as well.
Red registered his words and narrowed her eyes slightly shocked.
"I am not even going to meet him." She reasoned, looking at him in disbelief.
Erich put his hand on either side of her, leaning in, his sternness not removing as his eyes preyed upon her slightly startled and staggered self.
Erich moved to her neck and whispered vehemently, "I wouldn't even let you."
Red put her hand in between and pushed him back, "You're crazy."
"You made me." He spat.
"Stop doubting me, Erich." Red said in a sad tone, holding his shirt.
"I won't do anything." She whispered, lowering her gaze.
Erich lift her chin, staring deep into her spellbinding sapphire gaze, speaking his earnest words,
"I have faith in you, Red. We have a sacred bond and the pride of it won't allow me to hold any skeptic." He said sincerely, letting go of her with a faint smile.
"I can't doubt you, even if it would cost me anything, including my life."
"Thank you. Now go and watch your rice." Red said rudely.
Erich lowered his head, disheartened by her coldness but couldn't do anything to eradicate it, leaving no place for compassion- let alone affection.
I only desire a pure smile for me... Did I ask for too much?