Morning arrived quietly over the Romano mansion, golden sunlight spilling through tall glass windows, brushing against marble floors and silk curtains, as if trying to soften the weight that still lingered in the air. The house, usually alive with movement and voices, felt unusually calm-like it was holding its breath.

In the garden, the world seemed untouched by whatever storms had brewed the night before.

Kavya stood alone near the far end, where the shadows of tall trees met the open lawn. The soft chime of her ghungroo filled the air, delicate yet rhythmic, each step measured, each turn graceful. She had tied her hair loosely today, strands slipping free as she moved, her dupatta flowing lightly with every spin. There was no audience, no pressure-just her, the music, and the quiet peace she found in dance.

But even here-Her mind wasn't entirely still. She paused mid-step, her breath uneven as she placed a hand over her chest. For a moment, she didn't move. Didn't think. Just felt. Something had changed. She didn't know what it was... but the calm she usually found in her dance felt incomplete today, like something was missing from the rhythm itself.

Or someone. Her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the mansion. Empty. She shook her head lightly, almost as if scolding herself, and resumed her dance-but the distraction lingered, threading through her movements in ways she couldn't control.

-

Not far from her, Albert walked through the hallway, his steps slower than usual. His eyes instinctively searched for one person, though he pretended otherwise even to himself. He paused near the glass doors that opened to the garden.

And there-He saw her. Kavya. Dancing. For a moment, everything else faded. The noise. The thoughts. The confusion. Gone. His hand rested lightly against the doorframe as he watched her, something soft yet unsettling settling inside his chest. He didn't step forward. Didn't interrupt.

He just watched. Like he always did. But this time-It wasn't just admiration. It was realization. And it scared him. Because in exactly one week- She would leave. And he still hadn't said a word.

-

Inside the mansion, things were far less peaceful. Elena sat at the edge of her bed, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. Her eyes were swollen-not from sleep, but from everything she refused to admit out loud. The screen lit up again with a message. From Nico.

"Pick you up at 11?"

She stared at it. Too long. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard, but she didn't type immediately. Her mind replayed last night over and over again-Enzo's voice, his words, the way he had looked at her.

The way he had said please. Her chest tightened. Why now? Why did he care now? She squeezed her eyes shut for a second, forcing the thoughts away before they could take hold again. Then, with a quick breath, she typed back-

"Yeah."

Sent. And just like that, she threw herself back into the path she had chosen. Even if it hurt.

_____

The dining hall carried its usual morning rhythm-elegant yet alive, filled with overlapping conversations, clinking cutlery, and the quiet hum of a family that moved like a well-practiced orchestra. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the long table where everyone had gathered in their usual seats, each person wrapped in their own little world despite sharing the same space.

At the head of the table, the elder Romano was already deep in discussion with his sons, his voice firm yet controlled as they spoke about business matters, numbers, and decisions that carried weight far beyond the walls of the mansion. Beside them, Donato sat with composed focus, his attention divided between the conversation and the emails on his phone, his fingers moving efficiently across the screen. A man present in body-but clearly occupied elsewhere.

Albert, however, was different.

He sat there, untouched breakfast before him, his mind far from the table, far from the conversation. His gaze occasionally lifted, only to drift again, lost in thoughts he couldn't quite escape. Thoughts that had a name-but one he hadn't yet found the courage to speak.

On the other side, the women were immersed in their own conversation-soft laughter, shared remarks, the comfort of familiarity evident in their tone. Kiara sat among them, smiling gently, though her attention occasionally flickered toward Donato, as if unconsciously checking his presence. Elena, meanwhile, was quieter than usual, her eyes dropping to her phone every few moments, waiting... for something. Or someone.

Near the end of the table, Krish ate in unusual silence, a rare sight for someone so full of energy. His expression still carried the faint sting of defeat, the memory of last night's football match clearly lingering. Across from him, Elio was busy with his own small protest, pushing food around his plate with dramatic disapproval, his mother trying-unsuccessfully-to calm his little tantrum.

And then-Sofia broke the monotony. "Donato brother," she said brightly, leaning forward slightly, her tone filled with curiosity, "next week is your birthday. What are you planning this time?"

Her voice cut through the layered conversations like a spark. The table shifted. Attention turned Toward Donato. A soft chuckle left him as he finally looked up from his phone, slipping it aside as all eyes settled on him.

"Yes, Donato," Aravi added with interest, "what are you doing this time?"

