Chapter 39
Warmth.
That was the first thing I felt.
Warmth wrapped around me like a blanket while soft morning sunlight filtered through the giant penthouse windows.
For a few peaceful seconds,
I forgot everything.
The kidnappers.
The lies.
The fear.
Everything.
Until I realized something heavy was wrapped around my waist.
Strong arms.
Very strong arms.
And suddenly,
A deep sleepy voice murmured against my neck.
"Good morning, wife."
Heat rushed to my face instantly.
I slowly opened my eyes.
And immediately regretted it.
Because Dhruv Malhotra shirtless first thing in the morning should genuinely be illegal.
His hair was messy from sleep.
Bare chest warm against my back.
One muscular arm tightly around my waist pulling me against him possessively.
And his face?
Way too close to mine.
The man looked unfairly attractive this early in the morning.
Meanwhile he looked entirely too pleased seeing my flustered face.
"There she is."
His voice was still rough from sleep.
God.
I buried my face into the pillow immediately.
"No."
Dhruv laughed softly behind me.
"No?"
"No talking before sunrise."
"It's literally nine-thirty."
I gasped dramatically.
"NINE THIRTY?!"
I immediately tried sitting up but Dhruv simply tightened his arm around me pulling me right back onto his chest.
"Dhruv!"
"Mhm."
"Leave me!"
"No."
I turned around glaring at him now only to completely lose my train of thought.
Because this idiot was smirking lazily while looking devastatingly handsome.
The sunlight falling across his face only made it worse.
God clearly had favorites.
Dhruv noticed me staring.
His smirk widened immediately.
"Enjoying the view?"
I rolled my eyes aggressively.
"You're so annoying."
"And yet you married me."
Before I could reply,
He suddenly leaned forward.
And kissed my cheek.
Softly.
Then my nose.
Then the corner of my jaw.
Then my forehead.
Slow lazy kisses everywhere while keeping me trapped against him.
"DHRUV."
"Mhm."
"We're literally plotting against criminals and you're behaving like this?!"
Another kiss near my jaw.
"Very serious criminal plotting."
I pushed his shoulder weakly trying not to smile.
But honestly?
After weeks of heartbreak,
This felt unreal.
Too precious.
Too soft.
Dhruv suddenly buried his face into my neck inhaling slowly.
And God,
My heartbeat instantly betrayed me.
"You smell like my pillow now."
I stared at him offended.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means you've officially taken over my life."
Before I could answer,
My phone buzzed loudly on the bedside table.
Both of us froze slightly.
Then I reached for it casually.
And immediately stiffened.
Advik
A message notification glowed across the screen.
Dhruv instantly saw it too.
The softness in the room shifted slightly.
Not disappearing.
Just,
Sharpening.
I inhaled quietly opening the messages.
Advik:
"Good morning, future wife "
Another text immediately came.
"Dreamt about our honeymoon again."
I physically cringed.
Meanwhile beside me,
Dhruv looked seconds away from homicide already.
I tried holding back a laugh.
Because the man literally looked offended by emojis.
I typed back quickly.
"Good morning "
The second I sent the heart,
Dhruv stared at me in betrayal.
Actual betrayal.
I bit my lip trying not to laugh.
Then another text came instantly.
Advik:
"Miss me?"
I sighed internally.
God this acting deserved awards.
So I typed again:
"Maybe a little ??"
Dhruv snatched the pillow dramatically throwing it across the room.
I looked at him shocked.
"Are you five years old?!"
"Maybe a little?" he repeated mockingly.
I burst out laughing immediately.
Dhruv glared murderously at my phone.
Then another notification came.
Advik:
"You're so cute."
Advik:
"Can't wait to finally make you mine forever."
Dhruv's jaw clenched so hard I was genuinely worried for his teeth.
Meanwhile I kept texting normally.
Playing the role.
Flirting back.
Acting sweet.
Because we needed Advik comfortable.
Comfortable people made mistakes.
Still,
It was becoming very difficult not laughing at Dhruv's reactions.
