The Grand Ballroom of the Taj Mahal Palace was a sea of shimmering gold, expensive perfume, and the kind of wealth that made Myra feel like an intruder. She stood near the buffet table, dressed in a simple black cocktail dress—professional, yet elegant.
She wasn't here as a guest. She was here as "Staff."
Reyansh had commanded her to attend the Khurana Charity Gala to handle the digital presentations for the new project. But as she watched the grand entrance, she realized why he had really wanted her here
He wanted her to see the reality of his world.
The double doors swung open, and the room went silent. Reyansh Khurana walked in, looking like royalty in a bespoke black tuxedo. But he wasn't alone. Clinging to his arm was a woman who looked like she had stepped off the cover of Vogue.
"That's Shanaya Singhania," a junior architect whispered next to Myra, her voice full of awe. "Her father owns half the shipping ports in the country. Rumor has it, their engagement will be announced tonight. They look perfect together, don't they?"
Perfect was an understatement. Shanaya was radiant in a red silk gown that matched the fire in her diamonds. Reyansh was leaning down, whispering something into her ear that made her let out a melodic, practiced laugh. He looked at her with an attention he had never shown Myra in public—a respectful, public devotion.
Myra's heart didn't just break; it felt like it was being ground into the marble floor.
She looked at the Cartier scarf tied around her wrist—she had taken it off her neck to be more professional, but she couldn't bring herself to leave it at home. It felt like a leash. A reminder that while Shanaya stood by his side in the light, Myra was only allowed to exist in his shadows.
Throughout the night, Myra had to stand three feet behind him, holding his tablet and files. She had to watch him hand Shanaya champagne. She had to watch him place a possessive hand on the small of Shanaya's back as they greeted the Chief Minister.
Not once did he look at Myra. Not even when she handed him the speech notes. His fingers brushed hers for a fleeting second, and for a heartbeat, she expected that spark—that heat. But his hand was cold. He took the papers as if she were a vending machine.
"Reyansh, darling," Shanaya purred, her eyes flicking toward Myra with a look of pure condescension. "Is your assistant always this... quiet? She looks quite pale."
Reyansh didn't even turn his head to look at Myra. He just took a sip of his scotch. "She's here to work, Shanaya. Not to entertain. Ignore her."
The words felt like a physical slap. Ignore her.
Myra retreated to the balcony, the cool sea breeze hitting her face. She leaned against the stone railing, her breath hitching. She thought about the penthouse. She thought about the way he had whispered 'Princess' against her skin. It was all a lie. In the bedroom, she was his addiction. In the world, she was less than the dirt on his shoes.
"Rule number five, Myra," a deep, familiar voice rumbled behind her.
She spun around. Reyansh was standing in the shadows of the balcony, away from the prying eyes of the press. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were burning.
"I told you not to interfere in my private life," he said, stepping into her space. "Why do you look like I just killed your favorite pet?"
"You're marrying her?" Myra's voice was a ragged whisper.
Reyansh stepped closer, pinning her against the railing. The smell of his expensive cologne mixed with the salt air. "I am a Khurana. I do what is necessary for the empire. What I do with her is business. What I do with you..." He reached out, his fingers gripping her chin firmly. "...is pleasure. Don't confuse the two, Myra. You signed the contract."
He leaned down, his lips ghosting over her ear, his voice a dark warning. "Go back inside. Put on your professional mask. And remember... when this gala ends, she goes to her mansion. You go to my bed. That should be enough for a girl like you."
Author's Thought
MY BLOOD IS BOILING! 😡🔥 "That should be enough for a girl like you?!" Reyansh is officially the most arrogant Male Lead on the planet! He's literally using Shanaya for business and Myra for pleasure, and he doesn't even care how much it hurts.