Kiara turned to look at him too, a small smile forming on her lips. She hadn't asked him yet-but she had thought about it. Quietly. A simple plan, something personal, something just for the two of them.

Everyone waited. Donato leaned back slightly, relaxed, unfazed by the attention. "Well," he began casually, "I didn't plan anything this time, Sofi. So I don't think it'll be a grand celebration." A collective reaction stirred immediately.

"Why not?" Nonna spoke this time, her tone carrying both authority and affection. "This birthday is special. You're married now. And we have guests-your in-laws are here. We should celebrate." A few nods followed.

"Exactly," Aravi added with a teasing smile. "Your mother-in-law only stayed because I told her your birthday is coming. Otherwise, she would've left the very next day after Kavya's competition." Laughter spread across the table, light and effortless.

"Let's keep it simple," Aravi continued thoughtfully. "A house party. Just family and close guests. That way everyone can enjoy properly. After all, we have a flight to catch soon."

That caught attention. Elena looked up. "We? Mom, we're going somewhere?"

Aravi shook her head lightly. "Not all of us, Eli. Just me and the Rajputs. I'm going to India with Mrs. Rajput... Kavya and Krish as well. I have some work there." Her tone was casual. But not entirely.

Nonna and Lucia exchanged a brief, knowing glance. They understood-there was more to that trip than just business. Something unspoken. Something planned. But the words had already landed. Kavya... was leaving next week.

For a second-Everything shifted. Albert's hand stilled. His expression didn't change immediately-but something in his eyes did. A quiet fall. A subtle crack in the composure he had been holding onto. He lowered his gaze slightly, as if hiding the reaction, but the impact was undeniable.

Donato noticed. So did Kiara.

And-Kavya. She felt it too. A strange heaviness settled in her chest, unexpected, unwelcome. She had known she would leave-it wasn't new information. And yet... hearing it now, in this moment, surrounded by everyone-it felt different.

Final. She glanced up, just for a second. Their eyes didn't meet. But something passed between them anyway. Unspoken. Uncertain. And quietly unsettling. Because for the first time-Leaving didn't feel as simple as it was supposed to be.

A subtle tension had settled over the table, quiet, almost invisible, but heavy enough to be felt. Conversations slowed, expressions softened, and for a brief moment, the lively rhythm of the breakfast seemed to lose its balance.

Kiara noticed. She always did.

Her gaze moved across the table, reading the room in a way only she could-catching the flicker in Albert's eyes, the stillness in Kavya's posture, the unspoken weight neither of them voiced. And just like that, she decided to shift the air before it thickened further.

"Albert brother," she spoke gently, her tone light yet deliberate, drawing everyone's attention again, "can you take Kavya aunt somewhere nice today?"

A few heads turned, curiosity replacing silence.

"We all have been going out since mom arrived," she continued with a soft smile, "but because of Kavya di's practice, she didn't get to go anywhere. And me and Donato have meetings today, so we won't be able to take her. Mom, Nonna, aunty, and mumma are already planning to visit Enzo's mother... and Krish is going with them." She paused slightly before adding, "So only you are left. If you have time... can you take her somewhere?"

The moment the words settled-Albert's breath hitched. For a split second, he just looked at her, as if confirming he had heard correctly. Somewhere alone... with Kavya? It felt unreal. Almost as if fate itself had stepped in and handed him exactly what he had been silently wishing for.

Inside, a grin spread uncontrollably. Thank you, Kiara... you're an angel, he thought, barely containing the sudden spark of excitement rising within him. Outwardly, he remained composed.

"Hm... yeah, why not," he replied, trying to sound casual, though the ease came a little too quickly. "I don't have anything urgent today anyway. So yes, I'll take Kavya with me." His eyes shifted toward her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Well... is that okay with you, Miss Rajput?" he asked, his tone teasing, a subtle smirk following.

Kavya met his gaze, her expression calm-but her eyes held a quiet spark. "Well," she replied with effortless sass, "it's not like I have an option here. But Kavya Rajput doesn't take favors. So when you visit India, I'll take you somewhere nice too."

For a second There was silence. And then The entire table burst into laughter.

"Sure," Albert replied smoothly, his smirk widening, "I'll gladly tag along." Their exchange, light yet charged, didn't go unnoticed.

Kiara and Donato shared a small, knowing smile. Then, leaning slightly toward Albert, Donato muttered under his breath, just loud enough for him to hear "This is your chance, brother. Say what's in your heart."

