Ben waited for Dana at the Art of Coffee as usual. He waited past her normal time only to be disappointed. It was four days since he had seen her. It felt like someone was sucking the life out of him. Although he was more uncomfortable this time, the first three days didn’t ring any alarm bells as he thought she was tired from looking after him for 3 weeks without food and rest. It was reasonable for someone to be exhausted.He visited all the places where Dana would frequent. By 6 in the evening, Ben couldn’t be bothered with being subtle anymore. He drove up to Dana's house. There were no lights anywhere in the house; it didn’t look like there was anyone in. He walked up to the door; it was locked from the outside with a padlock. He jumped in and checked each room before heading back. There was no sign of Dana being there for the last few days.On the way, he switched his phone to hands-free.“Skylight, usual box”“Di

“Auntie who is this?” The little boy from yesterday blinked innocently as he looked at Ben’s picture.Dana blinked to stop her tears and smiled “A prince from a faraway land.”“Is he Auntie’s friend?”Dana didn’t want to, but she nodded.“Then I will be friends with him as well.” Barry smiled at the picture.Dana laughed and played with the little boy. His presence was God send. He took her mind of the depressing thoughts and lightened her mood. They played for a long time before a man’s voice came, looking for the little boy.He frowned as he saw Barry smiling happily in Dana’s arms splashing in the waves and laughing heartily. His son never got close to any woman since his wife passed away 3 years ago. He wondered if this woman had any intentions on purposefully getting close to him.“Barry” He called out sternly.The little bun turned t

Dana twisted her lips in disdain ‘What a silly thing to say to a lonely gal. But then again how do expect someone with such silly smile to say something intelligent’ She shook her head and got off the elevator. She walked towards her room and unlocked the door. She stepped inside and as usual reached out her hand too flick the lights; But before she could touch the light switch, she was pulled in by brute force and pushed against the door closing it behind her. “Ugh” before she could scream, her lips were pressed by cold thin lips. By instinct, she raised her knee to kick in self-defense... but the familiar kiss... the smell of mint mixed with sandalwood that she so terribly missed wafted into her nose. In a moment of confusion and distraction, she responded. Ben was pleasantly surprised... it usually took more effort to break through her mental fort and get her to respond. He deepened the kiss. Sucking and savoring the sweetness that was uniquely her. His hands wantonly wandered ca

Dana froze when she heard the little voice. Sensing her discomfort, Ben whispered “You don’t have to respond if you don’t want to. But if you want to respond, I’ll take care of the rest”Dana felt touched by his words. She clearly knew he didn’t like Alec, but he was willing for her sake. She looked at him and he reassured her with a charming smile. She hesitated for a moment “Let’s go somewhere else”.Even before they could reach the door, Barry hugged Dana’s legs and asked with a tearful face “Auntie don’t like Barry anymore?”Alec walked towards them with a bitter smile “Are we that repulsive?”Dana ignored him. She was not a saint to forgive someone who maliciously slandered her. However, the child was innocent, and she did not want to hurt his little heart. She squatted down to his height and wiped his tears.“Of course, not… Barry is such a good kid. How can Auntie not like him?”Alec heaved a sigh, but her next sentence took away every glimmer of hope“But Auntie won’t be able

Dana and Ben went to the waterfront restaurant recommended by the concierge for dinner. The ambience was perfect for a relaxed dinner. They ordered grilled fish and salad with sweet potato chips. Ben had a glass of wine and Dana had her usual Lychee juice with mint. “Let’s go to the beach tomorrow before heading home.” Ben suggested as he sipped the wine. He wanted to go everywhere she went… experience what she had experienced. “Are you sure?” “Um” “Okay… its beautiful…. It’s very clean and peaceful.” Dana smiled. “What do you want to do next?” “Sleep.” “No… other than that.” Ben frowned. He didn’t want her to leave his sight. “What else? Isn’t that what everyone does at night?” Dana grumbled; She loved to sleep. “I can think of other things to do at night” Ben’s lips curled up as he feigned a dejected appearance “Sadly, you won’t agree.” Dana shook her head. “Let’s take a stroll through the night markets” Ben suggested with a smile. “The crowd is unruly at night.” Dana sc