Love isn't supposed to be this complicated- at least, that's what Manya thought before Sarth entered her life.
She's fiercely independent, and he's the infuriatingly charming guy who knows how to push her buttons.
Their connection? Intense, messy...
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We made our way to a circle of Sarth's business associates, and just like that, he slipped into their conversation with his usual charm and ease. Watching him, it was clear he belonged here. Unlike me, who felt more like an accessory, just standing by his side in silence, replaying Aruna's words over and over in my head.
I couldn't do it anymore.
"Excuse me for a moment," I murmured, barely loud enough for him to hear, not waiting for a response. I just needed to get out. Away from the suffocating atmosphere, away from the weight of all those eyes, silently judging. I wove through the crowd, moving mechanically, each step heavier than the last, my mind spinning with doubt.
Finally, I found a small alcove in the back of the room, away from the blinding lights and fake smiles. Pressing my back against the cool wall, I took deep breaths, hoping to calm the storm inside me. The distant sound of laughter and clinking glasses felt like background noise from a different universe—a universe I definitely didn't belong to.
But I didn't get to enjoy my moment of solitude for long.
"Are you hiding, or just catching a breath?" a voice cut through the haze.
I turned to see Aruna standing there, her smile just as polished and fake as ever. She had a champagne flute in her hand, eyes gleaming with a twisted kind of amusement.
"I just needed some air," I said, trying to keep my voice even, praying she'd get the hint and leave me alone.
But of course, she didn't.
"Isn't it funny?" she continued, like we were having a casual chat. "How some people just... never seem to fit in, no matter how hard they try. Like trying to push a square peg into a round hole."
Her words sliced through me, but I stayed silent.
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a sugary coo. "Sarth deserves someone who makes his life better, you know? Not someone who pulls him down."
I opened my mouth to retort, but before I could, Sarth appeared at my side, his presence a sudden shield against Aruna's venom. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
Aruna's expression shifted instantly, that fake smile snapping into place. "Oh, nothing," she said, her tone all sweetness and innocence. "Just giving Manya some friendly advice." Her eyes flicked to me, a smirk curling at the corners of her lips. "Have a lovely evening, Manya."
I stood there, stunned, watching as she walked away like she hadn't just torn me apart with her words. I could feel Sarth's gaze burning into me, searching for answers I wasn't ready to give. "What did she say to you?" His voice was low, serious, demanding.
"Nothing important," I lied, unable to meet his eyes. The weight of Aruna's words still hung heavy on my chest, and I flinched when Sarth reached out, stepping away from his touch. It was too much—her words, this night, the pressure—it all felt too raw, too close.
