Destiny For Unlikely Vows

Chapter 40

Riya's POV

He was not letting me go, but then someone knocked on the door. He didn't like that someone had interrupted us, but he let me go. I opened the door, and there stood a delivery person with takeout. I told him I didn't order anything. Then he came to the door and informed the delivery person that he had placed the order. He knew it would get late while I packed, so he ordered food in advance.

I took the takeout and shut the door. Placing it on the kitchen counter, I resumed packing when he insisted I eat first before continuing. Reluctantly, I walked to the kitchen and started unpacking the food. He had ordered fried rice from an Indian restaurant. I set the plates on the two-chair dining table and served him. He started eating, and so did I.
Once we were done, I resumed packing while he remained busy on his laptop. When I finally finished, I informed him. He shut his laptop and started walking toward me. My heartbeat quickened-what if he tried to pull something again? But this time, before he could do anything, I dodged him, grabbed my bags, and told him I would say goodbye to Ankit before leaving.

He was definitely angry. "You just met him. Why do you need to say goodbye again?" he snapped.

Ignoring him, I dragged my trolley bag out of my room and toward the elevator. Just as I reached the lift area, someone pulled my bag from me. I was about to shout when he pushed me against the nearest wall.
"Can't you respond when I talk to you? And why do you have to say goodbye to him? Didn't you already meet him?" he asked, his face dangerously close to mine.

I was scared. Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I whispered, "I didn't hear you." Taking a deep breath, I added, "I just wanted him to know I won't be here for a month. I already paid the rent for next month, so I need to give him my keys and inform him before leaving."
He didn't say anything after that. Instead, he simply took my bags and followed me toward Ankit's room. But why was he following me?
I knocked on the door, and Ankit answered. He stood at a distance from his apartment door-not too far, but not too close either.

I smiled at him. "Thank you for everything, Ankit. I'll be back in a month. My grandparents are worried about my health, so they asked me to move to Mr. Rathore's home for a while since he has help who can take care of me."

Ankit looked sad but understood. He leaned in and placed a soft peck on my cheek. "Take care. I'll see you in the office, and after a month, you'll be back. But I'll miss you."

I smiled. "I'll miss you too."
We hugged and said our goodbyes. Ankit insisted on seeing me off until I left the building, but I assured him I would be fine and that he should rest. As I turned to leave, I felt the weight of emotions building up-Ankit was the only person who had been kind and helpful to me in this new country.
Lost in thought, I reached the lift area when suddenly, Mr. Rathore dragged me inside. As soon as the lift doors closed, he pushed me against the wall.
"Do you love him?" he demanded.
The suddenness of it all stunned me. When I looked into his eyes, they were red with anger. What had I done now to make him so furious?
"What?" I repeated, confused.
His jaw clenched. "Do you love him?"
"Who?" I asked, still not understanding.

"Don't act dumb with me!" he snapped.
Then it hit me-he was asking about Ankit. I met his gaze and firmly said, "No."
"Then why did you let him kiss you? You always push me away, but when he kissed you, you looked like you were enjoying it-like two lovers being separated."
Now, it was my turn to lose my temper.

"For your kind information, Mr. Rathore, he didn't kiss me. He just pecked my cheek like a friend. We are close friends. No one else has been kind to me, but he has. You seem to forget how you've humiliated me ever since I came to Paris. But he? He cared for me. He helped me, cooked for me, and took care of me when I was unwell-unlike you. So yes, he is allowed to hug me and give me a friendly peck on the cheek. There's nothing romantic between us. And for your information, Ankit would never feel anything for me. He's the kindest, most genuine person in this world, and he deserves someone far better than me."

He narrowed his eyes. "So you're sad that he doesn't feel anything for you?"
"What? Are you mad? Why do you always twist my words?" I shouted. "No, Mr. Rathore, I am not sad that he isn't interested in me. Because he deserves better. Not a broken, ugly girl like me-as you so kindly called me. He deserves so much more. And you? I'm sorry that you're stuck with me for another eight months. But don't worry, I'm trying to get as far away from you as possible. So you won't have to see my ugly face every day. You won't have to deal with a loser like me. And rest assured, I won't be claiming any money from you."

The lift came to a stop. I took my bag from him and walked toward the exit. His car was parked outside, and Vincent stood nearby. He smiled at me and said, "Ça fait plaisir de te revoir !"
I didn't understand what it meant, but I smiled and replied, "Same here."
I got into the car. A few seconds later, he joined me, sitting silently beside me. The entire ride was silent. Neither of us spoke.

When we arrived at his villa, I took my bags and entered.
Céline greeted me with a warm smile. I hugged her. At least she was here for me.

"How have you been?" I asked.
"I'm fine. I missed you," she said.
I smiled. "I missed you too."
With that, I headed to my room, relieved to be away from Mr. Rathore-at least for now.