UNWILLINGLY HIS

Unsure feelings

The morning light filtered through the windows as Samaira stood in front of her family, preparing to leave. Her bag rested by her feet, and her heart weighed heavy with the decision to leave the safety of her family’s warmth behind.

Naksh stood close, a mix of concern and frustration on his face. "You don’t have to do this, Samaira. You can stay. We’ll figure something out."

Samaira gave him a soft, reassuring smile. "I’m strong enough to face this, Naksh. I have to do this, for myself. For my own peace. But I’ll be back soon, I promise."

Her voice was firm, but Naksh could see the conflict behind her eyes. He wanted to say more, but the look Samaira gave him made him stop. She was determined, even if it broke his heart a little more each time he saw her sacrifice her happiness for the sake of everything else.

"Take care of yourself," he said softly, pulling her into a brief hug.

"I will," Samaira whispered, squeezing him back before stepping away.

Turning to her parents, she shared one last, lingering moment with them. "I’ll call you once I’m settled in," she promised, trying to keep her voice steady.

Her mother smiled warmly, though there was sadness in her eyes. "We love you, Samaira. Take care of yourself."

"I will, Mom. I love you too," she replied, before finally stepping out the door, taking one last look at the place that had been her safe haven.

When Samaira reached the front gate, she spotted Advait's sleek car already parked, the engine running. He was standing by the car, impeccably dressed, his posture perfect as always. As she approached, she couldn't help but wonder, How much free time does he have?

But then, she answered herself with a shrug. Of course, he’s the CEO. Maybe he can afford to waste his time. It was none of her concern. It was his time, and he could use it however he wanted.

Without a word, Samaira stepped forward and slid into the car. Advait followed her, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary before he got in himself. The car door clicked shut, and with that, they were on their way.

As they drove, Samaira’s thoughts drifted. She couldn’t help but recall Aahana’s teasing words about Advait, his strange concern for her the day before, and then—his handsome features. Her eyes unconsciously wandered over to him as he drove, his sharp jawline, the intense focus in his eyes as he maneuvered through traffic.

Advait, sensing her gaze, smirked without taking his eyes off the road. "I know I look handsome," he said, his voice smooth. "But if you keep staring at me like that, I might lose control of the car."

Samaira blinked, a little embarrassed. "I wasn’t staring at you," she said quickly, flustered. "There was just... a fly over there." She pointed to the side window, avoiding his gaze.

Advait chuckled softly, the sound rich and low. "You can stare as much as you want. I’m yours forever." His tone was playful, but there was something deeper behind the words, something that made Samaira pause.

She raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of amusement and annoyance. "Was that supposed to be romantic?" she asked, skeptical. "Or cheesy?"

Advait shrugged, his smile curling a little more. "Maybe a bit of both," he said, glancing at her for just a second before focusing back on the road. "But if you’re asking if I’ve always been this cheesy, then no... I wasn’t. But now, I’m all yours. I’ll say whatever I want."

Samaira’s mind raced. What’s his game? She had been down this road before with him, and she wasn’t about to fall for it again. This is all part of some twisted plan, right? The memories of the way he’d betrayed her before—the pain, the lies—still haunted her. He’s just trying to manipulate me again.

"No," she said firmly, shaking her head. "I’m not falling for this. Not this time."

Advait’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "You’ll eventually realize your feelings for me. It’s good that you’re questioning things. It shows you’re not trusting me instantly. That’s a good start."

Samaira didn’t respond, her thoughts swirling. She wasn’t sure what to believe anymore. She could see the sincerity in his words, but she also knew better than to trust him. He had hurt her before, and she wasn’t about to let that happen again.

The car continued on, the tension between them palpable, but neither of them said anything more. The miles stretched on, but Samaira couldn’t shake the feeling that something was changing in her, even if she refused to acknowledge it.

Before long, the car pulled into Advait’s driveway. Samaira’s gaze shifted toward the mansion that loomed in front of them, the place she had once called home, though it had never really felt like home. She had never felt at ease here, and the memories of their time together before everything fell apart still lingered in the air.

Advait turned off the engine and looked at her. "We’re here," he said simply, his eyes searching hers.

Samaira didn’t respond right away. She just stared at the house for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. This was where it all started—where her life had been turned upside down. And now, here she was, back again.

"Let’s get this over with," she muttered under her breath, though her voice was more uncertain than she wanted it to be.

Advait smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Don’t worry. You’ll be fine."

With that, he opened the door and stepped out of the car, waiting for her to follow. Samaira took a deep breath and stepped out, determined not to let her emotions get the best of her this time. She wasn’t going to let him control her again.

As they walked toward the door, Samaira couldn’t help but wonder what was going to happen next. The future seemed uncertain, but one thing was for sure—she wouldn’t let him manipulate her again. Not this time.