"Rosie..."

The whisper was barely audible. But the entire room heard it. And in the very next second- Donato moved.Fast. So fast that Kiara did not even get time to react properly. One second he was beside her. The next-He was already crossing the living room.

Everyone watched silently as years of distance shattered within seconds. Rose's eyes filled instantly seeing him coming toward her. And before she could say anything- Donato pulled her into his arms. Hard. Tightly. Almost desperately.

The force of the hug made Rose stumble slightly backward, but she hugged him back immediately with the same intensity, her fingers clutching the back of his shirt tightly as if she was afraid he would disappear too.

For a moment-Neither of them spoke. Donato simply held her. Like he was making sure she was real. Like if he loosened his grip even slightly, she would vanish again for another five years. Rose buried her face into his shoulder and finally broke down softly.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered shakily. "I'm so sorry..."

Donato closed his eyes tightly. His jaw clenched hard. But he did not say anything. Not a single word. He just hugged his best friend tighter.

And behind him- Kiara still stood near the entrance silently. Her hand remained slightly raised in the air. The same hand Donato had been holding just seconds ago. She watched him quietly. Watched the way his entire world had stopped the moment he saw Rose.

And for the first time since entering the mansion-Kiara understood. This girl was not ordinary in their lives. She was home to them. Especially to Donato and enzo.

Slowly, Donato finally pulled back slightly from the hug. His hands immediately moved to Rose's face, holding it carefully almost like he still could not believe she was standing there. "You're here..." he whispered emotionally, searching her face again and again. "Oh God... finally you're here."

Rosie looked at him through tear-filled eyes and nodded weakly while tears continued sliding down her cheeks endlessly. "You don't know," Donato continued with a broken laugh escaping him, "how many times me and Enzo were two steps away from coming after you."

The room fell silent listening to him. "But we stopped ourselves every single time," he said softly. "Because we wanted to give you time... to let you come back on your own." A faint pain crossed his face. "You took so long to come back, Rosie." His voice lowered emotionally. "We really missed you."

Rosie's lips trembled instantly. "I missed you too," she whispered brokenly. "So much." Fresh tears rolled down her face. "Believe me, I wanted to come back the very next day after landing there." She smiled weakly through tears. "But I had to stay away... I needed time."

Her eyes lowered briefly. "I didn't want you all to see the broken version of me anymore." The room became painfully quiet. Even the usually noisy Romano family had no words. Rose inhaled shakily before looking back at Donato again.

"I wanted to heal first." A small smile slowly appeared on her lips. "To give you all your real Rosie back." Donato stared at her silently. Then Rose smiled through tears and whispered softly, "And now I'm back." This time her voice carried certainty. "And I'm not going anywhere again." Her gaze moved around the entire family lovingly. "Never."

The emotional heaviness in the room finally cracked slightly. Donato immediately cupped her cheeks again and shook his head lightly. "Good." His voice was firm now. "Because this time we won't let you go anywhere."

A small smile finally appeared on his face again. "God..." he muttered while laughing quietly. "Enzo is going to lose his mind when he sees you." At the mention of Enzo, several family members chuckled instantly. "He was angry too, you know," Donato added teasingly. "You're going to receive a lot of scolding from him."

Rose rolled her wet eyes dramatically. "Please." She sniffled while wiping her tears lightly. "I know exactly how to handle my angry gorilla."

The entire room burst into laughter immediately. Even Kiara laughed softly this time. Because somehow- That nickname suited Enzo far too perfectly. Albert almost bent forward laughing while Elana covered her smile with her hand gracefully.

"Angry gorilla?" sofia repeated between laughter. "Oh my God, Rose sisi you're so back , we really missed you, and you calling enzo gorilla we really missed your three freinds, banters -"

"That's nothing," Rosie interrupted proudly while crossing her arms. "You all don't know how dramatic he becomes when he's angry."

"He still does that thing" Albert said instantly with amusement.

Rosie gasped dramatically. "He still throws cushions when he loses arguments?" Now everyone was openly laughing. Even Donato looked completely different now. Lighter. Happier. Like a missing piece of his life had suddenly returned.

