VR Tower — Evening
The city outside glowed like a sheet of gold, but inside Aarav's office, the light felt colder. Sara sat on the couch, quietly scrolling through reports, though her eyes kept flicking toward him.
Aarav hadn't spoken since that phone call.
His expression was carved in steel—focused, detached, and far too quiet for her liking. The man who once teased her with half-smiles now stood by the window, hands clenched, staring into nothing.
Finally, Sara broke the silence.
Sara: "You can keep pretending nothing's wrong, but your silence is screaming."
He didn't move.
Aarav (flatly): "It's business. Don't worry."
Sara (standing, firm): "When it affects you, I worry. That's the deal."
Her tone—soft but sure—finally cracked something in him. He turned, eyes dark, tired, and… almost vulnerable.
Aarav (quietly): "There's talk about a hostile takeover attempt. Someone wants control of VR Global through back channels."
Sara froze.
Sara: "Who?"
Aarav: "I'm not sure yet. But whoever it is… they're close enough to know where to strike."
She stepped closer, her hand brushing his sleeve.
Sara: "You don't have to fight alone."
He looked down at her hand—small, steady, the one thing in his world that didn't waver.
Aarav (softly): "I built this empire with my blood. I can't let anyone touch it. Not when—"
Sara: "Not when what?"
Aarav: "…Not when it finally feels like I have something to lose."
For a heartbeat, silence filled the space between them. Then, slowly, Sara placed her hand over his heart.
Sara: "Then we fight smart. Together."
His lips curved—the faintest hint of a smile—but his eyes still burned with storms.
Aarav: "You really think you can handle me in war, Sara Mehta?"
Sara (smirking): "You forget, Mr. Rathore. I've been handling you since the first day we met."
Their gazes locked, power and passion tangled between them. The kind of moment that makes readers forget to breathe.
Outside, the city lights flickered. Inside, the queen had just joined the king on the battlefield.