When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 75. A Taste of Deception

Annika's eyes scanned the luxurious hotel lobby, searching for Shivay. Suddenly, she spotted him sitting in a secluded corner, surrounded by intimate ambiance. The setting seemed perfect for a romantic date, and Annika's heart skipped a beat.

"Is Shivay meeting someone else?" she wondered, a pang of doubt creeping in. "Is he cheating on me?"

But then she recalled Shivay's message: "I'd rather skip this meeting." His words reassured her, and curiosity took over.

Instead of confronting him, Annika decided to observe from a distance. She swiftly moved to sit behind Shivay, positioning herself out of his line of sight. His back faced her, oblivious to her presence.

Minutes ticked by, and Annika's anticipation grew. Then, a woman emerged, capturing Shivay's attention. She was dressed in a stunning, albeit revealing, outfit, and her face gleamed with layers of makeup.

Annika's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the woman's confident stride and flirtatious demeanor. As the woman approached Shivay, Annika's curiosity turned into a mix of apprehension and determination.

Who was this mysterious woman? What was her connection to Shivay? Annika's questions swirled, and she leaned in, eager to uncover the truth.

Shivay rose from his seat to greet the woman, his movements polite but distant. However, he neglected to pull out her chair, an oversight that didn't go unnoticed.

The woman's expectant gaze lingered on Shivay, anticipating the courteous gesture. When it didn't come, her expression darkened, and she yanked out the chair herself, sitting down with an audible huff.

Annika, observing from behind Shivay, suppressed a silent chuckle at the woman's evident displeasure.

Shivay, oblivious to the tension, launched into a businesslike discussion. "You mentioned issues with the proposal? I've reviewed it thoroughly, and everything seems in order."

The woman's demeanor shifted, her voice taking on a sultry, accusatory tone. "If I hadn't cited work, would you have agreed to meet me? You hastily left my house that day when I suggested you stay... with me."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Shivay's expression remained neutral, but Annika sensed a flicker of discomfort.

Annika's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions. "Why would Shivay stay at her house when he has his own?" she thought, irritation simmering beneath the surface. But what really puzzled her was: "What was Shivay doing at her house in the first place?"

Shivay's response was swift and assertive, his tone brooking no nonsense. "Miss Kanika Shukla, let's clarify something. I only dropped you home that day because my grandfather instructed me to, not because I intended to stay. Frankly, I wouldn't have bothered otherwise."

Kanika's face fell, her seductive smile faltering. Shivay continued, his voice firm but controlled.

"And for the record, I value my time immensely. If you hadn't mentioned work, I wouldn't have agreed to meet. You're wasting my time, Miss Shukla. If this isn't about the proposal, I suggest we conclude this meeting."

Annika watched, impressed by Shivay's diplomatic yet assertive handling of the situation. Her initial unease began to dissipate, replaced by curiosity about Kanika's true intentions.

Kanika's expression transformed from sultry to indignant, her eyes flashing with anger. "How dare you!" she spat, her voice low but venomous.

Kanika's face reddened, her eyes blazing with indignation. "How dare you say 'someone like me'?" she snapped, her voice dripping with venom. "You're aware that countless men desire me, yet you seem immune to my charms. It's almost... insulting."