𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧

20⚚ Too Long

Vencie POV:

"Don't you think your father and brother will be against this?" Rayan asked, his voice soft but laced with concern.

Amaira nodded, but her lips curled into a confident smile. "I'll convince them, Ray. You know naa, Bhai can never say no to me."

Rayan chuckled at that, a fond smile spreading across his face. "Nobody really can, princess"

His gaze softened as he twirled her gently. "He's perfect for you, Princess."

Amaira's smile widened, but as the twirl ended, her eyes instinctively flickered over Rayan's shoulder. And that's when she saw him.

Viraj! Her Viraj.

The intensity of his gaze hit her like a tidal wave, locking her in place. His dark eyes bore into hers, their depth like an abyss pulling her soul toward him.

There was no escape from the way he looked at her—possessive, raw, and unrelenting. It wasn't just a stare, it was a silent declaration. A claim.

Amaira's breath hitched, her confidence faltering for the first time that evening. The sheer force of his emotions, his quiet fury, and something deeper—something darker—wrapped around her like an invisible chain. Goosebumps prickled over her skin, and her heart thundered in her chest.

But just as suddenly as it began, Viraj broke the eye contact. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his jaw taut with tension.

Without a word, he turned and strode out of the hall, his shoulders stiff, his rage palpable even from a distance.

Amaira's chest deflated with a shaky sigh. She hadn't meant to push him this far—hadn't anticipated the depth of his reaction.

The music faded as the dance came to an end. Rayan placed a gentle hand on her head, patting it affectionately.

"All the best, Princess. And don't forget—you owe me all the details later, yeah? Let's catch up in college."

Amaira nodded distractedly, her mind still tethered to Viraj's stormy departure. "Yes, Bhai," she murmured, her voice distant.

Before she could process her own emotions, Rithvik approached her, his brows furrowed with concern. "Princess, I think you should go after him. I'm... I'm scared."

The worry in his voice tugged at Amaira's heart. She nodded silently, her resolve solidifying.

"Gaurav Bhaiyyaaa, pleaseee cover for me," Amaira requested quickly, glancing at him who gave her a quick nod in response.

Without wasting another moment, she lifted her dress slightly and hurried after Viraj, her heart pounding as the cool air outside hit her skin.

The echoes of her footsteps followed her into the night as she searched for him. Viraj was a storm waiting to unleash its fury, and deep down, Amaira knew only she could calm it.

Amaira walked in the direction her heart whispered to go, her steps unsteady but determined. It led her to her palace.

The darkness inside seemed to mirror the storm raging in her mind. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors.

The silence was deafening. She moved cautiously, her breath hitching as she climbed the staircase. Room after room, hallway after hallway—there was no sign of him.

Still, she pressed on, her instincts guiding her until they brought her to the terrace.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she pushed open the terrace door. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but before she could even step out, a powerful force yanked her forward.