Albert's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "bro... isn't it wrong to propose the first time we go out?" he whispered back, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "She'll get scared."

Donato considered that, then nodded slightly. "Makes sense. But if you don't... she'll be gone." That- That hit deeper. Albert's gaze dropped for a moment, the reality of it settling heavily inside him. "Yeah..." he murmured quietly, "I'll think about it."

"What are you two whispering about?" Nonna's voice suddenly cut in, sharp and curious, her brows lifting as she looked between them.

Albert straightened immediately. "Nothing, Nonna. Just... discussing something personal."

"Yeah Very personal," Donato added, unable to resist the smirk tugging at his lips.

Another ripple of laughter spread across the table. But beneath it- Something had shifted. A plan had been set in motion. And for Albert- This wasn't just an outing anymore. It was a chance. Maybe his only one. not knowing. that god has another plan."
______

The sleek black Mercedes-Benz rolled to a smooth halt in front of the Romano company building, its polished surface reflecting the towering glass structure ahead. the rear door opened from inside.

Donato stepped out first. Sharp. Composed. Effortless.

He adjusted the cuffs of his suit, then straightened his jacket with practiced ease, every movement carrying authority. But the moment he turned to the other side of the car, that authority softened-just slightly. He opened the door himself. Extending his hand toward her, his lips curved faintly. "Let's go, Mrs. Romano."

Inside, Kiara smiled, slipping on her sunglasses before placing her hand in his. The moment she stepped out, the morning light caught her perfectly-elegant, graceful, breathtaking without even trying. "Let's go, Mr. Romano," she replied softly.

Hand in hand, they walked toward the entrance. And just like that- The atmosphere inside shifted. A quiet murmur spread through the employees gathered in the lobby.

"They look so good together..."

"Mrs. Kiara is so lucky..."

"Romano sir has changed a lot... he wasn't like this before marriage..."

"Of course, look at her... she's stunning. Anyone would change..."

"But still... Vittoria and sir looked like a perfect CEO couple..."

A few exchanged glances.

"Don't say that. I heard Mrs. Romano isn't someone to mess with when it comes to her husband..."

"Yeah... I heard she warned Vittoria herself."

Whispers layered over whispers, curiosity mixing with admiration and speculation. But the couple? They didn't spare a single glance. Didn't slow down. Didn't react. As if none of it mattered. Because to them- It didn't.

They walked straight into the elevator, And the moment the elevator doors slid shut, sealing them away from the outside world, the air shifted-thicker, heavier, charged with something unspoken yet undeniable.

Before Kiara could take a full breath, Donato moved.

In a swift, controlled motion, he pinned her gently against the wall, one hand braced beside her, the other hovering near her waist as if holding himself back from pulling her closer. His presence surrounded her instantly, leaving no space between them, no room for escape.

"Ro... what are you doing?" she asked, her voice low, caught between surprise and a nervous breath, her hands instinctively pressing against his chest.

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned in slightly, his gaze fixed on her face as if trying to read something deeper than her words. "Well... same question," he murmured, his voice husky, laced with restrained intensity. "Do you have any idea what you're doing to me, Mrs. Romano?"

Her brows furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across her expression. "What?"

A faint smile touched his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. Those were darker now-focused, intense. "Who told you to look this beautiful?" he whispered, his breath grazing her skin as his lips hovered just near her neck.

A sharp shiver ran through her. "Ro... leave..." she tried, her voice softening despite herself, her fingers curling slightly into his shirt. "Someone might come... we're not in our bedroom... we're in an elevator..."

Her words trembled at the edges as his presence lingered too close, too consuming. For a second, it felt like he might ignore her completely. But then- He pulled back. Just enough. Took her hand again, almost too casually.

"Okay," he said, as if nothing had happened. "Let's go."

She blinked, still catching up. "Where?"

His lips curved again, that teasing edge returning. " to Home. in Our bedroom. We'll continue this there."

A soft laugh escaped her despite everything, and she tried to step away, to create some space between them. "No, we can't. We have a meeting, remember?"

"Fuck the meeting," he muttered, stepping closer again, his restraint clearly slipping. "I can't focus on anything right now."

"You're impossible," she said, shaking her head, though her smile gave her away.

"Am I?" he husked near her ear, his voice dipping lower, warmer. His fingers lightly tilted her chin upward, guiding her gaze back to him. For a moment, everything slowed-the hum of the elevator, the ticking seconds, even her breath.

