Two Brothers: Shadows of Deception

Chapter 73

Confronting Demons

Vedant

The elevator dinged again, and we parted ways, our eyes lingering for a moment before we slowly walked out. The tension in the air was palpable, and I could feel the weight of our unresolved feelings hanging between us.

"Now, can we talk?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. She nodded, and we walked toward my room. With each step, my heart pounded louder in my chest. I winced when pain shot through my leg, the adrenaline rush from seeing her again making me forget about my twisted ankle.

She noticed my discomfort and held my hand, leading me to my room with gentle care. Her touch sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, she still cared.

I sat on the bed, and she took a step back, creating a small distance between us. My heart sank, fearing that she was pushing me away again.

But I couldn't let her slip away this time. I mustered all my courage and reached out to hold her wrist, stopping her from moving any further. Our eyes met, and I could see doubt and uncertainty in hers. Her face was expressionless, and it was killing me not knowing what she was thinking.

"Niha," I said softly, trying to convey all the emotions I had bottled up for so long.

"I..." Her voice trembled, and she seemed torn. The pain in her eyes mirrored the pain in my heart.

"Don't make this up, Ved. Not this time, please," she pleaded, her voice cracking with vulnerability.

"What?!! No, no. I... I am sorry. I shouldn't have startled you like this, but please believe me, Niha. I am not making this up. I swear. I do love you. Please, please believe me," I implored, my voice desperate and raw with emotion.

"Don't tell me something you don't mean, Ved. Stop playing with me," she said, avoiding my gaze. Her words cut through me like a knife, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes.

My grip on her waist tightened, pulling her even closer until there was no gap between us. A gasp escaped her lips, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.

"I have never been surer about anything in my life than I am of the fact that I love you," I declared with firmness and confidence, trying to convey the depth of my feelings for her. The months we had been apart felt like hell, as if a part of me had died without her.

Her eyes softened, tears brimming as she seemed to be processing my words. Her vulnerability matched mine, and it was both terrifying and liberating to have our emotions laid bare.

"I am sorry it took me this long to realize what I feel for you. I..." I trailed off, trying to find the right words to express the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

"What if this is another one of your tricks? You want me to be by your side for the shares. You need me for your revenge, don't you? You can't let me go because if you do, you lose. Right?!!" Her voice burned with anger and suspicion, and it broke my heart to see her doubting me.

As Niha's words echoed in my ears, her accusations struck me like a sharp arrow to the heart. Her doubts and suspicions pierced through the facade I had been trying to maintain. I felt a mix of emotions boiling inside me, but I knew I couldn't let my anger get the better of me. The truth was, I had messed up, and it was my own actions that led her to question my intentions.

Guilt washed over me as I acknowledged that I had taken her love and trust for granted. I had let my ambitions blind me to the impact of my choices on our relationship. Now, I had to face the consequences, and it pained me to see her doubting me.