Especially when Advik suddenly sent:
"What should we do for honeymoon? Maldives or Switzerland? "
I started typing back.
And suddenly,
Dhruv grabbed my waist pulling me directly into his lap.
Hard.
Possessively.
I yelped softly.
"Dhruv!"
His eyes narrowed dangerously at my phone.
"Tell him Antarctica."
I choked laughing instantly.
Dhruv looked genuinely furious now.
"Or Mars."
I buried my face into his shoulder laughing harder.
"This isn't funny!"
"It literally is."
Then my phone buzzed again.
Advik:
"Baby?"
Dhruv visibly twitched hearing the word baby.
Oh God.
I was going to die.
I typed quickly again.
"Thinking about honeymoon destinations."
Advik immediately replied:
"As long as you're with me, anywhere is perfect "
The second I read it aloud accidentally,
Dhruv fell back dramatically against the headboard staring at the ceiling like life had personally wronged him.
"I hate him."
I laughed helplessly now.
"You know it's fake."
"I don't care."
He looked genuinely offended.
"Why are there so many hearts?"
I wiped my tears from laughing too much.
"You're literally a billionaire mafia-level businessman and THIS is what's bothering you?"
"Yes."
He answered shamelessly.
Then suddenly,
Dhruv took my phone from my hand.
I gasped.
"Give it back!"
But instead,
The idiot typed himself.
I tried snatching it immediately.
"DHRUV!"
Too late.
Message sent.
"Kisses "
I stared at him horrified.
Dhruv looked entirely satisfied with himself.
Because Dhruv is okay with him fake-flirting with Advik, but can't see me doing that.
Then suddenly Advik replied instantly.
"Already missing me this much?"
Dhruv's face darkened again immediately.
I snatched the phone back laughing uncontrollably now.
"Oh my God."
Dhruv glared.
"This psychopath replies too fast."
I collapsed against his chest laughing harder while he wrapped his arms around me automatically.
Then suddenly,
His expression softened slightly.
He brushed my hair behind my ear quietly.
And this time when he spoke,
His voice turned serious.
"You know..."
I looked up.
Dhruv's thumb stroked my cheek gently.
"I don't care how powerful you are."
His eyes locked onto mine.
"Or how dangerous this gets."
Then softly,
"You're still my girl."
My heart completely melted.
I hugged him tightly immediately.
Dhruv kissed the top of my head once.
Holding me close.
Protective.
Possessive.
Like no matter what happened next,
He wasn't letting me go again.
...
An hour later.
The smell of coffee and butter filled the penthouse kitchen.
Soft morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows while the city slowly woke up below us.
And in the middle of that luxurious kitchen,
Dhruv Malhotra stood shirtless cooking breakfast.
Honestly?
No human being should look that good making pancakes.
Grey sweatpants hanging low on his waist.
Messy morning hair.
Broad tattooed back flexing every few seconds while he cooked.
One hand casually holding a coffee mug.
The other flipping pancakes like some domestic billionaire fantasy.
I stood near the kitchen entrance for a full ten seconds just staring.
Completely shamelessly.
Because excuse me???
The universe was unfair.
Dhruv sensed me watching.
Of course he did.
Without even turning around he smirked slightly.
"If you're going to stare this hard, sweetheart, at least come closer."
Heat rushed to my face instantly.
I walked toward him trying to act normal.
Failed miserably.
The second I reached him,
I wrapped my arms around his waist from behind.
And God.
Warm.
Solid.
Safe.
Dhruv immediately relaxed against me slightly.
One of his hands came down automatically resting over mine.
"Mhm."
His sleepy deep voice vibrated through his chest.
"Much better."
I buried my face against his bare back inhaling softly.
The scent of coffee and his cologne mixed together.
Home.
Everything about him felt like home.
Dhruv turned the stove lower afterward before looking over his shoulder at me.
"Still tired?"
I nodded dramatically against him.
"Extremely."
"From what exactly?"
I sighed.
"Existing."
Dhruv laughed softly.
