Crossing The Devils Path

chap 45-Fate Intervenes

Richard's Pov:
Once I reached the hotel I decided to relax myself and go for a swim before I immerse myself in work.
I gathered my clothes and changed into swimwear. Heading towards the pool area I could feel the eyes of the women scanning me but I felt indifferent to them. If I was the Richard before I met Richa, I would have even thought of entertaining those women or striking conversations with them but now my heart , soul and body belonged only to one Indian women-Richa Carlson.
Not yet. She is still Richa Chadda remember? My conscious snapped. Not yet but soon.  I thought and smirked.
This time I wouldn't leave without her whatever come may.
After spending about half an hour in the pool, I headed to my room above. I had started to admire Shimla a bit. Though it may not be as developed as the U.K it still has its own charm and beauty.
Just like Richa. I sighed at my thoughts. From the time I landed in India I could hardly focus on my work . All my thoughts were clouded about Richa.
The shrill ring of my mobile brought me back to reality. Seeing the caller id I picked it up instantly.
"Yes ? you better have some solid news this time Charlie."I sternly told my hired investigator.
"Yes Sir. I have news but I am afraid it may be a mixture of good and bad." he said.
"Shoot."I muttered on the phone.
"After using up all my sources in Mumbai , I have got to know that Richa Chadda has been declared dead by the authorities. But the funny thing is that no dead body was ever found claiming that she suicided or jumped in a water body.
Again, contradicting this information I have found information from another source in India. A look alike of Richa has been seen in a hill station in India but her name has been reported as Reena. Since, I still don't have news about who her parents are I cannot surely say if she is Reena or Richa. She is supposed to be an adopted daughter of the Chadda parents. She could be a cousin of Richa and her family or an entirely different person. Also this Reena works at Pearl Enterprises a real estate company; as a personal assisstant to her boss." he narrated professionally.

At this point my head was spinning with all this new information but keeping my cool, I asked him only one question.
"Where has she been seen?"
"Shimla." he replied.
That was all I needed to hear. Hanging up on him I decided it was now time to take action.
Immediately I called up my secretary to find out about Pearl Enterprises and call me back as soon as possible. After a few hours, she called me and told me everything  that she could find out Pearl Enterprises.She even informed me that a Charity Gala was going to take place in Shimla today and that all big companies of India would be present there, even Pearl.
Now, I knew what step to take next. I told her to cancel the contract with the real estate company which I had chosen prior to coming here. I also told her to get me all the information she could on the Ceo of Pearl Enterprises.
I am coming to get you Richa. Run as fast as you can. I will do everything in my power to make you mine . You were, are and will be mine. Just wait and watch.

Richa's Pov:
When we reached the venue I was awestruck. It was a five star  hotel and the parking lot was lined up with luxurious cars. It felt like I was standing in a car showroom.
But these are nothing compared to the cars Richard had. Classy and expensive.
Not again, I sighed at my direction of thoughts.

Ray came from behind and offered me his arm. With a bright smile I placed my arm in his and off we went. The gala was to be held in the ballroom of the hotel on the 5th floor. We patiently waited for the elevator to come while chatting about our day and other stuff.
When the elevator arrived we got in arm in arm and along with us another couple got in. It was just the four of us but the way those two kept looking at each other we could feel the sexual tension in the air.
The next moment , the couple locked lips with each other while I avoided any eye contact with Ray.
It was only when he held my hand and entwined our fingers did I look up at him.
Giving him a confused look at looked at our hands. His were warm and inviting it felt good in a way I couldn't pin point.
It's been really long since I was last with a man who cared for me.
His large hand squeezed mine making me look up at him. That's when I realized our close proximity. If he dipped his head a little more lower we would've kissed. As if reading my mind he bent his head lower but did not place his lips on mine. Instead his lips brushed my ear while he whispered in a sexy voice
"You really do look stunning tonight Ms. Reena."
I couldn't breathe properly my chest was heaving up and down rapidly. Just then the opening of the elevator doors made us all alert. The couple ahead of us fixed their look and stepped out. I and Ray proceeded to step out but before I could do that, he placed a quick lingering kiss beneath my ear lobe. Leaving my body hot and needy.
I gulped and quickly  got out of the elevator needing some space and air. In a mere moments span Ray was beside me . I was about to move awag from.him when his hand snaked around my waist pulling my body close to his.
I wanted to react but it was too late. We had already reached the entrance of the ballroom and I couldn't make a scene here. Swiftly movimg through the crowd we reached our table and sat down on it. Ray was smirking at me while I must've turned a deep shade of red. After that we remained silent throughout the opening speech with Ray stealing glances at me while I tried to ignore them.
He is my boss I cannot be physically attracted to him. It is wrong on so many levels.
I thought .
Well correction, he is your hot boss and may I say very much interested in you. So why not give him chance and see where this goes?
My consciene suggested.
Shrugging off these obscene ideas I excused myself and walked away from Ray towards the washroom. I couldn't help but feel like I was cheating on Richard. I always felt that way when a man approached me. I knew my heart mind and soul belomged to Richard but it was high time now. It been so long he never came. My hopes were breaking bit by bit everyday and seeing him on the news that day. Knowning he was so close to me here on my land made me shudder. I wish he would find a way for us to get back. I would wait a little while longer. After calming myself down, I quickly did my business and got out to wash my hands and fix my makeup. When all was set I proceeded to go out and join Ray.
With a radiant smile on my face, shutting dpwn my emotions I walked to our table. But I noticed that another man was seated opposite Ray on our table. They were talking animatedly about something but a strange feeling  settled in the pit of my stomach.
I could not see the man, his back was facing me . I silently walked towards them . Ray noticed my presence and stood up to greet and introduce me to the other man. I prepared myself to formally meet either our client or a potential client. The other man stood up too. I looked up with a smile but it turned to shock. My sweetest dream and worst nightmare was staring back at me.