He studied her like she was something rare. Something his. Then, softer this time, almost teasing yet sincere beneath it, he murmured, "You walk in like that... hold my hand like that... smile like that... and expect me to behave?"

Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard-not by his words, but by the way he said them. "You're the problem, not me," she whispered back, trying to hold onto her composure.

A quiet chuckle left him. "Then I don't want to be solved." The distance between them disappeared again-but slower this time. Deliberate. He didn't rush. His hand slid gently to her cheek, thumb brushing lightly against her skin, giving her a moment-a choice.

And when she didn't move away-He leaned in.

His lips met hers, firm yet unhurried, the kiss carrying more than just desire-it carried familiarity, claim, and something deeper that neither of them needed to name. She held onto his shoulder, her resistance fading as she responded, her breath mingling with his in the quiet space.

It wasn't hurried. It wasn't careless. It was controlled intensity-like both of them knew exactly how far to go... and where to stop. The elevator continued to rise. But inside- Time paused. And for those few moments, it wasn't a corporate building, or a meeting waiting upstairs-It was just them.

The elevator felt smaller now-too small to contain the intensity that had taken over the space between them.

Donato's grip tightened around Kiara as he kissed her, no longer teasing, no longer holding back the way he had moments ago. There was a growing urgency in the way he held her, in the way his lips moved from hers lips to her jaw, then lower-each touch deliberate, lingering just enough to make her breath falter.

Kiara's fingers clutched his shirt, her balance wavering, her body instinctively leaning into him as if he was the only thing keeping her steady. A soft, involuntary sound escaped her, barely audible, but enough to make his hold tighten further, as if encouraged by every reaction she gave him.

"Ro..." she tried, her voice unsteady, caught somewhere between protest and surrender. But he didn't stop.

His attention shifted again, brushing along her neck, his breath warm against her skin, his movements slow but consuming-like he was savoring every second, every reaction. The controlled Donato Romano seemed to have disappeared, replaced by someone far more dangerous... someone driven purely by how she made him feel.

Her head tilted back slightly, her eyes closing as she tried to steady herself, but the way he held her made it impossible to think clearly. And then-Her eyes fluttered open. The floor number. It was theirs. The elevator was about to stop.

"R-Ro... the door..." she stammered, trying to gather herself, her hand pressing lightly against his chest. "It's going to open... leave it..."

Her words came out uneven, broken by her breath, but even then, he barely reacted, still lost in the moment, still too close, too absorbed. "Ro-" she tried again, more urgently this time.

Ping.

The sound cut through everything. The doors slid open. And just like that- Reality crashed back in. Kiara froze instantly.

Standing right outside was a man holding a file-who now stood completely still, shock written all over his face. The file slipped from his hand, hitting the floor with a soft thud that echoed louder than it should have.

For a second- No one moved. Then Kiara pushed lightly against Donato. He pulled back, irritation flashing across his face at the interruption. "What-" he started, but stopped the moment he followed her gaze.

The man. Watching. Donato's expression changed immediately. In one swift motion, he stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Kiara, shielding her completely from view. His presence turned cold-sharp, controlled, dangerous.

"What the fuck are you doing here, Mr. Moretti?" his voice came out low, edged with authority.

The man Lorenzo moretti, Vittoria's brother, blinked, snapping out of his frozen state, though a faint, awkward chuckle escaped him. "Well, Mr. Donato... it's not your bedroom. It's an elevator. People do come and go."

His eyes flickered, just for a second, trying to glance past Donato. Donato noticed. Of course he did. Without another word, he reached forward and pressed the button-the elevator doors sliding shut again, cutting off the outside world once more.

Silence fell again. But it was different now. He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before muttering under his breath, "Fucker..."

Kiara couldn't help it. She laughed softly. He turned to her immediately, still slightly irritated. "You're laughing? You're actually enjoying this? He saw you like that."

"Well," she said, trying to fix his slightly disheveled collar, her smile still lingering, "it's your fault. I tried to stop you. You didn't listen." There was something playful in her tone now-something lighter, softer.

She stepped closer, adjusting his blazer this time, smoothing it out as if nothing had happened. Then she leaned slightly toward him, her lips near his ear, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don't worry, Mr. Romano... we'll continue this tonight." He stilled. "...in our bedroom," she added softly. "Let's finish work first."