And standing near the entrance-Kiara quietly watched all of it. The laughter. The memories. The emotions. And most importantly- The look on Donato's face. She had never seen him like this before.

"Where is he now?" Rose asked while wiping the remaining tears from her cheeks. "I thought all of you would already be here together." She crossed her arms dramatically before narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Don't tell me he went last-minute gift shopping for his darling."

Her gaze shifted teasingly toward Donato while giving him a playful wink. Donato instantly burst out laughing. "Correct," he admitted shamelessly. Several family members chuckled immediately because they already knew exactly who Rose was talking about.

"Wait," Rose suddenly said while raising one finger dramatically. "Let me tell his exact line." She straightened her posture and deepened her voice badly, trying to imitate Enzo. "Darling," she began theatrically, "I was wondering what birthday gift I should give you..." The entire room already started laughing because somehow she was capturing Enzo's attitude perfectly.

"But then I realized," she continued proudly while placing a hand over her chest, "'You already have me. I am the biggest present in your life, so you don't need another gift.' Right?"

The final word- "Right?" Both Rosie and Donato said together at the exact same moment. And instantly exploded laughing. Even nonna laughed openly now while Albert shook his head helplessly. "And still," Rosie added between laughter, "in the end he goes out to buy an actual gift anyway."

"Well, you're right," Donato admitted while grinning. "He returned from his business trip only yesterday. Met me this morning, and after that he disappeared again to buy gifts." "He should be here any moment."

Rose smiled softly at that. Then suddenly she looked back at Donato with warmth in her eyes. "So," she asked quietly, "how's my surprise for your birthday?"

Donato's expression softened instantly. "This," he said honestly while looking directly at her, "is the best birthday surprise and gift." The room became emotional again. "Thank you for coming back." Rosie's eyes watered again, but this time she smiled through it.

"You took so long," Donato suddenly added teasingly, "that I even got married." Rosie gasped dramatically.

"No way," she whispered with fake horror. "You actually trapped someone into marrying you?" The room burst into laughter again.

"Wait," Donato interrupted proudly. "You didn't meet my wife yet."

At the words my wife- Rose's smile faltered for the briefest second. So quickly that almost nobody noticed. Almost. But she recovered instantly.

Donato turned toward Kiara standing quietly nearby. His entire expression softened naturally the moment he looked at her. He walked toward her, held her waist gently, and brought her closer beside him. "Meet my wife," he announced proudly, unable to hide the happiness in his voice. "Mrs. Kiara Donato Romano."

Rosie looked at Kiara carefully for a moment. Then suddenly smiled warmly. She extended her hand immediately. "Hi, Kiara," she said genuinely. nice to meet you."

Kiara smiled politely and shook her hand. "You're really pretty," Rosie added honestly. "Now I understand why my best friend is completely whipped for his wife." The entire room laughed loudly again while Donato rolled his eyes dramatically. "My grandmother told me," Rosie continued teasingly. " that Donato talks about his wife all the time."

Donato immediately groaned. "Rosie-" "No, seriously," she laughed. "I was so excited to meet you." Kiara smiled softly now, feeling her nervousness easing slightly. "I was excited too," she replied warmly. "I heard a lot about you from Elana."

Rose opened her mouth to reply-But suddenly-The mansion doors opened again. And this time-Enzo entered. The laughter in the room slowly died down.

Enzo stepped inside casually while loosening his watch slightly- Then froze. Completely. His smile disappeared instantly. His eyes locked directly onto Rosie. Like he had seen a ghost standing alive in front of him.

His breathing visibly hitched. The room went silent. Rose's eyes softened immediately. And before anyone could say anything- She ran toward him. Actually ran."Enzo-"She threw her arms around him tightly. But-He did not hug her back. At all.

His arms remained stiff at his sides. His expression unreadable. The sudden coldness confused everyone instantly. Rose slowly pulled back slightly, confused. Enzo looked directly into her eyes. And asked quietly-"Why did you come back?"

The entire room froze. Rose blinked slowly. "Huh?"

