Falling in love with my CEO.

27 - A Heart Shattered and a Final Farewell

SUSHVI POV

The party was in full swing, with only a select group of staff members present. I missed this place. I had genuinely enjoyed working here. "Hey, Sushvi! Hope you won't forget us after you head back to India," William said, holding up a glass of wine.

I managed a smile, though it felt hollow. Everyone gave short, sweet speeches. Mr. Jonathan Bennet's speech made me particularly emotional. Harshi was crying, too. He was one of the nicest people I'd met here.

The employees had been so kind to us from the start. "Everyone, look! Our CEO has arrived," William announced, clinking his glass.

I tensed. The moment I had dreaded was here. I clutched Vineel's arm tightly and closed my eyes. "Breathe, Sushvi. Open your eyes," Vineel whispered.

I slowly opened my eyes to see Akhil, the man who had once made me feel like I was in heaven and then shattered my heart. He wasn't in his usual formal attire. He wore a simple V-neck white T-shirt and denim jeans. His face was devoid of expression—dim and dry.

He looked so different from the powerful CEO I had known. "It's time for your speech," William said. "Our respected CEO will share a few words about the team," he continued, and everyone cheered.

Akhil scanned the crowd until his eyes met mine. I saw a mixture of sadness, excitement, and anger in his gaze. What did it mean? I quickly averted my eyes.

"I don't know where to start," he said with a smile, and everyone smiled back. "I need to appreciate the efforts of the team in making our project exceed expectations. I'm glad I accepted Vensor's help," he continued.

"Talking about the core team members, Mr. Vineel, you've done a wonderful job guiding your team. I believe that's why Mr. Vishal's company is growing—he has the secret formula of employing someone as exceptional as you," Akhil said. I watched as Vineel beamed with pride and bowed, mouthing a thank you.

"Next, Harshi... a girl with patience. You handle everything so well. I'm jealous that I don't have someone like you in my company who never gets angry with her boss, no matter how much work he gives her. Am I right, William?" Akhil said, raising an eyebrow.

"Absolutely right, sir," William agreed.

Harshi blushed. Akhil had a way of turning everyone to his side effortlessly. I sighed. Then he spoke about Mani, another team member. Now, his gaze was back on me. He was going to talk about me.

I wasn't sure I wanted to hear it. I didn't want to look at him. "And finally, the one I'm left with," Akhil said, taking a deep breath. "I hope everyone has seen 'Twilight'?" he asked. Some people looked confused, while others nodded.

"So, most of you have," he said, and everyone laughed. "You might be familiar with the character Isabella Swan—the beauty who made the beast fall in love, who stood by Edward Cullen even during tough times," he continued.

"Now, you might wonder why I'm bringing this up. I never believed in such fantasy until I met one in real life. A girl who made us proud with her confidence and charm, and who made a beast like me form a bond of friendship. I don't even know how to describe her without it taking forever. If someone asked me the best and most life-changing part of my life, it would be meeting you," he said, smiling.

Tears began to well up in my eyes. Everyone applauded, and it felt like I was the center of attention. If I stayed there any longer, I might convince myself to fall for him again. I had to leave.

I hurried to the balcony, tears streaming down my face. Why did it have to be so hard? Why did I have to suffer like this? "Hey, Sushvi!" Akhil's voice cut through my despair. Why did he have to come now? Couldn't he give me space to heal?

I tried to move away, but he appeared in front of me, smiling. "I... I actually wanted to say something," he began. I felt uncomfortable. "I don't know if this is the right time, but... I... I lo—"

I cut him off, my voice trembling. "I hate you. I hate you forever. I regret ever being friends with you. If anyone asks me what was the biggest regret in my life, it will be meeting you. You bloody bloodsucker. Hell with you. Tomorrow night, I'm leaving, and I'm never coming back," I said, my tears flowing uncontrollably.

He stood there, blank-faced. I turned to leave but glanced back one last time. "Please, don't come back into my life," I said, then walked away.

His words still echoed in my mind. How could he call me a bitch? I couldn't bear it.

Goodbye, Akhil. I never want to see you again.

This is the final chapter of my story. Sushvi is heading back to India, and Akhil is left in a trance. What happens next?

Stay tuned.

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