𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆'𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉: "ᴡhᥱrᥱ shᥲdoᥕs ᴇmbrᥲᥴᥱ ʜᥱᥲrts"

4. First meeting

There is a song in this chapter, play it when I tell you.

Ila dried her damp hair, her mind still reeling from Aeni's party. The exhaustion had driven her to take a shower, seeking relief.

But her thoughts persisted.

Why were the Singhaniyas present?

Did Aeni's family have ties with them? Everyone was there, except him.

She tried to divert her attention by scrolling through party photos on her phone.

Suddenly, a faint breath on the back of her neck sent shivers down her spine.

Ila spun around, eyes widening in alarm.

Kavish stood behind her, his piercing gaze locking onto hers.

She opened her mouth to scream, but Kavish swiftly covered it with his palm.

"Shh... Don't scream," he whispered, releasing his grip.

Ila's breathing accelerated, heart racing against her ribs.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded, irritation mixed with fear.

Kavish seized her wrists, pinning them above her head.

"Dare to push me again, and see what I'll do with you," he threatened. Ila trembled. "W-why have you come here?" Ila stammered, her voice trembling.

Kavish's smirk grew, his lips inches from hers. "Wouldn't it be better to show you, rather than tell?" he whispered.

Ila shuddered, her eyes glistening with tears. "We're over, aren't we? Then why are you doing this?" she pleaded, tears glistening in her eyes.

Kavish's murmur sent shivers down her spine. "I won't let you go, baby. When Kavish Rai Singhaniya sets his sights on something, he claims it – by any means necessary."

Ila's voice cracked. "Please... Don't do this to me. I'm not a thing you'll play with."

Kavish chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "I'll play with you, but not as a thing, baby. I love you, Ila, and I can't lose you."

His tone turned slightly menacing. "You entered my life by choice, and now you'll leave without reason? I'll never let that happen. I want to spend my life with you, Ila. Even if I must force you, I'll do it – whether you like it or not."

Ila felt trapped, unsure how to escape. Her heart conflicted – she liked Kavish, yet feared replicating her parents' toxic relationship.

She had craved their love, but witnessed only fighting and insults. "Please don't ever hurt me," Ila whispered.

Kavish's expression softened. "Never," he vowed. Ila's doubts lingered, but she snuggled into his chest, seeking comfort.
Kavish enveloped her, caressing her hair.

For now, she surrendered to his embrace.

💠

Aeni drifted off to sleep, her dreams infused with Ayden's captivating smile.

Meanwhile, Ayden sat alone in his darkened room, surrounded by shadows. Before him lay a massive photo, showcasing Aeni's enchanting painting.