His jaw clenched tightly. "Why did you come back after all this time?" he asked again, his voice sharper now. "Why did you do that?"

Nobody understood what was happening. They had expected anger maybe. Tears definitely. But not this. Not this cold hurt in his voice. "En-" Before Rose could even finish- Suddenly- Enzo pulled her violently into his arms. This time impossibly tight.

Like years of pain finally snapped inside him. Rose gasped softly at the force before immediately hugging him back just as tightly. "Why did you leave us?" Enzo whispered brokenly near her hair. "Why?" His voice cracked. "Were we not important enough for you?"

The pain in his voice shattered the room. Rosie broke down crying instantly again. "I'm sorry..." she sobbed helplessly. "I'm so sorry, baby..." Her fingers tightened behind his back desperately. "I had to go," she whispered shakily. "I had to... so I could come back stronger."

Enzo shook his head immediately. "You didn't have to leave," he whispered painfully. "We were here for you." His eyes closed tightly. "We would've handled everything together." His grip tightened more. "But you chose to leave us."

Rosie cried harder at that. "I know," she whispered brokenly. "I know..." Then suddenly she sniffled softly and smiled weakly through tears. "My baby gorilla..." The nickname instantly made several family members laugh quietly again despite the emotional moment.

"I'm at fault," Rosie admitted dramatically while hugging him tighter. "You can punish your lizard however you want." At the word lizard-Enzo finally let out a watery laugh. Because that was his nickname for her. His annoying little lizard. "Yes," he muttered while resting his forehead against hers. "You should be punished."

Rose nodded obediently through tears. "I agree." "I'll make you stand against the wall like a lizard for hours," he threatened emotionally. "You human lizard." The room finally burst into relieved laughter again. Even Rosie laughed while crying at the same time.

And then-Without caring who was watching-The three best friends finally hugged together again. Donato pulled both of them close while Enzo still refused to let Rose go properly. Years of separation disappeared inside that one embrace. Rose closed her eyes tightly between them and whispered emotionally-"We are so back, guys."

______

The private Romano event estate glowed beautifully beneath the evening lights.

Golden chandeliers reflected softly against marble floors while elegant music floated through the massive hall. The entire venue carried the signature Romano style- luxurious, powerful, yet dangerously controlled. Security guards stood silently at every entrance and corner while guests from powerful business families slowly filled the hall one by one.

Inside the grand hall, the Romano family had already settled around the reserved seating area while waiting for the final guests to arrive. Only two people were missing. The birthday man himself-And his wife.

Because according to sofia, "A king and queen never arrive before their guests." So naturally, Donato Romano and Kiara Romano were waiting for their official entrance. Meanwhile, the rest of the family was enjoying the evening.

Especially Enzo and Rose. The two sat together at one corner table laughing loudly, completely lost in each other's company. Every few seconds one of them would remember another old memory and immediately start speaking over the other excitedly.

"You remember that teacher you made cry?"

"That was your fault!"

"No, you released the frogs!"

"You helped me collect them!"

Their nonstop chaos made almost everyone nearby laugh. Five lost years were being recovered in a single evening. Rose kept touching Enzo's arm while talking dramatically, sometimes hitting his shoulder when he teased her too much, while Enzo looked more alive than he had in months. the tension, the truth, everything disapear , gone."

He choose to stay silent not to tell the truth, thats the only way he can save to get donato and family broken, and about the safty and other things, he know now the truth he know's who's the stalker is, he can confront them face to face later and make sure they don't repeat whatever they are doing from year's.

Beside their table sat Elana quietly. And for the first time-She felt something unpleasant in her chest. Jealousy. Slight. Small. But there. She genuinely liked Rose. Actually, she loved her energy already. Rose was warm, funny, emotional, fearless.

she know how close donat, and enzo with her Rose had always been deeply important to Donato and Enzo. The three of them had grown up together. They never treated Rose differently because she was a girl. She was not "the girl" of the group.

She was one of them. Their best friend. Their family. Rose was the same age as Donato and two years older than Enzo, making Enzo the youngest of the trio. Which explained why Rose and Donato constantly babied him shamelessly.

