Page 26 of Shattered

“Alright, Mom, have it your way and redesign the house, but I won’t be able to sit through the discussion as I have an important meeting I can’t miss. And please, leave Kavya out of this. Involving her will only push her away,” I say firmly.

“Got it, son,” Mom replies, not arguing this time.

I rise to my feet and go over to her, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Thanks, Mom. I need to get dressed for work now.”

She pats my cheeksaffectionately. “Go get dressed while I fix your breakfast,”

“I love you, Mom,” I say to her as Dad pats my back and then squeezes my shoulder.

“Your mom can be pushy at times, son, but her heart is in the right place,” he says with a reassuring smile.

“I know, Dad,” I smile back at him. I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to have such amazing parents who always support me and prioritise my happiness above everything else.

“I’ll be right back,” I say before heading up the steps to my room to get dressed for the day, hoping that at some point of day I’ll get to meet Kavya. She is another vital part of my life that has now become an obsession.

???

As I wait outside her office,a smile spreads across my face when I see Kavya walking out.It’s six in the evening, and she’s finally done for the day. I made it a point to finish all my work just to have a few minutes with her before going home. Leaning casually against my car with my arms crossed over my chest, I can’t help but admire her beauty.Everytime I see her, my heart seems to beat a little faster, captivated by her irresistible charm. Even now, dressed in a black formal suit, she still manages to make my pulse race. As her eyes meet mine, she shakes her head and smiles. Sure, some might say I’m acting like a stalker, but I couldn’t care less.

“Hi, stalker,” she greets me playfully as she comes to stand beside me.

“Guilty as charged,” Iadmit with a grin, enjoying the way her smile brightens.

“Do you even work at all? Or are you one of those bosses who just sit back and bark orders at employees?” she teases, leaning against the door of my car. Fuck! After yesterday, I was sure she’d put me back on her ignore list. But this playful side of hers sends my heart into overdrive. I don’t dare ask what’s behind the sudden shift in her mood. Instead, I’m overwhelmed by the urge to pull her into my arms, but somehow, I manage to keep myself in check.

“Nope, I’m not the bossy type,” I reply with a laugh. “And yes, believe it or not, I managed to get some work done in between my ‘stalking’.”

She nods, her cheeks turning pinkas she glances around before returning her gaze to mine. “So, how was your day?” she asks, smoothly changing the topic.

“It was a bit dragged with back-to-back meetings. How about you?” I reply, attempting to keep the conversation light.

“I had a pretty hectic day, too, but it’s nice to finally be done and head back home.”

“Have you always been passionate about marketing?” I ask curiously.

“Yup,it’s been my dream for as long as I can remember, and I am lucky to have a job I love. Also, the money it pays is definitely a bonus,” her face lights up as she speaks. “What about you? Do you like handling your dad’s business, or did you step into it because it was expected of you?” she asks.

“I won’t lie to you. I took over my dad’s business to carry on his legacy and ease his responsibilities, but at the same time, I also followed my own passion by starting an IT firm, which I co-own with my best friend, Aditya.”

“You run two businesses?” she exclaims, her eyes widening in surprise.

“I do,” I confirm with a nod.

Her head tilts to the side, her smile growing wider. “Wow, that’s really impressive.”

With my gaze locked on hers, I can see the admiration shine in her eyes. Despiteall theawards and recognitionI’ve received in my career, her appreciative words add a whole new meaning to my success, making my chest swell with pride.

“Thank you,” I reply with a charming smile. “Maybe I can impress youenough to convince you to go on a date with me?” I add playfully. She narrows her eyes and swats my chest, but I quickly wrap my hands around her wrists before she can pull away.

“You’re such a handful,” she says with a playful glare, trying to hide her smile.

I gently tug her closer, and she steps towards me, her sweet strawberry scent flooding my nostrils. Ignoring the havoc her closeness is creating within me, I say, “It’s something you’ll just have to put up with because, like I said, I’m here to stay, and I’ll never back off.”

She lifts her head and swallows hard, a hint of unease in her eyes. “I should go home. Aunty must be waiting for me,” she says quietly, stepping back and averting her gaze. My heart sinks. I don’t want her to leave, but I also don’t want to push her away.

“Okay, we’ll catch up later,” I say with a soft smile, hoping to ease her tension.

She nods and walks over to her car, just a few feet away. I continue to stand there, watching as she pulls out of the parking lot and drives off,contemplating how to break down the walls she’s built around herself. I ponder my next move, debating if I need to be more persistent or if I should give her the space she needs.

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