THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 28

Jonathan King

I watched Anupama with concern and admiration as she paced anxiously back and forth, her coat billowing in the brisk wind. The tension was palpable as Kai, Devika, Levi, Kinjal, Adrian, and Naomi surrounded her, their efforts to soothe her underscored by a sense of urgency. I could feel the weight of the business resting heavily on her shoulders, a burden I understood all too well. Gently, I rubbed her back, pulling her closer to my chest, hoping my presence would offer some comfort amid the chaotic murmurs of the media, whose eager microphones awaited the slightest misstep from her already fraying nerves.

"Relax, baby. You're going to make yourself sick," I urged, my voice steady as I rocked her side to side in a deliberate, calming rhythm. Naomi squeezed Anupama's hand reassuringly, her thumb gently massaging the back of it. Kai let out a frustrated groan, his patience wearing thin. "Anupama, we've poured too much heart and soul into this," he reminded her softly. "Your efforts were enough; now all we need is for the market to respond." At that moment, Adrian glanced at his watch, desperately trying to find a way to delay the impending conference by another fifteen precious minutes.

"I can't do this," Anupama said with wide eyes, a hint of desperation in her voice. Kinjal echoed her sentiment, shaking her head, her hands trembling as evidence of her worry. Levi sighed deeply, cradling her face in his palms, his expression one of fierce determination. "You need to snap out of it, or you'll blank out on stage, and no one will be there to save you," he warned, his tone unyielding yet kind.

Anupama paused, pushing Levi's hand away slightly before reaching for mine, a physical tether anchoring her to reality. "This won't work!" she exclaimed, panic lacing her already-frayed words. I leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, wrapping my arms around her with fierce protectiveness. I didn't care about the smudge her lipstick would leave on my shirt; that mark was now a badge of my commitment to her.

"Snap out of it now!" I urged again, more insistently, pressing her soft, red lips against my shirt. I could feel her breathing stabilise as she found a rhythm in the deeper breaths I encouraged her to take. I cradled her face, compelling her to meet my gaze with her deep, wide, beautiful eyes, and I poured every bit of my belief in her into that moment. "You've done everything you can," I reassured her firmly. "The rest is in the hands of Krishna. All we need is for the market to respond according to our plans."

Slowly, I saw the fear dissipate from her eyes, replaced by a flicker of fierce determination in her soul.

She nodded resolutely, sweeping her gaze across the room. "I understand," she said firmly, dabbing the perspiration from her brow with the back of her hand. She sighed heavily and said, "Let me freshen up in the bathroom." Anupama slowly pulled away, glancing briefly at her phone, a mix of concern and determination on her face. Adrian flashed a supportive smile as he stood beside Devika, whose expression bore the weight of just emerging from an arduous battle. We gathered our composure and took our places on stage as part of the production, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation.

The media was in a frenzy with Adrian and me sharing the same space—their cameras poised for the high-stakes photo that would surely be a money-maker for them. "Ladies and gentlemen, please relax and take your seats," Adrian announced authoritatively, his tone brokering no argument. "I would appreciate your patience for my partner and ask that you refrain from taking pictures." The noise of clicking cameras ceased abruptly, silence cascading over the room like a hush after a storm.

As I checked the time, a wave of unease washed over me—ten minutes had already slipped by without a word from Naomi, and despite Devika's attempts to reach her, there was still no response. I scanned the venue, the worry gnawing at me; something hadn't gone amiss. It was typical of Nico and Rhys to falter on security arrangements when they couldn't get their act together.