Page 31

“Don’t push him right now. Let him work through this. It’s for your own safety, and for his too. Because if you don’t... I’m not sure even I can protect you from the fallout.”

Before I can come up with a response, a movement catches my eye. A group of men—all built like Abhay and radiating that same aura of danger—stride past us and give him a curt nod before entering the apartment across from mine. The one that’s been vacant for months.

Without thinking, I follow Abhay and these men, my mind reeling. As I step into the apartment, my eyes widen in shock. The scene in front of me is like something out of a spy movie. Five men are unpacking bulky, high-tech gear and setting up what looks like state-of-the-art surveillance equipment. My breath hitches as I spot detailed floor plans of not just our apartment building, but of my boutique as well.

“What’s going on here?” I demand, rounding on Abhay. “Who are these men? And what are they doing?”

Abhay meets my gaze, his expression still hard but slightly less furious than before. “Vishnu has rented this place,” he says, his voice clipped. “These men will be stationed here 24/7 for your security.”

I blink rapidly, trying to process this information. “More security? But—”

“They’ll be monitoring everything,” Abhay cuts me off, gesturing to the equipment. “Live CCTV feeds from your office and the apartment, the café you frequently visit, the client details—all to identify potential threats.”

The enormity of these measures hits me like a tidal wave. This isn’t just protection; it’s a complete invasion of privacy. I open my mouth to protest, but Abhay’s next words stop me cold.

“We only take orders from Vishnu,” he states flatly, his tone cold and final. “Anything you say is invalid and won’t change any of this.”

I stand there, frozen, as Abhay turns back to his men, barking out orders with the confidence of someone used to being obeyed without question. The world seems to tilt on its axis, leaving me dizzy and disoriented. He outlines a series of rules and procedures that make my head spin. I’m to inform him of my movements at all times. No unscheduled stops or detours. My phone will be monitored, and my internet usage will be tracked. Even my interactions with clients at the boutique will be under scrutiny.

I feel a surge of anger, hot and sudden. “Security protocols? Is that what you call this invasion of privacy?”

“These measures are for your own protection, ma’am.”

“And what about what I want?” I snap. “Doesn’t that matter at all?”

For a moment, I see something flicker in Abhay’s eyes—pity, perhaps? But it’s gone as quickly as it appeared.

“I’m afraid not, ma’am,” he says, his tone softening slightly. “Not in this matter.”

The finality in his voice makes my stomach churn.

“Can I at least talk to Vishnu? Directly?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

Abhay shakes his head. “He is unavailable for you at the moment. All communication goes through me for now.”

Suddenly, I’m acutely aware of how little control I have over my own life right now.

“And what if I refuse?” I ask defiantly.

Abhay’s gaze hardens, his jaw tightening. “That would be inadvisable, Ms. Simran. Mr. Vishnu has made it clear that these measures are non-negotiable.”

“Or what?” I challenge, a bout of reckless bravery taking hold of me. “What will he do? What will you do?”

For a long moment, Abhay is silent. When he speaks again, his voice is low and intense.

“Ms. Simran, I don’t think you understand the gravity of the situation. He’s doing this to protect you. If you try to challenge his security protocols... well, let’s just say it would be in your best interest not to find out what would happen.”

A shiver runs down my spine at his words. The warning in his voice is unmistakable. Without another word, I flee the apartment, my legs quivering with each step.

“I’ll be right outside if you need anything. Remember, inform me before you leave the apartment,” Abhay’s voice looms behind me.

I stumble back to my own place, slamming the door behind me and sagging against it, gulping for air like I’m drowning. Where is Vishnu? The question pounds in my head. I need to see him now.

I understand, on some level, why he’s keeping his distance. Learning about a child he never knew existed would shatter anyone. He needs time to process, to come to terms with this monumental shift in his life. But the way he’s distanced himself... it’s suffocating. The weight of his sudden absence presses down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Abhay’s warning echoes in my mind: Vishnu’s rage, the potential disaster if I try to meet him and push him too hard. But strangely, fear isn’t what I feel. Despite the secrets I’ve kept from him, despite the months of silence about our child, there’s one thing I believe with absolute certainty—Vishnu would never physically harm me. The thought itself is laughable. What terrifies me the most is what if this distance between us becomes permanent?

Claire’s concerned face swims into view as she reaches the living room.