Falling in love with my CEO.

11 - The Weight of Unsaid Words

Sushvi point of view

"What? How is this possible?" My voice trembled as I stared at the photo in Harshi's hand—a picture of Akhil kissing my forehead.

"Where... did you—" I started to ask, but she cut me off, her voice trembling with rage.

"Where did I get this pic? You damn idiot! How could you betray me?" Tears cascaded down her cheeks, and I felt a pang of guilt. It was true—I hadn't meant for this to happen. I was trying so hard to control my feelings. But how could I explain to her that he's a vampire too? How could she possibly handle that?

"Harshi, it's not what you think... he just did it unexpectedly," I pleaded. But she wasn't listening, her anger overwhelming any sense of reason.

"When did you start flirting with guys? Trying to become a whore now?" Her words hit me like a physical blow, and before I knew it, I slapped her hard, tears welling up in my eyes.

An evil smirk curled on her lips. "You know, you always dreamed of getting a higher position, working so hard to come here and prove yourself... but I never imagined you'd stoop so low as to flirt with the guy I like." Her words were like needles stabbing into my heart, each one sharper than the last.

"And I never imagined my friend would assume the worst, stabbing me with her words even though she knows me better than anyone!" I shot back, my voice cracking with emotion as I turned away, unable to bear the sight of her.

I had always wanted to achieve my dreams, to reach the heights I'd set for myself. I didn't want to fight with someone who didn't respect me. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I turned back to face her. "I don't understand what makes you think I'm betraying you, but I'm not interested in your guy, and I never will be," I said, my voice firm as I turned to leave.

But she grabbed my hand, her expression softening as she looked at me with tearful eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just couldn't handle what I saw."

I tried to smile, though it barely reached my eyes. "If I were in your place, I would've reacted the same way... don't worry about it."

"I think I need to tell him how I feel..." she paused, glancing away before continuing. "I'll talk to him tomorrow. Can you come with me?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

A sudden pain shot through my heart. Why did the thought of her confessing to him feel so unbearable?

"What do you say?" she asked again, her excitement almost palpable.

"Yes, you need to," I replied, forcing a smile. "And you... you're coming with me, right?" she added, almost like a command. I nodded, though a deep sadness gnawed at me. Perhaps it was because he's a vampire?

The next morning

"What should I wear?" Harshi asked, her excitement undimmed. I felt a pang of guilt like I was doing something wrong. "Um, anything that fits well," I said, trying to muster a smile.

She pulled out two knee-length dresses, both of which flattered her figure. "Which one should I wear? White or blue?" she asked. Before I could respond, she set the white one aside. "I think he likes this," she said, holding up the blue one.

"No, he loves white," I said softly. "And it looks beautiful on you."

She smiled, mouthing a 'thank you,' and I returned the smile, though my heart ached.

An hour later

"Did you call him? Are you sure?" Harshi asked for the umpteenth time, her nerves evident. I couldn't understand her excitement. My heart was heavy—I couldn't bear to see her confess her feelings to him.

"Waiting for me?" The voice I loved asked. I turned to see Akhil standing there, looking like a demi-god. I wasn't scared of him, but I was terrified of losing him.

"Hello!" Harshi greeted him, flashing her brightest smile.

They shook hands, and I watched, feeling like an intruder. "Hello, Ms. Harshi! I'm glad to see you after so long," he said, still holding her hand. She blushed, and it was unbearable to watch.

Move away from them. Why stand here like a fool? My subconscious urged.

"Uh, I think I should give you two some privacy," I said, stepping back.

"Privacy? For what?" Akhil asked, looking puzzled.

"Akhil... I wanted to tell you something," Harshi began, putting me through sheer agony. I silently prayed that he wouldn't say yes, that he wouldn't agree.

"I don't know why, but ever since I met you, I've been falling for you... I think... I think I love you," she finally said. I glanced at Akhil's face, searching for a reaction, but his expression remained unreadable.

Would he agree? My heart pounded in my chest—please, no.

"I'm flattered that you love me, Harshi," he began, and my heart sank.

What are you waiting for? He's already given his answer. Move away now. My subconscious urged.

Harshi's face lit up, but how could he say that? "But... I'm different. I'm not what you think..." he continued.

She smiled. "I don't care about that."

If she weren't my friend, I would have punched her then and there, ensuring she never smiled like that again.

"No, you can't handle me... I work at a car wash. I'm too poor to keep you happy," he said, trying to let her down gently. She fell silent, and I wondered why she wasn't saying anything.

This is your chance—go, tell him how you feel. My subconscious urged again.

"I... I..." she stammered, searching for the right words.

"It doesn't matter. Money doesn't bring happiness. It doesn't give me confidence or provide love. You might be poor, or you might be something other than human... you might be different, but my heart loves you as you are. My mind may have restrictions, but my heart doesn't," I confessed, unable to hold back any longer. "Can you tell me why my heart races when you're near? Why do my eyes always seek you out? Why do my lips curve into a smile the moment I see you? When I asked myself these questions, my heart told me it's because I'm in love with you... so deeply that I can't escape it. You might be poor, but you're rich in love, and that's what I want. I love you, regardless of your caste, your religion, your status. You know what? I never believed people when they said that when you're in love, you find that person everywhere. I used to laugh at such notions, but now... now I see you in everything. I feel your presence everywhere, and I realize I'm the luckiest girl in the world. I want you to be my mate... my soulmate."

"Sushvi?" Harshi's voice brought me back to reality. I looked at Akhil, who was staring at me with a blank expression. Even Harshi seemed stunned. Oh no... did I just say all that out loud?

"Th-this is what Harshi wanted to say to you!" I stammered, desperate to divert his attention. "I knew you weren't feeling well, so I just said what was on your mind, Harshi," I added, trying to cover up my blunder.

But they both looked too shocked to speak. I couldn't believe I had let all that emotion spill out.

"I can't love you, Harshi," Akhil finally said, breaking the silence. "Because I've already found the one I want," he added, his gaze fixed on me.

Did he mean me? Please let it be me!

Harshi remained calm, much to my surprise. "Thank you for your time, Akhil. Have a good day," she said before turning and walking away. What? She just left? After all that excitement?

"I... I think I need to go console her," I said, smiling. Akhil didn't reply. "I'll see you later then," I added, turning to leave. But before I could take another step, he grabbed me by the waist, pulling me back to face him.

His face was inches from mine, and I could feel his breath on my skin. My breathing quickened, his touch sending sparks through my body.

"I... I really should go..." I whispered, but his lips crashed onto mine before I could finish.

The kiss was deep, and intense, like he feared he'd never see me again. He tasted like vanilla, and the passion behind the kiss overwhelmed me. I pushed him away and hurried off, not daring to look back.