Then suddenly grabbed my wrist pulling me around until I stood in front of him trapped between him and the kitchen counter.
I squeaked softly.
The idiot looked way too pleased with himself.
Morning sunlight fell across his face beautifully while he leaned down slightly.
"You know..."
His fingers brushed my waist lazily.
"I missed this version of you too."
I blinked innocently.
"What version?"
"The clingy one."
I gasped.
"I am NOT clingy."
Dhruv raised one eyebrow slowly.
Meanwhile my arms were literally still around him.
Traitorous situation.
I immediately removed them.
Dhruv burst out laughing.
"You are unbelievable."
"And you're cute when angry."
Before I could argue,
He leaned forward kissing my cheek softly.
Then my forehead.
Then right near the corner of my lips teasingly.
"DHRUV."
"Mhm."
"Food is burning."
He glanced toward the pan casually.
"It's fine."
I stared at him horrified.
"The pancake is literally black."
Dhruv looked completely unbothered.
Then suddenly his expression shifted slightly serious.
He placed the spatula aside turning fully toward me now.
"Riya."
"Hm?"
"You need to tell Veer."
My smile faded immediately.
I looked away instinctively.
"No."
Dhruv frowned.
"He deserves to know."
I shook my head quickly.
"You don't understand."
My voice lowered now.
"If bhaiya finds out Advik and my uncle-aunt were behind this..."
Fear crawled through me instantly.
"He'll kill them."
Dhruv stayed silent.
Because honestly?
We both knew I wasn't exaggerating.
Veer Rajput loved me in terrifying ways.
The man had practically raised me after becoming orphaned at eleven himself.
To him,
I wasn't just his sister.
I was his child.
His responsibility.
His entire world.
I swallowed nervously.
"He'll lose control."
My fingers tightened around Dhruv's arm unconsciously.
"He'll shoot Advik without thinking twice."
Dhruv sighed softly.
"And you think hiding it is safer?"
"No."
I whispered honestly.
"But I need proof first."
My eyes hardened slightly now.
"Enough proof that even if bhaiya loses control..."
My voice turned colder.
"They'll never escape legally either."
Dhruv watched me carefully for a few seconds.
Then suddenly,
My phone buzzed loudly on the counter.
Both of us looked down.
And instantly,
Dhruv's entire face darkened.
Advik
I cringed already.
Meanwhile Dhruv looked ready to throw the phone out the window.
I unlocked it carefully.
And immediately multiple messages popped up.
Advik:
"Good morning, baby "
Advik:
"My parents met Veer and Meera bhabhi today."
Advik:
"Both families are planning the wedding for next month."
My stomach twisted.
Next month.
Then another text came.
Advik:
"Wedding shopping today."
And then:
"Booked the entire bridal showroom for us "
Dhruv stared at the screen in offended silence.
Pure offended silence.
I bit my lip trying not to laugh.
Because the man literally looked jealous of emojis again.
I started typing automatically.
Gf mode activated.
Because unfortunately,
I had to act.
So I typed:
"Really? "
Before I could continue,
Dhruv suddenly snatched the phone from my hand.
I gasped loudly.
"HEY!"
"No."
He walked backward holding my phone high above my reach.
Absolutely shameless.
I stared at him in disbelief.
"Dhruv Malhotra give my phone back right now."
He looked entirely unbothered.
"No."
"WE NEED HIM TO TRUST ME."
"He already trusts you."
Dhruv narrowed his eyes dramatically.
"He doesn't need fifty-seven hearts too."
I burst out laughing immediately.
"Oh my God."
Dhruv ignored me completely already typing something aggressively.
I rushed toward him instantly.
"DHRUV WHAT ARE YOU WRITING?!"
He turned away like a child protecting homework.
I jumped trying to see the screen.
But the stupid man was too tall.
"You're impossible!"
"And you're too flirty."
"I AM ACTING."
"I know."
He sounded deeply offended anyway.
Finally I managed grabbing his arm trying to pull the phone back.
Bad idea.
