An Inconvenient Flame (Completed)

Chapter 65

I rest my head against the seat and exhale slowly.

God.

I needed this.

I tilt my head to check on Ivaan, I grin.

He has his face nearly pressed to the window, looking outside with amusement.

"Careful," I murmur. "Your nose is leaving marks."

"I can't see properly."

"You're practically inside the glass."

He ignores me.

Abhiraj, meanwhile, drives with one hand resting lazily over the steering wheel, looking far too composed for someone who has been handling office calls for half the journey.

The resort finally appears after another turn.

I loved this place when we came here last time.

Warm wooden structure. Large glass windows. Quiet luxury instead of loud luxury. Wind chimes somewhere near the entrance moving softly with the breeze.

The reception opens into a cozy lounge-like space instead of a formal hotel setup. Wooden flooring. Soft lighting. Indoor plants placed near wide windows overlooking the hills.

A staff member approaches us immediately with polite smiles while another takes care of the luggage.

Because Abhiraj has a strict, operational approach to travel, the entire check-in process and documentation were already managed online days ago.

While Abhiraj steps toward the desk to collect the key cards, I notice Ivaan has gone completely still beside me. I follow his gaze...

And near one of the couches...

Oh.

A large, beautifully groomed Golden Retriever is lying lazily on a plush rug.

Definitely not here last time.

The dog looks completely unbothered by human existence, tail thumping once against the floor as someone walks past him.

Meanwhile, Ivaan is staring at him like he has discovered treasure.

I shift my attention away before the dog decides to acknowledge me too. I'm not terrified of dogs exactly.

I just prefer... distance.

Healthy distance.

The owner recognizes us before I can think further and walks over with a warm smile. He's probably somewhere in his late forties, dressed casually despite clearly running the place.

"Mrs. Rajvansh." he says pleasantly. "I hope the drive was smooth."

"It was wonderful, thank you," I reply, forcing a polite, composed smile onto my face while my eyes keep darting nervously toward the corner.

Abhiraj walks back from the counter, the room keys in his hand.

The moment Ivaan sees his father return, he takes a step forward, clearly trying to approach the dog.

Absolutely not.

Before he can take a second stride. I catch the collar of his t-shirt from the back of his neck. He blinks, looking back at me with a slightly confused expression.

"Mumma," he protests softly, still staring at the dog.

"One second."

The dog finally lifts his head, looking mildly interested in life now.