Meera
"Until I….." I don't know what he said. And I don't want to. He forced me to have a dinner. But this looks like an interrogation.
I woke up the next morning with a throbbing headache. Maybe it was the late-night anxiety or the fact that I couldn't stop replaying that text in my head. Tobias's unexplainable humor. Unknown Number. It was Adrian. I was very sure. He ruined my night with Tobias. I didn't even get to taste his lasagna. But it seems like ignoring him wouldn't stop the ache of curiosity. I spent the morning pacing through my almost-empty house, the echo of my footsteps sounding lonelier than ever. My boxes were already sealed shut, the walls bare. I hated how quiet it felt, like the place was already saying goodbye before I was ready. I have two days left.
Then came the knock. I sighed. Only one person knocks that politely and still manages to sound impatient. Mrs. Walker. I didn't even have to check the door camera. I opened the door and found her smiling at me, wrapped in a floral shawl that screamed nosy neighbor with good intentions. "My dear," she began dramatically, "I came to make sure you're coming to the farewell party tonight. You can't just leave this place without saying goodbye properly."
I was shook. A Farewell Party? Why didn't Tobias inform me last night? "Are they seriously throwing a Farewell Party? They think we're happy that we're leaving? I can't go, Mrs. Walker," I muttered, already turning away.
"Everyone will be there, even the owner's son. Tobias. Today's also Mr. Alaric's birthday, so it's together. You should come see what kind of man throws people out and still hosts a party." Her tone had that mischief that always meant she'd already decided for me. Before I could argue, she added, "And who knows, maybe you'll charm him into letting you stay.". She sounded like my mother.
"Charm him?" I laughed dryly. "Mrs. Walker, the man doesn't even know I exist."
She waved a hand. "I saw you two last night. He was toying with his headlights just to get your attention. You came out with a long black halter dress and you…."
"Okay Mrs. Walker. I'll come". I interrupted with an awkward smile. Mrs. Walker's something else these days. I can't believe she caught me with him. I sighed. Maybe she was right. I might as well dress up and see the man who ruined my peace.
By six, I was standing in front of my mirror, the room lit softly by my bedside lamp. The reflection staring back at me was a black off-shoulder dress hugging my figure, my hair fell in waves and a subtle shimmer touched my cheekbones. I looked expensive. Dangerous. The kind of woman men like Tobias would notice. But I wasn't doing this for him, at least, that's what I told myself. I grabbed my purse and stepped outside, locking the door behind me. The air was warm tonight. Music drifted faintly from the far end of the estate where the lights from the grand house glowed like a beacon. I took off with my car.
At the party, which is Alaric's house or mansion rather. Cars were already lined up along the road, sleek black ones, glossy red ones, all expensive enough to buy my entire life twice over. Mrs. Walker caught sight of me the moment I entered the compound. "There you are, darling! You look divine." She pulled me by the arm and led me inside, weaving through a crowd of elegantly dressed strangers. The house was breathtaking, even though I had been before. Chandeliers glimmering like starlight, a marble floor that reflected every movement, the scent of expensive cologne and aged wine filling the air. And then I saw him. Tobias. He was standing by the large glass windows, a drink in one hand, a quiet arrogance in the way he held himself. With his two piece suit. Every inch of him screamed control. Power. Mystery. Our eyes met for the briefest second, just long enough for me to forget what air felt like. He smiled faintly, the kind of smile that felt more like a challenge. "Don't," I whispered to myself, turning away quickly. I found the nearest waiter and grabbed a glass of champagne just to keep my hands busy. But Tobias had already seen me.
Minutes later, he was standing beside me like a shadow I couldn't shake off. "Miss Walker," he said smoothly, his voice deep. "We meet again."
I froze, pretending to sip from my glass. "Didn't expect to see you here," I said. I lied, I was expecting to see him again.
He smirked. "My father's house, my party."
I raised a brow. "Oh, do you mean the one you're selling out from under everyone?". I wanted to bring him back to that topic. The one he chose to skip in our conversation.
And there it was, the tiny spark of amusement. "You underestimate me, Miss Meera." He murmured, leaning slightly closer. "I have plans for you."
I put in some action, pretended that I was impressed by his silly promises. "Good for you," I shot back, though my voice came out softer than I intended.
He chuckled quietly, the sound low enough to stir something in my chest. "You always this feisty, or just when you're talking to billionaires?"
"I'm like this with everyone. I thought you knew much about me" I replied.
He tilted his head. "You assume I'm the villain."
"Aren't you?"
"No. I have my reasons for selling the place." he said, that dangerous smirk returning. "Which you'd be aware of when the time comes but for now, I'm still loving your company"
I opened my mouth, ready to argue but my phone buzzed. The sound cut through the moment like a blade. Unknown Number: "You look stunning tonight." My breath hitched. I turned my phone slightly away from him, scanning the crowd. How the hell did he know what I was wearing? I typed back before I could stop myself.
Me: Why don't you show yourself Adrian?. He didn't reply. A cold shiver crept down my spine. I looked up again, my eyes scanning the faces, the crowd, the lights. I completely forgot Tobias was also there.
That's when I saw it, a man standing near the farthest corner of the hall, half-hidden in shadow, holding a glass of whiskey. His eyes even from this distance were fixed on me. Adrian Wolfe. My failed situationship. My pulse quickened. He looked different, colder, sharper. Gone was the easy charm from our messages weeks ago. Now, he looked like someone who didn't beg for attention. He commanded it. Tobias followed my gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So that's the guy?"
