Focusing on Work
For the next few days, Sonia (Priya) was completely immersed in her work, taking charge of a major project. She focused only on her responsibilities at Lumina Jewels.
Abhay, now the CEO, was equally busy, but he was constantly taking updates on Sonia. He was determined to talk to her alone, but Sonia successfully ignored his veiled attempts. All the projects assigned to her were from high-profile clients. Seeing her continuous dismissal, Abhay devised a plan: he would create a scenario that would require Sonia to meet both him and his family, forcing her to come to his home. He believed this would give them a chance to talk, assuming her distance was merely anger. Sonia's successful project completion—which satisfied clients and brought significant profit—only fueled Abhay's obsession to bring her back.
The Office Sabotage
A few days later, Sonia had applied for a one-day leave. She and Ishani needed a break from office work and planned their usual grocery shopping trip.
Sonia was in a deep discussion with her secretary, Nisha, when another female staff member, Kavya, approached. Kavya was intensely jealous of Sonia, believing that Sonia, being junior in tenure, had undeservedly taken a senior head position. Kavya and a few sycophantic staff members who often buttered her up approached Sonia.
Kavya held a delicate floral bouquet and an elegant envelope. With barely disguised pride, she announced to Sonia, "The new CEO sent these flowers and an invitation to me! He's invited me to his home for his family to design some jewellery."
Sonia barely reacted, dismissing the information immediately, as it was not her concern who Abhay invited. She and Nisha returned to Sonia's cabin to finalize the handover for the next day.
The Fatal Misunderstanding
Sonia's planned leave was known only to a select few: Sonia, Nisha, HR, Abhay, and his secretary, Rajat. Abhay, knowing of her leave, was convinced she had taken the day off because she was coming to his home in response to his invitation.
The truth was: the flower bouquet and invitation were meant for Sonia.
Abhay had sent them to Sonia, but Kavya had intercepted the delivery boy, convincing him that she would personally hand the items over to Sonia.
Kavya then promptly took the invitation for herself. Her mind raced with ambition: Why would the CEO want her (Sonia) to design for his family? I am the established, best employee! She was determined to use this offer to become the CEO's favorite designer. To secure her position further, she showed the invitation to other employees, claiming the CEO had invited her, demanding their respect and loyalty.
Sonia, unaware of this corporate sabotage, went about her work.
The Unexpected Summons
On the day of her leave, Sonia and Ishani were happily engaged in grocery shopping. Suddenly, Sonia's phone rang. It was Nisha, her secretary, sounding stressed.
"Sonia!" Nisha exclaimed. "You need to come to Abhay's house immediately! The invitation was sent to you, not Kavya!"
Sonia was utterly surprised by the summons and the confusing news.