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I approach Julie. “I need access to the CCTV footage from the last month, both inside and outside the boutique.”

She hesitates, glancing towards Simran’s office. I can see the conflict in her eyes, torn between following her boss’s instructions and recognising the gravity of the situation.

“It’s for her safety,” I add, my tone brooking no argument.

Julie’s resolve crumbles under the weight of my words, and she gives me a small nod. As she goes to retrieve the footage, I make a series of calls, setting in motion the changes that need to happen.

I summon two of my guards, who have been waiting downstairs. As they approach, I can see the sharp focus in their eyes, alert and ready for my instructions.

“Starting tomorrow, you’ll be stationed here at the boutique,” I tell them. “One of you inside, the other outside. You’re to maintain constant vigilance.”

I pause, making sure I have their full attention before continuing. “Simran isn’t comfortable with this level of protection. She may try to dismiss you or downplay the need for security. Ignore it. Your orders come from me, and me alone. Is that clear?”

They nod in unison, their faces alight with determination. “Crystal clear, sir.”

As they move to familiarise themselves with the layout, I turn my attention back to Simran’s cabin as she emerges from her office with a client. Her face is lit up with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. It’s like she’s stressed about something. Our gazes lock for a moment, and I force myself to maintain a neutral expression.

But inside, I’m in turmoil. Every time I see her, flashes of that moment—Simran cradling a baby in her arms—assault my mind. The shock of that revelation still haunts me, a constant reminder of how much has changed, of how much I don’t know about her current life, or rather, I never tried to know.

SIMRAN

By late afternoon, I finally step out of my cabin, feeling both relieved and exhausted. It’s been a long day, and I’m more than ready to head home. Clutching my bag, I walk towards Vishnu, who’s leaning casually against the wall outside, arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with a quiet, watchful intensity.

“I’m done for the day,” I announce, trying to infuse some cheer into my voice. “What about you? Got bored yet? I hope you did.”

He gives me a look that’s both amused and exasperated. “I think you still haven’t taken my previous warning seriously.”

I know exactly what he’s referring to—the warning about not meddling in his work of ‘protecting’ me, coupled with the threat of extending his stay here.

I quickly defend myself. “I didn’t meddle this time. I was just asking if you got bored. This place isn’t really your scene, Vishnu.”

He holds my gaze, his eyes intense and unwavering. “I know where I belong.”

His words stir something deep within me, sending a flutter through my stomach. It’s the same line I’d once told him during one of our intense conversations eighteen months ago. It had surprised him then, and now it’s my turn to be shocked, knowing he still remembers it, word for word. Heat spreads across my skin. Even after all this time, one look from him and my body reacts like it always has, passionately. Needing to steer the conversation away from this, I clear my throat.

“Julie told me you wanted all our clients’ information.”

Vishnu nods. “Yes, I did ask for that.”

“That’s not possible,” I reply firmly. “While all this CCTV footage and having guards around is acceptable, sharing private information about my clients is not. I can’t breach their trust.”

He doesn’t even blink. “No breach is bigger than your life,” he counters. “Right now, the suspicion on who’s threatening and stalking you falls on everyone in your inner circle here. We can’t afford to overlook any details. I need every bit of information—even the things you think are insignificant—so I can do my job well.”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “Job?” I repeat, not meaning to tease but unable to stop myself. “I don’t think I can afford you and your services.”

Vishnu’s face hardens, and I can see a flash of irritation cross his features. He leans in slightly, his voice dipping into a low murmur that sends a chill through me. “The payment I seek is not monetary, Simran. It’s the satisfaction of knowing you’re safe. It’s priceless.”

His words hang between us, charged with an electric tension. My heart skips a beat, and I feel myself getting pulled into the intensity of his gaze. But I quickly snap out of it, knowing I need to keep things in check.

“Umm, I want to get back home now,” I say, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground.

He simply nods, and we head out, walking side by side to the car. Once again, I drive us back to my apartment in silence. Vishnu’s presence beside me is impossible to ignore, a silent reminder of the seriousness of my situation. Once we arrive at my building, the guards station themselves downstairs while Vishnu follows me up to my apartment door.

I expect him to leave, thinking that with me home, his work for the day is done. But he surprises me again when the door opens and he tries to come inside with me.

“You’re coming in too?” I ask in confusion.

“We still have a few things to talk about,” he replies smoothly.