100 Days to Seduce the Devil



Day Seventy-One…

~~*****~~

The morning sun streamed gently through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across Jane's bedroom. Yet, despite the new day's arrival, she lingered in her cozy cocoon of blankets, reluctant to leave the sanctuary of her bed. Her thoughts were consumed by Nathan and the kiss they had shared the previous night.

Jane's mind replayed the tender exchanges of their brushing lips touching each other, and their tongues wrestling and dancing inside her mouth. She couldn't help but blush at the vivid memories that flashed before her eyes, her heart still echoing the sensations of their closeness.

She brought her fingers upon her face, tracing her lips as she closed her eyes while she placed her other hand on her chest, feeling her heartbeat. Her heart still pounded crazily as her mind was filled with a relentless whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around Nathan and the passionate, stolen moments they had shared the previous night.

The faint scent of his cologne lingered in her mind, casting an enchanting spell that left her yearning for his presence.

"Damn! I missed him already!" Jane muttered helplessly. The feeling of his warmth as they stayed close tugged at her heartstrings.

"Nathan… why did you kiss me? I am trying my best to bury my feelings for you. Why are you doing this to me? I thought you didn't have feelings for me."

Confusion enveloped her thoughts as she grappled with the contradicting attitudes of Nathan toward her. Sometimes, all she could see was his hatred. But lately, Nathan was acting so kind and considerate of her.

The more she pondered, the more her thoughts swirled like a tempest, unable to fathom where she stood in his heart. Had she misunderstood his actions, or had something changed within him?

"Does he already love me?" she pondered, though soon after, she dismissed the thought with a shake of her head. "No, it can't be that."

Jane gently patted her face using both hands and said, "Clear your mind, Jane. Don't get distracted by Nathan. Don't dwell on a false hope. You have a much more important mission to do." she reminded herself, her words a gentle yet resolute affirmation of her priorities.

In that fleeting moment of self-reflection, Jane strengthened her resolve, reminding herself of the important tasks and responsibilities that lay ahead, ones that required her undivided attention and unwavering dedication.

After checking the time, Jane got out of the bed. She made her way towards the bathroom to freshen up before joining her family for breakfast.

Upon entering the bathroom, she allowed the warm water to cascade over her, washing away the remnants of sleep and cocooning her in a soothing embrace. As the steam filled the room, her thoughts began to clear, and her senses gradually came alive.

With each passing minute, she felt more invigorated, ready to face the day ahead with renewed energy and enthusiasm. The thought of putting her carefully devised plan for revenge into action breathed new life into her very being, filling her with a profound sense of purpose and determination.

"I can't wait to make Monica's life miserable. Vincent is her weakness. I'm gonna use him to punish her." Jane mumbled, her gaze fixed on her own reflection in the mirror. A sly smile appeared on her charming face.

After enjoying a soothing bath for a full forty-five minutes, Jane emerged from her bathroom, feeling refreshed. She slipped into a set of comfortable, casual clothes before descending the staircase. As she reached the dining area, an unexpected sight greeted her. Her family and friends were already gathered there and it dawned on her that they had been patiently waiting for her arrival.

"I'm sorry. I'm late." Jane smiled at them apologetically.

Seated at the table were Mr. Hiroshi and Abigail, who exchanged warm smiles with Jane upon her entrance.  "It's okay, sis. We know you are tired from your business trip. We didn't wake you up for you to have a longer sleep." 

Hanabi, Cherry, and Dave had all joined them for today's family gathering. A mixture of joy and gratitude could be seen in Dave's expression as he stared at Jane, his future sister-in-law. Jane's heart swelled with a sense of belonging as she took her place at the table, sitting next to her father. 

"So my brother-in-law is joining us today," Jane's voice carried a warm and friendly tone as she playfully remarked.

"Yes. My first meal as part of your family. By the way, I'm glad that you are back, Sis-in-law," Dave responded with a lighthearted chuckle.

