𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 | 𝟏𝟖+ (𝐝𝐮𝐞𝐭 #𝟏)

| 𝟐𝟕 |

"This way," Shivaay said, leading me inside. There were many people waiting for him. I walked straight where he led me. Everyone's eyes were on me-some with curiosity, some with tension, and some with fear.

I observed every single person's reaction when Shivaay introduced me as Kaveri's husband. No one's expression changed-except Tara Ranawat's. The same girl who had once insisted on marrying me, along with her father. But I would never let that happen. Never.

I spoke with everyone around, yet no one seemed suspicious, not even a little. I sat alone in the office while Shivaay attended his meetings. My lips curved into a smile when Kaveri's message popped up.

Mine: I'm going out to meet my friends

Me: okay sweetheart

Mine: location

Mine: Byee!!

I smiled at her text.

"Vihaan!"

I looked up from my phone, still smiling, only to find Tara standing there with a dull face. My smile vanished the moment I saw her in the room. "What are you doing here?" I asked firmly, standing up.

"I want to talk to you," she said, stepping closer. "If it's about business, meet me in my office," I replied, turning to stare out the window.

"It's about us." Her words made my grip on the leather chair tighten. "Us? Excuse me, Miss, you must be mistaken," I raised my voice, making her flinch.

"What's in her that's not in me?" she snapped, frustration dripping from her tone. "I have property, a bank balance and, most importantly-" she stepped back, pointing at her body "-a very good figure."

I chuckled, taking slow, deliberate steps toward her. At first, she assumed I was going to touch her so-called perfect body, but the moment her eyes met mine, she saw the rage within and stumbled backward.

I placed a hand on the wall beside her, caging her in.

"You might have a good bank balance, property, or even a body worth flaunting, but-" I leaned in close enough for her to lower her gaze. "But none of that could make you my Kaveri. The girl who loved me for who I was. The one who changed me into a human." I slammed my hand against the wall beside her face, making her flinch.

Then I turned around, leaving her frozen in fear. "She will leave you if she finds out you're the one who destroyed AG Groups... Ace."

I froze.

Ace.

I turned around, raising my eyebrows.

"What happened, Vihaan Ranaveer Rawal aka Ace of the mafia world?" she said, stepping forward. "I know," she whispered in my ear. "She was your girlfriend back then. No, sorry-" she smirked. "My bad. She was one of your one-month trial girlfriends. And guess what happened-" she moved closer while I stared blankly at her. "Ace actually fell in love. And that girl changed him. But when he thought she had cheated, you left her at her worst-when she needed you the most." I can't deny any of this.