Page 174 of Hateful Games

“Thank you.” I thank God that Nova isn’t close to hear this conversation. “Can I help?”

“I’m almost done. Hope you like samosas and kachori. And if you eat light in the morning, I also made peanut butter sandwiches and fresh fruits.”

“Sandwich please,” I reply. “And if you don’t mind, can you pack me some samosas and kachori? I’ll eat them later.”

“Of course, sweetie.” She laughs. “I’m so happy I finally have someone who loves to eat since I enjoy cooking. Nova and his dad are too health-conscious. Counting calories and all that goes over my head, I swear.”

“Don’t tempt me like that or else I’d be here every day.”

“You’re my favorite person in the house now,” she teases, and then whispers, “don’t tell Nova though.”

“It’ll be our secret.”

“Absolutely.” Passing a burning hot cup of tea, I watch her pack me a bag with food. “Do you have a dress ready for this Saturday, Rosalie?”

The after-wedding reception. “Yes, I have one picked. Who all will be there? I thought most people showed up at the wedding.”

“We only invited the closest friends and family. This will have even more press and all the business associates and Bollywood acquaintances as well. You know how it is.”

My whole life has revolved around these lavish parties.

Teresa continues, “It’s mostly for appearances. Everybody is eager to officially meet the new couple. For women, it’s an event for gossip while for men, it’s all about business and new deals.”

“I understand. Although, I haven’t seen you attend many.”

“Yeah, I’m not very good at socializing even though it should be second nature by now. Plus, my health issues rarely allow to attend many.”

Even though Teresa has a vivacious personality that distracts one from noticing how she’s a little on the thinner side. The shadows under her eyes. Especially the sadness and the demons she hides beneath the surface.

Every time I’ve seen her in public, even at my wedding, she hid it exceptionally well.

I wish I had the courage to ask her about it.

“Maya also mentioned some kind of announcement to be made.”

“Did she?” Teresa hums. “Maybe Danish has one. I’m afraid I don’t recall. Anything business-related bores me. Why don’t you grab my phone from my bedroom and I’ll ask her?”

If Danish has one, my father must know it.

Since he will not tell me, I need to find out another way.

“Sure.”

Standing from the stool, I climb the stairs down the hall from the open kitchen. From the tour, I remember her showing me her bedroom is at the very end of the hall. Nova’s childhood home rivals mine. Though, it’s built loft style.

And yet, I get lost.

“Shit,” I curse, realizing I took a wrong turn. I’m about to turn around when angry voices drift to my ears. I recognize Nova’s easily and I’m surprised the other is Danish’s. It’s the first time I’m hearing him lose composure. He’s always so unruffled.

Are they fighting? Is it related to the previous night’s tension?

I follow the sounds, curiosity piqued.

“Why haven’t you hired a private investigator yet?” demands Danish. “Hire Kian. His company is the best in handling corporate espionage.”

“Because I don’t want to jeopardize the progress I’ve made in the Middle East project. If they hear we have a mole in our company attacking our clients, they’ll walk away without blinking,” replies Nova in the same tone. “Mihir has been eyeing them too.”

Hearing my dad’s name makes my heart thud. Does he think my dad is behind whatever happened to his company?

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