For a moment, he just looked at her. Really looked at her. Then, without a word, his thumb brushed lightly against her lips, fixing the smudged lipstick with surprising gentleness. "Okay," he said finally, his voice calmer now.

Before stepping back-He leaned in once more and placed a brief, controlled kiss on her lips. This time-He stopped there. Because now-There were boundaries again. And a long day waiting outside.

_______

The drive after breakfast was nothing like Kavya had expected. It wasn't quiet. It wasn't formal. It was chaos-wrapped in effortless ease. Albert drove with one hand on the wheel, the other occasionally gesturing mid-conversation as Kavya sat beside him, arms crossed half the time, arguing back with sharp, playful sass.

"You really think this is the best route?" she shot, raising a brow.

He smirked without even looking at her. "Relax, Miss Rajput. I know my city better than Google Maps."

"Hm," she hummed skeptically, turning her face toward the window. "Confidence without proof is dangerous."

"And attitude without reason is worse," he countered instantly. That earned him a glare. And then-unexpectedly-a small smile tugged at her lips. The banter never really stopped after that. It flowed naturally, effortlessly, like they had been doing this for years instead of just days.

Albert didn't take her to crowded tourist spots. No noise. No chaos. Instead, he chose places tucked away from the usual rush-quiet streets lined with old architecture, peaceful gardens where sunlight filtered softly through trees, and hidden corners of the city that felt untouched by the outside world.

A serene lakeside where the water reflected the sky like glass. A narrow cobblestone lane filled with small artisan shops. A silent hilltop viewpoint where the city stretched endlessly below, yet felt miles away.

Kavya noticed it. Every place they visited... was calm. Almost empty. Exactly the kind of place she preferred. She didn't like crowds-never had. And somehow He knew. Her gaze shifted to him more than once during the day, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Did he plan this? The thought came quietly. But she dismissed it just as quickly. Why would he? Still-Something about it stayed. They had lunch at a well-known restaurant, the kind famous for its legacy and taste, yet even there, Albert had chosen a corner table-private, away from noise. He didn't ask what she preferred. He just... knew. And that-That unsettled her more than she admitted.

By evening, the golden light of the setting sun softened everything around them as they headed toward a café-bar Albert frequented. It was one of his favorite places-warm, aesthetic, quiet, with soft music humming in the background and a calm ambiance that wrapped around you instead of overwhelming you.

They settled into a corner seat. Again-A corner. Away from everyone. Albert ordered his usual espresso. Kavya chose a simple cold coffee. She started talking-about the places she liked the most that day, about the lake, the silence, the breeze-and Albert listened quietly, occasionally nodding, a faint smile playing on his lips as he simply... watched her.

Watched how her eyes lit up when she spoke. Watched how her hands moved when she explained something. He didn't interrupt. Didn't rush. He just listened. Because for him- That was enough. And just when the moment had settled into something soft and almost perfect-

It broke. A sharp voice cut through the calm. "So... she's the one? Your girlfriend?" Both of them looked up. Gia. Standing right in front of their table. Albert's expression changed instantly. The softness vanished.

He stood up immediately, his chair scraping slightly against the floor. "What the hell are you doing here?" are you stalking me?" he asked, his voice cold, edged with irritation.

Gia crossed her arms, unfazed. "I don't need to stalk you. I know the places you usually come to. I just happened to be here... and saw you with her." Her gaze shifted to Kavya, scanning her from head to toe. "So I guess she's the one... hmm?"

"It doesn't matter to you," Albert snapped. "Just leave."

Kavya, meanwhile, sat there quietly-watching. Observing. Amusement flickered in her eyes as she pieced things together. Ah... maybe ex or lover.

But Gia wasn't done. "I won't leave," she said stubbornly, her tone rising. "How can you do this? You rejected me because of her?" Her finger pointed directly at Kavya. And then- The line crossed. "This woman? She doesn't even have any sense of fashion. What is she even wearing? What kind of dress is that?" she said, her face twisting in visible disgust.

For a second-Silence. Kavya slowly stood up. Her chair moved back with controlled precision, her expression no longer amused. Her gaze locked onto Gia-sharp, unwavering. "Excuse me," she said, her voice calm... but carrying a dangerous edge. "Who the hell are you to comment on my clothes?"

There was something in her tone-something regal, unshakable. She stood there in her white kurta, blue jeans, traditional jhumkas swaying slightly, her presence effortlessly commanding. It wasn't just anger. It was pride. And when it came to her roots-She didn't tolerate disrespect.