Because suddenly,
Dhruv caught my waist with his free arm.
And effortlessly pulled me flush against him.
My breath caught instantly.
The phone forgotten for one dangerous second.
Dhruv looked down at me slowly.
Way too close.
Way too smug.
"You flirt too well."
Heat rushed into my face.
"I literally flirted with YOU first."
"Exactly."
His eyes darkened slightly now.
"So why should another man get that version?"
God.
The way this man spoke should genuinely be studied.
I tried glaring at him.
Failed horribly because my heartbeat was too busy malfunctioning.
Meanwhile Dhruv finally showed me the screen.
And I immediately burst out laughing.
Because this idiot had replied:
"Sounds exciting."
THAT'S IT.
Dry.
Emotionless.
Corporate email energy.
I stared at him horrified.
"Dhruv!"
"What?"
"He called me baby and you replied like his bank manager!"
Dhruv looked entirely serious.
"Professionalism is important."
I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.
Meanwhile Advik instantly replied.
Advik:
"Everything okay?"
Advik:
"You sound different today."
My eyes widened immediately.
"Oh my God give me the phone."
Dhruv clicked his tongue dramatically.
"See? This is why I shouldn't let you flirt."
I snatched the phone finally.
Then quickly typed back:
"Sleepy still ??"
Advik:
"Cute."
Dhruv saw the reply.
And looked personally victimized.
I was literally crying laughing now.
Dhruv pulled me against his chest again glaring at my phone like it personally betrayed him.
Then suddenly,
He leaned down near my ear whispering dangerously:
"You know..."
My heartbeat instantly stumbled.
"What?"
"I think after all this is over..."
His lips brushed my jaw softly.
"I'm banning you from texting other men."
I choked.
"You sound insane."
"Mhm."
Another kiss near my neck.
"But you'll still listen."
My face burned instantly.
Dhruv smirked against my skin feeling my heartbeat speed up.
Then quietly,
"And for the record?"
"Hm?"
He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes.
"I don't care how good your acting is."
His thumb brushed my lower lip softly.
"I still hate seeing another man call you his."
....
WEDDING SHOPPING SPREE
The bridal showroom looked less like a store and more like a royal palace.
Three floors.
Crystal chandeliers.
White marble floors.
Fresh roses everywhere.
Entire sections closed exclusively for us.
Because apparently when billionaires did wedding shopping,
They rented the whole building.
Designers stood lined up nervously.
Assistants rushed around carrying lehengas worth crores carefully.
Security guards remained stationed outside every entrance.
And honestly?
I wanted to escape.
I stood near the massive mirror wearing a champagne gold lehenga while stylists fixed the dupatta around me.
Meanwhile behind me,
Meera bhabhi smiled emotionally.
"Oh my God."
She held her chest dramatically.
"My princess looks so beautiful."
Veer bhaiya looked up from his phone once.
And immediately froze.
Because no matter how powerful or scary he acted,
When it came to me?
He melted.
His eyes softened instantly.
Meanwhile Advik looked completely mesmerized beside him.
Actual obsession in his eyes.
"Perfect."
His voice came quieter.
Too intense.
"You're perfect."
I smiled lightly.
Fake.
Practiced.
Meanwhile inside,
I felt numb.
Because every time someone said bride,
All I could think about was Dhruv.
My actual husband.
The man who knew how I looked sleepy in the mornings.
The man who knew I stole fries from his plate.
The man who still kissed my forehead like I was precious.
And right now,
That man was somewhere inside this building disguised as an employee.
The thought alone almost made me smile.
Because honestly?
Only Dhruv Malhotra would infiltrate a bridal showroom because he couldn't tolerate another man shopping wedding clothes with me.
Idiot.
A dangerous beautiful idiot.
Meanwhile stylists continued fussing around me.
"Ma'am turn slightly."
"Perfect."
"Sir, your bride is looking breathtaking."
I almost rolled my eyes hearing bride again.
Advik stepped closer afterward adjusting my dupatta softly.
His touch instantly felt wrong now.
Foreign.
