Falling in love with my CEO.

6 - Unraveling Secrets and Conflicted Hearts

Sushvi's Point of View

A throbbing pain pulsed through my head as I slowly opened my eyes. My hand, now bandaged, throbbed with the memory of last night's terror. Vineel's concerned face came into view.

"Vineel? You're here?" I asked, bewildered.

"Of course I'm here. When will you girls learn to be cautious? First Harshi, and now you," he said, his voice laced with frustration.

"We're fine!" Harshi snapped, stepping in to defend us. "Sushvi, you've only got three days until your presentation. Is this how you're going to handle your dream?"

Vineel was right. I needed to be more careful.

"Don't worry, Vineel," Harshi said. "We were saved by the same person."

"Who?" Vineel's curiosity was piqued.

I quickly cut her off. "He's an elderly man and a social worker," I lied.

"What?" Harshi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Whatever the case, I spoke with the CEO yesterday, and he's very interested in our project," Vineel said, his face lighting up with excitement.

"That's great," I said, relieved.

Vineel left shortly after, and I returned to my laptop to finish the remaining work. "Why did you lie?" Harshi suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

"About what?" I feigned innocence.

"Why say Akhil is an old man?" she pressed, her eyes narrowing.

"Let it go," I said, turning back to my work. "We can't reveal the truth. We're here for the project. If Vineel finds out I spent time with someone like that, he might pull the plug on our opportunity."

"I understand," Harshi said quietly.

But then, Harshi dropped a bombshell. "I... I think I'm starting to like him."

"What?!" I was stunned. "How can you like him already? We've only been here a short time!"

"Liking someone doesn't depend on time," she said, looking hurt.

"We came here for our project. We don't belong here. How can you start liking someone so quickly?" I said, frustration seeping into my voice.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it," she said, her determination evident.

"No, you're not going to deal with this alone. I'll help you," I said firmly.

"Help me with what?" she asked, her eyes hopeful.

"I'll help you on one condition," I said. "I need to evaluate him before you confirm your feelings."

Harshi agreed, and I returned to my work, my mind racing. How could she be attracted to someone she barely knew? I needed to learn more about Akhil to keep her safe.

Akhil's Point of View

"Mr. Chowdary, may I come in?" The awaited guest had arrived.

"Hello, Mr. Vineel. Please, take a seat," I greeted him with a practiced smile.

"We've heard so much about your company and are excited to work with you," he said, his eyes brimming with satisfaction.

"I'm very interested in your project, but unfortunately, I'll be busy on the day of your presentation," I said, maintaining a formal tone.

Vineel smiled, though I wondered if it was genuine or feigned. He droned on about his company's affairs, but my mind was elsewhere—concerned for Sushvi's safety. I couldn't afford to visit the hotel constantly. I had to ensure her security without raising suspicion.

"I heard one of your team members was injured. I'm considering extending the presentation deadline so she can recover," I said my voice firm.

"No, no, she's fine. It was a minor accident," Vineel assured me.

"May I know her name?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"Sushvi. Why do you ask?" Vineel's gaze was piercing.

"It's my responsibility to ensure your safety as our clients," I said, trying to sound convincing.

"That's reassuring," Vineel said, nodding with approval.

This man was rigid. I needed to tread carefully around him.

Unknown Point of View

"What the hell?! Is she still safe? That bleedy human is trying to steal what's mine!" I roared at my elder brother Arnav, who stood near the window, seemingly lost in thought.

"Calm down, little sister. She's a remarkable human," he said, still gazing outside, his tone almost dreamy.

"What?!" I was in shock.

"She captured my heart the moment I saw her—her chubby cheeks, her beautiful smile," he continued, his voice soft but possessive.

"She's human, for god's sake! Do you understand?" I yelled.

Arnav turned to face me, his eyes dark with determination. "Yes, she's human. And she will be mine—mine and mine alone! Let's see how Akhil can keep her."

"I'll help you," I said through gritted teeth. My brother's obsession was dangerous, but I had my own agenda. "She's yours, and he's mine," I added with a chilling laugh.

"She will be mine... only mine. Sushvi, my beloved," Arnav's voice dripped with possessiveness.

Hello readers...
Please don't remain silent! Vote and let us know your thoughts.

Will Harshi's feelings for Akhil complicate matters?
Who is this mysterious Arnav? What are his true intentions?