Adhya POV
The studio was silent when she stepped in—unnaturally so.
Lights off. Curtains drawn. Only the glow of a single spotlight in the center.
Her heart tightened. Imtiaz had a way of making spaces feel like traps. She adjusted her shawl over her belly, Aaryan's drawing tucked safely into her bag. Even the thought of her family gave her strength.
"Shakti."
His voice slid through the darkness.
She turned.
Imtiaz approached from behind the cameras, dressed in black, every step sharp, controlled... predatory.
But his smile—slow, deliberate—was worse.
"You came," he said softly.
"It's my job," she replied.
He circled her, eyes scanning her face... as if searching for cracks. "I was afraid you would try to avoid me."
Adhya held her breath. "Why would I do that?"
He stopped behind her. Too close.
"People avoid what they fear," he murmured.
She felt his breath at the nape of her neck. Why is he behaving like this, she thought.
Before she could step away, the studio lights flickered to life.
Behind him, on a side desk...
his laptop was open.
And the wallpaper froze her blood.
A woman.
Beautiful.
Smiling.
Wrapped in red bridal silk.
Naaz.
Imtiaz's wife. Dead.
Reported missing years ago. Adhya stared—unable to look away. Naaz's eyes... familiar. Her smile... haunting.
A cold shiver crawled down her spine.
Imtiaz followed her gaze.
His voice shifted—lower, darker.
"You like the picture?" She forced a shallow breath. "She's... beautiful. Who is she?"
A long silence. Then his lips curved.
"My wife."
She widened her eyes, pretending shock. "You're... married?"
"I was." His jaw tensed. "She left me."
Liar.
No, not left.
Killed.
Adhya swallowed, choosing every word carefully.
"I am sorry. That must've been painful." His eyes flickered with something dangerous.
"You remind me of her," he whispered. "Not the way you look, no. Something deeper. Something only I can feel."
Her heartbeat stuttered. This wasn't admiration. This was obsession.
He took a step closer. "Shakti... I need you to understand something."
She forced a smile. "Understand what?"
He brushed a finger along her jaw.
"That I don't want to lose you like I lost her."
The room tightened like a fist around her.
Her voice barely held steady. "You won't lose me. I'm just here to work."
"No." His eyes darkened. "You're here because you belong here."
Belong.
That word felt like a chain. Before she could respond, her phone buzzed in her pocket.
YOU ARE READING
Transcendent Love (Sequel: A Namesake Couple)
RomanceIt's a sequel and second book of the series. After Advitya's death , Adhya has moved to Amsterdam. She started living with her bodyguard brother Jaideep and Her friend (now sister in law )Jade. Adhya is also a mother to a 3 year old boy... She has j...
