An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 19

The anguish I expected to see in her eyes after her emotional breakdown last night, never registered. Instead, I was met with an empty pair of eyes this morning.

She gave me a tight smile and quietly left the room.

I sigh. The night was exhausting.

I will never want to see a repeat telecast of last night. While I was promising her things I would never want to do.

She felt so vulnerable in my arms, sobbing uncontrollably for something I will never be able to provide her. My harsh words werehed away by those tears. She looked so innocent. And only to console her I ended up saying things I didn't want to.

I take a deep breath, this shit is getting to my head. She should get in terms with this arrangement. If she would want more of me than I could offer, she'll end up getting hurt.

I know I can never have feelings for her.

And no amount of kisses and intimate touches can change that.

Either she can fall for me and end up hurting her feelings or we can overlook our emotions and live a peaceful life without expecting things from each other.

Aditya Singha my friend since our undergrad days, yanks me out of my thoughts, handing me the glass of wine, "You need it."

I fold the sleeves of my shirt till my elbow before taking the glass, "Thankyou."

" So how're your days turning out after marriage? Rudra assumed you'd invite us to your home and introduce us to your wife."

" Don't get started on that. "

Aditya gives me a stern look, "You're treating her gently, right?"

"We are friends Aditya. But that doesn't mean you'll forget your boundaries." I grit out.

He sighs," I don't want you to be the absolute shit you were towards your partner with your wife as well. Trust me, you have destroyed your relations because of your ignorance. And don't even try to rebuttal me on that. "

I glare at Aditya, annoyed at him for challenging me. And as expected the man didn't even flinch.

His logic and practicality are irritating; he will not think once before digging out my shortcomings down to the bone and rubbing them off my face. That's him. He had grown too fast, and had no one to look up to. He values relationships too much to risk them.

Eventhough it pisses me off, he knows me too well.

"I am trying." I grumble under my breath.

He'll have my head if he gets to know about the contract.

"I hope you know what you are doing."

I do. And it will turn out the way it should. Protecting both of our hearts.

"Apart from that, when are you throwing the party for acquiring the chairmanship of the board?" He takes a swig from his glass.

I shook my head and gave a humorless smile; that thing swept the dreams away from my sleep. I had tried so hard to acquire the position, but a mere marriage certificate made it serve me on a silver platter.

"I'll do it after the offical statement is made. Till then the information is underwrap."

" That's good. " He says.

" How did your mother react to it?" His tone softening than his normal impassive one.

" She was the one who offered it to me as a bribe in exchange for my marriage to Ishika."