And Enzo- Despite acting annoyed- Clearly adored them both. 5 Years ago, Elana never minded any of this. Back then she had no feelings for Enzo. So seeing Rose cling to him, hug him, slap his shoulder, pull his face, steal food from his plate-None of it mattered.

But now-Now it did. Because suddenly every touch felt too intimate to her heart. Every laugh between them felt personal. And the worst part? She knew there was nothing romantic between Rose and Enzo. Nothing.

Their bond was pure brother sister. friendship. Family. Chaos. Still-Her chest tightened seeing how naturally Rose could touch him while she herself had spent weeks distancing herself from him. Elana quietly looked away.

Why are you jealous? Aren't you the one trying to move on?

She silently scolded herself. But before her thoughts could continue-The massive hall doors opened. And instantly- Attention shifted. The murmurs inside the hall softened. All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Because the birthday couple had finally arrived. Donato entered first wearing an elegant black suit that made him look every bit the dangerous Romano heir everyone feared. Beside him walked Kiara in a stunning outfit that immediately captured attention effortlessly.

Together-They looked breathtaking. Powerful. Untouchable. Donato's hand rested possessively around Kiara's waist while she walked beside him gracefully, her calm smile making camera flashes increase instantly.

Whispers spread among guests again.

"They look unreal together."

"Mrs. Romano is beautiful."

"He never used to smile like this before marriage."

"Look at the way he's holding her..."

But the couple ignored everything naturally. Donato greeted guests calmly while Kiara smiled politely beside him, accepting birthday wishes and compliments. Soon the atmosphere became lively again. And finally-It was time for the cake cutting.

A massive elegant black-and-gold cake was brought to the center while everyone gathered around happily. Family members crowded near the stage area while guests watched with smiles. Donato stood beside Kiara. One hand lightly resting behind her waist. The other holding the knife with her.

Together they cut the cake while applause filled the hall. Kiara smiled softly. This was her husband's first birthday after marriage. And somehow-That made this moment feel special to her too.

The moment the cake was cut, Kiara waited instinctively beside him with a small smile, expecting him to turn toward her first. But before he could-Rose suddenly rushed forward dramatically. "Move aside, wife privileges later," she declared proudly. "Best friend rights first."

Everyone laughed loudly. And Donato-Without thinking much-Chuckled and fed Rose the first bite of cake. Rose immediately fed him back while laughing. It was innocent. Natural. Normal for them. But-Kiara froze.

Something sharp twisted painfully inside her chest. The cheers around her suddenly sounded distant. Her fingers tightened slowly into fists. Before Donato could even turn toward her- She stepped back quietly. Then disappeared from the crowd entirely.

No one noticed at first. Except Elana. Elana saw the exact moment Kiara's expression changed. Saw the hurt flash briefly across her face before she quietly walked away toward the restroom corridor.

A small sigh escaped Elana immediately. Oh no...

Meanwhile Donato finally turned naturally toward where Kiara had been standing moments earlier. And frowned. She was gone. His eyes searched the crowd immediately. "Huh?" His brows furrowed slightly. "Where did Kiara go?"

Elana reacted instantly before anyone else could misunderstand the situation. "Oh, don't worry brother," she said casually while sipping her drink lightly. "Kia went to the restroom."

Donato looked toward the hallway once more. Still confused. "Strange..." he muttered quietly. Because something about this felt wrong. But before he could think further, the family dragged his attention back toward the celebration.

"Feed Nonna now!"

Soon Donato started feeding cake to everyone while laughter and chaos returned around him once again. Yet somewhere in the back of his mind-A strange uneasiness remained.

_______

Inside the luxurious restroom, silence surrounded Kiara completely. The loud music from the celebration outside sounded distant here. Muted. Almost unreal. Kiara stood frozen in front of the massive mirror, both her hands gripping the marble sink tightly.

Her breathing was uneven. And her eyes-Slightly red. Glossy with tears she refused to let fall. She stared at her own reflection blankly.

But her mind-Her mind was in complete chaos. How could someone take my place? The thought echoed violently inside her head again and again. How dare Rosie come first? How did Donato not stop her? Why didn't he deny her? Why didn't he feed me first?