I resisted the urge to move away.
"You know..."
He smiled at me gently.
"The whole world is waiting for this wedding."
I forced a smile.
"Really?"
"Hm."
He leaned slightly closer.
"The Rajput princess and the Khanna heir."
His fingers brushed my hand lightly.
"A fairytale."
My stomach twisted.
Because if only he knew,
The real fairytale already existed.
And he was the villain in it.
Suddenly,
A deep Punjabi accent interrupted nearby.
"Madam ji, coffee."
I looked up casually.
And nearly choked.
Because standing there with a tray,
Was Dhruv.
Except absolutely unrecognizable.
Long fake beard.
Turban.
Loose employee uniform.
Fake glasses.
Even his posture changed.
Honestly?
If I didn't know already,
Even I wouldn't recognize him.
Meanwhile the idiot's eyes met mine for one dangerous second.
And instantly,
I saw amusement there.
Pure amusement.
Like he enjoyed this insanity.
I quickly looked away before accidentally smiling.
Because Veer bhaiya sat literally ten feet away.
One wrong expression and we'd all die.
Dhruv started serving coffee professionally around the room.
Meanwhile I kept stealing glances secretly.
God.
The man looked ridiculously attractive even disguised as somebody's uncle.
Meanwhile Meera bhabhi accepted coffee smiling politely.
"Thank you."
Dhruv nodded respectfully.
Then moved toward Advik.
And oh my God.
The self-control this man had.
Because Advik literally took the coffee without even looking at him.
Completely unaware the man serving him wanted to bury him alive.
Then finally,
Dhruv reached me.
I kept my face calm somehow.
Barely.
He lowered the coffee cup toward me respectfully.
But under the tray,
His fingers brushed mine secretly.
Tiny touch.
Barely there.
Electricity shot through me instantly.
The bastard noticed too.
Because behind the fake beard,
I saw his smirk.
I looked down quickly hiding my blush.
Meanwhile Veer suddenly looked up suspiciously.
My soul left my body.
"Riya?"
I blinked immediately.
"Hm?"
"Why are you red?"
Oh my God.
OH MY GOD.
I grabbed the coffee instantly.
"Hot."
I answered too fast.
"Coffee."
Dhruv immediately turned away hiding his laughter.
Traitor.
Meanwhile Advik looked concerned.
"You okay, baby?"
Before I could answer,
Dhruv accidentally-on-purpose tilted the tray and the coffee fell on Advik's lap.
Advik frowned instantly, getting angry.
"Are you an idiot! Can't you see!."
Dhruv lowered his head.
"Sorry sir ji. Due to age my hands shivered and the tray slipped"
Meanwhile I almost bit my lip off trying not to laugh.
Because the jealousy radiating from my husband beneath that fake beard was INSANE.
Advik yelled for the manager because he's so pissed.
But I calm him down saying,
"It's okay Advik, mistakes happen, forget it.
"
He glared at Punjabi man, my Dhruv, and muttered something angrily under his breath while the staff handed him tissues to clean the stain.
Hours passed afterward.
Outfits.
Jewelry.
Discussions.
Guest lists.
And somehow,
Dhruv remained everywhere.
Like a shadow.
At one point I entered the jewelry section alone briefly while everyone got distracted discussing diamonds.
The second I stepped inside,
A hand suddenly pulled me behind the velvet curtain near the trial mirrors.
I gasped softly.
Then immediately melted against a familiar chest.
"DHRUV-"
His hand covered my mouth instantly.
"Shh."
I looked up breathing fast.
And nearly lost my mind laughing.
Because the fake beard was slightly crooked now.
"Your beard is falling off."
Dhruv looked entirely unbothered.
"You have bigger concerns."
His arms wrapped around my waist immediately pulling me closer.
God.
I missed him already and I literally saw him five minutes ago.
"This is insane."
I whispered laughing softly.
Dhruv leaned down near my ear.
"You looked too pretty."
My heartbeat instantly betrayed me.
"So I came."