I hesitated. "Don't be like that."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "He's been staring at you for the past five minutes."
"I can handle myself," I said quickly.
"I'm sure you can," he murmured, his eyes flicking down to my lips before returning to my face. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop watching."
My breath caught again because of the way he said it. It wasn't a threat but a promise. The rest of the evening blurred in noise and light. People danced, laughed, toasted to new beginnings. I don't see a new beginning.
I couldn't shake the feeling that both Tobias and Adrian were watching me. One with cool detachment, the other with quiet possession. At one point, I stepped outside to clear my head. The night air was softer now, perfumed with roses and the faint hum of music from inside. I stood by the fountain, glass trembling in my hand as I tried to steady my breath. Then came the voice behind me. "I was wondering when we'd see each other again." I turned slowly. Adrian Wolfe. Under the garden lights, he looked infuriatingly good — white shirt, top buttons undone, jacket hanging loosely from one hand. "You shouldn't be here," I said quietly. "What are you doing here?" I asked quietly.
He smiled "You didn't respond to my messages. I had to come see you." My eyes trailed down to his hands, he was holding peonies. I must have told him I loved peonies. But who the hell got me a crimson rose?
"How did you know about this party?"
"Let's just say, I know people. I also know that you and your neighbors are getting evicted." He then took a slow step forward. "I can help you if you want. I can help you get a new place today, this minute."
My heart was beating so loud I was sure he could hear it. And I don't know why. For a second, none of us spoke, just our eyes lingering. He studied me, eyes dark and unreadable. "I apologize again Meera, for what I did. Please, let me make this up to you"
"No, I'm not interested. I can't". I murmured, my voice cracking.
"But we liked each other Meera, what changed?"
"I can't answer that question"
He exhaled softly, stepping closer until the scent of his cologne wrapped around me. "I didn't lie, we've been talking for over two months and we know we have something going on even if haven't started dating" he said, his voice low. "You know that"
"I have to go" I muttered, trying to step back but his hand brushed mine lightly, stopping me in place. For a moment, everything went still. The music from inside faded.
"Let me make it up to you," he murmured. "One chance, Meera. That's all I'm asking."
Before I could respond, another voice cut through the night. "Am I interrupting something?" Tobias. I never manifested for two men to be wrapped around me. He stood a few feet away, his expression calm but his eyes sharp as blades. Before I could say a word, Adrian took it upon himself to speak, again. Adrian's jaw tensed slightly. "Just having a chat with her"
"Funny," Tobias replied. "She doesn't look too interested." Tobias will push you to the wall and then wait for you to fight back. Second time he's teasing Adrian. The first one was about his car. He doesn't back off. Almost like he has something other than this ego. Like an extra life or maybe because he thinks he's wealthy, he's unstoppable.
The tension was suffocating.
I glanced between them, the two men so different, yet both radiating the same dangerous energy against each other. Tobias's voice was steady, cold, but there was something territorial in his stare. "I think it's time you left, Mr. Wolfe." he said evenly.
Adrian smirked. "You shouldn't speak to your guest that way"
Tobias took a slow step forward, his tone calm but firm. "You're clearly making her feel uncomfortable."
Adrian's smirk faltered just a bit. He glanced at me, eyes softening. "Think about what I said." Then he turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows like smoke. I exhaled shakily.
Tobias's gaze lingered on me for a long, loaded second. "I hope you're alright Miss Meera?"
I forced a small smile. "Yes, thank you. I need to head back home". I said hastily, with a slight smile
He chuckled quietly "Why? The party had just begun."
"I'm sorry but I have to go."
His face changed, like he didn't agree with my decision. The air between us tightened again. A pull, heavy and magnetic. He stepped closer, his voice dropping low. "See you then".
Why did he say it like that? I didn't get my eyes off him. Till he walked away. And I know that kind of face he gave. He was in total disagreement with me leaving. Suddenly, I felt pity for him. I don't know why really. My eyes were scanning the compound, heard some raindrops. I quickly walked to where my car was packed. And then I saw Adrian, sitting on the hood of my car. Desperate for attention. "Meera, come on, I'll take you home"
At some point, I thought he lied about having a car. "Where's your car?"
"I told my driver take it home". He smiled faintly
"Without you?"
"I couldn't leave you".
I hummed. I tried my best chasing him away. I couldn't argue with him. Besides, the rain was getting pretty heavy. And there was no other choice "No funny bullshit?". I asked softly, with my hands
"No fully bullshit". He said with a subtle smile as he pledged. Still, I didn't trust him. There was a subtle tension between us. The rain, me not getting in the car yet and him, waiting. "Come on, I don't want you to stay in this rain"
"Why have you been stalking me?". I decide to bring up the conversation knowing the rain was going to be a problem. Arms crossed, I wasn't playing around.
"I'll explain everything to you later, let's go". He pleaded. His voice, loud. He wasn't enjoying the rain.
Fine. He opened the passenger seat for me as I stood behind it. Before I could get in, Mrs. Walker came from nowhere. Breathing fast, heels were pulled off and an oversized coat. "Meera dear, can you give me a lift?" My heart dropped. Because if Mrs. Walker could be here, drenched, breathless, and terrified, something wasn't right.