Her jaw clenched painfully. I am his wife. Not her. Me. The possessiveness inside her chest was becoming unbearable. Rose was just his best friend. Someone who disappeared for five years. Someone who had just returned. Then how-

How did she naturally step into a place Kiara believed belonged only to her? The image replayed in her mind repeatedly. Rose smiling. Donato laughing. The first bite of cake going to someone else. And the worst part? Donato had done it naturally.

Without hesitation. Without even realizing what it did to her. A sharp pain suddenly pulsed through the side of her head. Kiara shut her eyes tightly. Her migraine was starting again. That familiar throbbing sensation slowly spread from one side of her head toward her temple like invisible pressure crushing her nerves.

One side of her mind almost felt like it was vibrating painfully. Her fingers tightened harder around the sink. No. No. Not again. She inhaled shakily. "Relax kiara It's not even a big thing..." she whispered to herself weakly. Her voice sounded broken in the empty restroom. "He only fed Rose cake first..."

That was all. A simple harmless thing. Anyone normal would laugh it off. Anyone normal would understand their bond. Anyone normal would not react like this. But Kiara couldn't. Because for her-It was not just cake. It was a right. Her right. A wife's place. A wife's moment. And someone else had taken it before her eyes.

The irrational possessiveness burning inside her chest frightened even her. Her breathing became heavier. Her thoughts darker. What if Rose slowly takes my place? What if Donato starts choosing her first every time? What if-

"No."

Kiara suddenly opened her eyes sharply. Her own reflection startled her. The intensity in her eyes scared even herself. "No..." She shook her head immediately as if trying to physically throw those thoughts away. Rose had done nothing wrong.

Deep down Kiara knew that. Rose loved Donato like family. Donato loved Rose like family. There was nothing wrong between them. Then why- Why was she feeling like this? Why did her chest hurt so badly? Why did she feel angry enough to scream?

The migraine pulsed harder. Kiara pressed trembling fingers against her temple. She wanted to break something. Wanted to cry. Wanted to scream at herself for reacting this way. But she couldn't. Not here. Not tonight. Not on Donato's birthday. A shaky breath escaped her lips.

Then another. Her vision blurred slightly from the pressure building inside her head. She lowered her face slowly, gripping the sink harder as one dangerous thought crossed her mind again- She took my place. Instantly Kiara straightened again.

"No," she whispered harshly to herself. "She didn't."

But the insecurity inside her refused to calm down. Because for the first time since marrying Donato-Kiara realized something terrifying. There were people in his life who already belonged there long before she came. People he loved deeply. People who could touch him freely. Hug him. Laugh with him.

Claim parts of him she did not understand yet. And suddenly- For the first time-Kiara felt afraid of losing a place she had only recently begun calling hers.

Her reflection looked fragile for a moment - slightly red eyes, trembling lips, and the storm she was desperately trying to bury behind calmness. The sharp migraine still pulsed painfully on one side of her head, like a constant reminder of the emotions she had barely managed to control moments ago. But little by little, she steadied herself.

"No," she whispered quietly to her reflection. "Nothing is happening. Donato is mine."

She closed her eyes for a second and inhaled deeply. "Yes, Rosie has her own place in his life... but the place I have cannot be replaced. I am his wife. Mrs. Kiara Donato Romano." The words grounded her.

Slowly, she fixed the loose strands of hair around her face, adjusted the elegant fabric of her dress, and reapplied the confidence she wore so naturally in front of others. By the time she stepped away from the mirror, the vulnerable woman from a few minutes ago was hidden once again beneath grace and composure. The pain in her head had not disappeared completely, but it had become manageable.

"It's his birthday, Kiara," she muttered softly to herself while walking toward the hall. "Don't ruin it."

The moment she stepped back into the grand party hall, the sounds of music, laughter, and conversations wrapped around her again. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the luxurious venue in golden light while servers moved around with trays of champagne and desserts. Business families, relatives, and close friends filled the place with elegance and noise.

