The moment Arth Sahni walked away, Selene Sinclair shoved Daniel Raizada hard in the chest.
She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes blazing.
"So what was that?" she snapped. "Were you planning to crush me to death in your arms today?"
Daniel didn't even flinch. His gaze stayed dark, unrepentant.
"Yes," he said coldly. "I would kill you… and then myself too—if you ever dared to even think about another man."
He leaned closer. "Call it a threat. Call it madness. I don't care."
Those words struck like knives.
Standing a little distance away, Mia froze. Pain shot through her chest as she clutched her heart tightly, her fingers curling into a fist. Tears that had been waiting silently finally spilled down her cheeks. 🥺
Selene laughed bitterly and looked straight at Daniel.
"Do I look insane to you?" she said sharply. "I know exactly what you're doing. You're pretending to love me just to take revenge. But let me make one thing very clear—I am not falling for your fake emotions."
Her voice hardened.
"I don't care about you. And I don't care about anyone else either."
She stepped closer, fearless.
"And as for staying away from men—this is my life. My choices. I'll sit, walk, eat, drink, live however I want. Who are you to interfere in my life?"
Her eyes burned with anger.
"You forced a kiss on me in the car, and I stayed silent. Don't you dare mistake my silence for weakness, Mr. Raizada."
She glared at him, furious.
When Mia heard about the forced kiss, the last thread holding her together snapped. Tears rolled freely down her face as she turned away, unable to watch anymore.
Daniel, however, smiled.
A slow, dangerous smile. 😈
"Interesting," he murmured. "Very interesting."
Before Selene could react, Daniel stepped forward, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her sharply against him. 🔥
Their faces were inches apart.
"Do whatever you want," he said quietly, eyes locked into hers. "Go wherever you wish. Live freely. But only until you start misusing that freedom."
His grip tightened just enough to make his meaning clear.
"Because I will not allow anyone to interfere in the life I have claimed as my own… the reason I breathe."
Selene laughed mockingly.
"I must admit, Mr. Raizada—you're a brilliant actor," she said. "But unfortunately, I'm not stupid enough to fall for your drama."
She tried to push him away.
But Daniel didn't like that.
He pulled her closer again, pressing her against him. The lights in the hall were dim, and no one noticed the dangerous tension unfolding in the corner.
"What are you doing?" Selene hissed. "Let me go."
Daniel's voice dropped.
"Think whatever you want. Just don't ignore my words."
Suddenly—
"What is going on here?"
The voice broke the moment like shattered glass.
Daniel released Selene instantly.
She turned and rushed forward.
"Grandpa," she said, forcing a smile. "Who arrives this late?"
Victor Sinclair chuckled warmly.
"I've been here for a while, sweetheart. Ran into some old friends."
Just then, an announcement echoed through the hall:
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on Mr. and Mrs. Sahni's wedding anniversary. It's time for the cake cutting. Please gather near the stage and bless the couple for their beautiful future together."
Everyone moved toward the stage.
Mr. and Mrs. Sahni stepped forward, with Arth Sahni beside them. They cut the cake together, feeding each other a small piece. Mrs. Sahni then fed Arth some cake.
"Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad," Arth said softly, smiling.
Gradually, the party began to wind down.
That's when Ryan Sinclair walked up to Selene.
"Come on, princess. Let's go home."
Selene straightened.
"You don't need to worry about me, Mr. Sinclair. I came with my grandfather, and I'll leave with him."
Ryan sighed.
"Are you still this angry with your brother? I admit my mistake. Punish me however you want—but don't shut us out like this."
Selene's expression didn't soften.
"People get angry with their own," she replied coldly. "Not with strangers. Please stop bothering me and focus on your sister, not me."
Just then, Grace Sinclair approached.
"Selene, if we hurt you in any way, I'm sorry—"
Selene cut her off immediately.
"Please don't call me that, Mrs. Sinclair. And as for my heart—it isn't cheap enough to break for just anyone."
She walked away.
Victor Sinclair stopped in front of Ryan and Grace, anger flashing in his eyes.
"I warned you both," he said sternly. "But you never listened. Instead of guiding her, you blamed her. When she needed you most, you abandoned her."
He turned away sharply.
Later, Victor joined Selene.
"Shall we go, child?"
"Yes, Grandpa," she replied. "It's late. I have college tomorrow."
They started walking when a voice called from behind—
"Still not going to tell me your name?"
Selene turned. Arth Sahni stood there, watching her intently.
"Why are you so interested in knowing my name?" she asked. "From what I've heard, you stay away from women."
Arth smiled faintly.
"What you heard is true. And you should consider yourself lucky—I don't offer friendship easily."
Selene smirked.
"I don't need luck. I already have two friends I trust with my life. And friendship with me isn't easy to earn—or keep."
She turned away again, walking beside her grandfather.
Inside her mind, panic stirred.
I need to do something soon… or these two dangerous men will make my life hell.
Behind her, Arth watched her leave and whispered softly,
"Very soon, doll… I'll know your name."