Heart Of the Underworld

Chapter 14.

Author's P.O.V

After what felt like hours of driving, the car finally rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling farmhouse. Khushi pressed her face to the window, her breath catching. It wasn’t just a farmhouse—it was a mansion, massive and imposing. Yet what stunned her more were the lines of bodyguards patrolling the grounds. Over a hundred men, armed and alert, creating a fortress around the estate.

Her brows furrowed as she took in the sight. “Why are there so many?” she muttered under her breath. Did her brother Karan really think all of this was necessary? Was he being paranoid, or was the danger as serious as he made it seem?

Victor, her personal bodyguard and one of her brother’s most trusted men, glanced at her. “You’re safe here, Khushi. That’s all that matters.”

Khushi shook her head. “Safe from what? Or from who?” Her eyes darted nervously across the sea of guards. “Mark David? How powerful can he be that Karan needs this much protection?”

Victor’s expression remained unreadable. “Mark David isn’t someone you should underestimate,” he replied calmly. “He’s not like the usual troublemakers you’ve dealt with.”

Khushi’s frustration bubbled to the surface. “But who is he, Victor? No one’s telling me anything. Why is he threatening me? And why do I have to leave my family and come here?” Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear.

Victor’s eyes softened, but his tone was firm. “We’ll explain everything when the time is right. For now, trust your brother. He’s only trying to protect you.”

Khushi sighed in resignation, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. She stepped out of the car, staring up at the towering mansion that was now her temporary prison. “I didn’t realize my brother was this rich,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

Victor overheard and smirked. “Karan’s done well for himself. This place is secure, and that’s all you need to think about.”

One of the guards approached, bowing slightly before addressing Victor. “Her room is ready, sir.”

“Come on,” Victor said, gesturing for Khushi to follow. “Let’s get you settled.”

They walked through the grand entrance, the sheer scale of the farmhouse making her feel even smaller. Khushi couldn’t help but feel a pang of anxiety. This was all too much—too overwhelming, too unreal.

The guard led them to a spacious room on the second floor. It was decorated in muted tones, elegant yet impersonal. A large bed dominated the space, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the endless grounds below.

“Do you like it?” Victor asked, his voice casual.

Khushi shook her head, frustration boiling over. “I don’t care,” she snapped. “I didn’t even want to come here. This whole situation is insane.”

Victor sighed. “You have to compromise, Khushi. It’s for your own good. Just take a shower and get some rest. I’ll leave you to it.”

As he turned to leave, Khushi suddenly reached out, grabbing his hand. “Where are you going?” Her voice was small, almost pleading. “I don’t know anyone here. Can’t you just… stay?”

Victor paused, looking down at their joined hands before giving her a teasing smile. “So, you want me to stay here with you?”

Khushi felt her cheeks flush, realizing how vulnerable she sounded. “No,” she muttered, pulling her hand back. “It’s fine. Just go.”