𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬

𝟏𝟔. 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄?

DANIEL'S POV

A call to Lirio sorted everything out. I didn't want that Rima witch anywhere near my girl. I had warned her before, but I guess she didn't take me seriously.

After the call, we got in the car and drove to her house. She was talking to me a moment ago, but when I looked back, she had fallen asleep. Maybe she was tired from the function, and the soft music also helped her doze off.

Not wanting to wake her, I slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road. I knew it was getting late and she had work the next day, but seeing her sleep so peacefully, I couldn't bring myself to wake her up.

Some strands of hair had fallen over her face, so I gently leaned forward to move them aside. As I did, she turned and rested her cheek on my palm. I tried to move my hand, but she held onto it and kept sleeping like a baby. My baby.

My hand started to ache a bit from the position, so I shifted closer to her. But I didn't mind at all.

I've never liked any girl as much as I like her. Now that I've met her again, I'm determined to win her heart, but only if she wants it too. I want to marry her, but I would never force her. If it's not her, then it's no one, and I'm glad my parents respect that.

After what felt like just a few minutes, even though it was really 2-3 hours, she woke up. She yawned and stretched, then suddenly realized she had been holding my hand. She pulled away a little, looking embarrassed.

"I'm so sorry, Ivey," she said, sounding nervous. "I was just so tired, and with the weather and the music, I didn't mean to hurt your injured hand..."

"It's okay, Ritu. I'm fine," I reassured her. "Your sleep is more important than my hand. If you don't rest well, you might doze off at work tomorrow."

"Ivey?" she said, looking at me.

"Yes, boss!" I responded with a playful salute, which made her chuckle.

"You know what? You're too good for this world," she said.

"I usually hate being around men, but with you, I feel safe. Even though we've only known each other for a few days, I feel like I've known you forever. If Swayam were here, he'd probably be jealous because I never felt this way with him. I'm not usually this expressive, but if I'm telling you this now, please don't ever break my trust. I know you won't, but I just wanted to say it."

Her words nearly brought tears to my eyes. I never expected her to open up like this.

I wanted to tell her that I'm the Danny she used to know, but I was afraid she'd hate me again, just like before. How could I explain my past to her?

Still I gathered my courage to tell her everything.

"Ritu?"

"Yes, Ivey?"

"Actually, I want to tell you something..." I started, but she interrupted.

"Don't worry. Whenever you're ready to talk, just tell me. I'll be there. But it's late now, so you should get going too."

I wanted to tell her right then, but her tired eyes stopped me. So, I just made sure she went upstairs safely before leaving.

Back at the mansion, after freshening up, I sat on the balcony, breathing in the fresh air after the rain. But when I closed my eyes, flashbacks came rushing in, and suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my chest.

Flashback (A few years ago)

"Oh, so my little Danny is in love? But he never loved me," she sneered, pausing for a moment.