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I step into my office, my mind still reeling from what happened inside the elevator. The feel of Vishnu’s grip on my neck, his dominance and that overbearing proximity between us scares me like never before. His presence in New York already feels like a tornado sweeping through the carefully constructed world I’ve built here. I pace back and forth, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor, each step echoing the rapid beating of my heart.

Yesterday, when I opened my door to find Vishnu standing there, it was like being hit by a tidal wave of emotions. Shock, fear, and an undeniable surge of attraction all warred within me. He looked even more handsome than I remembered, his features somehow sharper and more defined. And the way his eyes locked onto mine, even after all these months apart, sent a shiver down my spine.

I couldn’t help but notice how his body had filled out. For a moment, I was transported back to India, back to a time when his mere presence would make my heart race. But then reality crashed in, bringing with it the weight of my secrets, the ones I desperately wanted to keep hidden from him. I think back to the moment Vishnu saw my son. The shock and hurt in his eyes were unmistakable.

A knock at my office door snaps me out of my reverie. It’s Julie, my assistant, her face etched with concern.

“Simran? Are you okay?” she asks, stepping inside. “Who is that man out there? He’s inspecting the entire place like there’s some kind of problem.”

I force a smile, trying to appear nonchalant. “That’s Vishnu. It’s just... what he’s famous for. Don’t worry about it.”

“Famous for what exactly? He seems pretty intense,” Julie replies, her brow furrowing.

I sigh, realising I need to give her some kind of explanation. “He’s… an old friend from India. He’s very... protective. Just give him access to any information he needs, but nothing personal, okay?”

Julie nods, still looking puzzled. “Alright. Oh, and Peter is here for your meeting. Should I send him in?”

“Yes, please. Thank you, Julie.”

As she leaves, I sink into my chair, my mind whirling worry. Vishnu’s presence here complicates everything. I know he means well and is here to protect me. The threat I’ve been facing is scary, yes, but is it really worth upending my entire life over it?

Shaking my head, I try to focus on the present. Peter is an important client, and I can’t afford to be distracted while dealing with him. I open my laptop, checking the security feed outside out of habit. My breath catches as I spot Vishnu in the lobby, his eyes narrowed as he watches Peter approach. Even from here, I can see the suspicion in his gaze.

“God, this is getting serious, isn’t it?” I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair.

Just then, the door opens, and Peter walks in, all smiles and charm. I stand to greet him, pushing thoughts of Vishnu and the masked stalker to the back of my mind.

“Peter, welcome. Please, have a seat.”

“Who’s that dashing hunk at your office? Another client?” he asks, giving me a casual hug.

I try not to judge the sudden gleam in his eyes for Vishnu and keep my reply crisp.

“He’s a friend.”

“Your friend, huh?” Peter grins, and I shake my head with a chuckle.

As we dive into our meeting, discussing fabric choices and design concepts, I can’t help but feel a bit unreal. Here I am, talking about fashion and business deals, while just outside my door, my past and present are colliding in ways I never imagined.

I keep stealing glances at the security feed, again and again, watching Vishnu as he prowls around my boutique. His mere presence is both comforting and terrifying. I know he’ll do anything to keep me safe, but at what cost? What if he discovers about the choices I’ve made here?

As Peter talks, I nod and smile, but my mind is elsewhere. I recall the moment at my apartment door, feeling the electricity that sparked between Vishnu and me when our eyes met again after eighteen months. And then, there was this morning when his hand brushed against mine as he tried to enter my apartment and the way my skin tingled at his touch in the elevator.Bloody traitorous hormones!

I seriously need to think about the secrets I’ve kept hidden, as it all feels suddenly fragile, like a house of cards ready to topple at the slightest breeze.

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to focus on Peter. One thing at a time, I remind myself. Concentrate on this meeting now. Worry about Vishnu, the threats, and everything else later.

But even as I smile and discuss colour palettes, I can’t shake the feeling that my life is about to change drastically. Vishnu’s presence has opened a door to my past that I thought I’d closed forever. And now, standing on the threshold between who I was and who I’ve become, I’m terrified of what lies ahead.

CHAPTER 4

VISHNU

I stay vigilant in Simran’s boutique, my eyes constantly scanning the customers and staff for potential threats. The day unfolds around me, as Simran moves from one meeting to another, her voice animated as she discusses designs and patterns with clients and vendors. I can’t help but admire her professionalism, and the way she commands respect in this world she’s built for herself. I keep track of her every step, noting every person she interacts with, every door she passes through.

Julie, Simran’s personal assistant, has been a great help in explaining how things run around here. I learn that Simran offers home fittings for her elite clientele, a service she personally provides only for the most high-profile clients. It’s a clever business model, I think to myself, but it also presents security risks I’ll need to address.

As I study the boutique’s layout and security measures, I can’t shake the nagging feeling that something’s not right. The building’s security is subpar by New York standards, and the boutique itself has glaring vulnerabilities. The CCTV cameras are outdated, with blind spots that could easily be exploited. There’s little access control over who enters the areas where designs and fittings happen, which is another red flag. These flaws need to be fixed immediately.