She tilted her head slightly, eyes scanning Gia from top to bottom, a faint, almost mocking smile forming on her lips. "Did you look at yourself before walking in here?" Kavya said, her voice smooth, controlled. "I thought maybe you forgot your pants at home."

Gia's face stiffened.

Kavya let out a soft, fake gasp. "Oh-sorry, my mistake. That is your outfit, right? I almost forgot... some people wear half clothes just to attract attention." Her gaze sharpened, unwavering now. "But look at me," she continued, stepping just a little closer, her tone still calm but cutting deeper with every word. "I don't need to wear half a dress to get attention. Unlike you." A pause. "Next time, look at yourself... before you speak about others."

Albert inhaled sharply. He had seen Kavya sassy. He had seen her confident. But this? This was something else entirely. He stepped closer to her, lowering his voice. "Kavya... relax. She's just-" he glanced at Gia with clear irritation, "-crazy. I'll handle it."

Gia's eyes widened instantly. "What? Crazy? Me?" she snapped. "You're calling me crazy because of her?" Her finger jabbed toward Kavya again, anger rising uncontrollably. "Look at her! Acting all high and mighty in those outdated clothes like she's some queen. Girls like her pretend to be innocent but are the worst kind-"

That was it. Both Albert and Kavya's expressions hardened. But before Albert could step in- Kavya did. "And girls like you," Kavya cut in sharply, her voice still calm but now laced with steel, "mistake cheap attention for confidence."

The words hit. Hard. Gia's face twisted in rage. Without thinking, she lunged forward, hand shooting out toward Kavya's hair- But she never got the chance. In one swift motion, Kavya caught her wrist mid-air. Twisted it. And before anyone could react- Gia was bent forward, her upper body slammed against the table, her hand pinned behind her back.

A sharp scream escaped her. The café fell silent for a second- Then turned into quiet curiosity. People watched. Some shocked. Some entertained. Coffee cups paused mid-air. Albert froze. Completely. Because what just happened...He didn't even process it.

Kavya leaned slightly closer, her grip firm, unshaking. "You bitch," she said quietly near Gia's ear, her tone dangerously calm. "Next time... think a hundred times before messing with a Rajput girl."

"Ahh-leave me!" Gia cried, struggling uselessly.

"Say sorry first," Kavya replied flatly.

"I-I'm sorry! Sorry! Please leave me!" Gia said quickly, desperation replacing her arrogance.

Kavya held her for one more second. Then smirked. "Good girl." She released her.

Gia stumbled back instantly, fixing her hair, her face flushed with humiliation and anger. "Oh my God," she scoffed, pointing at Kavya. "Albert, your girlfriend is dangerous. You're seriously going to marry this woman?"

Albert finally snapped out of his shock. A slow smirk appeared on his face. "Yes," he said without hesitation. "I will." His gaze turned cold as he added, "And now that you've seen how she is... next time think two hundred times before coming near me."

Gia clenched her jaw, stomping her foot before turning and storming out, muttering under her breath as she disappeared.

Silence lingered for a moment. Then- Kavya blinked. "...Wait." Her brows furrowed slightly. She turned to Albert slowly. "Girlfriend?" she repeated. A beat. "Marriage?" Another beat. Her eyes narrowed just slightly as realization-and confusion-settled in.

Albert, sensing the shift, immediately gestured toward the exit. "Let's go," he said quickly. They walked out, got into the car, and the moment the doors shut- Kavya turned toward him. Fast. Too fast. Her face suddenly very close to his.

"Are we getting married?" When?" she asked, her eyes wide, curious, completely serious.

Albert froze. Actually froze. His back stiffened against the seat, his hands tightening slightly on the steering wheel. Her face was inches away. Too close. Way too close. he can feel her breath." he inhale sharply." "Oh God..." he thought, swallowing hard.

She just flipped a girl onto a table with one hand...If I say I love her right now... she might actually kill me in this car. with her own two bare hand, He gulped again.

A nervous, sheepish smile slowly formed on his lips. Kavya didn't move. Didn't blink. Just kept staring at him-waiting. And for the first time that day- Albert Romano had absolutely no idea what to say.

_____

Oh my God, I was literally laughing so hard while writing this scene. Kavya is seriously dangerous when it comes to herself... and poor Alberto, he doesn't even know what he's dealing with 😭

Okay bye bye enjoy the reading guys 💫