Kiara's eyes instinctively searched for Donato. And there he was. Sitting near the center lounge area, looking devastatingly handsome in his black tailored suit, casually talking to Lorenzo Moretti. One arm rested lazily on the couch while the other held a drink loosely between his fingers. Even from a distance, his presence dominated the entire room effortlessly.

For a second, Kiara simply looked at him. Then something inside her softened again. Because despite everything... despite her jealousy, despite the ache in her chest earlier... the moment she saw him, all she wanted was to sit beside him where she belonged.

With graceful steps, she walked toward them.

Donato noticed her almost immediately. The moment his eyes landed on her, his entire attention shifted unconsciously. His posture straightened slightly, and the small crease between his brows disappeared. His gaze swept over her carefully, almost checking if she was alright after disappearing suddenly.

And without even realizing it, he moved slightly closer to make space for her beside him. Like it was instinct. Like her place was naturally next to him. Kiara sat beside him elegantly, her shoulder brushing lightly against his arm. The warmth of his presence instantly settled something restless inside her.

Donato leaned slightly toward her. "Where did you go, sweetheart?" he asked quietly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Kiara gave him a soft smile. "Just needed a moment."

His eyes lingered on her face for a second longer, as if trying to read something hidden there, but before he could ask further, Lorenzo suddenly interrupted with his usual cheerful energy. "Oh! hii Mrs. Romano!" he exclaimed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. " I was just asking Mr. Donato where the real star of the party disappeared."

"Oh, hi, Mr. Moretti," Kiara said politely. "It's nice to see you again.

Lorenzo extended his hand dramatically toward her with an exaggerated charming grin. "Finally meeting the famous Mrs. Romano properly outside a scandalous elevator incident."

Kiara let out a soft laugh despite herself and shook his hand lightly. "You are never going to let that elevator incident go, are you, Mr. Moretti?"

"Never," Lorenzo replied shamelessly. "That was the most entertaining business meeting entrance I've ever witnessed in my life."

Donato narrowed his eyes immediately. "Careful."

Lorenzo raised both hands innocently. "Relax, Romano. I respect married people. I value my life too much."

That earned a small genuine chuckle from Kiara. And for the first time since leaving the bathroom, the tightness inside her chest loosened slightly.

Unlike Vittoria, Lorenzo carried warmth around him. Easy energy. Mischievous but harmless charm. He spoke freely with everyone, joked naturally, and somehow made conversations feel light instead of exhausting. Kiara had noticed it the very first day they met after the elevator incident. Within less than an hour, they had slipped into comfortable conversation effortlessly.

I hope you're enjoying the party." kiara said."

"Oh, I absolutely am," Lorenzo replied dramatically while leaning back in his chair. "Honestly, this is my first proper business party. Usually, I avoid these kinds of events like a plague."

Kiara lifted an amused eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yes," he said immediately. "I thought business parties were just old men discussing profits, stock charts, company mergers, and who betrayed whom this quarter."

Donato deadpanned, "That still happens."

"Yes, but this party has food, music, beautiful decorations, actual emotions, and"-he looked around theatrically before lowering his voice-"beautiful women."

Kiara laughed softly. Donato, however, stared at Lorenzo with a flat expression. "You flirt too much."

"And you look too dangerous when your wife smiles at someone else," Lorenzo replied instantly.

Kiara almost choked on her own breath.

Lorenzo pointed toward Donato dramatically. "See? That look right there. He looks one second away from removing me from the guest list."

"I am," Donato answered calmly.

Lorenzo gasped theatrically and clutched his chest. "Mrs. Romano, save me. Your husband is bullying your new friend."

Kiara shook her head, smiling softly now, the earlier storm inside her calming little by little because of the ridiculous conversation. Beside her, Donato finally relaxed slightly after seeing a real smile appear on her face again.

His hand moved silently beneath the table. And gently wrapped around hers. Tight. Possessive. Comforting. As if reminding her without words- You are here beside me. Exactly where you belong.

______

Another side of the grand hall was far quieter.

