Sinful contract (His sweet possession)

ch 9

As Kartikey walked out of the café with Vivaan and Veeranshu, the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the bustling streets. He remained silent as they strolled toward the sleek black car waiting for them, his mind occupied with the image of Uma serving orders with that effortless grace. He could still hear the sound of her laughter ringing in his ears, and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t shake the warmth that had spread in his chest when she refused to take a break and continued helping her coworkers.

Uma...

It wasn’t like him to be distracted by someone like this—someone who wasn’t from his world, who lived in an entirely different reality. He had power, wealth, and status that put him in a league of his own, far above the ordinary lives of people like her. And yet, for some reason, she had caught his attention in a way no one else had.

“You’re awfully quiet,” Vivaan noted, breaking the silence as they approached the car.

Kartikey glanced at him but didn’t respond right away. Instead, he pulled open the door and slid into the back seat, his jaw tightening as he settled into the leather seat. He could feel both Vivaan and Veeranshu watching him closely, waiting for him to crack and admit whatever was going on in his head.

Vivaan followed him into the car, and once Veeranshu joined them, the driver smoothly pulled away from the curb. The city blurred past them as they sped down the street, but Kartikey’s thoughts remained focused on Uma.

“Alright,” Vivaan said, crossing his arms and turning to Kartikey with an exaggerated sigh. “You’re really going to keep pretending like nothing’s up?”

“I’m not pretending,” Kartikey replied, though the tension in his voice betrayed him.

Veeranshu chuckled from the passenger seat, glancing back at Kartikey through the rearview mirror. “It’s written all over your face, man. Just admit it—you’re interested in her.”

Kartikey’s frown deepened, and he leaned back against the seat, staring out the window. “It’s not like that,” he muttered, though even he wasn’t convinced by his own words.

Vivaan and Veeranshu exchanged glances, and Vivaan smirked, leaning in. “You’ve been acting weird since we left the café. And don’t think we didn’t notice how much you were staring at her.”

Kartikey shot him a glare, but Vivaan only grinned wider.

“You, Kartikey Singh, are intrigued by a café owner,” Veeranshu teased, turning around to face him fully. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

Kartikey’s temper flared, though it was more from frustration with himself than from their teasing. He couldn’t explain what it was about Uma that had unsettled him so much. She was beautiful, yes, but it was more than that. It was her kindness, her humility—the way she treated people, how she moved through life with such lightness, even in a role that could easily wear someone down.

“She’s just...different,” Kartikey said quietly, his voice barely audible.

Vivaan raised an eyebrow. “Different how?”

Kartikey hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to put his thoughts into words. “She doesn’t act like someone who owns a business. She’s not distant, not sitting back while others do the work. She’s involved. She actually cares.”

Vivaan’s teasing smile softened into something more thoughtful, and Veeranshu nodded slowly. “That’s rare,” Veeranshu agreed. “Especially for someone in her position.”

“But it’s not just that,” Kartikey continued, his frustration leaking into his voice. “There’s something about her... something that makes me—” He stopped himself abruptly, not wanting to admit how much Uma had gotten under his skin.