"Let's eat and discuss the wedding preparation," Mr. Hiroshi joined the conversation. "Have you decided on the date? Or do you want to hold an engagement party first?"

Dave and Abigail exchanged glances with one another. "Honestly, Dad," Abigail began, her voice measured, "We haven't settled on a date yet. But I don't believe an engagement party is essential. We want to move forward with the wedding without one." Abigail expressed her desire for simplicity. She had no grand aspirations for an extravagant party or event. Her primary focus was simply to tie the knot with Dave.

"Okay, dear. I will support you on this. How about you, Jane? What is your opinion about this?" Mr. Hiroshi consulted Jane.

"Hmm. I think Dave should fix his marriage proposal to my sister first," Jane stated matter-of-factly. Jane was not satisfied with Dave's uncanny proposal.

"Sis. Don't pressure Dave. It's alright." Abigail butted in, trying to defend her fiancé.

Meanwhile, Dave just smiled at Jane apologetically and Hanabi accidentally choked on her food after hearing Jane's last statement. In the midst of that awkward atmosphere, Cherry could no longer hold her laughter. Her cheerful giggles elicited laughter from others.

"Alright. Don't bully your brother-in-law." Mr. Hiroshi stopped Jane from teasing Dave further.

"Alright, Pa. I won't push it," Jane conceded with a nod. "How about scheduling the wedding for three weeks from now?" Her suggestion carried a hint of urgency, as she had less than a month to live and wanted to ensure the wedding took place as soon as possible.

"Eh? Sis, why do I get the feeling that you're even more excited than Dave and me?" Abigail uttered, her voice tinged with playful teasing.

"Because I can't wait to meet my niece or nephew!" Jane responded, playfully sticking her tongue out. The dining area was filled with laughter, thanks to their lively conversation.

After the satisfying meal, Dave approached Jane and kindly requested her to have a private conversation out on the balcony. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a deep need to personally express his thanks for Jane's help. Dave understood that, without her intervention, he might have fallen victim to Helena and Karina's deceitful schemes and his relationship with Abigail would have been ruined.

"Jane, I can't express how grateful I am for what you've done. Someday, I will certainly return this favor. I owe you a lot." He was fully aware of the immense impact her support had on his life and relationship.

A soft, warm smile graced Jane's lips as she reached out to gently pat Dave's shoulder, her eyes reflecting her sincerity. "You don't need to thank me nor return the favor," she said kindly. "What truly matters to me is that you take good care of my sister, protect her, and bring happiness into her life."

In that moment on the balcony, Jane's words carried a heartfelt sentiment. She wanted nothing more than to see her sister, Abigail, content and secure, and her trust in Dave's ability to do just that.

Dave nodded solemnly in response, his eyes reflecting a profound commitment and a heartfelt promise. "I will dedicate myself to ensuring her happiness and protecting her with my life," he affirmed with unwavering determination. His words carried the weight of his devotion, and he wanted Jane to know just how serious he was about his pledge.

Jane's relief washed over her like a gentle wave, knowing that she could trust Dave wholeheartedly with her sister's happiness. She exhaled a contented breath, her faith in him unwavering. 

"Thank you, Dave. I won't have to worry about my sister anymore," she acknowledged with genuine gratitude.

After a while, a mischievous glint danced in Jane's eyes as she mumbled with a straight face, "There's just one more thing, Dave..."

Dave, eager to fulfill her wishes, turned to her with an expectant look. "What is it?" he inquired. His curiosity piqued, Dave stared at her for a moment, awaiting her request.

With a playful tone, Jane added, "You'll have to redo your marriage proposal. Make it more romantic, okay?"

Dave chuckled heartily, appreciating her sense of humor. "Consider it done, sister-in-law," he promised, determined to make his marriage proposal even more memorable and romantic for Abigail.

"Very good. You can ask my father or you can search from internet for ideas but this time, don't ask Hanabi for her ideas, okay?" Jane reminded him.

Dave could only chuckle sheepishly as he bobbed his head.