CLASH OF DESTINY

Chapter 10

Aadvik's House – Morning

Aadvik woke up with a deep sigh, feeling oddly refreshed. He stared at the ceiling, trying to understand why last night felt different. For years, sleep had been his enemy. His past, his demons—they never let him close his eyes without nightmares. And yet, last night... he slept peacefully.

His brows furrowed. Was it the party? The exhaustion? No, he had attended countless events before, but none had given him this kind of peace. Then his mind wandered to her—Ishinita. The way she looked on the dance floor, the way she talked to him, the scars on her wrists... Was it just a coincidence that he slept after years on the same night she entered his life?

Ridiculous, he thought, shaking his head. But his heart wasn't convinced.

Malhotra House – 5:30 AM

Ishinita's alarm buzzed before the sun even rose. She quickly switched it off, sitting up in bed. She couldn't risk Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra questioning her.

She had learned one thing in this house—survival meant silence.

Moving swiftly, she got ready before anyone else woke up, packing a small box of breakfast in her bag. She didn't have time to eat. Not when she had to reach Aadvik Singhania's house first thing in the morning.

With a deep breath, she slipped out of the house unnoticed.

Singhania Mansion – 7:00 AM

Aadvik wiped the sweat off his face, his muscles burning from the intense workout. He grabbed his protein shake and headed towards the dining area.

But as soon as he stepped inside, he froze.

His family was laughing. With her.

His jaw tightened as he took in the scene before him.

His mother was holding Ishinita's hand, smiling warmly as they talked. His father was nodding along, seemingly entertained. Even Anurag, his reserved younger brother, looked relaxed around her.

And then there was her.

Ishinita sat at the dining table, a soft smile on her face, looking like she belonged. Too much.

Something inside Aadvik twisted—an unfamiliar irritation.

He didn't like it. Or he didn't like that she was comfortable with everyone except him. He didn't like this at all.

"Good morning, beta," Gauri Singhania greeted him warmly.

His gaze, however, was locked onto one person.

A muscle in his jaw twitched.

But instead of ignoring her, he did something unexpected.

"You seem too comfortable, Ms. Malhotra," his voice turned cold, laced with authority. The warmth in the air suddenly vanished.

Everyone fell silent.

Ishinita blinked, caught off guard.

"I didn't hire you to sit around laughing with my family," he continued, stepping closer. His words were sharp, precise designed to push her away. "If you're done wasting time, get ready. We're leaving for the office."