A fate for love

Chapter 16: Love you as a stranger again

"Hello, Ms. Elina," Kevin said, his eyes twinkling with admiration.

Elina's heart raced, but she quickly composed herself and ended the call before Jiya could say anything further. Jiya, on the other hand, was confused but seemed to understand her best friend's actions and decided to wait until Elina would speak about it herself.

Elina closed her eyes in frustration as Kevin spoke with a frown. "Hey, why did you cut the call? We didn't finish speaking."

Elina turned towards Kevin, her eyes widening in anger. "That's my matter, Mr. Kevin. Why are you interfering here?"

She crossed her arms defensively while Kevin pouted slightly. "Um, well, I was waiting for my car and thought I could talk?" he said, his audacity evident.

Elina scoffed. "You really are going to do whatever you wish, Mr. Kevin?"

Kevin thought for a moment before smiling. "I think so," he said, his smile making Elina flustered as she gulped.

"Do whatever you want, but don't interfere in my business! And don't smile like that in front of me!" she said, averting her gaze.

Kevin frowned but still spoke. "I don't think that'd be possible, Ms. Elina, especially when you told me to be a stranger-" He paused as Elina turned back to face him. Just then, Elina's cab arrived. Kevin continued, "-therefore, I'll love you as a stranger again."

Elina looked into his eyes, blinking momentarily before speaking. "I-I will never fall for you!" she exclaimed, gulping as she got into her cab. Kevin stood there, watching her cab leave in silence.

Inside the cab, Elina leaned back and sighed, her thoughts a whirlwind. She couldn't believe Kevin's persistence. The more she tried to push him away, the more determined he seemed to be. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. As the cab moved through the busy streets, she found herself thinking about Kevin's words, his smile, and the way he looked at her with such genuine affection.

She couldn't deny the impact he was having on her, but she was determined not to let her guard down this time.

"No," she muttered to herself,

"I won't fall for him."

________________

Later that night, Elina dialed Jiya after finishing dinner and settling into bed. Jiya picked up the call immediately.

"Hey," Elina greeted.

"Are you fine?!" Jiya exclaimed.

Elina nodded in response. "Yeah, I am."

Jiya sighed in relief.

"But, what was Kevin doing there?" she asked.

Elina sighed. "Well, he is the CEO here..."

"WHAT?!" Jiya shouted.

"Yeah..." Elina confirmed.

There was a brief silence before Jiya spoke again. "Um, so did you guys talk...?"

Elina bit her lip. "Um, no... actually-" She sighed, giving up.

"Well, actually what happened was-" Elina briefed Jiya about the situation.

"I see..." Jiya said thoughtfully.

"I don't know, Jiya, sometimes I don't want to listen to him but then-" Elina stopped herself from mentioning the elevator incident.

Jiya nodded. "Look, Elina, no one can have any problem with what decision you make. It's completely your choice, but if you were to ask me, I'd suggest you talk about it at least."