The loud music, laughter, clinking glasses, and endless chatter of businessmen and families faded into a soft distant hum there. Golden chandelier lights reflected against the polished marble floor while huge glass windows showed the sparkling city outside. Near one of the empty corners beside the balcony entrance, Sofia suddenly grabbed Krish's wrist and dragged him away from the crowd.

Krish stumbled dramatically behind her.

"Oh, oh, oh tiger, where are you taking me?" he gasped loudly, clutching his chest like a tragic hero. "You failed to kill me with that archery arrow, and now you are planning to murder me with your own bare hands, huh? If that's the case then at least let me meet my family one last time. My mumma, my dii, my aunt are here... but I still have two older brothers and my father in India. Please let me say goodbye to them first."

He continued blabbering nonstop while Sofia walked ahead without even sparing him a glance. Finally she stopped near an empty section of the hall. Soft music echoed around them. Sofia turned sharply toward him. "Shut up and listen to me."

Her voice was calm. Not loud. Not angry. But the authority in her tone made Krish stop immediately. His dramatic expression disappeared within seconds. For a moment he simply stared at her. The golden lights above reflected in her sharp eyes, and for the first time since meeting her, Krish realized something terrifying-This girl was dangerous in a completely different way.

Sofia extended her hand toward him. "Phone."

Krish blinked. "What are you going to do with my phone?"

"Just give me the phone, Krish."

There was no room for argument in her voice. Still confused, Krish slowly pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to her. Sofia unlocked it instantly only to realize there was no password. A small amused smile appeared on her lips.

"No worries," she muttered softly to herself. "After today you will definitely put a password on your phone."

Krish frowned suspiciously while watching her fingers move confidently across his screen. Then Sofia calmly typed something, saved a contact, and immediately gave a missed call to her own phone.

Her own mobile vibrated inside her purse. Satisfied, she saved his number in her phone too. Krish finally snatched his phone back and looked down at the screen. The moment he saw the contact name-His soul almost left his body.

Sofi GF ❤️

Krish choked violently. "W-what GF?" he almost squeaked. "When did you become my girlfriend?"

Sofia crossed her arms calmly. "From now." Krish stared at her with wide eyes while she stepped closer confidently. "And listen to me carefully, Mr. Krish Singh Rajput." Her voice lowered slightly, steady and direct. "I don't talk in sugarcoated ways. I am straightforward. So I'm telling you clearly-I. like. you."

Krish froze. Completely.

"I like your stupid drama," she continued. "I like your annoying face. I like how you keep talking nonstop even when nobody listens to you. And the things or people I like..." she tilted her head slightly, "...I don't let them leave that easly."

Krish's heartbeat started racing wildly.Sofia pointed at him directly. "So here we are." She took another step closer. "I am your girlfriend from now on. I don't care whether you like me right now or not." Then a dangerous little smirk appeared on her lips. "You will eventually."

Krish stood there speechless. For once in his life-The great Krish Singh Rajput had absolutely nothing to say. His mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. No words came out.

The corner of the grand hallway felt strangely intimate despite the loud celebration happening only a few steps away. Soft music echoed faintly from the ballroom. Golden chandeliers illuminated the marble floor. But Sofia noticed none of it. Her entire focus remained on the boy standing in front of her.

Krish. The same boy who kept irritating her. The same boy who somehow managed to make her laugh, argue, and lose her composure all at once. And tomorrow- He was leaving. Going back to India. The thought alone tightened something painfully inside her chest. Sofia lowered her gaze for a brief second before speaking again, but this time- Her voice softened.

A softness so rare that even Krish noticed it immediately. "Tomorrow you're going to India..." she whispered quietly. Krish simply looked at her silently. For once, he did not joke. Did not tease. Did not interrupt. Because the expression on Sofia's face stopped him completely.

"So I had to tell you," she continued slowly, her fingers curling lightly at her sides, "that I can't let you go that easily."

Krish's heartbeat skipped. The usual fierce and confident Sofia Romano suddenly looked vulnerable. And somehow- That affected him more than anything else. But the softness in her expression lasted only for a few seconds. Because the next moment- Her Romano side returned immediately. Sofia narrowed her eyes dangerously and pointed a finger directly at him.

