Kiara didn't expect the first crack to appear so soon.
She was halfway through reviewing reports when Aarav Malhotra walked into the office—easy smile, familiar presence, the kind of comfort she hadn't realized she missed until it was standing in front of her.
"Still alive?" Aarav teased, dropping into the chair across from her desk. "I heard you walked straight into Rathore territory."
Kiara smirked. "Barely. What are you doing here?"
"Saving you," he said lightly. "Or at least trying to."
She laughed despite herself. Aarav had always been like this—warm, steady, uncomplicated. Once, a long time ago, she'd almost chosen him.
Almost.
She didn't notice Reyansh until the room went quiet.
The air changed first.
Then the silence sharpened.
Reyansh stood at the glass wall, watching them through the transparent divide. His expression was calm. Too calm. But his eyes—his eyes were dark, calculating.
Locked on Aarav's chair.
On how close it was to her.
On the way Kiara smiled without realizing it.
Reyansh entered the room without knocking.
"Aarav Malhotra," he said coolly. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Aarav stood, unfazed. "Reyansh Rathore. Still making grand entrances, I see."
They shook hands.
Firm. Measured. A contest disguised as politeness.
Kiara felt it—the tension tightening like a wire between them.
"What can we do for you?" she asked Reyansh.
His gaze shifted to her.
Brief. Sharp. Possessive.
"I need Kiara in the boardroom," he said. "Now."
Aarav frowned. "We were in the middle of—"
"I'm sure," Reyansh interrupted smoothly, eyes never leaving Kiara. "But this takes priority."
Kiara stood, irritated. "You don't get to interrupt my meetings."
Reyansh leaned closer, voice low. "I do when your name is tied to my company."
A pause.
A challenge.
She grabbed her file and walked past him without another word.
In the hallway, Reyansh spoke again.
"You seem comfortable with him."
She didn't look at him. "He's a friend."
"Is he?" His tone was casual. Dangerous.
"Yes."
Another pause.
"I don't like distractions," he said.
Kiara stopped walking.
Slowly, she turned to face him. "Then don't look."
His eyes flickered—just once.
"Be careful," he murmured. "Some people mistake interest for safety."
Her heart thudded.
"And some people mistake control for concern," she shot back.
They stood inches apart.
No touch. No surrender.
Just heat.
Behind them, unseen, Aarav watched—uneasy, instinct screaming that he had stepped into something far darker than rivalry.
And Reyansh Rathore?
He watched Kiara walk away, jaw tight.
Jealousy wasn't something he allowed himself.
But it had already found him.
--
Continueeee.....