The man said it like that explained infiltrating a bridal showroom disguised as Punjabi staff.
Then suddenly his eyes dropped toward my lehenga.
And he went quiet.
Completely quiet.
The intensity in his gaze made me nervous instantly.
"What?"
Dhruv swallowed slowly.
Then very softly,
"You should've worn this for me first."
God.
That line.
THAT LINE.
My entire face burned.
Dhruv noticed immediately.
And smirked.
"There she is."
I hit his chest weakly.
"Stop."
He leaned closer instead.
"No."
Then quieter.
"You know what my problem is?"
I blinked.
"What?"
Dhruv's fingers tightened slightly on my waist.
"Every time he calls you his bride..."
His jaw flexed beneath the fake beard.
"I want to remind the world you're already married to me."
My breath caught completely.
Because the way this man spoke,
Actually dangerous.
I looked away shyly instantly.
And Dhruv chuckled softly.
"There."
He brushed his nose lightly against mine.
"My blushing wife is back."
Before I could answer,
Voices approached nearby.
Meera bhabhi.
And Advik.
I panicked instantly.
"DHRUV GO."
But the idiot remained calm.
Too calm.
Then suddenly,
He stole one quick kiss near the corner of my lips.
FAST.
TEASING.
INFURIATING.
My eyes widened violently.
"DHRUV!"
He stepped away immediately afterward fixing his fake beard shamelessly.
Then in full employee accent,
"Madam ji, necklace section udhar hai."
And walked away casually before I could murder him.
Two seconds later,
Advik entered.
Meanwhile I stood there red-faced breathing like I ran a marathon.
Advik frowned immediately.
"You okay?"
I nodded too quickly.
"Yeah."
Suspicious.
Very suspicious.
Then suddenly from outside,
I heard Dhruv's voice again.
Loudly.
"Sir ji, shaadi ke kapde sambhalke!"
I nearly choked.
Because I KNEW that idiot was laughing behind the fake beard.
After a while,
The men's wedding section was somehow even more luxurious than the bridal floor.
Rows of sherwanis lined beneath golden lights.
Ivory.
Black.
Champagne gold.
Royal maroon.
Every outfit looked straight out of a royal wedding fantasy.
Meanwhile Advik stood in front of the mirror trying on another sherwani while designers circled him nervously.
And honestly?
I had perfected pretending by now.
Soft smiles.
Sweet replies.
Girlfriend mode.
Even while my mind stayed ten steps ahead constantly.
Watching.
Analyzing.
Waiting for one mistake.
One crack.
One proof.
Advik stepped out of the changing area wearing an expensive ivory sherwani with intricate gold embroidery.
The stylists instantly gasped.
"Sir looks royal."
"Perfect groom look."
Meanwhile I just stared blankly for one second.
Because the ivory sherwani,
God.
It looked exactly like the shade Dhruv wore during Karva Chauth.
The memory hit me too suddenly.
Dhruv standing under moonlight.
Black eyes locked onto mine through the sieve.
Feeding me water with trembling fingers.
Touching my feet afterward.
My chest tightened painfully.
Advik walked closer smiling slightly.
"How does it look?"
And without thinking,
Without even realizing,
I whispered:
"Dhruv..."
Silence.
Dead silence.
The second the name left my mouth,
My blood turned cold.
Advik froze completely.
The stylists nearby awkwardly looked down immediately sensing tension.
Then slowly,
Very slowly,
Advik turned toward me.
"What did you say?"
Panic exploded inside me instantly.
Shit.
SHIT.
I forced a laugh quickly.
"I-"
Think.
THINK.
I shook my head immediately pretending annoyance.
"That idiot."
Advik's eyes narrowed dangerously.
I crossed my arms acting irritated.
"I was literally thinking about him."
My voice hardened deliberately.
"About how he tried ruining everything."
"About the kidnapping accusations."
I rolled my eyes dramatically.
"And by mistake his name came out."
Advik stared at me silently.
Too silently.
My heartbeat became uneven.
Because for one dangerous second,
I saw something terrifying flicker in his eyes.