"So after going to India..."Her voice hardened again into a warning. "Don't you dare talk to another girl." Krish blinked. "You will call me every single day," she continued firmly. "You will message me." Then she stepped closer threateningly. "And if you dare ignore my messages..." Her eyes narrowed even more. "I swear to God, I will fly from here directly to your house."

Krish gulped visibly. Sofia crossed her arms proudly. "Don't take me lightly, Krish." There it was again. That Romano authority. That dangerous confidence. "I am Sofia Romano," she declared. "And we Romanos can do anything." She paused dramatically. "Anything means anything."

Krish stared at her for a long second. Then slowly- Very slowly-He nodded like an obedient child being scolded by his terrifyingly beautiful teacher. The sight was so ridiculous that Sofia almost laughed. Almost. "Good," she said with satisfaction, clearly pleased by his reaction.

Then she turned around casually as if she had not just threatened an entire international operation over ignored messages. "Now let's go." her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor.

But the very next second-She froze. Because Krish suddenly caught her wrist from behind. Her breath hitched lightly. The warmth of his hand wrapped firmly around her wrist, stopping her instantly. Slowly- Very slowly- Krish stepped closer. Close enough for Sofia to feel his presence behind her. Close enough for his breath to brush against the side of her face.

The playful expression he always carried was gone. Completely gone. And for the first time-Sofia saw a different side of him. A calmer one. A possessive one. A dangerous one hidden beneath all that childish teasing. Krish leaned slightly closer toward her ear and whispered softly, "You said your side..."

His deep voice sent a strange shiver through her spine. "Now listen to my side too, Ms. Sofia Romano." Sofia swallowed unconsciously. Krish's grip around her wrist tightened just slightly. "I may act childish," he murmured quietly. "Talk childish. Look childish."

A faint smirk touched his lips. "But when it comes to my things..."His voice lowered dangerously. "And my people..." He paused intentionally. "The people I love..." Sofia's heartbeat stumbled violently at those words. Krish leaned even closer. "I become very possessive."

The playful boy was nowhere to be seen now. Only Krish Singh Rajput stood behind her. Calm. Certain. Terrifyingly serious. "So it would be good if you remember this rule too," he whispered near her ear. "Don't you dare even look at another boy."

Sofia's eyes widened slightly. "Otherwise..." Krish smiled faintly. "I am also Krish Singh Rajput." His voice carried quiet authority now. "And we Rajputs are very possessive about our things." He tilted his head slightly closer toward her ear. "We can do anything." A pause. "Anything means anything..."

Then finally-In a low husky whisper-"Sweetheart." Sofia literally forgot how to breathe. Her throat went dry instantly. That single word- Sweetheart- Coming from his mouth in that voice completely destroyed whatever confidence she had left.

Krish noticed her silence and smirked slightly. The fierce Sofia Romano-The girl who threatened entire bloodlines without blinking-Was suddenly standing frozen in front of him. Cute. Krish stepped even closer until barely any distance remained between them.

Then softly- Almost tenderly-He whispered,"And..."A small smile appeared on his lips."I like you too." Before Sofia could even process his words-Krish leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. A simple kiss. Light. Gentle. Yet powerful enough to completely short-circuit Sofia's brain.

Her entire face turned bright red instantly. From her cheeks... To the tips of her ears. A shy smile slowly appeared on her lips despite all her efforts to hide it. And Krish-Krish looked completely satisfied seeing the fearless Sofia Romano blushing because of him.

He lightly nudged her shoulder teasingly. "Let's go now."

Sofia nodded silently like a dazed child. For once-No threats. No dramatic warning. No sharp comeback. Just a small shy nod. And together-They walked back toward the celebration. Side by side. With a strange new warmth blooming quietly between them. Something soft. Something dangerous. Something that neither of them would ever be able to escape now.

_______

This chapter is getting too long, and there are still so many things left to happen. I wanted to finish the birthday celebration in a single chapter, but it's becoming too lengthy. So I decided to split this chapter into two parts.

Don't worry though - I'll upload the second part tomorrow. 🤍
Thank you please enjoy reading 🫀🫂