Chapter 1
As I heard the doorknob turn, I knew she was walking in. How many years had it been—nine or ten? It’s not that I hadn’t seen her during this time, it’s that she wouldn’t acknowledge me. What I did... was it really that terrible? I sort of understood her reaction. But today, I knew she would come to at least hear me out. Was I using this situation to see her again? Maybe. But I didn’t feel guilty. My heart felt giddy, like a child anticipating a huge birthday present that was finally here.
And then I saw... heels, black, five inches tall, followed by her long legs covered in elegant black trousers. A plain white shirt that didn’t do justice to her curves, paired with a soft pink blazer—she looked stunning. Her wavy short hair was tied in a bun, but a few strands rebelliously framed her face. She looked at me like I was the last person she wanted to see.
I stood up instantly and reached out my hand. "Hello, Miss Sharma. I’m glad you made time for us."
She rolled her eyes, but her secretary nudged her. "Hello, Mr. Datta. Same here. Thank you for the invitation," she replied. Her secretary pulled out a chair and gestured for us to sit down.
I cleared my throat and asked, "So, what do you think about my offer?" She simply stared at me, making me feel uneasy. My assistant sensed the tension in the air. Trying again, I said, "I mean, the proposal clearly benefits you. It will alleviate a lot of debt, and with my assistance, your employees will retain their jobs, not to mention..."
Before I could finish my sentence, she interrupted, "Can you guys give us some privacy?" She directed this to my assistant and her secretary. This was not good. They exchanged looks and, anticipating a potential outburst, left quietly. Once the door closed, She stood up and exclaimed, "What are you doing, Aryan Datta?" Using my full name—this wasn't a good sign. I blurted out, "Doing business?"
She countered sharply, "No, this won't help you. The proposal clearly favors me. Do you think I wouldn't read it? Or worse, agree to it without realizing you're trying to manipulate me... again?" The word 'again' stung. I stood up, finally, and said, "I'm just trying to help you, nothing more."
She scoffed, "Really? Then why this clause about sharing office space?" Damn, she had read the entire thing. I scrambled, "It's because... well... it will save on our budget while we collaborate on the project. Less travel time and overall..."
I was sweating now. She cut me off, "What the hell are you thinking?" I was getting irritated. No one else seemed willing to help her. She had worked hard for this company, and now she was on the brink of losing it all. Why was she so stubborn? "Look, Priya... I'm just trying to help... okay? No ulterior motives."
She sighed, "Please... like on my 21st birthday."
Okay, that 21st birthday. Oh man, I was such an idiot. And she's so beautiful. I knew what I was doing, I should have been honest with her from the start. But I didn't, and when she found out... I composed myself and said, "I've apologized sincerely. I know I've made a lot of excuses, but I truly am sorry. However, even though I wish I had told you the truth, I don't regret that day."
She just stared at me. "Bullshit," she said.
"Come on, Priya," I pleaded, moving closer to take her hand, but she stepped back. I froze in place. "It's been ten years," she reminded me.
"I'm not the one who's still angry about it," I replied.
"I'm not angry about it. I just never want to discuss it again, but you and your stupid face are a constant reminder," she said sharply.
"Well, most people say my face is pretty handsome," I joked weakly.
"Are they blind?" she retorted.
I smirked slightly. Why does she have to be so attractive when she's angry and annoyed with me? Is this why I can't get over her? I've dated others, but she's always on my mind. What could have been, if only I had waited a few more days and told her the truth. I glanced at her, and I think she sensed my longing and thoughts about her. Finally, she spoke, "All I meant was, it's been a long time. I've dated and moved on. You don't owe me anything. You don't have to go through this trouble for me."
That really pissed me off. Dated? Really, that arrogant jerk? I blurted out without thinking, "Dated... really? I know about that, and..." I saw hurt in those deep black eyes. Damn it, that guy is such an asshole. Who does that to someone like her? "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry," I said hastily.
"It's fine. It's all over the news... doesn't matter anymore," she replied calmly. Yeah, it was all over the news. They shredded her character piece by piece, which has now led to her losing her company. I don't want that to happen, so despite her hatred towards me, I'm going to convince her.
"Priya, this is the only way. You know that, right?" I said earnestly.
She nodded, then hesitated. "Are you sure? This might not turn out as you think, and you could lose a lot of money."
I smiled. "For you, I don't mind."
She rolled her eyes and walked to the door. Both my assistant and her secretary practically fell over each other in surprise.
We sat there, going over documents and editing them simultaneously. I was pleased that she didn't dismiss my idea of sharing office space. Being in the same space as her, day and night, felt like a small victory for my heart. We finally signed all the documents, and my assistant and her secretary went ahead to get them notarized.
She looked at me and said, "Thank you."
I smiled, "You're welcome."
Noticing my mischievous grin, she warned, "Ary..." Finally, a nickname from her. "Do not get any ideas... it's just work."
"Who said anything about ideas? I'm very professional," I replied, a blatant lie she could easily detect from a mile away.
She knew I was lying, right? How could she not? I don't even try to hide it. She looked at me, shook her head, and said, "Alright then, see you in the office." Instinctively, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward me. She slightly collided with me, and my hand found its way to her waist to steady her. I would have kissed her.
"Is this your professionalism?" she asked.
"Are we in the office?" I replied, as I slid my hand a bit higher to support her back while she straightened her leg.
"Remove your hands now," she commanded. She could order me around all day and night, and I'd comply. I gently moved my hands, but not before letting them graze and trail along her curves. She stepped back, glaring at me for my defiance.
"Do not behave like this," she warned.
In that moment, everything seemed to move in slow motion. Like a breeze, her hair drifted toward her lips, some strands sticking to her lip gloss. Her lips slightly parted, and I imagined myself holding her and kissing her deeply. I was jealous of her hair. She finally tapped my head with her knuckles.
"Wake up, you idiot," she said.
I smiled and looked down, feeling both embarrassed and amused. She shook her head, grabbed her bag, and moved toward the door. "See you tomorrow."
I hurriedly tried to follow her, but she closed the door behind her. I could have followed, but this time, I want to do it right. Even if it takes time, I'm going to do it right.