Not jealousy.
Possession.
Dark ugly possession.
Then suddenly,
He grabbed my arm.
Hard.
I sucked in a breath sharply.
"Advik!"
Before I could react,
He twisted my arm behind my back painfully.
My body hit the nearby wall softly.
Pain shot through my shoulder instantly.
My eyes widened.
And suddenly,
The sweet charming billionaire mask vanished from his face completely.
His voice lowered coldly near my ear.
"No other man's name should come on your tongue."
My breathing stopped.
Because there it was.
The real Advik.
Not the loving fiancé.
Not the perfect billionaire heir.
The monster beneath.
My first instinct?
Break his nose.
Second instinct?
Kick him so hard he'd never recover.
And honestly?
My body moved before my brain.
I shoved him hard with my free hand instantly.
Advik stumbled backward slightly shocked.
I glared murderously rubbing my arm.
"If you touch me like that again-"
My voice turned ice cold.
"I won't leave you alive."
Advik looked stunned.
Probably because timid sweet fake-fiancée Riya wasn't supposed to react like this.
Bad mistake.
Very bad mistake.
So before he could process,
I stepped closer threateningly.
"And trust me-"
My eyes dropped pointedly toward his groin.
"One kick is enough to make sure your next seven generations never happen."
Advik's jaw tightened instantly.
Anger exploded across his face now.
And before I could react,
He suddenly grabbed my wrist again.
Harder this time.
Then slammed me against the wall behind me.
My breath hitched softly from the impact.
His hand pinned both my wrists above my head now.
Too close.
Too aggressive.
Too dangerous.
And God,
Every survival instinct inside me screamed to attack him.
But I couldn't.
Not yet.
Not before proof.
Not before evidence.
Not before exposing everything.
Advik leaned close enough for me to feel his breath.
And his voice came terrifyingly calm.
"Don't."
His grip tightened slightly.
"Ever speak to me in that tone again."
I stared directly into his eyes.
And for the first time in years,
I truly saw the man who kidnapped me.
The obsession.
The control.
The rage beneath the charm.
Monster.
My knee almost lifted automatically toward his groin.
Almost.
But then,
I stopped myself.
Because if I ruined this now,
Everything would collapse.
The proof.
The truth.
Everything.
So instead,
I forced myself still.
Forced myself to breathe.
Forced myself to look scared instead of furious.
Advik watched me carefully.
Then suddenly,
A voice interrupted from nearby.
"Sir ji?"
Both of us turned instantly.
And there,
Standing near the entrance holding sherwani bags,
Was Dhruv.
Still disguised.
Still wearing the fake beard and turban.
But his eyes?
His eyes looked absolutely murderous.
Actual murder.
Because he had clearly seen enough.
My heartbeat stumbled instantly.
Advik immediately stepped back from me.
Mask returning onto his face quickly.
Meanwhile Dhruv walked closer slowly.
Too slowly.
The tension around him felt deadly now.
If Advik touched me one more time,
Dhruv would genuinely kill him right here between wedding outfits and chandeliers.
And honestly?
The only thing stopping him,
Was me.
Dhruv lowered his gaze respectfully like an employee.
But his jaw flexed violently beneath the fake beard.
"Sir ji..."
His voice stayed calm somehow.
"The fitting room is ready."
Advik exhaled once fixing his sleeves casually.
Like he hadn't just pinned me to a wall.
Psychopath.
Then he looked at me.
Back to charming fiancé mode instantly.
"Baby?"
I hated how naturally he switched personalities.
He smiled lightly.
"You okay?"
I forced myself to nod.
"Yeah."
Lie.
Lie.
Lie.
Advik brushed my cheek softly afterward.
And every cell in my body wanted to recoil.
"Good girl."
The second those words left his mouth,
Dhruv moved.
One step.
That's all.
But the energy shifted violently.
Because behind the fake beard,
His eyes darkened into something terrifying.
And for one horrifying second,
I genuinely thought Dhruv was about to forget the plan and kill him.